Vols Crush U21 Lithuania For Second Straight Day
Tennessee got a rematch on Saturday with the U21 Lithuania team, and the game ended with a similar result to the one on Friday. The Vols won their second game in Italy by a final score of 116-90 in a worse defensive effort but a sound offensive effort.
As yesterday was, the stats for today are once again from RockyTopInsider.com. There were no live stats from the game, but according to the unofficial ones, the Vols had seven players in double figures. Dalton Knecht and Santiago Vescovi led the way with 19 points apiece and combined for nine threes. The way Knecht has been playing so far, it wouldn't surprise me if Tennessee ends up with a top 3-5 backcourt in the country. Tobe Awaka also was once again brilliant, as it is apparent that the sophomore has made a monumental stride. Awaka posted 16 points and nine rebounds and did not miss a shot or free throw. It will be very hard to keep him off the floor, and I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up being one of the most improved players in the country.
Jonas Aidoo, Josiah-Jordan James, Jordan Gainey, and Freddie Dilione were the other four Vols that scored 10+ in the game. Overall, it has been a very encouraging performance in the last two games. The Vols, who had a major shooting problem last season, have hit 12 and 16 threes in their first two games in Europe. If the offense can improve without too much regression on defense, the Vols could very well be the best team in the country. Tennessee was missing the same three guys as yesterday, as both Cameron Carr and Cade Phillips have injuries. Justin Gainey, Rick Barnes' top assistant, and Jordan Gainey's father, has been coaching the team in Italy. Barnes has sat on the opposite side of the benches to watch the first two games. The Vols will close their foreign tour on Monday against Stella Azzurra.
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