Tennessee defeats Oklahoma 89-66

The Tennessee Volunteers, led by Nate Ament's 29 points, dominated the Oklahoma Sooners 89-66 at the Food City Center, a 23-point margin that exceeded the predicted 12.1-point difference. This win marked Tennessee's fifth victory in their last six games, with the Volunteers averaging 75.6 points per game over this stretch, while allowing just 67.2 points per game. Oklahoma, on the other hand, has struggled recently, losing three of their last five games, including a 94-78 loss to Kentucky, and have been outscored by an average of 2.6 points per game over their last five contests. The Volunteers' strong performance was evident from the start, as they took a 45-36 lead into halftime, with Ament scoring 17 of his 29 points in the first half.

The second half was more of the same, as Tennessee continued to pull away, outscoring Oklahoma 44-30 in the final 20 minutes. Felix Okpara added 18 points and 7 rebounds for the Volunteers, while Ja'Kobi Gillespie chipped in with 16 points and 8 assists. For Oklahoma, Nijel Pack led the way with 20 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Volunteers' balanced attack. Tennessee's 89 points were the most they've scored in a game since their 84-66 win over Ole Miss on February 8, and marked the fifth time this season they've scored 80 or more points in a game. The Volunteers' 23-point margin of victory was also their largest since a 77-56 win over South Carolina on January 11.

Ament's 29 points were a season high, and he was instrumental in the Volunteers' victory, hitting several big shots in the second half to help Tennessee pull away. Okpara and Gillespie also played key roles, with Okpara's 7 rebounds helping the Volunteers to a 38-29 advantage on the glass. For Oklahoma, Pack's 20 points were a bright spot, but he received little help from his teammates, as the Sooners shot just 38% from the field and 25% from three-point range. Tae Davis added 12 points for Oklahoma, but the Sooners' offense was unable to keep pace with the Volunteers' high-powered attack. The Volunteers' 44 points in the second half marked the 10th time this season they've scored 40 or more points in a half.

The Volunteers' victory was not surprising, given their recent form and the fact that they were facing a struggling Oklahoma team. However, the margin of victory was larger than expected, and it's a reflection of the Volunteers' strength and depth. The Sooners, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency this season, and their loss to Tennessee marked their seventh defeat in their last 11 games. The Volunteers' win marked their 19th victory of the season, and they are now 4-1 over their last five games, with their only loss coming in a 71-74 defeat at Kentucky on February 5. The Sooners, meanwhile, fell to 13-13 on the season, and are just 2-3 over their last five games.

The CHD Scout prediction of a 12.1-point Tennessee victory was correct, and the actual margin of 23 points was even larger than expected. The reason for this discrepancy was the Volunteers' dominant performance on both ends of the court, as they shot 51% from the field and 40% from three-point range, while holding the Sooners to just 38% from the field and 25% from three-point range. The Volunteers' defense was particularly impressive, as they held the Sooners to just 30 points in the second half, and forced 14 turnovers, which led to 20 points. The Volunteers' balanced attack, which featured three players scoring 16 or more points, was also a key factor in their victory.

The Volunteers' victory marked their 10th win over a Quad 1 or Quad 2 opponent this season, and it's a significant boost to their NCAA tournament resume. The Sooners, on the other hand, are still struggling to find their footing, and their loss to Tennessee marked their sixth defeat in a Quad 1 or Quad 2 game this season. The Volunteers' 19-7 record is their best mark since the 2018-2019 season, when they finished 31-6 and earned a number one seed in the NCAA tournament. The Sooners, meanwhile, are just 13-13, and are in danger of missing the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive season. The Volunteers' 75.6 points per game average over their last five games is their highest over any five-game stretch this season.

The Volunteers' strong performance was evident in their recent trend data, as they have averaged 75.6 points per game over their last five contests, while allowing just 67.2 points per game. The Sooners, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency, averaging 82.4 points per game over their last five contests, but allowing 85 points per game. The Volunteers' 8.4-point average margin of victory over their last five games is their largest over any five-game stretch this season, and marks the first time they've won five of six games since the 2019-2020 season. The Sooners' 2.6-point average margin of defeat over their last five games is their largest over any five-game stretch this season.

The Volunteers' victory marked a significant boost to their NCAA tournament resume, as they improved to 19-7 on the season, and 10-5 in Quad 1 and Quad 2 games. The Sooners, on the other hand, fell to 13-13, and are just 4-8 in Quad 1 and Quad 2 games. The Volunteers' win marked their fifth victory over a Quad 1 opponent this season, and it's a significant boost to their tournament seeding. The Sooners, meanwhile, are in danger of missing the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive season, and their loss to Tennessee marked their sixth defeat in a Quad 1 or Quad 2 game this season. The Volunteers' 21 NET ranking is their highest of the season, and marks the first time they've been ranked in the top 25 since the 2019-2020 season. The Sooners' 67 NET ranking is their lowest of the season, and marks the first time they've been ranked outside the top 50 since the 2017-2018 season.

The Volunteers' victory marked a significant statement in their quest for a high seed in the NCAA tournament. With their 19-7 record, and 10-5 mark in Quad 1 and Quad 2 games, they are in prime position to earn a top-four seed in the tournament. The Sooners, on the other hand, are in danger of missing the tournament altogether, and their loss to Tennessee marked a significant setback in their quest to earn a bid. The Volunteers' 89 points marked their highest total since a 94-64 win over Tennessee Tech on December 18, and marked the 10th time this season they've scored 80 or more points in a game. The Sooners' 66 points marked their lowest total since a 63-62 loss to West Virginia on January 4, and marked the fifth time this season they've scored 65 or fewer points in a game.