Tennessee basketball: 3 Takeaways from season-opening blowout win

The Tennessee basketball season got off on the right foot with an 86-41 win against Lenoir-Rhyne. Here are three takeaways from the game.

It didn’t start pretty as Lenoir-Rhyne came out stoking the outside jumper. They were spreading the floor well, but it didn’t help the Vols’ defense was jumping at every pump fake. The Tennessee basketball team was only up by two points when Rick Barnes called a timeout furious with his team.

Whatever he said worked because the Vols went on a 30-12 run to end the half. The second was all Tennessee. Lenoir-Rhyne only scored 11 points in the second half. A lot of players received much needed playing time if Tennessee wants to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Here are three takeaways from the game.

1. Switching screens is going to make Vols tough

One of the impressive things from the Tennessee team last season was their tough defense. They held eight opponents under 60 points, and according to KenPom, the Vols had the number six best defense according to defensive efficiency.

I think this team could be even better. Yes, I know it’s just one game and yes I know it was against a Divison II opponent, but the Vols defense was tough, and they didn’t play particularly well. Against Lenoir-Rhyne, we saw most players switching screens without trouble. Even Grant Williams standing at 6-foot-7 was playing and guarding point guards.

2. Full-court pressure could be a difference maker

Again, we are keeping things in perspective, but the full-court press could do some damage this season. Also, keep in mind Lamonte Turner and Jalen Johnson were not available due to their injuries. So it should get even better.

At one point during the game, the Vols put on full-court pressure after a made basketball and immediately got a steal and a bucket. And, then on the very next inbounds play, the Vols got another steal.

I’m not claiming they will be the new “Press Virginia,” but it should be good enough to change the pace of the game. Plus, Tennessee has Yves Pons who is an absolute athletic freak. The guy was everywhere during the game. Pons ended the game with seven points, five rebound, one steal, and three blocks.

3. Five players in double figures

One of our five bold predictions for the season was Tennessee would have five players finish the season averaging in double figures. It’s just the first game, but they are off to a good start. Jordan Bone led all players with 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Bone was 0-of-2 from the three-point line but he was getting to the rim at will and when he can do that the Vols offense opens up.

Kyle Alexander how a huge night. The big man had 16 points with five rebounds and four blocks. It’s hard to knock his game, but you would like to see at least three more rebounds.

Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield both accounted for 13 points apiece. Both guys were close to a double-double. Williams was three rebound shy, and Schofield was only one shy. Finally, Bowden was the fifth player in double figures with 11 points. Bowden took five three-point shots and made three of them.

Again, this was a game Tennessee was supposed to win. But, for fans, it had to be nice to see a team do what they are coached to do. The next game is  Friday night against Louisiana at 7:00 pm. Expect to see Lamonte Turner and Jalen Johnson receive some playing time as Tennessee looks to start the  season 2-0.