KNOXVILLE — Tennessee’s men’s basketball team got a win it had to have Tuesday night.
But it didn’t come easily and it won’t win any style points.
The Volunteers overcame a sluggish offensive start and were able to manufacture enough points to slip past Vanderbilt, 65-61, at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The Vols, who are likely on the wrong side of the NCAA Tournament bubble were locked in a 28-28 tie with the last-place Commodores.
Tennessee (15-11 overall, 7-6 in the Southeastern Conference) had three players post double figures in the scoring column.
John Fulkerson and Jordan Bowden led the way for the Big Orange with 17 points each. Santiago Vescovi added 14 as he continues to acclimate himself to the rigors of the SEC. He also dished out seven assists and pulled down four rebounds.
Fulkerson continued his solid play in the post as he grabbed seven rebounds. Bowden had five rebounds and four assists.
Jordan Wright led Vanderbilt (9-17, 1-12) with a game-high 23 points.