Texas wins the turnover battle
Texas showed early signs of life in the first half, forcing Tennessee's offense into double-digit turnovers within the game's first 18 minutes. In the first half alone, Tennessee had 10 turnovers, which resulted in 13 points off turnovers for the Longhorns.
The Longhorns took advantage of the ability to get out and run in transition, thanks to the early Tennessee turnovers in the first half, to build a lead three separate times before halftime.
Kaluma and senior guard Tramon Mark were active on the defensive end to set the tone in the first half for the Longhorns. Kaluma and Mark combined for three steals and two blocks in the first half, resulting in a couple of baskets going the opposite way for the Longhorns' on the offensive end.
As a team, Texas registered a season-high (in SEC play) of seven steals against the Vols.
Winning the turnover battle kept Texas within striking distance of Tennessee late into the second half. If the Longhorns can start being more effective on the glass in the frontcourt, this team will be primed to make a good run in SEC play over the next few weeks, with two straight games on the road against ranked opponents.