Victor Bailey Jr. propels Vols to victory against South Carolina

Recapping UT’s victory over Gamecocks Wednesday.

A home game against South Carolina proved to be what the Tennessee basketball team needed.

The No. 19 Volunteers received a career-high 29 points from guard Victor Bailey Jr.

The Vols totaled 26 assists on 32 made field goals to claim a 93-73 Southeastern Conference victory over the Gamecocks at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Bailey Jr., a transfer from Oregon, knocked down seven 3-point attempts, propelling the Vols past South Carolina (5-10, 3-8 SEC), which has been decimated by injuries while having multiple stoppages due to COVID-19 protocols.

Feb 17, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes huddles with his players during the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Bailey Jr. also received help from a supporting cast as Tennessee (15-5, 7-5) had three other players post double figures in the scoring column.

John Fulkerson chipped in with 19 points. He also had six rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. Jaden Springer had 16 points and Yves Pons had 10. Pons was the Vols’ leading rebounder with nine.

Springer and Santiago Vescovi each recorded six assists for Tennessee.