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Tennessee basketball: Despite giving up more points, Vols defense hasn’t dropped off

By Billy Williford

KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 19: John Petty #23 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defended by Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of their game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 19, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 19: John Petty #23 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defended by Jordan Bone #0 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of their game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 19, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 26: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers shoots the ball with Derek Culver #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers defending during the second half of their game at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 26, 2019, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 83-66. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

No.1 – The offense overshadows the defense

There is no doubt that the offense is more explosive this season. It’s arguably the best in the country with five players averaging in double figures. And, there is Grant Williams who has a chance to win Player of the Year in the SEC for the second straight season and National Player of the Year.

Tennessee is averaging 86.0 points per game which ranks tied for 5th in the nation. That’s up almost 14 points per game.

In 2017-18, there were games the Vols were unstoppable shooting the basketball. They finished the season shooting 38 percent from the three-point line (45th), 47.3 percent from the floor (278th), and 75.7 from the free throw line (43). Those percentage according to Kenpom.com gave Tennessee an adjusted offensive efficiency rating (AdjO) of 114.6 which ranked 36th best in the nation.

This season has been an entirely different story. While the Vols are shooting two percent worse from the three-point line at 36.2 percent (81st), they are shooting an incredible 58.1 percent from the floor (5th). Tennessee also improved from the free throw line shooting 77.2 percent which ranks 9th best in the nation.

Add all those numbers up, and you get the second best AdjO in the nation with a rating 123.8.

Next. Top 10 Vols players this century. dark

You could still make the argument that Tennessee’s defense isn’t as good this season and I suppose you would be correct. However, there isn’t that much of a difference. And, it’s working, Tennessee is No.1 in the nation and hasn’t lost since November. But, I do suspect the Vols to improve on the defensive end without giving up anything offensive which is a great recipe for a deep run in March.

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