Photo by Mark Weber
Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl screams at his team during first half action against Memphis.
Tennessee Men's Basketball
MEMPHIS - You could call the Tennessee defensive scheme that gave Memphis the blues Saturday night "The Perfect 10.''
The Vols' ability to execute coach Bruce Pearl's plan will lead to the school's first No. 1 ranking ever this afternoon when the top 25 polls come out.
"We're not celebrating anything, and we're not going to,'' Pearl said. "Our fans met us last night when we returned and we appreciate that.''
More than 500 staged a spontaneous celebration at 2:30 a.m. Sunday at Thompson-Boling Arena when the Vols got back from their 66-62 win.
"It was nice,'' Pearl said, "but we came to practice today (Sunday), watched film on Vanderbilt, and we moved on.''
Tennessee (25-2, 11-1 SEC) plays the Commodores (23-4, 8-4) in Nashville at 9 p.m. (TV: ESPN) Tuesday.
But before the Vols' fan base moves on, it's worth a closer look at how UT tamed the previously unbeaten Tigers.
Pearl said the Vols' philosophy was the same as it had been in the past two meetings with the Tigers.
"If you allow them to get to the rim, they are going to beat you,'' Pearl said. "They run a very unique offense that requires a unique defensive game plan.''
So the Vols' employed a collapsing man-to-man defense in limiting Memphis (26-1) to eight baskets in the paint, a season-low 27 second-half points, and as far as anyone can remember, no dunks.
"We call that our '10' defense,'' said UT assistant Jason Shay, who did the scouting report on No. 1-ranked and previously unbeaten Memphis. "You get in the gaps and shrink the court.''
Associate head coach Tony Jones gave his take on the 10.
"It's a packed-in man defense,'' Jones said. "We use backside help to deter drives to the basket.''
The result was the Tigers settling for shots on the perimeter. Early on, Memphis was rolling, hitting seven of its first 11 attempts from beyond the 3-point arc.
Pearl told his team at halftime the Tigers couldn't keep hitting at that clip - and they didn't - making only one of their final 16 treys, none in the second half.
"We'll be fine,'' Pearl calmly told UT athletic director Mike Hamilton after he came out of the locker room for the second half. "We're trying to be patient on offense; we just need to make plays.''
The Vols' offense did just that, with Tyler Smith, Wayne Chism and J.P. Prince hitting clutch baskets along the way.
In the meantime, Memphis coach John Calipari could not solve UT's amoeba-like defense.
"It acted like a zone, because you have to have more than one guy guarding the ball,'' Pearl said. "You let (Derrick) Rose or (Chris) Douglas-Roberts take it one-on-one, you don't have a chance.''
Rose found a soft spot in the scheme, and nailed four jumpers in the baseline area in the second half.
But most importantly, the Tigers failed to penetrate with dribble-drives and get a dunk that would have ignited a fading FedExForum crowd.
"That's what we meant when we talked about building a wall,'' Pearl said. "You just have to really rally to the ball when they try to penetrate.''
UT All-American Chris Lofton said it wasn't the first time the Vols had used the 10.
"We kind of used it against Auburn, with them spreading the floor, and it worked out well for us,'' Lofton said. "There were pretty much three people guarding the ball.''
Late Night With Wayne: West Tennessee products J.P. Prince and Wayne Chism roomed together on the Memphis trip.
"We laid in our beds and sat up talking about the game (Friday night),'' Chism said. "We said we couldn't leave this town with people saying we hadn't done anything.
"Well, me and J.P. were pretty much silent in the first half, so in the second half we knew we had to show up.''
Prince, from Memphis, had all 13 of his points in the second half and five of his eight rebounds.
Chism, from Bolivar, hit two key 3-pointers in the second half and blocked a Joey Dorsey shot.
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Comments » 54
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
wayne is kind of like one of us, except he is huge, black, and has talent.
okay, that was stupid. seriously, Wayne seems like a funny, great kid who loves playing. People get down on him, but, IMHO, he does a pretty good job against some MEAN dudes.
We really need him playing well down the stretch.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Great job, fellas! Keep it up--one game at a time.
It's always nice to beat Calipari. He only wins if he has more talent. If he faces a more-talented team than his, he always loses; and if he faces an equally talented team as his, then he'll get outcoached.
No question: Bruce Pearl outcoached Calipari that game, as Pearl does in virtually all of his games.
Hang in there, Vols. You're doing great and have made us all proud.
