This is a really good point. Objectively, the Vols collapsed in the second half; it's clear that Maryland had an uncharacteristically woeful first half, but even a "bad" final 20 minutes by the Vols should have resulted in 8-10 point win.
Maryland is a good team, and this was an incredibly hostile environment for a neutral site game. But this is by no means a "proud" win and it'll be interesting to see what James and Aidoo returning will do to the team.
A win against a top 15 team on a neutral court when you're missing two of your better contributors is pretty good. "The Vols looked terrible in the second half." Yeah, yeah, well then thank goodness they looked GREAT ENOUGH in the first half to afford that second half.
It's a W, and it's a W that'll pay dividends down the road. Be of much cheer.