Blue Raiders fall to No. 7 Tennessee

KNOXVILLE - No. 7-ranked Tennessee jumped out to a 20-2 lead in the first 5:09 and never relented on its way to a 109-40 win against Middle Tennessee in front of 18,592 at Thompson-Boling Arena Tuesday.

Middle Tennessee dropped to 1-3 as its defense continued to allow opponents to shoot for a high percentage from the field. The Vols (4-0) shot 64.9 percent from the field, including 57 percent from 3-point range on its way to the easy win. The Blue Raiders are allowing opponents to shoot a combined 65 percent in their three losses this season.

Further compounding the defensive lapse against Tennessee, Middle Tennessee also turned the ball over 29 times against the smothering Vols defense and the home team turned those miscues into 38 points.

No Blue Raider managed double figures as Kevin Kanaskie led the team with nine points. Theryn Hudson added eight points and Nigel Johnson finished with seven.

JaJuan Smith had a career high 32 points on the strength of 11-of-15 shooting from the field, including 7-of-11 from beyond the 3-point arc. Chris Lofton added 17 points for Tennessee.

Tennessee never cooled off after a sizzling first half in which it shot 62.5 percent (20-of-32) and, in fact, it was actually hotter from the field in the second half when it hit 17-of-25 shots for 68 percent.

Middle Tennessee, on the other hand, struggled from the field. The Blue Raiders were 13-of-42 for 31 percent and connected on just 2-of-12 3-point field goal attempts.

The Blue Raiders will play host to Tennessee Wesleyan Friday at 7 p.m.

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