Tennessee Basketball: The Vols Late Season Surge Continues with Win over LSU

With expectations low to begin the season and lower still after a 1-4 start in conference play, the surprising Tennessee Volunteers have fought their way to a fourth-place tie in the SEC. 

Like they have since Jarnell Stokes joined the team in January, the low-post duo of Stokes and Jeronne Maymon led Tennessee with a 74-69 comeback win in overtime at LSU. It was the Vols' seventh win in eight games, setting up a senior night finale against hated Vanderbilt, which crushed Tennessee by 18 on Jan. 24. 

Stokes and Maymon combined for 32 of Tennessee’s 74 points, with Stokes shooting 9-of-10 from the field. The two were crucial in overcoming a 15-point first-half deficit by contributing 28 points in the paint in the second half, along with Maymon’s 8-of-10 from the foul line. 

This frontcourt performance came with Maymon and freshman Yemi Makanjuola in foul trouble nearly the entire game (Makanjuola fouled out with 5:12 remaining in the second half) and without suspended center Kenny Hall. 

However, it was a shift in coach Cuonzo Martin’s backcourt that opened the door for Stokes' career night (18 points). After shooting 4-of-7 from the perimeter in the first half, Tennessee didn’t attempt another three-pointer until Cameron Tatum’s shot 23 seconds into overtime that gave the Vols their first lead. 

It was only fitting for Tatum to give the Vols their first lead. The fifth-year senior has been mired in an colossal slump, averaging just over five points on 27 percent from the field in conference play.  

The Vols finished off LSU with clutch free throws from Trae Golden (9-of-9 for the game, 7-of-7 in OT) and a second bucket from Tatum to outscore the Tigers 14-9 in the extra period. 

With a slim chance at the tournament still on the line and Tatum taking the floor in Knoxville for the final time, the stage is set for a epic conclusion to Cuonzo Martin’s first year.