New Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes led Texas to NCAA tourney bids in 16 of his 17 years there.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Kevin Punter scored a career-high 31 points and put Tennessee ahead for good in the final two minutes Friday as the Volunteers outlasted UNC Asheville 82-78 to begin the latest chapter of Rick Barnes' coaching career.
Punter sank two free throws with 1:48 left to break a 72-all tie. Robert Hubbs then blocked a Will Weeks shot, triggering a fastbreak that led to Punter's layup on the other end of the floor with 1:21 remaining.