Wes Rucker: Why a 'Slowed Down' Ja'Kobi Gillespie Powered Tennessee's 89-66 Win Over Oklahoma
Wes Rucker examines how Tennessee's guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie appeared to "slow down" his game and help the Vols produce an efficient 89-66 victory over Oklahoma on Feb. 18, a result built on crisp offense and limited turnovers.
Gillespie's slowed-down approach and record-setting defense
Head coach Rick Barnes said he noticed that "a lot of things slowed down for him, " and that clarity for Ja'Kobi Gillespie translated into playmaking and disruptive defense. Gillespie finished the night with 16 points and made plays all over the floor, contributing eight steals — a Tennessee single-game record and tied for one of the top marks in SEC history. He also added eight assists, reading the Oklahoma defense and finding teammates in rhythm.
"I feel like I'm slowing down, trying to read the game more, " Gillespie said after the game. That mental pace-change allowed him to gamble effectively on defense while still remaining precise on offense, a balance Barnes highlighted as critical.
Turnover discipline, ball security and offensive flow
Tennessee's practice gimmick — ending a session with a popped balloon that led to sprint penalties for mistakes — seemed to carry over. The Vols finished with just seven turnovers, their second-lowest total of the season, and forced Oklahoma into 15 turnovers. The net effect was a lopsided possession battle and easier scoring chances.
The offense was as crisp as it has been all season: Tennessee shot 52. 4% from the field and totaled 22 assists, its best mark in conference play. Nate Ament tied his career high with 29 points, a performance that partnered with Gillespie's playmaking to create consistent offensive pressure. Coach Barnes emphasized the connection between taking care of the ball and maximizing possessions, noting that Tennessee's ability to limit giveaways was a critical factor in the 89-66 outcome.
Game context and the path forward
The matchup had been scheduled to tip at 7: 00 p. m. ET and the Vols delivered on that stage, scoring 45 points in the first half and maintaining momentum after the break. Tennessee's aggressive defensive stance — combined with a smarter, more patient guard play from Gillespie — helped convert turnovers into points and kept the Sooners off balance throughout the night.
Wes Rucker sees this game as an instructive example of how a steadier mental approach from key guards can unlock Tennessee's ceiling. If the team can replicate the ball security (seven turnovers) and assist-driven offense (22 assists, 52. 4% shooting) seen in this game, it gives Tennessee a clearer blueprint for sustained success in conference play.
The Vols will look to build on the elements that worked: disciplined practice habits that reduce mistakes, the emerging calm from Ja'Kobi Gillespie on both ends, and continued scoring from players like Nate Ament. That combination — frenetic defense paired with composed decision-making on offense — was the defining storyline of the 89-66 win over Oklahoma.
