The only thing wrong with Tennessee's victory over Memphis on Saturday night was the month.
Never mind that the upset of No. 1-ranked Memphis was the biggest regular-season victory in UT history. Nothing that happens in college basketball November through February is as significant as what happens in March.
And no one understands that better than UT coach Bruce Pearl. Even as he prepared his Vols for Saturday's No. 1 vs. No. 2 match-up at the FedExForum, he also was preparing it for the NCAA tournament in March.
Beginning with Memphis, the stretch of games that followed would be as difficult as anything the Vols would encounter in March, Pearl told his team.
After No. 1 Memphis comes nationally ranked Vanderbilt, which plays like a top-10 team on its home floor. Next is Kentucky, which handed UT one of its two losses. And finally, there's two-time defending national champion Florida in Gainesville.
Victories in those games don't build tournament equity. They do build confidence and toughness - qualities that are becoming more and more evident in this team.
You knew in preseason the Vols would be talented. You didn't know how tough they would be.
UT's toughness was never more apparent than in the 66-62 victory over Memphis. In boxing parlance, you would say this team can take a punch.
The Vols took Memphis' best shot in the first 10 minutes and remained unshaken. So what else is new?
Throughout the season, UT rarely has been rattled by the most impressive work of its opponents. The Vols absorb the blows, maintain their composure and retaliate when ready. That reflects confidence as well as toughness.
Both virtues will serve the Vols well next month. So will their versatility.
In the victory against Memphis, Tennessee proved again that it can prosper in a half-court, low-scoring game as well as in a high-scoring, full-court game.
As good as the full-court press has been to the Vols, it doesn't rule them. Against a team as talented, deep and athletic as Memphis, Pearl's team showed that it could change gears and grind out a victory.
Advice to future opponents: Update your scouting report. There's no surefire plan for beating this bunch.
Memphis couldn't have defended UT leading scorer Chris Lofton any better. Antonio Anderson, a 6-foot-6 guard, throttled Lofton for much of the evening.
The Tigers held Lofton to seven points, and second-leading scorer JaJuan Smith was hampered by leg cramps in the second half.
So in comes Memphis native J.P. Prince to propel UT's second-half charge.
When one Vol goes down, another steps up. When one stumbles, another stars. It has been that way all season.
Point guard Jordan Howell has struggled recently. His 3-point shot hasn't been falling, and his confidence probably has suffered, too.
Based on this team's track record, Howell's slump won't last. In fact, you shouldn't be surprised if he hits a key 3-pointer against Vanderbilt.
UT's depth and revolving stars make for a marvelous safety net. This team isn't dependent on any one player, and that helps ease the pressure on everybody.
The pressure will mount in March, and there's no way to simulate it. But you can prepare for it by playing road games like UT did Saturday night and will again Tuesday against Vanderbilt.
Although the Vols haven't won anything in March, they have done the next best thing. They have demonstrated what it takes to win in March.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knews.com.
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Comments » 37
FLAVOLS writes:
When will TBA be the home of a NCAA mens tournament bracket seeding? Soon, I hope.
Hunter writes:
Conspiracy theorists unite:
John Adams is currently on vacation and has asked Pennington to come in and cover for him......plausible?
usnavyseal writes:
People (national media) are saying that Lofton had an off game... but lets be honest... everytime he came off a ball screen, he was double teamed... the rest of the Vols were playing 4 on 3 at that point. It was beautiful. That was one of Lofton's better games of the year because of what he opened up for his teammates!! If you double Chris, our team will have open jumpers and layups... if you dont double him, he will shoot over a single defender!!! GO VOLS!!
usnavyseal writes:
To FLA Vols-- I am pretty sure about this, but not 100% positive...
If the Vols are the #1 overall seed they will more than likely be in East Bracket in Raleigh for the 1st & 2nd rounds which automatically puts them in Charlotte for the Sweet 16. If they go to the Midwest bracket as a #1 seed (Birmingham- 1st & 2nd round), they have to go to Detroit for the Sweet 16. The NCAA selection committee will give the #1 overall seed the least travel time, hence Raleigh/Charlotte vs Birmingham/Detroit.
FireJohnAdams writes:
What are you thinking Adams???? Looosiana, Loosiana....home.....Looosiana....time to pack....go home.......
Vols1998 writes:
Fire Adams, Fire Adams, Fire Adams!!
Vols1998 writes:
Fire Adams, Fire Adams, Fire Adams!!
lkilgore#237303 writes:
Alabama now has 8 arrests in Sabans first year.
See article from Birmingham News.
http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/bir...
volinky writes:
Nice article John - you must have gone to church yesterday.
VolJunkie writes:
Chris Lofton does not have an "off" game. He may not score his average but the other things he does are oh so sweet. Memphis did a great defensive job on him and other prima donna scorers might have tried to force the game. Not Chris: laying out on the floor to push the ball ahead to JP, knowing Memphis' tendencies and getting in position to grab that last rebound with about 3 seconds left and sinking both ends of the 1 and 1. We have all seen examples of his unselfish play. Lofton's quiet leadership speaks volumes about the character of this team.
GO VOLS!
jopad#212858 writes:
I am not an Adams basher but would take exception to one of the statements in this article. He states this was the biggest win in UT regular season history. That is his opinion. Don't forget the wins over South Carolina and Wake Forest in the 70's and certainly the regular season win over Rupp's Runts was just as big as this one. There is no doubt this win was significant and I for one will enjoy it for a long time, but to say it was the greatest ever is a matter of opinion, not necessarily fact.
