The #1/2 Vols defeat West Georgia in the middle of the week thanks to Crabtree and Fischer.

In a game that had all the excitement and intensity of a high-stakes matchup, the #1/2 Tennessee Volunteers extended their dominance this season with a decisive victory over West Georgia. The Vols, who have been nearly unbeatable all year, powered their way to a win thanks to stellar performances from two of their key players: sophomore guard Tyler Crabtree and junior forward Jalen Fischer. Their outstanding individual efforts proved to be the difference in a game that was closer than many expected but ended with a resounding Tennessee win.

The victory, which took place on a Wednesday evening in front of a packed Thompson-Boling Arena, served as another reminder of why the Vols are considered the team to beat this season. Although West Georgia played hard and kept the game competitive, Tennessee’s superior depth, talent, and clutch play from Crabtree and Fischer ultimately carried them to a win.

A Competitive Start: West Georgia Makes a Statement

On paper, Tennessee was the heavy favorite going into the game. As the #1-ranked team in the country, the Vols have been virtually unstoppable throughout the season, boasting an undefeated record in conference play. West Georgia, on the other hand, was an underdog— a team with a solid record but not nearly as much national recognition.

Despite the disparity in rankings, the Wolves came out with a chip on their shoulder and made their presence known from the opening tip. West Georgia’s aggressive defense and sharp shooting in the early stages had Tennessee fans on edge. The Wolves’ head coach, Marcus Strickland, implemented a stifling 2-3 zone defense that forced the Vols into contested shots and limited their fast-break opportunities. It wasn’t long before the Vols found themselves in an unexpected battle as West Georgia’s offense, led by guard Eric Lawson, was on fire early. Lawson’s ability to score both inside and outside the arc kept Tennessee’s defense on its toes, and he had the game tied at 15 midway through the first half.

While West Georgia’s play was impressive, Tennessee’s coaching staff, led by head coach Rick Barnes, made quick adjustments. The Vols began to find gaps in the zone defense, and that’s when the combination of Crabtree and Fischer really began to shine.

Crabtree: The Rising Star

For Tyler Crabtree, a sophomore guard with a reputation for his smooth shooting stroke and fearless playmaking, this game was an opportunity to further cement his status as one of the best guards in college basketball. Throughout the season, Crabtree had already earned plenty of accolades, but it was performances like this that truly showcased his growth.

Crabtree, who had been a bit quiet early in the first half, exploded midway through the game. He began to find his rhythm from beyond the arc, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers that gave Tennessee a much-needed boost. His ability to space the floor and make defenders respect his shot opened up lanes for the rest of the team. Not only did Crabtree show off his shooting range, but he also displayed a maturity beyond his years when running the offense. His decision-making and ability to find the open man were key in Tennessee’s offensive flow.

By the end of the first half, Crabtree had racked up 15 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds, leading Tennessee to a 42-34 advantage at the break. His scoring runs were instrumental in pushing Tennessee ahead, but it was his unselfish play that stood out most. Crabtree’s ability to orchestrate the offense helped set up several easy looks for his teammates, especially for Fischer, who was beginning to assert his dominance inside.

Fischer: The Physical Force

While Crabtree was lighting up the scoreboard from the outside, Jalen Fischer was dominating the paint. Fischer, a 6’9” junior forward, has become known for his physicality and rebounding ability. In a game where West Georgia was fighting tooth and nail, Fischer’s strength and post presence proved to be an insurmountable challenge.

In the first half, Fischer was already showing his prowess, finishing several alley-oops and put-back dunks that had the crowd roaring. But as the game wore on, Fischer took his play to another level. West Georgia’s defense struggled to contain him in the low post, as Fischer used his size and footwork to seal off defenders and finish at the rim. As the game neared the final stretch, Fischer started to pull down rebound after rebound, earning Tennessee second-chance opportunities and controlling the tempo of the game.

Fischer’s dominance wasn’t just limited to scoring; his rebounding on both ends of the court was crucial. He finished the game with a double-double— 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks— and was a constant presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. His ability to dominate in the low post gave Tennessee the edge it needed, as West Georgia simply had no answer for his physicality.

The Turning Point

As the second half progressed, West Georgia began to show signs of fatigue. Despite playing with great intensity and fighting hard, the Wolves’ defense was slowly wearing down, especially in the face of the relentless scoring from Crabtree and Fischer. The Vols went on a key 12-2 run midway through the second half, with Fischer scoring 6 points in the paint and Crabtree adding a couple of triples to give Tennessee a commanding 68-54 lead.

West Georgia, to their credit, didn’t go down without a fight. Lawson continued to shoot the ball well, finishing the game with 18 points, and his backcourt mate Darnell McClain contributed with 10 points and 4 assists. However, the Wolves’ offense stalled as Tennessee’s defense locked down, with Fischer and Zakai Zeigler controlling the boards and preventing any easy second-chance opportunities. The Vols’ depth was too much for West Georgia to overcome, as their role players— notably Jonas Aidoo and Santiago Vescovi— contributed important minutes, helping to secure the win.

Key Takeaways from the Game

1. Crabtree’s Continued Growth: Tyler Crabtree’s performance against West Georgia was a glimpse of just how special he could become. While he had already been a key contributor for Tennessee, this game showed his ability to be a game-changer when the team needed him most. His shooting and playmaking abilities were on full display, and he’s beginning to take on more of a leadership role for the Vols.
2. Fischer’s Dominance: Jalen Fischer is one of the best big men in college basketball, and his performance against West Georgia only reinforced that. His combination of physicality, rebounding, and scoring ability make him a matchup nightmare for any team. As the season progresses, Fischer will be one of the most important players for Tennessee, especially in high-pressure games.
3. Depth is Key: Tennessee’s depth was a key factor in their victory. While Crabtree and Fischer stole the spotlight, players like Vescovi, Zeigler, and Aidoo contributed in critical moments. This depth will be crucial as the Vols head into the postseason, where every player needs to step up.
4. West Georgia’s Fight: Despite the loss, West Georgia played an impressive game. They came in with a solid game plan, executed it well for a good portion of the game, and made Tennessee work for the win. Their performance showed that they could compete against top-tier teams, and they will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in their own conference.

 A Strong Win for Tennessee

The victory over West Georgia may not have been as smooth as some would have expected, but it served as another statement of just how dangerous this Tennessee team is. With Tyler Crabtree and Jalen Fischer playing at an elite level, the Vols proved that they can rely on their stars when it matters most. As the season marches on and postseason play looms closer, this mid-week win will go down as an important stepping stone on their path to possibly claiming the national title. If Crabtree and Fischer continue to perform at this level, Tennessee will be a hard team to beat in March.

This article dives deep into the Vols’ win over West Georgia, highlighting the individual performances of Crabtree and Fischer, and the team’s overall depth. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!