Homefield — March Madness

TennesseeNo. 6

Iowa StateNo. 2

FinalTBS

50.0%

31.8%

3PT

REB

AST

40.4%

23.8%

3PT

REB

AST

Since 1985, 2-seeds are 27-9 vs 6-seeds (75%).

Tennessee's Second Half Dismantles Iowa State

The sixth-seeded Vols knocked off second-seeded Iowa State 76-62, turning a one-point halftime lead into a 14-point final behind Felix Okpara's dominance on the offensive glass.

Felix Okpara was the difference in this game. The Tennessee center finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds -- six of them offensive -- three blocks, and a 5-of-6 shooting line in 27 minutes, repeatedly giving the Vols second and third possessions that Iowa State had no answer for.

Nate Ament did the damage from the perimeter, scoring 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting with three threes in just 22 minutes. His efficiency alongside Ja'Kobi Gillespie's 16 points -- even on a rough 7-of-17 night from Gillespie -- kept enough pressure on Iowa State's defense that the Cyclones never got comfortable.

Tennessee won the rebounding battle 43-22, grabbed 16 offensive boards, and converted them into a second half that produced 42 points against 29 for Iowa State. The Cyclones shot 40.4 percent from the field and went 5-of-21 from three, and without Mason Williams, they had no credible answer for Okpara at the rim -- Iowa State was held to zero blocks on the night as Tennessee scored freely around the basket throughout the second half.

Game Story

The Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 76-62 in a solid all-around performance.•Tamin Lipsey sparked the attack with 18 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a losing effort.•Tennessee blew the game open with a 42-29 2nd half.•Tennessee had a huge shooting edge, shooting 50.0% compared to just 40.4% for Iowa State.•Tennessee struggled with 17 turnovers while Iowa State committed just 11.•Tennessee won the rebounding battle decisively, out-rebounding Iowa State 43-22.•Iowa State got to the line 25 times, converting 15 (60%).•Tennessee's bench outscored Iowa State's 13-3.•Nate Ament also contributed 18 points.•The Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 76-62 in a solid all-around performance.•Tamin Lipsey sparked the attack with 18 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a losing effort.•Tennessee blew the game open with a 42-29 2nd half.•Tennessee had a huge shooting edge, shooting 50.0% compared to just 40.4% for Iowa State.•Tennessee struggled with 17 turnovers while Iowa State committed just 11.•Tennessee won the rebounding battle decisively, out-rebounding Iowa State 43-22.•Iowa State got to the line 25 times, converting 15 (60%).•Tennessee's bench outscored Iowa State's 13-3.•Nate Ament also contributed 18 points.•