Hall, Tennessee outlast Western Carolina 66-52

Friday, December 21, 2012

photo Tennessee guard Jordan McRae (52) drives the ball as Western Carolina guard Mike Brown (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday in Knoxville.

KNOXVILLE - Jordan McRae scored 14 points Friday night as Tennessee capitalized on a big disparity at the free-throw line and defeated Western Carolina 66-52 for its 300th all-time win at Thompson-Boling Arena.

The Volunteers (7-3) are 300-104 at Thompson-Boling Arena, their home floor since the 1987-88 season.

Jarnell Stokes and Josh Richardson added 12 points each for Tennessee, while Trae Golden had 10 points. Kenny Hall had nine points and a career-high 13 rebounds.

The Vols made just three baskets in the entire first half but still led 22-18 at intermission because they played solid defense and continually got to the foul line. Tennessee was 3 of 21 overall, 0 of 7 from 3-point range and 16 of 20 from the line in the first half.

The Vols made 30 of 42 free throws, while Western Carolina was 8 of 11.

Trey Sumler scored 23 points to lead the Catamounts (4-8).