Jahmai Mashack Continues Impressive Run

Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack is not usually known for explosive amounts of scoring. But Saturday in Rupp Arena, he showed fans something we don't normally see.

The No. 10 Tennessee Volunteers (20-7, 9-5 SEC) fell to the Kentucky Wildcats (18-9, 9-5 SEC) 66-54 on Saturday. It results in the Wildcats completing a regular season sweep of the Volunteers. This is the first time that has happened since 2012. 

Despite their seventh loss of the season, the Volunteers found themselves down 20 at halftime and had gotten the game back into single-digits at points throughout the second half.

A significant and unexpected player to help the Vols do this was sophomore guard Jahmai Mashack. He is known for providing a defensive spark off the bench for the team and is a big energy provider. This was apparent in the game against Alabama, which head coach Rick Barnes commented on.

"He did a terrific job and is a terrific player. He locked in and is an example of a guy who can really impact a game without scoring points."

The 6-foot-4-inch Fontana, Calif. native performed very well against Kentucky. He finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. He also shot 7-12 (58%) from the field. Mashack has only averaged 3.5 points per game this season and had only averaged 0.7 points per game last season. As Barnes stated, his game is not reflected on the box score, but his offensive confidence today was big. 

Tennessee had struggles shooting the ball throughout the day. They were 37.2% from the field and 22.2% from beyond three-point land. However, Mashack's day with career highs in points and rebounds helped the Vols stay in the mix with Kentucky.

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