#4 Vols defeat South Carolina 75-65 to end the regular season.

The Tennessee Volunteers closed out their regular season with a statement win, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 75-65 in a hard-fought battle on Saturday night. This victory solidified Tennessee’s strong standing heading into postseason play and provided a momentum boost as they prepare for the SEC Tournament.

First Half: A Back-and-Forth Affair

The game started with both teams playing with high energy, knowing the importance of finishing the regular season on a strong note. Tennessee came out with an aggressive defensive approach, pressing South Carolina’s backcourt and forcing early turnovers. The Gamecocks, however, responded with a balanced attack, led by their leading scorer, who knocked down a few early jumpers to keep them in the game.

Tennessee’s offense was fueled by efficient ball movement, with point guard Zakai Zeigler orchestrating plays and finding open teammates. Santiago Vescovi was a crucial contributor, hitting multiple three-pointers that gave the Volunteers an early advantage. Midway through the first half, Tennessee led by as many as eight points, but South Carolina refused to go away.

The Gamecocks found success inside the paint, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and getting to the free-throw line. Their ability to crash the boards allowed them to cut into the lead, and by halftime, Tennessee held a slim 36-32 advantage.

Second Half: Tennessee Takes Control

Coming out of the break, the Volunteers made a concerted effort to tighten up their interior defense and limit South Carolina’s second-chance opportunities. Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka played key roles in protecting the rim and securing defensive rebounds. Their presence in the paint forced South Carolina to rely more on outside shooting, which proved to be inconsistent.

On the offensive end, Dalton Knecht caught fire, scoring crucial baskets to extend Tennessee’s lead. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor added another dimension to the Volunteers’ attack. Josiah-Jordan James also stepped up, providing veteran leadership and timely buckets to keep Tennessee in control.

Despite South Carolina’s attempts to mount a comeback, Tennessee’s defense held strong. The Volunteers forced multiple shot clock violations and key turnovers down the stretch. With under five minutes to go, Tennessee pushed their lead to double digits, sealing the victory with clutch free-throw shooting from Vescovi and Knecht.

Key Takeaways from the Game

1. Strong Defensive Performance – Tennessee’s ability to disrupt South Carolina’s offensive rhythm was a major factor in the win. Their on-ball pressure and shot-blocking presence made scoring difficult for the Gamecocks.
2. Balanced Scoring Attack – Several Volunteers contributed offensively, with multiple players scoring in double figures. This balanced attack makes Tennessee a dangerous team heading into tournament play.
3. Momentum for the Postseason – Closing the regular season with a win gives Tennessee confidence heading into the SEC Tournament. With their defensive intensity and offensive firepower, the Volunteers will be a tough opponent for any team they face.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Tennessee finishes the regular season on a high note and now turns its attention to the SEC Tournament. Their performance against South Carolina showcased their ability to play with discipline, make adjustments, and execute in crucial moments. As they prepare for postseason play, the Volunteers will aim to build on this victory and make a deep run in both the SEC and NCAA Tournaments.