Tennessee 76, Kennesaw State 67: Skylar McBee and Jordan McRae scored 14 points apiece as the host Volunteers beat the Owls in the season opener for both teams.

They were among four Volunteers who scored in double figures in the teams’ first-ever meeting. Picked to finish fourth in the SEC, Tennessee closed the first half on a 20-11 run, taking a 42-30 lead at the break.

The lead grew to 27 midway through the second half before the Owls closed strong.

McBee nailed 4 of 6 from beyond the arc after hitting 39 percent on 3-pointers last season. Forward Kenny Hall added 13 points and six rebounds, while preseason All-SEC selection Jarnell Stokes had 10 points, five assists, five steals and three blocks.

Aaron Anderson and Delbert Love led KSU with 16 points each. The Owls were coming off a 3-28 season and are picked ninth in the Atlantic Sun.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Tennessee improved to 17-5 all-time against current members of the A-Sun. … The Vols played without starting F Jeronne Maymon (knee). … KSU G Markeith Cummings, a preseason All-Conference selection, was held to five points on 2-of-8 shooting.