Tennessee basketball: 4 keys for Vols in SEC Tournament

4. Play their game – not the three ball

Tennessee’s best game isn’t the three-point shot. In fact, I’m convinced they would be undefeated this season if they didn’t take a single three-point shot. Okay, maybe that is a tad bit of an exaggeration but we’ve seen throughout this season taking more three’s doesn’t equal wins.

The Vols have taken over 20 three-point shots in 13 games this season. They are 9-4 in those games. If you’re wondering, Tennessee took 25 against Loyola and 27 against Kentucky (SEC Tourney).

Don’t get me wrong; the Vols have the ability to knock down the outside jumper. They shot over 60 percent against Arkansas, 50 percent against Tennessee Tech, and a handful of games over 40 percent. But, it goes back to the first key, get Grant Williams the ball more often.

Tennessee as a team ranks ninth in the nation in two-point percentage. They shot 56.6 percent from inside the arc, but sometimes they get away from the inside-out game that makes the offense click.

In two of the losses this season Tennessee almost shot more three-point shots than shots from inside the arc. Against Auburn, the Vols took 28 three-point shots while only taking 33 from inside the arc. The outcome? A four point loss.

Tennessee can’t get caught up into playing the three-point game. They are best when Williams gets a touch, and the offense runs them him, Admiral Schofield, and Jordan Bone.