GerryOP writes:
Bruce Pearl is the new "King of The Hill."
vol52 writes:
A great win! The VOLS have worked their way to the top but the wind blows hard on the top the pole. Take em one at a time. This team is getting better and working like a team. Beat vany!
murrayvol writes:
I've been a Wayne Chism convert for awhile now. He's living proof you can give it everything you've got and still have a smile on your face. It is still a game.......isn't it?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
The swollen (rightfully so) Orange balloon heads to Nashberg with Shan Foster & Co waiting with needles in their hands. Show them Vols why you're # 1.
Rebound, steals must offset their FT shooting game plan.
steve#413367 writes:
The win Saturday was great, but will mean nothing if we lose to Vanderbilt. Lose Tuesday and the Memphis game is just a memory. This is an excellent basketball team, but if reaching # 1 is as far as it gets this yar, only to lose Tuesday or do poorly in the NCAAs, then it's not enough. Really good, but not enough. You only put great teams like these together every so often, so to miss this opportunity this year would be a horrible waste. There are miles to go in '08. Let's not lose sight of the real prize.
steve#413367 writes:
The win Saturday was great, but will mean nothing if we lose to Vanderbilt. Lose Tuesday and the Memphis game is just a memory. This is an excellent basketball team, but if reaching # 1 is as far as it gets, only to lose Tuesday or do poorly in the NCAAs, then it's not enough. Really good, but not enough. You only put great teams like these together every so often, so to miss this opportunity this year would be a horrible waste. There are miles to go in '08. Let's not lose sight of the real prize.
dirtdobber1 writes:
maybe people will now shut the hell up about Chism taking 3's!
let em fly WAYNE!
jweaver3#395614 writes:
Does anyone else get the feeling Tyler could take over the game at anytime but is too unselfish???
Next year without C-Lo and JuJuan I think Tyler will really show his offensive side!!! He is such a team player and will do whatever Coach Pearl needs from him.
GO VOLS
SLAM THE DORES!!!!!
TXVOLSFAN
dirtdobber1 writes:
Anybody know if Teddie Valentine is calling the game tomorrow night? I hope not.
dirtdobber1 writes:
jweaver3- i agree with you...I just hope he (tyler)comes back next year.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
55 Vol 8:14 Priceless- This codger never thought he'd see the day when GerryOP and "Koolaide" appeared in the same post. Donkeys have flown. LOL
GerryOP, you're image is slipping badly, son, badly.
GerryOP writes:
pdhuff - 8:49 AM: Zounds! Gadzooks Batman! Me, accused of being an OKAD? 55_Vol, bite your tongue my man! Besmirching my carefully nurtured tarnished image could cause you serious harm. Beg my forgiveness afor you be smitten with a bolt from the blue! Keep your eye on the sky for a Piper Cherokee carrying Hellfire missiles! (Besides, it was the basketVol flavor. I mix it with my Metamucil every morning!)
DSaVol writes:
Now that most of the euphoria has worn off a couple of things come to mind.
1. Memphis was getting 100% of the 1st place poll votes last week. I would bet just about anything that the Vols won't get them all today. There is still a large contingent of media (and coaches) out there that think this team is "not that good." They're a "yeah, but..." team. Winning yeah, but can't rebound. Explosive offense yeah but can't shoot free throws. Headed for SEC championship yeah but the league is down. blah blah blah....This team needs to keep a chip on it's shoulder cause there is still a lot of respect to be earned.
2. Vandy - I don't believe this game will be all that close. One thing this team has done is learn. The KY letdown will come into play tomorrow night cause they know what can happen if they don't show up energized. BP was also preaching all last week that Vandy is the more important game. This team understands they haven't achieved anything of value yet and BP will keep them hungry IMO.
3. I wonder what the fan reaction will be if this team doesn't make the Final 4 and for some, win it all? I don't think many people realize just what it takes and how lucky a team has to be to get all the way to the ring. Yeah we're as good as anybody out there but as we all know "on any given day" it doesn't take but one play to have it all come crashing down. I guess time will tell.
gobigo00 writes:
Fantasic Game! This is a team that has the stones to go all the way. Way to pick each other up when it counts! Looked like they had 2 or 3 guys on Lofton all night. Keep it up!
GerryOP writes:
Hey DSaVol, welcome back!
