KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Ja'Coby Gillespie had 21 points and eight assists to lead No. 19 Tennessee to a 105-54 victory over South Carolina State on Tuesday night.
Nate Ament scored 16 points and Amari Evans added 14 for the Volunteers (10-3). Jaylen Carter had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and JP Estrella finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Jaden Johnson scored 25 points for the Bulldogs (1-14).
In the first half, Tennessee shot better from the field (13 of 21, 62%) than from the free throw line (13 of 24, 54%) while building a 41-25 lead. Gillespie scored 14 points for the Vols and Johnson had 10 for the Bulldogs. Tennessee dominated the boards 21-10.
Tennessee is reaping the rewards of a tough stretch of non-conference schedule. The Vols played six teams from Power 4 conferences, earning a split.
After an exhibition loss to Duke, the new players on Tennessee's roster had to get an idea of the type of defense coach Rick Barnes requires. It took a few plays, but the Vols seemed to have found a defensive plan that worked.
A 21-point win over Louisville in mid-December helped show Tennessee was ready for the SEC schedule.
The Bulldogs, who ended a 12-game skid with a win over Brewton-Parker College, followed their only win of the season with losses to South Carolina and Tennessee.
Next
South Carolina State: The Bulldogs host Howard on Saturday.
Tennessee: The Vols open the SEC season at Arkansas on Saturday.
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