ORLANDO, Fla. (WATE) — Olivier Nkamhoua was on fire in Tennessee’s 65-52 win over Duke. The senior poured in 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting.
The Vols made their first run of the game 5:04 into the game. UT went on a 6-0 run sparked by its defense. Duke was scoreless for 3:44. Tennessee jumped ahead 13-10.
The Blue Devils adjusted and answered with a 9-0 spurt to take a 19-13 advantage, but Tennessee‘s defense remained strong. UT finished the first half with a strong 9-0 run to go into the half up 27-21.
Both teams were throwing punches in the second half. Olivier Nkamouha ended Duke’s 7-0 run with an acrobatic layup. Just as important, Duke’s Jeremy Roach picked up his fourth foul on the play.
Nkamhoua was causing Duke all sorts of problems. The senior was stretching the floor. He scored 13 straight points for the Vols to help them increase their lead to 11 with four minutes to play.
Santiago Vescovi also scored in double digits. The senior finished with 14.
Tennessee forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) during the first half of a first-round college basketball game against Louisiana in the NCAA Tournament, Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) 
Duke guard Jeremy Roach (3) is fouled by Tennessee forward Julian Phillips (2) during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Tennessee forward Jonas Aidoo (0) takes a rebound away from Duke center Dereck Lively II (1) during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Tennessee forward Julian Phillips (2) shoots as Duke guard Jacob Grandison (13) defends during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) 
Duke center Kyle Filipowski, right, drives around Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Duke guard Jeremy Roach (3) drives around the Tennessee defense during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Tennessee forward Jonas Aidoo (0) dunks as guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) and Duke center Dereck Lively II (1) and center Kyle Filipowski (30) watch during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) 
Tennessee forward Jonas Aidoo (0) and forward Tobe Awaka take a rebound away from Duke center Ryan Young (15) during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Duke guard Tyrese Proctor (5) drives around Tennessee forward Julian Phillips (2) during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Tennessee forward Jonas Aidoo (0) reacts in front of Duke center Kyle Filipowski (30) after a basket during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) battles with Duke guard Jeremy Roach (3) for the ball during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Tennessee forward Julian Phillips (2) dunks over Duke center Ryan Young (15) during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) 
Duke center Kyle Filipowski (30) sits on the bench after getting a cut under his eye during the first half of a second-round college basketball game against Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) 
Duke guard Jeremy Roach (3) reacts after getting around Tennessee forward Uros Plavsic (33) during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Duke guard Jeremy Roach (3) and Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) battle for a loose ball during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara) 
Duke center Dereck Lively II (1) blocks a shot by Tennessee forward Uros Plavsic (33) during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) 
Tennessee forward Jonas Aidoo (0) goes up for a shot in front of Duke center Ryan Young during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) 
Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) blocks Duke center Ryan Young (15) during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
UP NEXT: The Vols will play the winner of Fairleigh Dickinson and Florida Atlantic on Thursday or Friday in New York City.
