Tennessee 106, Arkansas 87: Vols better get it together

The Tennessee Volunteers (15-1, 4-0 SEC) beat the Arkansas Razorbacks 106-87 in Thompson-Boling Arena last night. It was the first time they hit the 100-point mark against an SEC opponent since 2008, and it was the most points they’ve scored on an SEC opponent since 2000, when they beat Georgia, 110-83.

The game was close for a mere five minutes, the point at which Jordan Bowden – who is hell-bent on stealing the Sixth Man of the Year Award from defending SMOTY and teammate Lamonte Turner – came into the game. Bowden wasted no time in stuffing the stat sheet and finished the game nearly perfect: 6-7 from the field, 5-6 from the arc, and 2-2 from the free throw line for 19 points. He even smiled at one point.

Not to be outdone, Turner put up a team-high 21 points on a similarly near-perfect night. He went 6-8 from the field, 3-4 from three, and 6-6 from the stripe. So, iron sharpens iron, huh? Who knew?

Meanwhile, the defense held Daniel Gafford to 10 points and turned the Hogs’ assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.32 heading into the game into a flat .84.

All of that said, Rick Barnes still wasn’t happy. Because the Hogs outscored his guys 53-51 in the second half. Oh also, because Lamonte Turner made a bad pass.

In all, the bench had to score 31 points in the first half. Notorious slackers Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield had only 18 and 17 points, respectively, and although Williams was 14-14 from the free throw line, he let some sweat drip on the floor, which is totally unacceptable. Someone could slip and poke an eye out, Mr. Williams.

Schofield scored the first 14 points of the second half. Ball hog.

Kyle Alexander had 12 points, but really, he should have had like 20 rebounds and 40 points in putbacks because he’s tall and used to play volleyball.

As a team, the Vols missed four of their 39 free throw attempts and should be sent immediately to that torturous stair-climber Daymeon Fishback loves so much.

Tennessee won this game, but they better get their act together or it’s going to be a long season.

Up next, Alabama at Thompson-Boling on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET. ESPN2.