Gholston’s 3-pointer at buzzer lifts Missouri over Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — D’Andre Gholston hit a 3-pointer on the buzzer to offer Missouri a surprising 86-85 victory over No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday night time.

With 4.2 seconds left within the recreation and the Volunteers (19-6, 8-4 Southeastern Convention) main 85-83, Santiago Vescovi missed a free throw. His second try was waived off when Tobe Awaka dedicated a lane violation, organising a remaining probability for the Tigers (19-6, 7-5).

Gholston took the inbounds and dribbled up the court docket earlier than taking an off-balance contested 3-pointer from about 30 toes that swished by the online on the buzzer for the win. He was mobbed by his teammates after hitting the shot.

“I knew Dre wasn’t going to move,” mentioned Missouri coach Dennis Gates. Gholston hit a game-winning shot earlier within the season in opposition to Central Florida.

The tip was just like Tennessee’s Wednesday night time loss to Vanderbilt. Vescovi missed a free throw then and a 3-pointer on the buzzer ended the sport. The Vols have now misplaced three of the final 4.

“This had a unique really feel than the opposite night time,” mentioned Tennessee coach Rick Barnes. “All of us damage for (Vescovi). He’s hurting. He’s received a whole lot of video games for us.”

Tennessee got here again from a 17-point deficit early within the second half and led the final 7:11 of the sport. Tyreke Key got here off the bench to attain 21 of his 23 factors after intermission.

Key related on 5 3-pointers to assist the Volunteers get well from the large gap that occurred early within the second half. Vescovi, who scored 16 factors, hit back-to-back 3-pointers that lastly pulled Tennessee forward with 7:15 to go within the recreation.

Zakai Zeigler had 11 factors and 10 assists for the Vols.

“We virtually panicked,” mentioned Gates. “Our guys stayed with the sport plan. We had been in a position to transfer the ball and challenged ourselves on the 3-point line (the Tigers shot 54%, 14 of 26). That’s our identification.”

Kobe Brown scored 21 to steer the Tigers. Gholston completed with 18 factors, Sean East had 17 factors, and D’Moi Hodge added 14.

“I’m proud we had been in a position to execute underneath opposed conditions,” Gates mentioned.

Barnes is often liberal together with his substitutions. He stored one lineup in for almost eight minutes whereas the Vols recovered from the deficit. Two starters — Julian Phillips (hip flexor) and Josiah-Jordan James — had been lacking. Phillips tried to play, however couldn’t do a lot. James didn’t gown.

Missouri, which shoots 34% from 3-point on the season, hit 50% (8 of 16) of its lengthy vary photographs within the first half en path to a 44-32 lead. It was the fifth time Tennessee has trailed at halftime.

“(Missouri) shot the ball extraordinarily effectively (within the first half),” mentioned Barnes. “We gave a great effort. We wanted to alter the sport.”

POLL IMPLICATIONS

After dropping to Vanderbilt Wednesday and now Missouri, Tennessee is destined to fall from No. 6, doubtless out of the Prime 10. Missouri is receiving votes.

BIG PICTURE

Missouri: Final season, the Tigers had been thirteenth out of 14 in steals within the SEC. This yr, they lead the nation with 255, heading into Saturday’s recreation. … Transfers D’Moi Hodge and Tre Gomillion, each former Horizon League Defensive Participant of the Yr, are the first causes for the turnaround together with Nick Honor. … Gomillion (groin) and Ronnie Grey III (knee) have been hobbled by accidents.

Tennessee: Saturday’s sellout crowd of over 20,000 offers the Vols a median attendance of 18,212, ok for No. 4 within the nation. … Josiah-Jordan James went down with an ankle harm in opposition to Vanderbilt. He didn’t gown Saturday and his availability for the Alabama recreation is doubtful. Jonas Aidoo began in his place. With about 6 minutes left within the first half, freshman guard B.J. Edwards reported in for his first enjoying time apart from mop-up obligation.

UP NEXT

Missouri: The Tigers will probably be on the highway once more Tuesday once they play at Auburn. That is the primary assembly between the groups.

Tennessee: The Vols may have a possibility at house to take a swing at SEC chief Alabama Wednesday night time.

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