KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 6 Tennessee cruised to a 79-51 win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi behind a balanced offensive attack Sunday afternoon at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Admiral Schofield led the way with 16 points to go along with a career-high-tying four steals. Grant Williams chipped in 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Fellow junior Jordan Bowden also scored 14 points off the bench to go with four rebounds and a pair of steals.
Kyle Alexander rounded out the double-digit scoring for the Vols, recording 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks for the third double-double of his career. Point guard Jordan Bone finished with a career-high 10 assists, seven points and two steals.
The Vols (6-1) had the hot hand in the second half, connecting on 60 percent (15-of-25) of their field-goal attempts. UT shot 53 percent for the game, marking the fifth game this season the Big Orange has eclipsed 50-percent shooting.
Tennessee’s defense also had another strong performance, tallying a season-high 10 steals to go along with six blocks while forcing 14 turnovers. In all seven games this season, UT has won the turnover margin against its opponents. The Vols held Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to 32 percent shooting from the floor on the day.
The Islanders (4-4) got an early jump in the game, taking a 15-8 lead behind a trio of 3-pointers. Tennessee heated up on both ends of the floor, however, closing the half on a 26-4 run over the final 12:36 in the frame to take a 34-19 lead into break.
The Vols shot 46 percent (11-of-24) from the floor while holding Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to 27 percent (8-of-30) shooting during the opening 20 minutes. Schofield led all scorers with nine points during the half. Alexander chipped in an additional eight while grabbing four rebounds.
BALANCED OFFENSIVE ATTACK: For the fourth consecutive game, four different Tennessee players scored in double-digits. Tennessee has had at least four double-figure scorers in six of its seven game this season. Eight different Vols have eclipsed the 10-point mark in a game this year.
UP NEXT: Tennessee travels to Phoenix, Arizona, to take on top-ranked Gonzaga in the Jerry Colangelo Classic next Sunday. The game tips at 3 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN.
-UT Athletics
