COL BKB: Tennessee 78, East Tenn. St. 66

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Tyler Smith scored 15 points to lead a balanced attack Wednesday and No. 12 Tennessee pulled out a tougher-than-expected 78-66 win over East Tennessee State.

The Volunteers (6-1) took a 26-12 lead after an 11-0 run, during which Skylar McBee and Melvin Goins made 3-pointers.

East Tennessee then went on a 19-10 surge to get back into it before halftime and the Buccaneers were trailing by only three early in the second period.

Tennessee then scored 11 of the next 13 points to inch in front.

Tommy Hubbard scored 11 for East Tennessee State (4-4), which had won its previous three games.