Postmen are finally delivering

"I told you all this was going to happen, and when it did, it was going to be something,'' Chism said after the Vols' 89-85 victory over Kentucky Tuesday night at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Crews, who hadn't scored more than 10 points in a game since UT's SEC opener against Mississippi State on Jan. 7, erupted for 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting and Chism scored 16 to pace the Vols (18-8, 6-5 SEC) down low.

It's the first time both players have scored in double figures the same night in 14 games, dating back to Tennessee's 111-105 overtime victory against Texas on Dec. 23.

"I just finally relaxed and let the game come to me,'' said Crews, who entered the game averaging 6.7 points per game in SEC play. "I'd really been forcing a lot.''

UT assistant coach Jason Shay, who works with the Vols' young centers, said Crews discovered the secret that has enabled Chism to have success of late.

"Just as Wayne has learned to play more patient, Duke was finally patient,'' Shay said. "He wasn't in a hurry when he got the ball. He gathered himself and posted up stronger, and he's learning to play more physical without fouling.''

Pearl made the move to replace Crews in the starting lineup at center with Chism six games ago after Crews repeatedly ran into early foul trouble.

Since, Chism has averaged 12.5 points per game, including a 19-point outing against Florida and a defensive performance in which he and Crews combined to limit LSU's Glen "Big Baby'' Davis to five points.

Chism was named the SEC's Freshman of the Week on Monday after two more strong outings against Georgia and Vanderbilt.

"I think we can expect this out of Wayne now,'' Shay said. "He's still a freshman, and he has to be careful not to let his emotions get the best of him, but he's grown.''

Chism looked like a veteran down the stretch against Kentucky, going up high on a switch against the Wildcats' Ramel Bradley and drawing a key charge.

"I thought I could beat him to the spot, and he pushed off and I went flying,'' Chism said. "I don't think I'd have gotten that call in Rupp.''

Probably not, but just knowing how the whistles work home and away is a part of the learning experience for the young Vols.

Indeed, Ramar Smith said after his first game against the Wildcats, in which he was 4-of-12 shooting for 10 points with three turnovers, that "next time I'll know what to do.''

UT coach Bruce Pearl must have felt the same way, because it was Ramar Smith who the Vols turned to in the closing moments to generate offense with his drives to the basket. Ramar was 4-of-9 shooting with just one turnover, this time.

Quick Scout: Shay is also regarded as the Vols' top scout, and he said Saturday's game at South Carolina will be a challenge.

"South Carolina has good guards, and a veteran in Tre' Kelley who keeps the ball on the bounce, making him hard to control,'' Shay said. "Brandon Wallace is a tough match-up because he's athletic and he can run the floor. He's mobile, so that presents a challenge, and he's long enough to block shots.''

Kelley scored 18 points in the teams' first meeting, and Wallace had 15 rebounds and two blocked shots.

RPI: The Vols' RPI rating is up to No. 11 on the strength of the win over Kentucky according to RealTimeRpi.com, and UT's schedule is ranked fifth in the nation.