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Tennessee Basketball: 3 Takeaways from Saturday’s win against Kentucky

By Stetson Marlin

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 02: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on March 02, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 02: Admiral Schofield #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on March 02, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 02: Nick Richards #4 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball in the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on March 02, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 02: Nick Richards #4 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball in the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on March 02, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

#2 – The Vols defense looked stellar

The Tennessee Volunteers were able to pull off the big win on Saturday because of their great play on the defensive end. They were able to hold Kentucky to a season-low 52 points on just 14 made baskets.

The Volunteers were able to force the Wildcats to take tough shots all game long. Kentucky was awarded a good number of free throw opportunities throughout the game, as they shot a total of 29 free throws, hitting 19 of those shots.

The difference maker in the game turned out to be the turnover margin though. Tennessee’s defense swarmed to loose balls all night long and jumped numerous passes which led to 17 turnovers by Kentucky.

Yes, the Wildcats were without Reid Travis in this game, but I don’t think that would’ve led to a 19-point swing. With Travis being out, the Volunteers were able to capitalize on the defensive end, opening up opportunities to double-team P.J. Washington on numerous occasions, forcing him to make four turnovers.

The Volunteers were able to hold Washington to just 13 points, as he made just two baskets all game long. He drew a number of fouls all night long which led to nine of his points coming from the charity stripe. Hagans posted just five points, going 2-6 from the field, while Keldon Johnson struggled mightily, putting up seven points on 2-9 shooting. The “Bucket” Herro shot 2-11 from the field and 0-5 from the line for a total of just six points. Herro also committed five turnovers.

Overall, the Volunteers held Kentucky to 31.8% from the field and 26.3% from beyond the arc.

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