Tennessee basketball: Louisville’s best shot not enough to beat Vols

Tennessee basketball improves to 4-0 on the season with the win against Louisville. Here are three takeaways from the game.

You know that one family member we all hate to be around during the holidays? Sure, you do, we all have those family members. The whole Cardinals team felt like that family member you just hate being around.

No matter what Tennessee did, Louisville had an answer. Three-point shot for Lamonte Turner and the very next possession the Cardinals would answer. That is until about the six minute mark in the second half when the Vols depth got to them.

The Cardinals made 11 three-point shots and did their best to keep it close, but they couldn’t seem to overcome the 14 turnovers. It also didn’t help their chance that Grant Williams and Schofield had 20 points games.

It was also a night that Williams and Schofield eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in their storied careers. Williams became the 49th player in Tennessee history while Schofield became the 50th players. This was the first time since the 2013-14 season when Jordan McRae and Jarnell Stokes reached the milestone in the same season.

Another uglier looking win but the Vols are 4-0, so that’s all that matters. Here are a few takeaways from the game.

1. Grant Williams set the tone

We mentioned in the preview that Grant Williams didn’t play his best game against Georgia Tech. He missed six free throws and had four turnovers. However, the past is the past, and that’s how he played.

Williams finished with his third straight 20-plus point performance with 24 points. He also grabbed nine boards with four assists and three blocks. Williams set the tone early by getting deep position and drawing fouls to get to the free throw line.

2. Lamonte Turner doing Lamonte things

The Vols were happy to have Lamonte Turner back in the lineup. He was typically Lamonte Turner hitting big shots when Tennessee needed them the most. The game was tied 60-60 when Turner made his first three-point shot of the season.

Of course, the way the game played out, Louisville came right back down the court and answered Turner’s three. However, Lamonte wasn’t finished and made a deep three to give the Vols a lead yet again.

Turner finished the game with 13 points with five rebounds and four assists. He was without a doubt important to the win and just like last season the Vols are going to need his hot shooting to have success.

3. Vols are going to grind out a lot of wins

Look, the Vols scored 92 points but didn’t feel like a grind it out type of win? It felt very similar to the Georiga Tech game just a week ago. I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of games look like this.

Tennessee has a really good team, but I’m not sure how many teams they will beat by 20. However, who cares as long as they win, right? Tennesee turns their attention to the winner of Marquette and Kansas in a Friday night Championship Game.