HONOLULU - The 2023 Allstate Maui Invitational tipped off Monday with an ACC - SEC battle between the No. 8 Tennessee Volunteers (USA Today Coaches Poll) and Syracuse Orange.

Tennessee's experienced lineup and defense propelled head coach Rick Barnes' group to the victory. The Volunteers limited Syracuse to just 35% shooting (21-60), and overcame an eight-point deficit halfway through the first half (19-11).
 
The game started as a back-and-forth defensive battle between the two programs, with SU shooting 32.4% (11-34) and UT going 28.4% (8-28) from the floor in the first half. Guard Dalton Knecht led all scorers with 15 points. The Vols went on a 9-1 run to end the half and led 30-25 after 20 minutes.
 
Tennessee enforced its will in the second half, dominating both ends of the floor and closing the game on a 12-0 run in the last 2:48. Knecht led all scorers with 17 points.
 
The Vols will face the winner of Purdue and Gonzaga for a spot in the championship. Their next game will be Tuesday at 3 p.m. HT / 8 p.m. ET. 
 
Box Score | Tennessee Quotes | Syracuse Quotes