Chris Lofton scored 28 points to lead the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers to an 89-56 victory over Sunday afternoon in front of 21,734 at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn.
Three Volunteer seniors, Lofton, JuJuan Smith and Jordan Howell, were given a rousing send-off for their final home game in a Tennessee uniform.
During the first half it appeared the Gamecocks might spoil the fun, keeping it close until halftime.
The Volunteers led early, 24-17 behind good three-point shooting from Lofton and Smith. But South Carolina wasn’t bad from behind the arc either, with Evaldas Baniulis and Mike Holmes nailing 6-of-12 three pointer’s to keep the Gamecocks close.
The Vols' shooting turned cold late in the first half and the Gamecocks took advantage, going into the locker room cutting the Tennessee's lead to 40-39.
Tennessee turned it on in the second half behind a 9-0 run that increased the Vols' lead to 49-39. The Gamecocks wouldn't get any closer the rest of the game as the Volunteers were torrid in the second half, shooting 61 percent from the field.
A four minute scoring drought by allowed to add insult to injury as the Vols increased their lead to 64-43 on a basket by Tyler Smith late in the second half .
Lofton’s 28 points came primarily on three-pointers, connecting on 6-of-10 for the game. The Vols (28-3 overall, 14-2 SEC) forced 16 turnovers and out-rebounded the Gamecocks 49-34.
After the 33-point victory the Vols said they more goals to accomplish this season.
Mike Holmes led the Gamecocks (13-17 overall, 5-11 SEC) with 15 points.
Tennessee awaits the winner of the LSU-South Carolina game this Thursday during the SEC tournament.
Prior to the game, a new championship banner was hung from the rafters in recognition of the Vols first SEC title in 41 years.
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