It was Senior Day in Knoxville as Tennessee took the court in what amounted to an NCAA Tournament elimination game against Missouri. With both teams needing a win to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive, not only did the Vols (20-11, 11-7 SEC) win the game, they sent a message with a 72-45 demolishing of the Tigers (21-10, 9-9 SEC).
Tennessee is streaking at the right time, having won four games in a row heading into Wednesday’s conference tournament.
Antonio Barton led Tennessee with 16 points and continued his hot shooting, hitting four three-pointers.
“My confidence level is high right now,” Barton said. “Thanks to my teammates they are finding me and I’m knocking down shots. I just have to work and continue to get better”
Jarnell Stokes added 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Jordan McRae scored 11 points (even though he was 0-6 from three-point range).
“Something clicked after the Mississippi State game as far as defending as a team,” Stokes pointed out in his post game interview.
Hats off to fans for setting the season attendance record. And hats off to the players for responding with a huge win in a big-time environment.
“First and foremost- great crowd tonight, great atmosphere. Thought the energy was great to send these seniors out in style,” Cuonzo Martin said. “It was just a fun evening. Guys played hard again.”
With the win, the Vols earned the No. 4 seed in the SEC Tournament and will face the winner of Arkansas vs Auburn/South Carolina on Friday in the late afternoon game.