#6 [2] Vols Defeat [15] Wofford, 77-62, in NCAA Tournament Opener

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#6 [2] Vols Defeat [15] Wofford, 77-62, in NCAA Tournament Opener

The Tennessee Volunteers opened their NCAA Tournament campaign with a decisive 77-62 victory over the Wofford Terriers in the Round of 64. The Vols, seeded No. 2 in their region, showcased their dominance early and maintained control throughout the contest, securing their spot in the next round.

First-Half Dominance

Tennessee set the tone early in the first half, using their size and athleticism to disrupt Wofford’s offense. The Volunteers’ defense was relentless, forcing the Terriers into difficult shots and limiting their opportunities in the paint.

Offensively, Tennessee’s fast-paced approach led to an early double-digit lead. Led by star forward Dalton Knecht, who poured in 15 points before halftime, the Vols capitalized on their superior athleticism and rebounding advantage. Guard Zakai Zeigler orchestrated the offense beautifully, dishing out key assists and knocking down perimeter shots.

Meanwhile, Wofford struggled to establish an offensive rhythm. Their leading scorer, Jackson Paveletzke, found it difficult to penetrate Tennessee’s stout defense, managing just six first-half points. The Terriers also suffered from uncharacteristic turnovers, which prevented them from closing the gap. By halftime, Tennessee held a commanding 42-27 lead.

Wofford’s Second-Half Push

The second half saw Wofford attempt to mount a comeback. A quick 8-2 run, fueled by three-pointers from B.J. Mack and Messiah Jones, cut Tennessee’s lead to single digits. The Terriers increased their defensive intensity, forcing a few Tennessee turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities.

However, the Vols responded with a run of their own. Senior guard Santiago Vescovi drained back-to-back three-pointers, stretching the lead back to 15. Center Jonas Aidoo made his presence felt in the paint, rejecting multiple shots and controlling the boards.

With under five minutes remaining, Tennessee’s defense tightened once again, forcing Wofford into contested shots. Despite a valiant effort, Wofford couldn’t sustain their momentum, and the Vols closed out the game comfortably.

Key Performances

  • Dalton Knecht (Tennessee) – 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
  • Santiago Vescovi (Tennessee) – 15 points, 4 three-pointers
  • Jonas Aidoo (Tennessee) – 10 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks
  • Jackson Paveletzke (Wofford) – 17 points, 3 assists
  • B.J. Mack (Wofford) – 12 points, 6 rebounds

Looking Ahead

With the victory, Tennessee advances to the Round of 32, where they will face a tough opponent looking to pull off an upset. Head coach Rick Barnes emphasized the importance of staying focused and maintaining defensive intensity in the next matchup.

As for Wofford, their tournament journey comes to an end, but they exit with pride after a hard-fought battle. Their program continues to build a reputation for competing at a high level, and they will look to return to the Big Dance in the near future.

The Vols’ victory reaffirms their status as a serious contender in this year’s tournament. With strong performances from their key players and a defense that continues to disrupt opponents, Tennessee will be a team to watch as the tournament progresses.

 

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