Tennessee basketball: Pons plays big in win against Eastern Kentucky

Tennessee basketball takes care of business against Eastern Kentucky with a 95-67 win. Here are three takeaways from the game.

Whatever Rick Barnes and coaching staff had to say to the Vols this week in practice it worked. Yes, it’s Eastern Kentucky, but Tennessee looked like a different type of team. There were still times three-point shots were still shot early in the shot clock, but for the most part, the Vols looked great.

Early in the game, the Colonels were hanging around until the Vols went on a 23-3 run thinks to a lot of easy baskets in the paint. In the end, Tennessee had too much talent, size, and depth. They played like the number sixth team in the nation and was a good bounce-back win after falling to Kansas. Here are three takeaways from the game.

1. Inside-Out game is back

Tennessee basketball is at it’s best when the inside-out game is working. When you have Grant Williams at your disposal, you feed him, feed him, and feed him some more. Not only is he dangerous on post feeds but he draws double teams all the time and is a great passer.

Williams finished with his fourth 20-plus point game of the season. He added 11 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks on 6-of-10 shooting.

The Vols only shot 24 percent from the three-point line, but the shots were much smarter than against Kansas, other than Lamonte Turner shooting every time he touched the ball. But, you can’t really blame him based on the 40 percent he shot from deep, and the clutch gene he possesses is close games.

2. Sharing is caring

When the inside-out game is working it, the Vols seem to pass the ball better as well. By halftime, Tennessee had16 assists on eight turnovers. The 16 assists were on made 18 field goals in the first half.

Ten different Vols scored and four were in double figures with Grant Williams leading the way with 21 points. Admiral Schofield had 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting and just 2-of-2 from deep. Much better stat line then jacking 16 three-point shots the past two games.

3. Pons plays well in first career start

Yves Pons received the first start of his career start in place of Jordan Bowden, and he didn’t disappoint. We’ve talked about it, and you all know it, Pons can be an elite defender. He has the quickness to stay with the guards and the length to cause havoc for the forwards.

He also has a lot of potential on the offensive side of the ball which we saw against Eastern Kentucky. We all know Pons as a high flyer -which he had a few highlights- but he knocked down a couple of three-point shots.

I said this before the game, and I’ll say it again, Pons starting was a good move. Once Jordan Bowden finds his shot again, he is a more explosive scorer off the bench than Pons could be. I think the thought of Lamonte Turner and Bowden off the bench when shooting good is a scary thought for other teams.