No. 9 Tennessee (2-0) neutralized a sluggish offensive start by leveraging elite interior dominance to defeat Radford 70-47 on Thursday night in Knoxville. After a scoreless opening stretch where the Volunteers struggled to find rhythm, a decisive 6-0 run shifted momentum, allowing the team to control the pace through the first half. Terrence Hill Jr. served as the primary catalyst, attacking both the rim and the perimeter, while Dai Dai Ames provided crucial secondary creation. The Vols’ defensive intensity also played a pivotal role, generating seven steals in the first half that led to transition opportunities and established a 33-24 halftime lead.
Vols overcome sluggish start with dominant paint attack and 18-of-23 free throw shooting
The second half confirmed Tennessee’s identity as a team that wins in the paint, as the Volunteers outscored Radford 40-14 inside the arc. Despite another night of inefficient perimeter shooting, the Vols compensated by attacking the free-throw line, where they converted 18 of 23 attempts. This efficiency was the defining statistical difference in the contest, as Radford could not match Tennessee’s ability to draw fouls and extend the lead. Jalen Haralson contributed effectively from the stripe, sinking three of four shots, while Dai Dai Ames accounted for six of the team’s 23 free-throw attempts, showcasing his growing role in the offensive scheme.
While DeWayne Brown struggled to replicate his career-best 17-point performance against Wofford, his defensive presence remained a cornerstone of the victory. Brown dominated the boards, providing the rebounding stability necessary for Tennessee to maintain possession and limit second-chance points for Radford. The win marks a crucial step in the program’s early-season development, proving that even when perimeter shooting is cold, Tennessee’s commitment to interior scoring and defensive pressure can secure comfortable victories against mid-major opponents.
Source: Yahoo Sports
