Rick Barnes didn’t expect Syracuse guard Nate Kingz to score 19 points in the first half against the Tennessee basketball team.
But there was a lot going on in the game and against the No. 13 Vols (7-2) in a 62-60 loss to Syracuse (5-3) on Dec. 2 at the JMA Wireless Dome, the Vols coach said.
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Tennessee’s three starters, including Nate Ament, had their worst performances of the season and included numerous issues. Here are three concerns that come with loss:
Felix Okpala and Cade Phillips struggled as Tennessee’s starting forwards
As the season progresses, Tennessee may find more uses for its interior tandem of Dwayne Brown and Jaylen Carey. But it’s seeing more of those pairings, in part because of the major struggles of Felix Okpala and Cade Phillips.
The starting forward played 34 minutes and made 1 of 7 shots, totaling 2 points, 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers. Okpala’s dunk was blocked and the offense under the basket was ineffective. Phillips’ only shot was a turnaround baseline jumper, but he missed badly. The two also struggled in UT’s last game against Kansas.
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Carey dominated UT’s offense, scoring a career-high 22 points. Brown scored four points in the second half to start a comeback, and Carey later helped the team take the lead with a post-up score.
J.P. Estrella missed the game against Kansas with a right ankle injury.
Tennessee’s turnover monster strikes again
Tennessee has had turnover issues through its first five games. The team has scored at least 11 points in every game, including 17 against Tennessee State and 19 against Mercer.
The Vols addressed those issues during the player-era season, playing only nine games against Houston and seven against Kansas, but they scored 17 against Syracuse.
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“Some of the turnovers we had were ridiculous,” Barnes said.
Ament was the biggest culprit of the turnovers. He averaged no more than three turnovers per game this season, but committed seven. He committed consecutive turnovers in the final four minutes and his only 3-pointer gave Tennessee a one-point lead.
Syracuse scored 24 points off UT’s turnovers.
Tennessee’s linebacker rotation is dwindling rapidly
Barnes said Tennessee’s “backs didn’t play very well.” Specifically, the backup defenders are brutal.
Ethan Burg is unavailable and has been on a downward trend since the schedule wrapped up when UT attended the Players Era Festival. The first half was extended by Amari Evans due to fouls by Bishop Boswell and Gillespie. He struggled. Troy Henderson played just two minutes.
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Amaree Abram hit a pair of 3-pointers and played important minutes in the second half to help Tennessee tie the game in the second half. But he’s the only backup guard who’s proven he can provide consistent performance.
As Tennessee’s schedule becomes more intense, the linebacker rotation is rapidly diminishing. It’s a fringe trio, with Gillespie, Boswell and Abram joining Amen at the two primary guard spots.
Mike Wilson Covering University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @Author: Mike Wilson. If you like Mike’s coverage, Consider a digital subscription This will allow you to access everything.
This article originally appeared in the Knoxville News-Sentinel: Concerns after Tennessee basketball loss to Syracuse