COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Kennedy Chandler scored 23 points to lead No. 17 Tennessee to an 80-61 victory over Missouri on Tuesday night.
Chandler, a freshman guard averaging 13.2 points, eclipsed that average with 14 points in the first half for the Volunteers (20-7, 11-4 Southeastern Conference). The 6-foot, 172-pound Chandler was far too quick for the Tigers’ big, bulky backcourt players. He made nine of 12 shots and added eight rebounds and six assists without a turnover.
“He has learned so much about how to move without the ball,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. “He made some great cuts tonight. He’s a lethal player when he does that.”
Chandler said after he attempted an early 3-pointer, he heard Barnes’ voice in his head telling him not to settle for perimeter shots.
“Attacking is the best part of my game — attacking and getting my teammates open,” Chandler said.
Santiago Vescovi made four of six 3-pointers and scored 14 points for Tennessee, which made nine of 18 3-pointers as a team.
Tennessee’s talent barely dipped when Barnes went to his bench, as the reserves had their way with Missouri. In the first half, the Volunteers outscored the Tigers 15-3 in bench points on the way to a 36-27 lead. The Tigers went more than seven minutes without a basket early in the second half, as Tennessee opened a 21-point lead to put the game out of reach.
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