After what we saw in the last Tennessee game versus Louisville, it's no surprise the Vols were on a completely different level tonight. Tennessee did start a bit slow, but by the half, they had a convincing lead, and the game was pretty much over.
The 94-52 win over Gardner-Webb starts a two game winning streak for the Vols. Efficient offense and the depth of this team have proved to be the difference over this stretch. It was nice to see Tennessee play in a not-so-close game once again. With SEC play coming around the corner, it's nice to have a 'freebie' type game.
Let's take a look at three key takeaways from the blowout win.
1. Ja'Kobi Gillespie is turning into a 'point guard'
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Rick Barnes has mentioned to the media how Gillespie needs to be more of a point guard and not just a scorer. He needs to be a floor general and run the offense. Gillespie has done a tremendous job accepting Barnes' challenge.
Gillespie had nine assists today versus Gardner-Webb and only two turnovers. The Vols need more of this version of Gillespie. If he can keep the offense flowing through great passing, the Vols could become an outstanding offensive team.
Gillespie is the straw that stirs the drink in Knoxville, and he needs to keep being the floor general on offense.
2. Freshman thrive in extended role
The nice thing about a blowout win is that it gives the bench a chance to get more live reps. The freshman took advantage of the extra minutes on Sunday.
DeWayne Brown II had six points and an insane 14 rebounds. Troy Henderson had a solid nine points, two boards, and two assists. Amari Evans has put together another good game, adding six points and three rebounds. The young guys played exceptionally well in their extra minutes. This is great to see since SEC play is coming and the bench will shorten.
You can’t help but feel like the Vols are in good hands with the young guns.
3. free-throw shooting
I may be beating a dead horse, but once again, the Vols are giving away points at the line. They were only 8/12 today, so not a huge sample size, but 67% is not ideal.
I'm not saying Tennessee needs to make every single foul shot, but three straight games of below 70% from the line is not good enough. Three consecutive games are a trend,
Barnes needs to figure this out before SEC play starts and the Vols drop a close game down the stretch because they can't knock any shots down from the charity stripe.