Rick Barnes reveals how Dalton Knecht can get going in second half vs. Texas

Defense has been the story of Saturday’s second-round matchup between Texas and Tennessee. Rick Barnes and the Rick Barnes disciple, Rodney Terry, are seeing their styles go up against one another on the sport’s biggest stage.

Heading in, many would have thought Dalton Knecht would be the tiebreaker due to his impressive offensive ability. But he has been slow out of the gates with just four points in the first half. Knecht is one of eight from the field and has yet to make a three-pointer.

Barnes revealed how Knecht can get going in the final 20 minutes, telling his star player to slow down. Other Vol players can help the cause too but if Knecht stops forcing his shot, Barnes likes his chances moving forward.

“Our defense has been good and their defense is good too,” Barnes said when speaking to CBS’ Allie LaForce before halftime. “There are not a lot of easy shots to be had out there. He’s just got to slow down. He doesn’t have to force anything. He’s got to rely on his teammates to help him but he’s got to do his part too to come off, ready to catch and score.”

You can watch the tournament live on Prime Video, add on your favorite channels and watch at home or on your phone and laptop at work!

As a team, Tennessee shot 28.6% from the field. Zakai Zeigler is around the same as Knecht from a personal standpoint, making one of his seven shot attempts. However, it did come from deep and put three on the board for the Volunteers.

Luckily, Texas is struggling on the offensive end too. Max Abmas cannot get a bucket, while Dylan Disu has been more active from outside than down low. Terry will want to clam his own star players down at the break and have them grow into the game a little more.

Tennessee has not made back-to-back Sweet Sixteen appearances since 2007 and 2008 when Bruce Pearl was in charge of the program. The Vols have an opportunity to break that drought but will need a big second half against Texas.

Getting Knecht going is usually the answer to any kind of problems they have on the offensive end. Barnes knows what the message will be in the halftime locker room. Slowly breaking down a solid Texas defensive team will come from a more composed superstar.