It did not come easily, but the the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team found its way back into the win column Wednesday night.
The Volunteers erased a halftime deficit and stormed back to claim a 79-74 Southeastern Conference victory over Arkansas at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The No. 9 Volunteers (8-1, 2-1 SEC) were coming off a home loss against Alabama Saturday night. In that game, the Vols had their share of offensive struggles.
Tennessee struggled in the first half against the Razorbacks (9-2. 1-2 SEC) who made a basket just before halftime to take a 40-33 lead.
Tennessee played its trademark stiff defense throughout the game, but made 14 of its 34 field goal attempts over the first 20 minutes.
Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
The Vols found its touch after the break and manufactured enough offense to capture a key conference win at home.
Josiah-Jordan James and Victor Bailey Jr. each scored 17 points for the Big Orange. Bailey, who normally starts for the Vols, came off the bench against Arkansas.
John Fulkerson added 16 points and Keon Johnson finished with 14.
James had nine rebounds and Fulkerson recorded eight and totaled three assists for Tennessee.
Santiago Vescovi scored four points, while going 1-for-7 from the floor. He converted a pair of free throws to give the Vols a 77-71 lead with 14.1 seconds remaining.
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