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2 months ago: Tennessee's Scotty Hopson shoots for three points during the first half of a NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina-Asheville Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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In what may as well have been an exhibition game, the Tennessee Volunteers jumped out to a quick 20-0 lead and never flinched, cruising to a spectacular victory.  The game was a complete mismatch, and the Volunteer defense absolutely suffocated the UNC-Asheville Bulldogs, who only made 2 field goals in the entire first half - and the first one after 17 minutes of basketball.

The Vols played fast and furious for the entire game, constantly passing on offense to open opportunities and flat out running up and down the court in transition.  In any questions had existed about early season conditioning (which they didn't), those questions were laid to rest.  The team never shown any signs of fatigue, and the aggressive man defense kept Asheville at bay until the scout team players were finally entered into the game.

Scotty Hopson continued his early hot streak, leading all Vols with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.  Six Vols ended in double figures:  Scotty Hopson, Bobby Maze, Cameron Tatum, Wayne Chism, Melvin Goins, and even Renaldo Woolridge, who was not a part of Pearl's "ten".  Tennessee was actually outrebounded 42-41, though most of Asheville's rebounds came well after the game was decided.  Tennessee lead in assists (34 to 7), steals (13 to 9), blocks (5 to 3), and had fewer turnovers (12 to 29).  The Vols also shot 60% from the floor, 55% from three, and 76% from the free throw line.  It was a complete game by a team that played harder and faster than at any point last year.  With two solid performances in their belt, the Volunteers appear to have the potential for a very bright season and should be strong competitors in the SEC.