Iowa State jumped out to take an early 12-7 lead on the visiting Volunteers Saturday, at home in Hilton Coliseum.
That was 5 minutes into the game. Tennessee then did something that’s becoming an every game trend: they unleashed possession after possession of demoralizing, relentless defense.
ISU would only score 7 points in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Couple that ferocious defense with hot shooting from both Lamonte Turner and James Daniel (the two combined for 36), and what you’re left with is a historically bad afternoon for the Cyclones.
ISU’s 46 points was the fewest they’ve scored in a game since 2009, and the fewest they’ve scored at home since…1959. The Vols trashed the cyclones so completely that clock-killing began with more than 10 minutes remaining on the clock, yet the Rick Barnes Vols remained true to their identity: no flash, no flex, very little reaction to the ups or downs throughout the game.
Instead, the Vols just continue to administer stoic but physical pressure on both ends of the floor, follow the plan and outwork nearly everybody they cross paths with.
The way Tennessee (15-5 and winners of 6 of their last 7) have been casually, calmly attacking opponents is a stark contrast to the fact that the Vols are playing the 4th most difficult schedule with the 5th youngest roster in the NCAA. Also easy to overlook is that they’re still trying to work in players they expected to make serious impact, like French phenomenon Yves Pons. Tennessee is also one of only two teams to defeat current #1 Purdue. When you take all these things into consideration, the composure of this team is only more impressive. Imagine this shooting, defense and poise with another year or two of experience.
It will be interesting to see if more inspired, tournament-quality competition can awaken Tennessee’s fiery side, or if these stony, strategic destroyers are the new permanent look.
#22 Tennessee (15-5, 5-3) returns home Wednesday to resume SEC play against LSU (12-7, 3-4) at TBA. Tip is scheduled for 6:30pm EST and the game will be carried by SEC Network.
