Josiah-Jordan James returns as Tennessee basketball trounces South Carolina
Josiah-Jordan James casually strolled down the court, the finishing touches placed on his much-needed return and a much-needed performance for Tennessee basketball.
The senior guard hit back-to-back 3-pointers, his third and fourth Saturday. He was back and he was great.
Led by James, Tennessee had a crisp performance after its February floundering and flattened South Carolina 85-45 at Thompson-Boling Arena.
James had a game-high 18 points for No. 13 Tennessee (21-8, 10-6 SEC). He was one of five Vols to score in double digits against South Carolina (10-19, 3-13). Zakai Zeigler had his fifth double-double with 13 points and 11 assists.
Tennessee shot 58.1% from the field and was 10-for-23 on 3-pointers. It was UT's second win by at least 40 points against South Carolina this season.
INJURIES: Julian Phillips, Tyreke Key out for Tennessee basketball vs. South Carolina
Josiah-Jordan James returns
James played for the first time since he suffered a left ankle injury at Vanderbilt on Feb. 8. He hit a 3-pointer immediately to put UT ahead 14-5. James made his first three field-goal attempts, hitting a pair of threes and a midrange jumper.
James has missed 12 games due to injury this season.
Uros Plavsic got it going
Uros Plavsic scored Tennessee's first points, spinning in the post and banking in a shot high off the glass. The senior center had it going early, scoring eight first-half points. Plavsic's role had lessened in recent games. He had played fewer than 10 minutes in four of eight games entering Saturday.
He had 10 points in 17 minutes.
Julian Phillips, Tyreke Key out injured
Julian Phillips missed his fourth straight game with a hip flexor strain. He has not played since the first half against Missouri on Feb. 11.
Tyreke Key did not play due to a right ankle injury. It was the first time Key missed a game due to injury this season. He missed UT's win at Mississippi State due to illness on Jan. 17.
Up next
Tennessee has its final home game against Arkansas on Tuesday (9 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Josiah-Jordan James returns, Tennessee basketball beats South Carolina
