Tennessee guard Josh Richardson (1) drives to the hoop around Santa Clara guard Denzel Johnson (20) during their game in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Nov. 27, 2014.ORLANDO, Fla. – Tennessee got 18 points apiece from Josh Richardson and Armani Moore, and took control with impressive defensive play to start the second half en route to a 64-57 win over Santa Clara Thursday in the opening round of the Orlando Classic.
Tennessee used a 14-0 run to open the second half to go up 41-30 with 11:55 left. Richardson gave the Volunteers their first lead, 32-30, since early in the game with 17 minutes remaining.
Santa Clara didn’t get its first second-half points until Jared Brownridge made a layup with 10 ½ minutes to play. Kai Healey hit a 3 in the final minute to cut the deficit to 59-55, but Broncos could get no closer.
“It was most important to start the second half right,” Tennessee coach Donnie Tyndall said. “They dug in and defensed the right way.”
Jabari McGhee added eight points and nine rebounds for Tennessee (2-1), which faced off-court distractions this week following the resignation of an assistant coach.