Tennessee basketball: Vols look good in their exhibition vs. Tusculum

It wasn’t the opening game, but it was our first look at the 2018-19 Tennessee basketball team. Vols look good in an 87-48 runaway win.

We weren’t expecting much from this exhibition game, but the number sixth ranked Vols looked good. The defense was fantastic and as good as last season. They were locked in and didn’t give Tusculum any good looks.

The offense wasn’t always smooth, but that’s to be expected in the first game of the season. Once the rotation gets narrowed down, the shots will start falling more often. I will say the players passed the ball well and were incredibly unselfish.

Don’t get used to playing these types of teams, Tennessee has one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the nation.

Again, there isn’t much to take from this type of opponent but here are a few points and takeaways we took from the 87-48 win.

1. Yves Pons could be a difference maker

Last season Pons only averaged 5.2 minutes per game. This season it’s too early to know, but we should see a whole lot more of Pons. He is very athletic and can guard one through five. Against Tusculum Pons put full-court pressure on the points guard.

We even saw Pons step back and make a few outside shots. It’s important he starts taking and making the three-point shot to open the floor for his slashing ability. If he can get to the rim, he will be able to throw down on anyone.

2. Defense looks just as good as last season

Yes, it was just Tusculum. And, yes it was an exhibition game, but holding an opponent under 50 points is always something to be proud about. Tennessee was playing suffocating defense, especially in the first half holding Tusculum to just 14 points on 25 percent shooting.

It was hard to find a defensive possession where Tennessee players weren’t playing the passing lanes and being complete pests for the Pioneers. And, of course, there was Kyle Alexander protecting the rim. Even Yves Pons had a couple of blocks.

3. Anyone could lead the team in scoring

This team is full of players that can “have a night” any given game. Most notably last year’s SEC Player of the Year, Grant Williams who led the team in scoring at a pace of 15.2 points per game. We can’t forget about Admiral Schofield and Lamonte Turner with their shooting abilities and strong years they had.

But, the leading scorer against Tusculum was Jordan Bowden. The junior guard ended the game with 16 points and two steals. Williams was close behind keeping on last year’s pace with 15 points, and the big man added three blocks.

Again, we know and understand it was Tusculum, and they are nowhere near the same level as Tennessee. However, if the Vols play this type of defense and the offense can get rolling like it was in the first half, this could be a top-5 team all season.

The season begins next Tuesday against Lenoir Rhyne at Thompson-Boling Arena. at 7:00pm. Be sure to check back for the preview of the game and more exciting stuff surrounding the Vols basketball team.