Mission accomplished.

After getting rung up for 89 points in an exhibition win over Tusculum last week, Tennessee knew only one thing would satisfy coach Buzz Peterson on Saturday night at Thompson-Boling Arena - getting some stops.

The Vols spotted Carson-Newman a few early baskets, then tightened the clamps. The result was a 95-59 victory in the final exhibition before the Nov. 22 season-opener against Stanford.

The offense wasn't bad either. Scooter McFadgon scored 21 points and Chris Lofton 18 to pace a torrid UT attack that shot 59.7 percent, including 66 percent (20-of-30) in the second half.

"It's coming together,'' said McFadgon. "We're getting ready for next week because we know we've got some tough opponents.''

Anybody in the Maui Invitational field qualifies as a tough opponent. It'll be a quantum leap from playing NCAA Division II teams.

"Big difference,'' said freshman guard JaJuan Smith. "This was just something to prepare us for it, but we've still got a long way to go before (Maui).''

The Vols' defense came along way from Tusculum to Carson-Newman.

The Eagles made things interesting early, sinking five of their first seven shots en route to an 11-7 lead.

Once Peterson subbed in Stanley Asumnu and Dane Bradshaw, the Vols' defense showed immediate improvement.

Bradshaw forced a quick turnover that triggered an 11-0 Tennessee run during which Carson-Newman missed its next eight shots. Asumnu converted a pair of second-chance baskets.

The Vols extended the run to 26-3. After their fast start, the Eagles tailed off to 5-of-26 from the field to arrive at 30.3 percent at the break.

The Vols continued to widen the gap, scoring on 12 of their first 13 possessions to open the second half.

It was 92-42 with 4 minutes to play. The Eagles closed with a 17-3 run after Peterson emptied his bench.

"We were more focused on the defensive end,'' said Peterson. "We gave up 38 points in 35 minutes before I started to sub a lot toward the end.''

Former Gibbs High School player Jonathan Martin led Carson-Newman with 14 points.

Eagles coach Dale Clayton has observed the UT program for years and was impressed by what he saw from the visitors' bench.

"Tennessee is much better,'' Clayton said. "They shoot better and that gives you a chance. They made the open looks they have not always made.

"They also made the looks when they were not open.''

Lofton was 7-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-4 from behind the 3-point arc. He's 13-of-18 overall and 7-of-11 on 3-pointers in the two exhibitions.

Jordan Howell didn't play, resting his sore left ankle, but another freshman guard went Lofton one better.

Smith, from McMinn County, was 4-of-4, including 3-of-3 from 3-point range, to chip in 11 points in 14 minutes.

"Everybody talks about Lofton and Howell being two freshmen who can shoot,'' said Peterson. "Smith can shoot the basketball also.

"For the coaching staff, it's not a big surprise. JaJuan has been playing like that in practice.''

It was no surprise to his teammates, either.

"The last couple of days in practice, he's been just a monster on defense and making shots,'' McFadgon said. "It showed tonight.''

In contrast to the first exhibition, the Vols made sure the post players touched the ball early. The four inside men were a combined 4-of-13 in the first half, but 9-of-12 the second. Brandon Crump's 13 points led the way.

Asumnu, on the uptick after being slowed by an ankle sprain earlier, was solid in 16 minutes. He had nine points on 4-of-5 shooting and six rebounds.

Bradshaw impacted the game without scoring a point in 17 minutes.

"Six assists, no turnovers,'' said Peterson. "Dane's going to give you effort and intensity every night out.''

The next night out will be in Maui, where the likes of Stanford, North Carolina, Texas and Louisville await.

"I think they're ready to go to Maui,'' said Peterson. "I talked to them after the game and said, 'What a great opportunity you guys have.'

"It's nice to see the scenery, but we're going out there for business.''

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strange2@knews.com