Doyle Dominates Again as Vols Defeat Oklahoma State for 9-0 Start
The Tennessee Volunteers are off to a perfect start in the 2025 season, with a 9-0 record after their dominant victory over Oklahoma State. Once again, it was senior forward, Doyle, who stole the show with a stellar performance that showcased his skill, leadership, and ability to take over a game. With the win, Tennessee has not only maintained their undefeated streak but also sent a strong message to the college basketball world that they are a force to be reckoned with this year.
Doyle’s Impressive Performance
Doyle’s performance against Oklahoma State was nothing short of spectacular. The senior forward has been on a tear all season, and this game was no exception. He finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, displaying his all-around game that has become his trademark. His scoring ability in the paint, combined with his perimeter shooting, has made him nearly impossible to defend. Oklahoma State had no answer for Doyle as he consistently found ways to exploit mismatches on both ends of the floor.
Throughout the game, Doyle’s presence was felt at both ends. On offense, he was a constant threat, scoring efficiently from inside and out. On defense, he protected the rim and made it difficult for Oklahoma State to execute their plays, particularly in the second half when the Cowboys were trying to mount a comeback. His leadership on the floor was palpable, and it was clear that Tennessee’s success in this game — and this season — heavily relies on Doyle’s continued dominance.
Tennessee’s Defense Stifles Oklahoma State
While Doyle’s offensive performance was the focal point of Tennessee’s win, the Volunteers’ defense deserves much of the credit for keeping Oklahoma State at bay. Tennessee has built its reputation on suffocating defense, and they showed it once again in this matchup.
The Volunteers were relentless, forcing Oklahoma State into tough shots and limiting their fast-break opportunities. Tennessee’s defensive pressure disrupted the Cowboys’ rhythm throughout the game, making it difficult for them to generate consistent offense. Tennessee’s ability to contest shots and force turnovers set the tone early and helped them build a comfortable lead.
Oklahoma State, known for their high-scoring offense, struggled to find open looks, and their ball movement was often disrupted by Tennessee’s aggressive defense. The Vols’ ability to lock down on key shooters and force Oklahoma State into contested shots was a testament to their defensive prowess.
Team Effort Beyond Doyle
While Doyle’s performance stole the spotlight, it was far from a one-man show. Tennessee’s depth and team-oriented approach played a significant role in the victory. Several players contributed in key moments, helping to ensure the win.
- Santiago Vescovi added a solid 15 points and provided critical plays down the stretch, especially from beyond the arc, where he went 3-4 from three-point range. His shooting was crucial in maintaining Tennessee’s offensive flow and spacing the floor for Doyle and others.
- Zakai Zeigler contributed with 7 assists and 4 steals, showing his ability to facilitate the offense and disrupt Oklahoma State’s attempts to get into their rhythm. His leadership and playmaking continue to be a vital asset for Tennessee, especially when Doyle is double-teamed or when the offense needs an additional playmaker to create opportunities.
- Julian Phillips played a key role on the defensive end, with 3 blocks and numerous deflections. His athleticism and versatility helped limit Oklahoma State’s second-chance opportunities and kept Tennessee in control of the game.
Tennessee’s balance and unselfishness on both ends of the floor were evident. While Doyle’s dominance in scoring was key, the supporting cast stepped up to ensure the team kept its momentum and played complementary basketball. The Vols’ depth is one of their greatest strengths, and it was on full display against Oklahoma State.
Oklahoma State’s Struggles
Oklahoma State entered the game with high expectations, but they were unable to overcome Tennessee’s defensive intensity. The Cowboys, who typically rely on fast-paced offense and outside shooting, found themselves stifled by Tennessee’s defensive schemes.
Key players for Oklahoma State, like their star guard, struggled to get into rhythm, primarily due to the constant defensive pressure applied by the Vols. Oklahoma State’s shooting percentage was well below their season average, and they were often forced to settle for contested shots. Despite a strong push in the second half, the Cowboys were never able to close the gap, as Tennessee kept answering every challenge.
The inability to execute offensively against a team like Tennessee, which excels at both individual and team defense, was ultimately the downfall for Oklahoma State. They will likely need to recalibrate their offense and improve their shooting efficiency if they are to compete against top-tier teams like Tennessee.
Looking Ahead for Tennessee
With the win, Tennessee continues to build on its momentum, heading into the next phase of the season with an undefeated 9-0 record. Their performance against Oklahoma State demonstrated the strengths of their team — from Doyle’s dominance to their defensive versatility and unselfish ball movement. Tennessee is proving that they are one of the most well-rounded and dangerous teams in the country.
As the season progresses, the Vols will need to stay focused and continue refining their play. While Doyle has been sensational, teams will start to game-plan more intensively around him, and Tennessee will need their supporting players to continue stepping up. If they can maintain their current form, they could be a serious contender come March.
One area of growth for Tennessee will be maintaining consistency on offense. While their defense is elite, the Vols can’t always rely on Doyle to carry the scoring load. They’ll need contributions from others, like Vescovi, Zeigler, and Phillips, to remain balanced and avoid becoming too reliant on their star forward.
Tennessee’s 9-0 start is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent that this team possesses. With Doyle leading the way, the Volunteers have the potential to be one of the most dangerous teams in the nation. Their combination of elite defense, balanced offense, and leadership from key players is proving to be a formula for success.
The win over Oklahoma State was another statement victory, but Tennessee knows that the road ahead will only get tougher. With their sights set on continued success, the Vols will look to build on their undefeated record and prove that they are capable of competing for a national championship. If Doyle and his teammates can maintain their level of play, there may be no stopping Tennessee this season.