Where was Admiral Schofield in overtime? On the bench — where he asked to be

With literally everything on the line, Tennessee navigated through overtime with senior wing Admiral Schofield on the bench. It was a great mystery, considering Schofield’s ability to come through in clutch situations for the Vols.

Admiral was dealing with foul troubles, which kept him out of big stretches of the second half against Iowa. During that time on the bench, Schofield apparently saw something in Kyle Alexander. When Rick Barnes sent Schofield back in the game, Admiral told Barnes to keep him on the bench.

Here’s Lamonte Turner explaining things.

The biggest difference in Tennessee’s first and second halves was the production of Schofield. Admiral poured in 17 first half points, including three three-pointers that grew the Vols’ lead to as many as 25 points. Schofield was just 1-6 from the field in the second half.

He was taken out of rhythm by his foul troubles, which may have ultimately been the deciding factor in Schofield choosing to ride the bench in crunch time.

It’s tough to argue with the results, but this seems a little strange to me. Season on the line, I’m not sure I want the ball in anyone else’s hands other than Admiral Schofield.