KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Nate Ament scored 18 points and had nine rebounds to lead No. 18 Tennessee to a 76-61 victory over Mercer on Monday night in the season opener for both teams

Ament, regarded as one of the top freshmen in the country, was much more efficient shooting against Mercer (6 of 11) than he was in last week's exhibition loss to Duke (5 of 19).

J.P. Estrella chipped in 12 with points and Jaylen Carey had 10 rebounds.

The Bears were led by Baraka Okojie with 15 points, Armani Mighty with 14 and Zaire Williams with 10.

Tennessee, which is coming off back-to-back Elite Eight appearances under coach Rick Barnes, struggled with possession. The Vols had 19 turnovers to just five for Mercer. Tennessee, however, made up for that by dominating the boards 54-32.

Mercer, which was 14-19

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