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Tennessee basketball: 3 takeaways from Vols 73-65 win at Ole Miss

By Billy Williford

KNOXVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 21: Grant Williams #2 and Derrick Walker #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers react after a three-point basket against the Florida Gators in the second half of a game at Thompson-Boling Arena on February 21, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won 62-57. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 21: Grant Williams #2 and Derrick Walker #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers react after a three-point basket against the Florida Gators in the second half of a game at Thompson-Boling Arena on February 21, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won 62-57. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee basketball looked sharp (sometimes) as they took care of business against the Rebels 73-65. Here are three takeaways from the Volunteers win.

The good first half play was enough for the win as Tennessee basketball got back on track and ended the two-game road skid. Let’s pause and not get ahead of ourselves though. Ole Miss is a pretty bad basketball team, but it was nice to see a game where the Vols comfortable controlled (mostly) the whole game.

The Vols came out of the locker room in charge. Nine seconds into the game Jordan Bowden hit a 3-point shot to give UT an early lead. Bruce Stevens gave the Rebels a 4-3 lead as he hit both free throws after being fouled by Derrick Walker. On the next possession Walker made up for the foul with a bucket assisted by Jordan Bone, and the Vols never looked back.

The game started off with 11 assists on 11 buckets for the Vols which credit goes to the hot start as they hit their first 5-of-7 for deep.

Second half, different story. Like so many games this year the second half looked like a team that forgot how to play basketball. Tennessee basketball was up 15 at the half before Ole Miss went on an 11-0 run to cut the lead to four points.

Eventually, the Vols settled down and started playing their game. With the win, Tennessee basketball gets to 21-7 overall and 11-5 in the SEC.

The Vols turn their focus to the other Mississippi team as they travel to Starkville on Tuesday. Here are three takeaways from Tennessee basketball’s win against Ole Miss.

1. Tennessee Playing Hot Potato

The first half was some of the most beautiful basketball a team could have played. On the first eleven baskets, the Vols had eleven assists. That’s unheard of. They ended the half with 13 assists on 15 made field goals.

The second half started off in a bit of a struggle, but the Vols got it going with guess what, their passing ability. In the second half, the Vols added six assists on ten made buckets.

The total? 19 assists on 25 made shots.

2. Admiral Schofield (Jelly) Hates Ole Miss

Ole Miss got a whole lot of Jelly on their sandwich today as Admiral Schofield had a great game. Depending on if you are a glass half full or half empty, Schofield either hates or loves the Ole Miss Rebels. In the first meeting earlier this season, Schofield scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebound to give him his second double-double of the season.

It’s only reasonable to think he would have a similar game this time around, right? Well, he did. Schofield had himself a great game as he scored 25 points on 9-14 from the field and added seven rebounds.

3. Can the Vols get the #1 seed?

In the preview of the game, we noted that there is still a mathematical opportunity that Tennessee can win the SEC regular season title. The Vols put pressure on the Tigers with the win. However, Auburn does have a two-game lead and holds the tiebreaker against the Vols, so it’s highly unlikely, but if college sports have shown me anything, it is nothing is impossible.

Below the Vols is a six-team cluster of Mississippi State, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Florida, and Alabama all with an 8-7 record in the SEC. You can pretty much take Kentucky and Alabama out of the picture since they are cheaters and the FBI will take them down.

Go ahead and check Alabama’s football program while your down there FBI. Seriously, they are cheaters, but until something is official, we will keep it in pencil.

To wrap all that up. Tennessee is basically a lock for a double-bye in the SEC Tournament. The Vols are just playing for seeding at this point.

Bonus Takeaway

Career Game for 3 Vols

Admiral Schofield with a career-high 25 points

Jordan Bone ties a career high with eight assists

Derrick Walker ties a career high with seven rebounds

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