The Tigers and Tennessee have played some tight games on the hardwood over the years, but not until this afternoon in Maui had the teams gone to overtime. And for good measure, they played two OT sessions.
Sophomore Antonio Barton drained a jumper with 1:14 to play in the second overtime for the final points in the 99-97 victory. After playing a marginal role in the Tigers’ first two games of the season, the younger Barton brother hit 8 of 11 shots (including four of five from three-point range) and scored 21 points to help beat UT. Will made it a family affair with a team-leading 25 points of his own and nine rebounds.
Jeronne Maymon led Tennessee with 32 points, hitting 16 of 17 from the free-throw line and a layup with 29 seconds left in regulation to force the first overtime. Maymon also pulled down 20 rebounds.
The 8th-ranked Tigers were far less dependent on the three-point shot than they were in yesterday’s loss to Michigan, taking only nine of 70 shots from behind the arc (they made six). For the game, they shot 51 percent while holding the Vols to 40 percent. Memphis was again outrebounded, though, 47-31. The Tigers’ two biggest interior players — Tarik Black and Stan Simpson — each fouled out of the game. (They combined for 12 points and four rebounds.)
Memphis freshman Adonis Thomas hit seven of 10 shots from the field and scored 19 points.
The Tigers (2-1) will finish their three-game run in Maui tomorrow when they play the winner of the Georgetown-Chaminade game at 4 p.m. (central time).
If you happened to miss today’s slugfest, mark your calendar for January 4th. The Tigers and Volunteers will play a rematch at FedExForum.
