KNOXVILLE — A big second half landed the Tennessee men’s basketball team back into the win column and snapped a two-game losing streak Saturday afternoon at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The Volunteers, who were a bit lethargic in the first half, exploded in the second half en route to a 75-53 victory over Jacksonville State.
It was a big game for Jordan Bowden, who closed a personal bitter-sweet week with 19 points, including four 3-pointers.
Bowden, a Knoxville-area product from Carter High School, had his high school number retired by the Hornets Thursday night just hours before his grandmother passed away on Friday.
Tennessee (8-3) endured a long scoring drought of more than seven minutes in the first half and the Gamecocks took an 18-13 lead while the Vols sputtered.
But the Big Orange bounced back to take a 30-26 lead by halftime before taking control after the break against Jacksonville State (4-8).
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CAREER
WINS. pic.twitter.com/rQOAJZbgwY— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) December 21, 2019
It was also the 700th career win for UT head coach Rick Barnes.
Bowden was one of four Volunteers to post double figures against the Gamecocks.
John Fulkerson had 16 points. Yves Pons scored 11 points and continued to assert his presence as a defender as he had a career-high and school record six blocks. Josiah-Jordan James scored 10 points.
Lamonte Turner saw his scoring struggles continue as he continues to play with an injured shoulder, but the Tennessee point guard dished out 11 assists.