1. It would be nice to be #1, but is does not matter -- today. We still beat Memphis! The polls should be close.
2. Agreed. I will be surprised if we lose to Vandy ... or KY ... or FL. Pearl will have them ready.
3. "One and done" is always a phooey shoot. If we don't make F4 or NC, there will be plenty of room on the bandwagon.
dlobh writes:
justice: "the shot Tyler Smith made with 1;20 left when we were down by three was the BEST SHOT given all the factors you can attribute, in those 44 years. Given the score, the situation, the pressure, the defense, difficulty of the shot, and he was fouled about 4 times, WHAT A SHOT, I think all things considered it was better than the King shot at Kentucky when he was falling down".
The King shot was a better individual shot (I was there - the Cat fans HATED Bernard King), but Tyler's shot might have been at a slightly bigger time, though not much. Any shot to beat a top 5 KY team in Rupp is great, too!
BTW, the ESPN talk shows yesterday and Mike and Mike this morning were saying that Memphis LOST the game at the free throw line - no credit to the Vols. I guess going into an extremely hostile environment, beating the #1 team with a coach crying constantly to the refs, making the shots and the free throws to WIN means absolutely nothing. WE'RE # 1!!!
TommyJack writes:
Marc: Hard to rate the G-gun as it was almost always holstered.
GerryOP; Remove the orange Oakleys, dude. lol
PD: Monday, blip day. Nothing on the radar?
GerryOP writes:
Bad weekend Marc? Sorry.
Yes, Marc, I care. It was a great victory and celebration is allowed. I am not Bruce Pearl, I am not on the team, and I am sure they got focused on tomorrow yesterday. In the meantime, basketVol fans can celebrate and rejoice. That's our job as fans!
doverton#635371 (Inactive) writes:
Great job guys. I'm so glad we beat the Tigers. Maybe now all the Tiger faithful will realize that all those "streaks" that were shot down Saturday night by the Vols were all against much weaker teams and a weak conference.Get you some of the SEC Babeee.Calipari out coached again !! Congrats on being #1,but let's stay focused, keep our poise and take care of business this week against Vandy and Ky. My money is on Coach Pearl and the Vols!! Let's get that SEC Championship.
Go Vols !!!!!
GerryOP writes:
TJ, no man, gotta leave 'em on! Got a big U in the middle of the right lense and a big T in the middle of the left lense! Celebrate, man, celebrate!
But I am fueling up the Ol' Cherokee. Can't let that 55_Vol guy get away with calling me an OKAD! "Hellfires armed! Contact! Cherokee N7510W requesting clearance for takeoff on runway 180R. Search and destroy. Wish me Godspeed boys!"
volntx writes:
Tyler Smith is the go-to-guy! He can get his shot off the dribble when needed. But he is not a selfish player,a lot of assists for a power forward per game. The most impressive part of his game is the hustle and "nose" for the ball. He seems to have a hand in on every rebound or loose ball.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
vandy, vandy, vandy, vandy.....
if anyone knows these writers, please get them to put up a Vandy headline or 2 on this site.
Hell, guys, Mem is done and gone. I also don't like the 'Vols NO. 1' that will pop on here.
As fans, as a team, we need to be focused on Vandy.
vandy, vandy, vandy....
GerryOP writes:
Marc, your retraction is accepted! Be well! ;>}
MOOREVOLS writes:
I was fortunate enough to be at the Memphis game Saturday night. Probably the best college game I've ever been to, because it was #1 vs #2, because of all the hype Memphis put into it, because of how cocky Memphis was before and after the game, because it was a road game and mostly because Tennessee won and will be #1. But, I sure hope the Big Orange is as pumped and ready to play Tuesday. Vandy is a very big game.
EDis4UT writes:
It is going to be interesting to go straight from a big road in-state win against (then the No.1 team) to another in-state SEC rivalry game on the road. Vandy, is #14 in the polls and undefeated at home, and will playing with one day less rest. A lot of emotion to deal with for this team.
Keep them loose Bruce!
