STARKVILLE, Miss. — Tennessee coach Donnie Tyndall was fine with Detrick Mostella’s first 3-point shot. The second one — not so much.
But the freshman nailed them both and it was one of many contributions from unheralded players that helped the Volunteers beat Mississippi State 61-47 on Wednesday night in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams.
“He’s a guy who can give you an offensive burst off the bench — that’s what he does,” Tyndall said. “He’s not a guy that’s ever turned down a shot, I can promise you that.”
Kevin Punter led Tennessee with 15 points and Josh Richardson added 11. Derek Reese added eight points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
Richardson — who is one of the Volunteers’ few veterans — said he was proud to see some of the young players like Mostella step up and contribute in an SEC win.