The Tennessee men’s basketball team faced its stiffest test of the season Wednesday night and the Volunteers passed it easily.
UT, the No. 7 team in the country used a fast start to run past No. 12 Missouri, 73-53, in the Southeastern Conference opener for both schools.
It was the first road game of the season for Tennessee, and the Vols responded by knocking the Tigers (6-1, 0-1 SEC) from the ranks of the unbeaten.
The Big Orange (7-0, 7-0) seized control of the contest early, opening the game on a 23-4 run.
Tennessee played its trademark stingy defense and boasted a balanced offensive attack against Missouri, which entered the game already having signature wins over Illinois and Oregon.
Point guard Santiago Vescovi led Tennessee with 15 points. Yves Pons and Jaden Springer added 13 points each, while John Fulkerson scored 11 and Victor Bailey Jr. finished with nine.
Pons also pulled down six rebounds and had for blocks for the Vols, who led 38-25 at halftime.
Xavier Pinson scored 11 points to pace the Tigers.
The Vols return to action Saturday when they host Alabama at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m. EST.
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