The No. 10 Vols basketball team opened the regular season with an 83-54 win over Austin Peay on Thursday at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Senior Tyler Smith played more than any Vol, and had 14 points, with 11 rebounds and four assists.

"We got great leadership from Tyler Smith," said UT head coach Bruce Pearl. "He was the best player on the floor. He was really excited about playing, and I think the crowd inspired him. I was really pleased with his effort, his effectiveness, and his attitude."

The story of the game was the Vols' sloppy first half, which ended with a 14-4 run by Austin Peay, and Tennessee leading with a score of 31-25.

"We missed some dunks, we missed a few wide open threes, and we didn't get to the foul line," said Pearl. "We shot 11 free throws, and only made five of them, so that's a concern that we're not getting to the line."

We got great leadership from Tyler Smith. He was the best player on the floor. Bruce Pearl, UT head coach

Despite eight first-half turnovers, with four belonging to senior Bobby Maze, Pearl insisted at halftime to keep the pressure on.

"Bruce said we should keep being aggressive," said sophomore Scotty Hopson. "That's one thing he really stresses. Take the opportunities as they come, but make the right decisions."

By the 11:36 mark in the second half, Tennessee gained separation with a 29-7 run.

Hopson and sophomore Cameron Tatum combined for seven of Tennessee's 10 three-pointers. Hopson had a team-leading 16 points, while Tatum added 15.

Freshman walk-on Skylar McBee went 0 for 4 from three-point range, but Pearl isn't worried.

"I told the freshman he choked," Pearl said with a smile. "Here's the mark of a terrific player: did he let it affect his assist-turnover ratio? No. Three assists, no turnovers. Did he let it affect his defense? No. He guarded, and he competed. He'll make those shots, trust me."

The Vols host UNC Asheville on Tuesday at 7 p.m.