Arkansas players Khalif Battle (left) and Jalen Graham (right) and Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler scramble for control of the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday in Fayetteville. (Photo courtesy of Associated Press)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) – Jonas Aidoo had 23 points and 12 rebounds as No. 8 Tennessee cruised past Arkansas 92-63 on Wednesday night, the biggest blowout in 55 meetings between the teams.
Dalton Knecht, the SEC’s second-leading scorer entering the game, finished two points above his season average with 22 for the Volunteers (18-6, 8-3). Jordan Gainey added 17 points and Josiah-Jordan James had 12.
After the score was tied 18-all, Tennessee went on an 18-5 run midway through the first half to take control. Then a 15-3 spurt early in the second half turned this one into a laugher.
The Razorbacks (12-12, 3-8) had no response for Tennessee inside. The Volunteers scored 48 points in the paint, several on layups and dunks following Arkansas turnovers. Tennessee finished with 28 points off 15 Razorbacks giveaways.
Arkansas shot just 26% in the second half, totaling 23 points. The only Razorbacks player who scored in double figures was Tramon Mark, who finished with 12 points.
BIG PICTURE
Tennessee has visions of getting a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. That last happened in 2019, when the Volunteers finished in a tie for second in the SEC with three losses.
Arkansas is in danger of its worst season since 2009-10, the last time the Razorbacks finished below .500.
UP NEXT
Arkansas: Will visit Mississippi State on Saturday.
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