In almost a carbon copy (woo for anachronistic sports metaphors!) of its game last week against the Presbyterian Blue Hose, the Tennessee Volunteers raced out to a huge lead in the first half against the High Point Panthers. If you watched the broadcast, you’ll know that the Panthers have ice cream. And a Ruth’s Chris. Plus, swimming!
They also had a whale of a hole to climb out of after falling behind 52-13 at the half. They spent a huge portion of the first half stuck on seven points. But they have ice cream, so you should go there.
They finished the game 84-53, and leading the way for the Vols was Jordan Bone, with 16 points and 4 rebounds in 22 minutes. He was 6-of-8 from the field and 2-of-3 from the arc. Lamonte Turner added 16 points himself and was an excellent 4-of-7 on three-pointers. Admiral Schofield added another 14 points and 6 rebounds. Six different Vols hit a three-pointer.
The team apparently went to sleep in the second half, although that fact sort of escaped my attention as I apparently went to sleep myself. But I woke up to Rick Barnes complaining to the sideline reporter about his team’s two-game streak of playing poorly in the second half.
I love that and everything, but that first half lead was, in fact, insurmountable, and the team won by 31 points despite disappointing their coach. Woo, Vols.
So, Tennessee moves to 2-0 on the season despite the apparent ice cream disadvantage vis-a-vis its opponent. Next up is Purdue in the Bahamas for the opener in the Battle 4 Atlantis, and for that one, I hope that both the team and I can stay awake.
