Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl won his 400th game December 3, the same night junior Tyler Smith recorded the school’s first triple-double. Tennessee beat UNC-Asheville, 87-69.

Pearl reached the milestone after coaching only 509 games – only Adolph Rupp, Clair Bee, Jerry Tarkanian, Roy Williams and Henry Iba did it in fewer. Pearl has been a head coach for 17 seasons, four at Tennessee.

“When you’re in the middle of a season, it’s not a time to reflect on things like that,” Pearl said. “This was about (victory) No. 6 (this season).”

Smith finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, the first triple-double in 2,338 games for the Volunteers.

“It’s pretty fitting Tyler Smith was the guy to do it because he may be the most productive player I have ever coached,” Pearl said. “When you talk about most valuable players, Tyler is the glue.”