13th-ranked Vols cruise to 76-40 win over McNeese

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The 13th-ranked Tennessee Volunteers made true to their No. 1 defense in the nation as they held McNeese to just 16 of 56 shooting on the night while forcing 24 turnovers in a 76-40 win.

McNeese fell to 2-6 after the loss while Tennessee improved to 6-1 and won for the 20th consecutive time in its home arena. The Cowboys will return home for a Monday night game against Ecclesia. It was the second nationally ranked opponent for McNeese in the last three games.

Trae English and Christian Shumate each scored eight points to lead the Cowboys while Shumate pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds. The Cowboys pulled in 38 boards for the game to Tennessee’s 40 and held an 18-17 advantage on the offensive glass.

Four Tennessee players scored in double-figures, led by Santiago Vescovi’s 16 points.

Tennessee connected on 23 of 54 shots for 43 percent and hit 11 of 29 for 38 percent from three-point range and 19 for 34 at the line. McNeese was 2 of 17 from long range and 6 for 11 at the free throw line.

The Vols dished out 21 assists on their 23 shots.

McNeese trailed 30-14 at the half after making just 6 of 26 of its shots and turning the ball over 13 times. Tennessee scored 16 points off those miscues in the half.

For the game, the Vols scored 30 points off of 24 Cowboy turnovers.

McNeese played without Zach Scott (flu) and Ty McMillan (injury at UT Martin) for the game. Three Cowboys also fouled out.