December 28, 2006

Associated Press
Rivals.com College Basketball

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -Junior guard JaJuan Smith had a career-high 23 points Thursday night to lead No. 21 Tennessee to a 101-77 victory over Tennessee Tech.

The Vols (11-2), coming off a 111-105 overtime win against Texas on Dec. 23, have won seven straight.

Chris Lofton, averaging 22.5 points, added 14 points for the Vols. Ryan Childress had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Duke Crews finished with 10 points and 10 boards. It was the first time in four years the Vols had two players with double-doubles in a game.

Tennessee ran its series record to 20-1 against Tennessee Tech (5-7). Belton Rivers led the Golden Eagles with 20 points.

The Golden Eagles led 29-26 after Rivers' 3-ponter with 8:17 left in the first half. The Vols responded with a 19-0 run, taking a 45-29 lead on Lofton's layup with 4 minutes left in the half.

Tennessee led 56-38 at halftime and its lead grew to 70-44 on Crews' follow shot with 15:40 to play.

The Vols led by 21 or more the rest of the game, and Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl took out his starters in the closing minutes.

Smith made five of 10 3-pointers and Ramar Smith had 13 points for Tennessee.

Anthony Fisher added 16 points on 4-of-13 shooting and Francis Kabore had 14 points for the Golden Eagles.

For more coverage of Tennessee, visit VolQuest.com.