FIRST GAME JITTERS: Tennessee defeats Colorado in season opener

By: John Dunn

Producer/Founder/Host

The All Vol Call in Show

12/8/2020

Photo | All for Tennessee

Tennessee began the game on a 12-2 run, that eventually swelled to 26-10 before the Buffaloes began to chip away at the Volunteers’ lead. A few turnovers from the Vols, coupled with a few buckets from Colorado, the Buffaloes drew back to within single digits at 28-19. After a couple of baskets from the Buffaloes, Santiago Vescovi connected on a three-point basket to extend the Tennessee lead to 31-24.

The buffaloes closed the first half on a 14-5 run to bring the score to 31-24 at halftime.

Colorado opened the second half on a 9-2 run to pull back to within one bucket of Tennessee. Keon Johnson reinvigorated the Tennessee team with a two big defensive stops, followed by a big dunk on the other end. Vescovi answered with a three point bucket it of his own to re-extend the lead back to 38-31.

Highly-touted freshman Jaden Springer connected on a three pointer to maintain a seven point lead after the Buffaloes drew back to within four points on a three of their own.

Tennessee extended their lead to 10 points, 44-34, with 10 minutes remaining. However, a trio of offense of rebounds by Colorado allowed them to draw back to within single digits, 44-37, on a three point bucket.

Each team struggled offensively for the next few minutes as Tennessee's lead grew to 51-39. Colorado drew back to within seven points with four minutes remaining at 50-43 due to porous defense from the Volunteers.

With 1:17 remaining in the game, Tennessee led 52-47. Two big free throws from John Fulkerson extended the lead to 54-47 with 45-seconds remaining in the game. Vescovi got an opportunity to further extend the lead, which he did, by connecting on two free throws, bringing the score to 56-47.