After seeing No. 1 seed Auburn fall in the early afternoon window, No. 2 seed Tennessee did not mess around to kick off the evening window of the SEC Tournament.
The Vols (24-7, 14-4) rode an excellent second half performance at Amalie Arena to turn a close game into a blowout victory. The No. 3 defense in college basketball per KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency put the clamps on Mississippi State in the final 20 minutes, and the offense found a nice rhythm.
The Vols went for 1.27 points per possession after the halftime break with Josiah Jordan-James leading the way with 16 points and four makes from three-point range in the 72-59 win.