Vols’ Thompson welcomes move into starting lineup
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee has one of the most experienced teams in the Southeastern Conference, yet its postseason hopes now could depend in part on the progress of a freshman point guard.
Darius Thompson moved into the starting lineup Wednesday and had seven points and seven assists with only two turnovers in an 86-70 victory over Mississippi. Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin said Thompson would remain the Volunteers’ starting point guard Saturday at Alabama (9-11, 3-4 SEC).
Thompson backed up senior Antonio Barton for most of the season while making a couple of spot starts for the Vols (13-7, 4-3). After the streaky Barton shot a combined 3 of 20 in a three-game stretch that ended with a 67-41 loss at Florida, Martin changed his lineup and gave Thompson a shot.
