5 Takeaways: No. 5 Tennessee 92 Louisville 81

Photo by Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics

Tennessee’s 92-81 win over Louisville in the NIT Season Tip-Off on Wednesday gave them a 4-0 start to the season. The Vols wore their new throwback uniforms and they looked sharp! It was a tightly contested game, as the largest lead was 7 points throughout the game’s first 33 minutes. A back-and-forth first half ended with the Vols holding a 45-40 advantage. The Cardinals never took the lead in the second half, but there were 4 ties after halftime. The final tie was broken at the 9:15 mark of the second half, on a 3-point shot from Jordan Bone. Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield combined for 7 points during Tennessee’s 14-0 run late in the game. The run ended and Louisville trailed 85-71 with just 4 minutes remaining. Tennessee maintained their double-digit lead for an 11-point victory.

John Fulkerson nearly tied his career-high with 11 points and Jordan Bone had a productive night with 11 points and six assists.

Here are 5 Takeaways from the high-scoring win.

Grant is Unstoppable

Grant received national praise this offseason, for a reason. He led the Vols with 24 points on 9-15 shooting, along with 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block. This was the first time in his Tennessee career that he has scored 20+ points in 3 consecutive games. Grant proved to be unstoppable on Wednesday. He consistently willed his way to rim, making it look easy. He made many aspects of his game look easy, but in reality they are extremely difficult. This is what makes him such a special player.

Tennessee Always Had an Answer

No matter what Louisville did, the Vols responded every time. While the Cardinals made shots to keep up with Tennessee's pace for the majority of the game, it was easy to see that the Vols were the better team, especially when they pulled away late in the game. Louisville shot 44% from the floor, including 39% from 3-point range. Tennessee was tested by an ACC opponent for the second consecutive game and responded with another win. Vol fans feel comfortable that Tennessee will be able to win in close games this season.

Lamonté Proved He Was Missed

Lamonté scored 13 points and also recorded 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in the 25 minutes of his season debut. As I have said before, he provides more than just a speak off the bench. His production is similar to that of a starter. Additionally, he always knocks down timely 3-pointers. When Tennessee needed him most against Louisville, he showed up.

Offensive Efficiency

It was a very nice shooting night for Tennessee. They went 54% from the field and made 8-22 shots from 3-point range. Their 64% mark (16-25) from the free throw line still needs to be improved, but this was a much better shooting night than against Georgia Tech. The Vols assisted on 22 of their made baskets. Additionally, the PB&J combo had a great game. Grant's 24 points were accompanied by 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists from Admiral Schofield.

Back-To-Back Wins Against ACC Foes

Tennessee defeated Georgia Tech on November 13, before knocking off the Cardinals after an extended break. The Yellow Jackets are not predicted to finish high in the ACC, but Louisville is looking very good thus far. No matter the case, wins against ACC teams only help Tennessee's NCAA Tournament resumé. The Vols should rack up plenty of quality wins as the season progresses and they are off to a good start.

Player of the Game: Grant Williams