LSU star freshman Ben Simmons comes off bench vs. Tennessee

— -- LSU star Ben Simmons was not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Tennessee.

Tigers coach Johnny Jones told ESPN that Simmons did not start because of an academic matter and that the decision will be addressed after the game. The freshman forward entered the game with 15:30 remaining in the first half after the opening media timeout.

Jones revealed earlier this week that Simmons has been playing through a nagging finger injury on his shooting hand, but he told ESPN's Andy Katz on Friday night that Simmons' finger was fine.

Simmons, who is projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA draft, entered Saturday's game leading LSU in points (19.3), rebounds (12.0), assists (5.1) and steals (1.9) per game.

The Volunteers also were without their leading scorer, Kevin Punter, who was sidelined with a foot injury Saturday. Punter is averaging 22.2 points per game this season.

The Tigers entered Saturday with a 16-10 record, including a 9-4 mark in SEC play, and were trying to bounce back from Wednesday's loss at home to Alabama.