Kevin Punter Pumps in 31 Points as Tennessee Beats UNC Asheville
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Kevin Punter scored a career-high 31 points and put Tennessee ahead for good in the final two minutes Friday as the Volunteers outlasted UNC Asheville 82-78 to begin the latest chapter of Rick Barnes’ coaching career.
Punter sank two free throws with 1:48 left to break a 72-all tie. Robert Hubbs then blocked a Will Weeks shot, triggering a fastbreak that led to Punter’s layup on the other end of the floor with 1:21 remaining.
Hubbs landed awkwardly after making the block and was on the floor for a few minutes before being helped to midcourt and carried to the locker room.
Barnes, who now has 605 career wins, made his Tennessee debut and became the Volunteers’ third coach in as many seasons. Barnes was fired by Texas in March despite earning 16 NCAA Tournament bids in 17 seasons there.
(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Leave a Reply