What a relief that was – easy victory, no stress, 56 points in the paint, totally different game.
Tennessee overpowered South Carolina, 78-59, in Columbia Tuesday evening without Nate Ament but with a barrage of 15 dunks.
Among other positive developments, the Vols again had just six turnovers and Rick Barnes complained about only two. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, hounded by a double-team defense, got only nine field-goal attempts (and eight points) but assisted on 12 baskets by others.
Senior night was a dull disappointment for the Gamecocks, 3-14 against Southeastern Conference foes. Without counting, it appeared there were more empty seats than fans. Guard Meechie Johnson scored 20 in his going-away game. There was polite applause.
Forward J.P. Estrella #13 scored 22 points at South Carolina.
Big Vols JP Estrella and Felix Okpara enjoyed a monopoly duel around the rims. Estrella scored 22 on 10-of-13 shooting (plus two free throws) and grabbed seven rebounds. Okpara scored 20 on 10-of-14 and won the rebound competition with eight.
Barnes rejoiced.
“We’ve talked about it all year, playing inside out. Obviously, I love the way those guys did it.”
The coach divided the credit. He gave Gillespie his fair share.
“South Carolina was determined they were going to make it a hard night for Ja’Kobi. And the fact he had, what, 12 assists, and one turnover, his command of the game was really impressive. He was responsible for the big guys. He got them a lot of easy ones. And when I say easy, it’s not easy for him to get there, but he got it up and they were able to play over top of South Carolina a little bit.”
Actually, it was a lot, even though South Carolina has large people, two 7-footers and a mobile 6-9. They were no match.
The Vols were very consistent on offense. They hit 54.2 percent in the first half on their way to a 40-28 lead. They hit 53.3 after the rest stop.
They led all the way. Early landmarks were 6-0, 17-8 and 25-16. The Gamecocks’ first little flurry reduced the deficit to four. Tennessee responded with three slams and a layup.
Amari Evans #1, starting in place of the injured Nate Ament, contributed three baskets, three rebounds and three steals in the Vols’ win over South Carolina.
With 15 minutes to go, the home team was within six. Bishop Boswell put in a three. Estrella went on a six-point spurt. Ethan Burg hit a three. It was suddenly 60-45, the end of real competition.
Freshman Amari Evans, starting in place of Ament, contributed three baskets, three rebounds and three steals. Boswell and Burg hit two threes each, Tennessee’s total. Burg got another goal and had three steals. Jaylen Carey did not shoot well but had five rebounds.
Barnes said he was not surprised by how well Evans played in his first start.
“I watch him every day, I watched him compete all summer. He really did a good job.”
The coach mentioned Burg’s play and said he hopes it was something they can build on.
“We know he can guard. He enjoys doing that. Offensively, I thought he played with some pace, some really good pace. I thought he looked very calm, very confident.”
Barnes had encouraging words about Ament, star freshman who suffered a leg injury in the Alabama game.
This night, he was a cheerleader on the bench.
“We obviously knew he was not going to play. Our doctors and trainers will tell us on that. If it were up to Nate, he would have played.”
The coach again said what he has been saying all season.
“He’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever been around. He played in the Missouri game after that high ankle turn.”
Barnes said Nate wanted to try to play after he was hurt against the Tide.
“Doctors didn’t think it was the wisest thing to do. I can tell you, if it were up to him, he would have played tonight.”
So, what is the injury?
“If you asked him right now, it’s more of a high-ankle sprain. I think the knee is fine.”
Cheers.
Marvin West welcomes comments or questions from readers. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook and Instagram. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our Free Newsletter.