MOOREVOLS writes:
I was proud of the Tennessee fans at the Memphis game. There were at least 1500 to 1600 fans there. Most were in the upper deck, but they were there. Hopefully there will be many more at Vandy to cheer on the Big Orange.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I agree with DSaVol and dlobh. Media guys have a tendency to try to pigeonhole a team with a few catch-phrases which they mindlessly repeat, almost no matter what contrary evidence arises. For example, they all "know" that: 1) UT can't win if Chris Lofton doesn't have a big night; 2) UT can't win if they don't turn opponents over; 3) UT is soft inside; and 4) UT can't win a slow-down game against a good opponent. Game results to the contrary just show that we are "lucky", that our opponents didn't play up to their potential, and the ever-popular "SEC is weak this year" excuse. The fact we might have had something to do with those results doesn't enter their heads. Believe me, we will be cutting down the nets in San Antonio before some of these guys admit they were wrong. Even then, some will still see us as "lucky", "peaking at the right time", and beneficiaries of opponents who "lost" games rather than us "winning" them. Guys who get paid to put their opinions out to the whole world just CAN'T be wrong, you see--their jobs depend on being "right", or at least able to spin it that they were(;-P)!
james#216392 writes:
DOn't be susrpirsed if the Vols are still # 2. Memphis might still be 1. If th4 Vols were KY or North Carolina or Duke or Knasas, they would be 1 but they are not.
MOOREVOLS writes:
marc_ash
Why can't you wear orange? Someone won't let you wear orange to the game or you aren't going to the game? Just curious.
MOOREVOLS writes:
I don't think Memphis could possibly be #1. North Carolina or Kansas, maybe, but not Memphis.
GerryOP writes:
For those who do not want to hear this, do not read beyond here!
#1 in ESPN/USA Today Poll. Unanimous!
FatherVol writes:
Have our writers gone on hiatus? Why are we reading articles from the Memphis paper? I pay a subscription to receive that rag every morning, which had NO mention of Tennessee outside its articles about Memphis that we get stuck with here. C'mon guys, earn a living!
Volchaz writes:
I'll be at the game tomorrow too, marc_ash...Memorial magic is real, and should make for a dandy of a game. This will give us the outright State title, right? :)
Vandy has had this one marked on their calendar, and we have two days to plan? This game is huge. Their big Aussie was non-existent in the first game, hopefully more of the same tomorrow night. GV
98reax writes:
Turn Memorial gym into Knox South as the ladies do. Get really loud, play that same "10 defense" against the 'commodes' as we played against Memphis, kidnap that little soul singing, 3-point shooting guard and keep the aussie off the boards. That's my game plan for the Vandy game.
FatherVol writes:
Just saw that, Gerry. The Tiger fans are already saying they have been ripped off by falling to third. Let's not pull a Tiger Drop and lose our very first game after achieving #1 for the first time like Memphis did in thw 80's. GO VOLS. Beat Vandy!
newtonrail writes:
The sky is falling. I can't believe I agree with most of DSaVol said. I do disagree with the implication that we fans will Dis the Vols if they fail to reach the Final Four. I would like to see them at least reach the Elite Eight after winning SEC Tourney. However, the NCAA is all about match ups. They can be good or bad for us..
Colliervol writes:
UT #1 in both polls (and as DSA said, not unanimous). Interesting that North Carolina is #2 in the coaches poll and Memphis stayed at #2 in the writer's poll.
DSaVol writes:
Well I'm glad I didn't have to bet on it cause they damned sure did make it a unanimous! Anyway, I'm not gonna get in a pissin' contest with those that want to take a contra view but....
Winning the Memphis game and getting to #1 at this point is huge for several reasons:
1. It opens up alot more recruiting doors of guys that may not have even been willing to listen before. It's not easy to convince kids you can win a national title if you've never been to an Elite Eight or been ranked #1. A whole new degree of credibility is now on the table.
2. Immediately it may sway guys like Scotty Hopson who is a much needed addition for next year. As for recruiting Memphis - who cares? IF we get one top player every couple years out of there it would be good but BP has already PROVEN he can go anywhere in the country and get players, i.e. Renaldo Woolridge from LA, Crews from VA, Ramar from Detroit.
3. Yes Vandy is probably a MORE important game due to conference title implications but to say or act like Memphis was just another game is pretty ridiculous. We ALL want to be #1 on April 7th obviously and would trade today for that date in a heartbeat but there is no logic in trying to discount what this team has achieved to this point and what it means for the future being #1 TODAY! Not that I don't think we can, but the odds are against us winning it all folks so in the interest of BUILDING A PROGRAM (as opposed to having a "lightening in a bottle" season) every MAJOR achievement along the way is important. BP might say all the right coachspeak things in the media but you might be shocked to hear what's said in private about this climb and Saturday night in particular.