VolJunkie writes:
jopad ... this is Adam's column, he was only expressing an opinion, just as you expressed yours. I don't disagree with you, I am only pointing out that an opinion piece is different than a game report; both should be factual but a columnist is free to express his/her opinion and of course you are just as free to disagree ... IMHO! ;)
Colliervol writes:
+1 to the Fritter. Adams can write what he wants in the KNS and stir up controversy. That's what they pay him to do and, judging by the response he gets, he is doing a fabulous job. (And I'm sure the KNS agrees.) HOWEVER, to cozy up to somebody like Finebaum and play his slimy game is pretty darn sad.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Colliervol 9:17am- He interns with Finebaum. Finebaum has been drawing the Bama faithful to the bait so long all he needs is a naked hook now. Adams want to aspire to that level. Getting close.
Lord, let us avoid the Vandy trap. I can see the box score now- Hmmmm Vandy FT 19 for 23 - Vols 2 for 5. Let in rain on the Dores.
VolCane7979 writes:
He couldn't have defended Lofton any better? You mean he couldn't have strangled him with his jersey any better, right? That jersey was stretched from size M to L by halftime.
VolJunkie writes:
And CBP gave us a demonstration of the Memphis holding technique during his halftime interview with Erin!
Seriously, teams have been holding Lofton all year, the Memphis game was just the most blatant example. It will be interesting to see what Vandy does.
VolJunkie writes:
And CBP gave us a demonstration of the Memphis holding technique during his halftime interview with Erin!
Seriously, teams have been holding Lofton all year, the Memphis game was just the most blatant example. It will be interesting to see what Vandy does.
Volfan1 writes:
Adams = no credibility....ever.
dvol writes:
Question. Will Tennessee cut loose the money it will take to keep Coach Pearl in Ktown? If they do Will our football coach except being payed less than our Basketball coach? There is no doubt CP will deserve the money it will take to keep him. On the other hand football is heading in the wrong direction and it will be fun to watch this shake out in the next few months.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
jopad, one reason this win was bigger than the ones you mentioned is that not only did we beat the #1 team, we got to #1 ourselves as a result. Those earlier teams weren't going anywhere, so the results in those games had to stand for themselves. Great wins, no doubt, but no way they were as big as the one over Memphis. By the same token, no way the win over Memphis will be bigger than a win over Vandy on Tuesday. MAKING it to #1--beautiful; STAYING #1--priceless!!! GO VOLS!!! SINK THE COMMODORES!!!
KENVOL writes:
OH, It's GREAT to be a VOL fan in Memphis. I sure didn't see hardy any Memphis stuff Sunday. What a GREAT WIN!!!!!!!!!!! Now back to business, go beat the Dors. GOOOOOOOOOOOOO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!
GreerVol22 writes:
Adams.....why do you care?
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
As much as I despised the hit piece Adams wrote last week, I still have to ask... is it possible to declare a moratorium on the knee-jerk Adams commentary, or at least in basketball articles? Focus, people. Stay on topic.
Volfan1 writes:
For all basketball posts, place them on basketball articles written by someone other than Adams. The BB team is well deserving of praise, etc., so make your comments about our #1 BB team there. Adams doesn't deserve anything.
Adams = no credibility.
TommyJack writes:
PD: Wonder if the Bama fans bust Feinbaum's chops because he's a TN grad a la JA/LSU?
Colliervol writes:
bossvol, don't look now but I think ole rabidvol's posts in support of Adams are a bit tongue-in-cheek. Just a guess. Especially the ones about taking up a collection for him.
murrayvol writes:
Kwitcher: If visitors to this site really kwittheirbellyachin, there would be precious little conversation going on here.
b writes:
STFU Adams, you big loser!!!
LargeOrange writes:
General F, I agree and have posted so several times, let's not forget that Adams not only went to Birmingham, he came to Atlanta to both talk radio stations last week to trash UTFB and CPF in the heart of Georgia. Adams is a self serving jerk. On the other hand, Rabiesfan needs some serious medical treatment, you know rabies will make you certifiably insane, sounds like it may be too late for him.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabies
TommyJack writes:
I lean toward the rabid one on this issue.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
TJ _ does Finebaum have Phil over for shrimp on the barbie?
Probably Adams is off the list.
rootin4volz writes:
D-E-N-I-A-L is...
John Adams.
brvol#210586 writes:
Hey everybody. Why are you still reading this mans garbage? I am pledging not to read another of his articles. I think it would be great if not one person posted comments on any of his so called journalistic work.
LargeOrange writes:
T.J. I'm broken hearted that you lean towards this moron. LOL. RabiesFan, I didn't get off topic about FB you are the one that brought CPF up with this piece of brilliance at 9:06 yesterday: "He's probably jealous of Pearl anyway.He obviously wanted to take everyone's focus off the ball game, but it didn't work." Yeah I am sure that CPF is plotting to use the classic - distract the fans so the team will lose trick. Works everytime, LOL AT you. BTW, I didn't read the article, or any by Adams since he embarked on his SEC whistle stop bash UT tour. I don't intend to read his passive/agressive drivel again. But you go ahead and enjoy Hanoi John all you like.
brvol#210586 writes:
I didnt read the article wr23 I only posted a comment. Try it some time. Youll find that you can actually post a comment and not actually read the article. I just did it again here.
I am not lol because someone like you is not worthy of that. You are too stupid to understand. Go Vols!!!!! Go Philip Fulmer!!!!!! You are a rod. LOL
anthony writes:
Long live brvol@
ULTIMATEVOLUNTEER writes:
wr23 are you referring to the NC Fulmer coached? So you must mean we should try Alabama's approach to winning one (since 1992) which is hire about 7 different coaches!! great strategy!!
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