KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee's Yves Pons showed he's capable of offering the scoring punch he hasn't provided thus far in his career.

Pons collected a career-high 15 points with seven rebounds and three blocks Tuesday as the Volunteers opened their season by beating UNC Asheville 78-63 for their 27th consecutive home victory.

"He's a great worker," Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. "I could put him up there with anybody we've had since we've been in coaching. He works at it. He's going to do everything he can to do try to do it right, to a fault, to be honest with you."