Tennessee basketball again led by double-digits in a rivalry game in the first half. And again, was unable to get to the finish line, trailing for just 24 seconds in its 71-69 loss against rival Alabama.
Here’s three quick takeaways.
Tennessee Battled An Injury Bug
Two of Tennessee’s starters exited the game in the first half as they dealt with an injury or illness. Nate Ament exited with 7:42 in the first half with a right leg injury while Felix Okpara exited with 5:11 to play in the first half due to illness.
Both Ament and Okpara both returned to the game to start the second half but played just 2:07 before checking back out of the game and not returning.
The Vols largely emptied the bench looking to fill minutes for Ament. Amari Evans was perhaps the biggest beneficiary, totaling 28 minutes. He made them count, totaling seven points and eight rebounds. Ethan Burg and Amaree Abram, who had not played since Jan. 31 against Auburn, each played more minutes.
Okpara’s exit was not as significant since he returned and because of Tennessee’s depth on the front line. However, it did put more pressure on the Vols’ three other big men. JP Estrella and Jaylen Carey each stepped up though they were not perfect.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie Was Great Before Struggling Down The Stretcg
Facing off against one of the best backcourts in the SEC, star Tennessee point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie turned in one of the best performances of his career. Gillespie opened the scoring with a deep three-pointer and it set the tone for the rest of the game.
Gillespie’s three-point shot was going early with the senior point guard connecting on three first half triples on his way to a game-high 26 points. He also did a strong job of knocking down the midrange jumper that Rick Barnes has been imploring him to shoot more of.
With Ament sidelined for nearly 30 minutes, Tennessee badly needed Gillespie to propel offense. He did just that, adding seven assists with just one turnover in 36 minutes of action including 19 in the second half.
But for as great as Gillespie was, he missed his final three shots including a contested layup to tie the game in its final seconds. He was held scoreless in the game’s final 3:40. And to express how dependent Tennessee was on him, the Vols scored just two points.
More From RTI: Where Tennessee Basketball Lands In Bracketology Projections Ahead Of Alabama Game
Tennessee Could Not Get Stops Down The Stretch
It is unfair to put too much onus on Tennessee’s defense in a game where they held Alabama’s high-powered offense to just 71 points. But the Vols were unable to find enough stops down the stretch of the game as their offense cooled off.
Alabama scored 16 points in the final 5:09 of the game and had just one empty trip in that stretch of the game as they scored on eight of its final nine possessions.
The back breaker came when Tennessee led by two points with 1:30 to go and Alabama got two offensive rebounds and finally scored on the third shot.
With Tennessee’s offense unable to sustain its one offensive option the entire second half, they needed better defense down the stretch.
Final Stats
Up Next
Tennessee basketball heads to South Carolina on Tuesday night for it final road game of the season. Tipoff between the Vols and Gamecocks is at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at Colonial Life Arena.
One Response
Another coaching blunder ! Tennessee basketball is screwed as long as Rick Barnes is there.