Fulkerson records 15 points, 12 boards as No. 12 Vols top Cincinnati

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — John Fulkerson had 15 points and 12 rebounds, helping No. 12 Tennessee pull away late in the second half to beat Cincinnati 65-56 Saturday.

A 3-pointer by David DeJulius put Cincinnati ahead 53-51 with 6:14 left. The 6-foot-9 Fulkerson came back with four foul shots, giving the Vols (2-0) the lead for good.

Jaden Springer added 11 for Tennessee, making five foul shots. The Vols went 25 for 30 from the line while Cincinnati went 4 for 7.

Jeremiah Davenport came off the bench to lead the Bearcats (2-2) with 14 points. DeJulius scored 11 and Tari Eason had 10.

Keith Williams, who came into the game as Cincinnati's leading scorer at over 17 points per game, was limited to six.

While the Vols struggled from the field, shooting just 32 percent, they managed to hold a 44-34 rebounding advantage. They were beaten on the boards by Colorado in their opener, 38-32.

Cincinnati big men Chris Vogt and Rapolas Ivanauskas each had three fouls by halftime.

BIG PICTURE

Cincinnati: After giving up an average of 75 points in their last two outings, the Bearcats came into Saturday's road test trying to find improvement on defense before embarking on their conference schedule.

Tennessee: Vols coach Rick Barnes is still trying to settle on a comfortable rotation that, early in the season, doesn't put too much pressure on several first-year players.

UP NEXT

Cincinnati: The Bearcats will begin their American Athletic Conference season Wednesday at home against South Florida.

Tennessee: It has been a time filled with additions and subtractions to the Vols' schedule. After five cancellations, they've gotten to 25 games and are scheduled to host Appalachian State on Tuesday.

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