Kevin Punter Jr. scored a career-high 36 points as Tennessee capitalized on sizzling 3-point shooting in the second half for a 78-69 victory over No. 24 South Carolina on Saturday.
Tennessee (10-9, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) made its first seven 3-point attempts of the second half, with Punter connecting on four. After going 1 of 9 from 3-point range in the first half, Tennessee was 9 of 12 in the second half.
Punter shot 6 of 11 from 3-point range and 14 of 15 from the free throw line. Robert Hubbs III scored 12 points and Detrick Mostella added 10 as the Volunteers beat South Carolina for the 16th time in their last 17 meetings.
South Carolina (17-2, 4-2) ended a 15-game losing streak in this series last season by winning 60-49 at Knoxville.
Michael Carrera scored 22 points, Duane Notice had 14 and Chris Silva added 11 for South Carolina.
