Tennessee basketball: Vols 2019-2020 top 10 individual game performances

10. Yves Pons at Alabama Crimson Tide

14 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks

Tennessee wins 69-68

It came down to Yves Pons and John Fulkerson here, as Fulkerson actually had 22 points, as many blocks and three fewer turnovers. He was also highly efficient, shooting eight-of-nine from the field. However, when it came to doing everything in the paint, Yves Pons was the star for Tennessee basketball, as he had 14 rebounds while Fulkerson only had three.

Scoring a double-double in a huge SEC game on the road is a major bonus for Pons. More importantly was the fact that Pons was the guy who came through down the stretch. The Alabama Crimson Tide were trailing 67-65 and had a chance to tie with five seconds left. Jaylen Forbes drove in for a layup, but Pons came in and made a key block to come away with the ball.

After gaining possession, Pons was fouled and had to go to the free throw line, where to that point he was one-for-five, another point against him. However, in clutch fashion, he sank both free throws. That clinched the game, as a three by Alabama as time expired didn’t mean anything. UT had stolen a one-point win on the road.

Despite a couple of struggles in missed free throws and five turnovers, Pons coming through down the stretch in two huge ways make for major bonus points. Combine that with his double-double on the night, and he clearly should be recognized for what he did to make sure Rocky Top was able to win this game.