Vols Rally Falls Short as They Lose to 16th Ranked Wisconsin in Maui Invitational

LAHAINA, Hawaii — Wisconsin jumped out to a big early lead, only to see Tennessee put together two runs to take the lead.

The Badgers are a veteran team, though, and they managed to keep their calm during the Vols’ storm.

Bronson Koenig scored 21 points, Nigel Hayes had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 16 Wisconsin opened the Maui Invitational with a 74-62 win over Tennessee on Monday.

Wisconsin (3-1) built its big early lead behind good shooting and rallied after Tennessee made two runs to take the lead early in the second half. Hayes hit a couple of big 3-pointers and the Badgers pulled away late to earn a spot in the second round on Tuesday.

Wisconsin, in its third Maui Invitational, shot 56 percent and used its size advantage inside to pull down 11 more rebounds. Ethan Happ added 16 points for the Badgers.

Tennessee (1-2) trailed by 17 midway through the first half before finding its footing in Maui. The Vols had a pair of 10-0 runs yet were unable to sustain their momentum after Wisconsin answered.

Shembari Phillips led Tennessee with 16 points, and Detrick Mostella and Robert Hubbs III had 12 each.

Wisconsin fell into an 8-0 hole before pulling away from Chicago State in its last game, but it had no trouble with a slow start against Tennessee. The Badgers hit their first five shots to open the game with a 12-0 run and led by 17 at one point.

The young Vols began to take advantage of their athleticism after those early struggles, using a 10-0 run midway through to pull within 40-32 by halftime.

They kept it going to open the second half, scoring the first 10 points to take a 42-40 lead.

Tennessee used its pressure to create opportunities during both runs but didn’t have an answer when Wisconsin turned up its defensive pressure.

The Badgers took control after the Vols’ second run, pulling away as the mostly pro-Wisconsin crowd filled tiny Lahaina Civic Center with roars.