Tennessee (6-1) put up with some early inspiration from their neighbors at Tennessee Tech before slamming the door closed in the second half. Brandon Crump put in 20 points against an overmatched Tech front line. John Winchester hit for a career high 13 in the 79-61 win.
UT trailed twice during the first half, but ran away in the second with a 15-5 explosion that cleared any doubt about the outcome. Tech never got closer than 13 despite several valiant runs at the Volunteers.
Winchester started in place of a leading scorer Scooter McFadgon. McFadgon was scratched from the starting line up just before the opening horn due to an apparent shoulder problem. Winchester’s 13 came all in the first half.
The Golden Eagles had a lead at 22-20 midway through the first. UT responded with a 13-2 run taking their biggest lead of the opening period at 33-24. Tech wasn’t impressed and went on a run of their own to cut the lead back to 2 at 36-34. Winchester canned a three to give the Vols a five-point lead they would hold until the half.
UT had control after their big run in the second, but Tech chipped its way back to within 13. Stanley Asumnu, who has been a second half spark plug in the early goings this season, answered. Picking the Tech pocket Asumnu raced down for the easy two. Tech misfired on charity tosses and the ball went out to Asumnu who delighted the home crowd with a one hand jam. Asumnu’s play keyed the Vols to an 11-0 run that mushroomed the lead out to 24.
Tennessee is now 19-1 all-time against its Cookeville neighbor which plays in the Ohio Valley Conference.

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