KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tyreke Key scored 10 of the primary 12 factors of the second half and completed with…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tyreke Key scored 10 of the primary 12 factors of the second half and completed with 17, and No. 7 Tennessee overcame a sluggish first half and beat Japanese Kentucky 84-49 on Wednesday night time.
“Tyreke is dealing with the ball now,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnes mentioned. “That’s all new to him. He retains getting higher.”
The Volunteers (8-1) struggled within the first half however nonetheless constructed an 11-point lead over Japanese Kentucky (4-5) on the way in which to their seventh straight victory.
Key led Tennessee in scoring earlier than leaving with a cramp in his proper leg with 6:15 left within the recreation. Julian Phillips had 16 factors and 10 rebounds, and Zakai Zeigler and Uros Plavsic added 13 factors apiece. Olivier Nkamhoua scored 10.
“I’m nonetheless settling in,” mentioned Key, a switch from Indiana State who didn’t play final 12 months whereas recovering from an harm. “This can be a new position. I’m taking steps on daily basis and continue learning.”
Japanese Kentucky, which got here into the sport averaging 83.5 factors, was held effectively beneath that complete attributable to 17% (6 for 35) capturing from lengthy vary and 22% (15 for 68) total. Leland Walker led the Colonels with 13 factors.
It was the seventh time this season Tennessee has held its opponent to 50 or fewer factors.
“(Tennessee) is the very best defensive group within the nation,” Japanese Kentucky coach A.W. Hamilton mentioned. “I feel they’re the very best group within the nation.”
At one level within the first half, Tennessee was capturing 20% and nonetheless main by 10 factors. The groups mixed to shoot 4 of 32 from 3-point vary within the first 20 minutes. The Vols, who shot 24% (8 of 34), led 32-21 on the break.
“If we will’t make pictures, are you able to discover a approach to win the sport?” Barnes mentioned. “When the shot’s not moving into, discover a approach to play. The very first thing we discuss is our protection.”
Tennessee shot 41 free throws. Phillips, a real freshman, was 7 of 10.
“(Phillips) has discovered the tempo of the sport,” Barnes mentioned. “I’m undecided there’s been a more practical freshman within the nation (this season).”
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Since its early season slip in opposition to Colorado, Tennessee has had a gentle ascent within the rankings. The Vols’ subsequent two video games — impartial web site (Brooklyn) in opposition to No, 13 Maryland (Dec. 11) and at No. 10 Arizona (Dec. 17) — will go a great distance towards justifying the No. 7 rating.
BIG PICTURE
Japanese Kentucky: The Colonels’ run-and-gun type of offense had them averaging 83.5 factors by way of their first eight video games. They ran right into a defensive buzz noticed in Tennessee, which was yielding simply over 51 factors.
Tennessee: Santiago Vescovi sat out his second straight recreation with a shoulder drawback. He’s anticipated to be able to play Sunday in opposition to Maryland. … The Vols have gained seven in a row since their loss to Colorado.
UP NEXT
Japanese Kentucky: The Colonels host Boyce School on Saturday.
Tennessee: Tackle No. 13 Maryland on Sunday on the Corridor of Fame Invitational in New York.
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AP faculty basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
Copyright
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