4. The Memphis win (assuming we finish the remaining business) is the difference between being THE #1 seed and just another 1 or 2 seed. THAT can have a MAJOR impact on match-ups which of course can be the difference in getting to San Antonio.
newtonrail - this just proves that BP is the ultimate uniter!!! If he can bring the two of us to the same page just think what he could do for Iraq, Iran, Russia, etc.. BP FOR PREZ!! YES HE CAN!! LMAO!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Talking about great shots, didn't the Vols have someone sling in a 40-fter vs Ga Tech to win in Atl? Some years ago, I believe.
And what is this out of Bama and Satan trying to move up in the Fulmer Cup? Strange, we may have to crack it up. Hope not.
Beat Vandy.
Basketball_Jones writes:
Great points DSA.....One thing about this win that bothered me though, why did Dorsey and Dozier run and hide from the media after the game. All that jawing and trash talking then nether one of them show up and they run and hide. Coach Cal was basically them same way, he dissed Pearl and this team all week and basically was biting his tongue in the press conference. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Hope we see them again in March, on a neutrl court we win by 10+
murrayvol writes:
Ah yes, recruiting that flows from the perception that your program really is for real. That's what makes the win in Memphis so special. Pearl will be in the house w/guys now that wouldn't have returned his calls 2 years ago.
Obviously I don't know if this team will win the NC or even make it to San Antonio. Way too many variables for me to comprehend. One thing I do know is it won't be for lack of effort or preparation.
murrayvol writes:
heels_fan: Ponder for a moment, and you'll know why they hit the silk. They got outplayed, outcoached, outhustled, and the trump stat in their world outtoughed. The Vols would've been disappointed if they'd lost this game. The Tigers were devastated. It'll be interesting to see how they respond.
How sweet it was to watch Dorsey get in J.P,'s face and then have to watch him nail both free throws.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Smite Vanderbush, mightily.
Let Bama have the Fulmer Cup.
Doldrums are closing in again, waves are small.....
Colliervol writes:
DSA, good points there. It is darn sure important from a recruiting standpoint to be #1 at least for the moment. It takes the Vols to a level they've never been to and Bruce will make hay with it. Assuming it's an open recruiting period, I'm betting his cell phone melted from all the phone calls yesterday and today to the players he's targeting.
One note on recruiting Memphis players. I know you don't think it's that important but, from what I hear, you'll be happy if McDonald decides to join the Vols. (And I'm glad J.P ended up in Knoxville too.) I agree with you in a lot of cases about Memphis players. Some you just don't want because of grades and other issues. But McDonald and Prince are out of a little different mold. And you can probably add the Brown kid at Harding Academy. From what I hear, he's the real deal and everybody in the country wants him (especially in football).
DSaVol writes:
heels fan....Dorsey and Dozier ran and hid after the game for the same reason they ran and hid DURING the game - they're PAPER GANGSTERS!! They're the type that only wanna drive the getaway car and will leave your a$$ if ANY heat gets remotely close!! I will take all bets that Memphis doesn't make it to San Antonio.
And Cheater Cal was about to chew his arm off in that press conference! TOO DAMNED FUNNY!! The BEST thing about that game though was that we won a game in a style NOBODY (outside of our loyal fandom) thinks we can play effectively - physical, half-court, defensive game. I don't think BP pressed more than about 3 times that I remember. Jay Bilas has said many times (derisively) that all you gotta do to beat TN is "break the press and you'll probably get a lay-up." I guess the "expert" was proven wrong AGAIN! LMAO!!
Collier - obviously I'd love to get the McDonald kid but my point always has been that Memphis recruiting is not "critical" to the success of this program and as I said in my post, IF we can get 1 or 2 of the TOP kids every other year or so that's all we really want out of there. Lots of good players there sure but very few GREAT ones. We can do better elsewhere I believe.
VANDY IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE!!!!!!
Basketball_Jones writes:
Jay Bilas is to the ACC as Kirk Herbstreat is to Southern Cal.
Of all the players in that game Saturday I bet Willie Kemp is kicking himself now that he rides the pine at Memphis, he wouldn't start at UT either.
I honestly like the fact that we beat Memphis more than we are Number 1, you can't beat the KNS picture of Calimari beating his brains out.....
MOOREVOLS writes:
marc_ash, I understand about the media deal. At least you're in the arena. I was able to make the Memphis game because my brother got free tickets from his work and it was on the weekend. I'll have to watch Tuesday night from my recliner.
rbhobbs73#226545 writes:
marc_ash, I will also be in Memorial tomorrow night proudly wearing the Orange!
Go Vols!!!
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