NASHVILLE − Tennessee basketball opened the postseason by having fun with its worst recreation of the season Friday and that’s the means wherein it would go into the NCAA Match.
The Vols couldn’t shoot, couldn’t stop Mississippi State throughout the SEC Match, and couldn’t protect themselves throughout the chase for the last word No. 1 seed throughout the NCAA Match.
It was one-and-done for the top-seeded Vols (24-8). They bowed out miserably 73-56 in opposition to the No. 9-seeded Bulldogs (21-12) throughout the SEC Match quarterfinals at Bridgestone Enviornment. UT’s 56 components marked a season low.
Tennessee can be taught its NCAA Match future Sunday (6 p.m. ET, CBS), nevertheless is anticipated to land as a No. 2 seed by bracketologists’ projections. It’ll enter on a two-game dropping streak, its first dropping streak since November.
Dalton Knecht, the SEC participant of the 12 months, had 14 components for the Vols. Zakai Zeigler had a team-high 20 components in opposition to the Bulldogs, the one SEC group the Vols did not beat this season.
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Tennessee’s first half was futile at best
Tennessee’s lowest-scoring half this season was a 22-point displaying in opposition to MSU in Starkville. It was worse Friday. The Vols had 19 first-half components. They shot 2-for-18 on 3-pointers and 20.6% from the sector.
UT had turnovers points to tie into the scoring points. It turned over the ball on 4 straight possessions early and had 5 in a 2:57 span between two media timeouts. The Vols capped the first half with a Knecht turnover at centercourt that led to a Mississippi State dunk to double up the Vols 38-19 at halftime.
Mississippi State had its method on the rim
The Bulldogs took solely 5 first-half 3-pointers, abusing Tennessee inside with ease instead. MSU had 28 components throughout the paint throughout the first half, capturing 12-for-15 on the rim.
That barrage included numerous three-point performs, a pair of loud dunks, and all-too-easy offense.
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Tennessee struggled capturing 3-pointer until a late flurry
Jahmai Mashack launched an open 3-pointer throughout the first half. It clanked of the backboard, missing method too prolonged.
Tennessee was hopeless capturing 3-pointers in opposition to MSU early − and it shot a ton of them. The Vols made three of their first 23 makes an try.
Zeigler was 0-for-6 throughout the first half and missed his first seven makes an try sooner than getting going throughout the second half with 4 makes. He hit back-to-back 3-pointers to tug UT inside 12 with 5:03 to play.
Up subsequent
Tennessee opens the NCAA Match each Thursday or Friday. It’ll be taught its seeding, opponent and web site for the opening recreation on Alternative Sunday.
Mike Wilson covers Faculty of Tennessee athletics. E mail him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and observe him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. Within the occasion you benefit from Mike’s safety, have in mind a digital subscription that may allow you entry to all of it.