Up big early, No. 6 Tennessee dismantles LSU

Dalton Knecht scored 27 points and No. 6 Tennessee never trailed in an 88-68 victory over LSU on Wednesday night in Knoxville, Tenn. Jordan Gainey added 18 points, Zakai Zeigler had 17 and Jonas Aidoo added 10 for the Volunteers (17-5, 7-2 SEC), who took command during a first half in which they shot 58.1 percent from the floor and 64.3 percent on 3-pointers while building a 23-point halftime lead. Tennessee has won two straight games and six of its last seven. Will Baker scored 16 points and Derek Fountain had 11 to lead the Tigers (12-10, 4-5), who played without Jalen Cook (hamstring), who was tied for the team lead in scoring (15.5 points per game). LSU, which has lost four of its last five games, outscored the Vols 41-38 in the second half but couldn't get closer than eight points before fading. The second half began a lot like the first half played out as Tennessee's first field-goal attempt was a made 3-pointer by Josiah-Jordan James that increased the lead to 53-27. Baker scored seven points during a 14-6 run that pulled the Tigers within 18, but Gainey made three free throws and a layup to give the Vols a 64-41 lead. Mwani Wilkinson made three 3-pointers and Jordan Wright made one during a 17-2 run that got LSU within 72-64 with 4:39 left. Knecht answered with a three-point play and Tennessee regained control. Zeigler, Knecht and James each made a 3-pointer during the Vols' 13-0 run to start the game. Trae Hannibal's free throw produced the Tigers' first point after more than three minutes, Mike Williams III made a 3-pointer for their first field goal after more than four minutes and Baker's jumper trimmed the lead to 17-10. Gainey made two 3-pointers and had an assist on a 3-pointer by Zeigler to help Tennessee open a 32-18 lead. Jalen Reed made a layup for LSU before Zeigler and Knecht both scored five points during a 10-2 run that gave the Vols a 42-22 lead. The Tigers got within 19 points three times, but Jahmai Mashack scored Tennessee's final six points to help the Vols expand the lead to 50-27 at halftime. --Field Level Media