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Tennessee head coach Bruce Pearl addresses the team during a shoot around at Memorial Gymnasium on Monday in Nashville. The No. 1 Vols play Vanderbilt Tuesday.
Event Details
- What: Men: UT V. Vanderbilt
- When: Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, 9 p.m. to midnight
- Where: Away Vanderbilt Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
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Tennessee Men's Basketball
Vanderbilt
Bruce Pearl has spent the better part of his 2 1/2 years at Tennessee doing everything within his power to make the basketball program look good.
From his TV and public appearances, to the suits he wears and the uniforms and warm-ups he's chosen for the Vols, image has been a priority.
But at 9 o'clock tonight, when No. 1-ranked Tennessee (25-2, 11-1 SEC) tips off against No. 18 Vanderbilt (23-4, 8-4) at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville in an ESPN-televised game, it's all about substance.
"I've had people tell me I don't look good; I don't care,'' said Pearl, whose 5 o'clock shadow hit at about the same time his Monday noon press conference began. "We're whatever we are, 25-2, and I don't care what I look like.''
So long as the Vols look and play like the No. 1 team they were voted Monday for the first time in school history.
UT was a unanimous pick for the top spot in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll, garnering all 31 first-place votes. There were a few doubters in the Associated Press poll, as the Vols received 69 of 72 first-place votes. North Carolina, ranked No. 3, received two first-place votes and No. 4 UCLA got the other.
It's all moot to Pearl, whose focus is solely on a Commodores team that has won 17 consecutive games at home and defeated the past three No. 1-ranked teams they have played in Memorial Gym.
The Vols are facing a vicious turnaround after a 9 p.m. game at Memphis on Saturday night, a return to Knoxville in the early Sunday morning hours and a Sunday afternoon practice.
"We're moving on to Vanderbilt, and it's our toughest challenge; a tougher challenge than the Memphis game,'' Pearl said. "What makes this the tougher challenge is there's a lot more at stake because we're playing for an SEC championship and we're doing so on less rest and less preparation.''
The Vols weren't quite as sharp in their Monday practice for Vanderbilt as they were in Friday's workout for Memphis, but sophomore center Duke Crews said there's no cause for concern.
"We'll catch up on our sleep the middle of April,'' Crews said. "Right now, we're trying to accomplish something special. We know we've got to push through this.''
Tennessee All-American Chris Lofton said the quick turnaround before facing another top-notch program provides UT with a learning experience.
"It's how it's going to be in the NCAA tournament,'' Lofton said. "We'll see where we're at.''
The Vols scored an impressive 80-60 victory over the Commodores on Jan. 17 in Knoxville, but Pearl said Vanderbilt isn't the same team now that it was then.
"They are doing some different things now,'' Pearl said. "They'll post up more, and they'll drive more.
"No doubt, Vanderbilt will try to go inside early and often and try to get us in foul trouble.''
A unique setup at Memorial Gym that places the team benches behind both baselines instead of at side court is another adjustment Pearl's considering.
"It's a tough place to coach with the benches being where they are,'' Pearl said. "It's the only place in the country like that; I don't know if there's a place in Division II, Div III, NAIA or high school like that.
"We may actually script some plays as opposed to just giving them a first-play call. I know in football, that's something that's oftentimes done. I just can't get a hold of them down on the other end (of the court).''
Crews said the Vols aren't convinced they've earned national respect.
"Just like earlier, after we lost to Texas, people said it was just a matter of time when we'd lose again,'' Crews said. "So we go on an 11-game (win) streak before we lost at Kentucky.
"Now, they're waiting for us to lose again. We've made some believers, but not all.''
UT brings a nine-game win streak into tonight's game while the Commodores have won six in a row.
Did You Know: Tonight's meeting marks the first time in more than 40 years - Feb. 17, 1968 - that both teams have been ranked in the top 25 of the Associated Press poll when meeting on Vanderbilt's home floor.
The Commodores, then No. 9, defeated a No. 7-ranked UT team, 75-63.
The Line: The Vols opened as 3-point favorites over Vanderbilt, but the spread has dropped to two points. The over/under on the number of total points scored is 161.
Player of the Week: Sophomore forward Tyler Smith was named SEC Player of the Week. Against Memphis, Smith had 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Smith also had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds in a win over Auburn.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Vanderbilt 65, Tennessee 47, Jan. 24…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 140
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Bring it.
stevefrommemphis writes:
Sunday was the 25th anniversary of one of the great rip-offs in SEC basketball history. Vanderbilt, trailing by 1 at Memorial Gym with seconds remaining, had number "Double Naught" Phil Cox drive down court and plow into a defender under the basket. It was a CHARGE anywhere except Memorial Gym. Called a block with 1 second left, Cox sank 2 foul shots and Vanderbilt "won" by 1 point.
After that game, I heard a little kid walking behind me tell one of his friends: "I wouldn't go to Tennessee if it was the last school on earth. I'd go to Nashville Barber College before I'd go to U.T." That was pretty much an eye opener for me; I decided then that if little kids were trained to think that way, I had no future in Nashville. I went back to school in the Ivy League and got a much better job in a much less pretentious town. That boy should be about 35 years old today -- I wonder if he still feels the same way. I'd like to thank him for providing me the last little bit of motivation I needed to move on.
I hope this is not going to be one of those Memorial Gym games where the Dores shoot 50 foul shots and the visitors shoot 5.
pms151 writes:
I'm sure Pat has given Bruce the secret to wining at Memorial Gym. That being said, shouldn't the NCAA regulate the rules on sideline placement of teams like in every other sport? This is just antiquated behavior on Vandy's part to create an unfair home advantage.
coach75 writes:
i would not cout that possibility out. does anyone know who the referees are? i hope during and afer we still can't name the refs.
98reax writes:
bamacheats, what's got your shorts in a wad? Basketball is basketball. Grow up little one.
ballewville6 writes:
i rember phil cox yt was a charge called block but last years tip in at the buzzer was worse cause last year meant more.ol phil cox came and coached ne of ktown some years ago i never liked him but he was money at the line about 92 to 94 percent i was in 6 grade playing organized basketball and hated ut losing just as much then as now but 86 to 96 i got so mad i almost stroked out i still get upset but i take nerve meds to chill
schymtz writes:
Rest, Chill, Meditate, Sleep on the bus or plane, then Wake, Focus, and Beat Vandy! Go Vols!
murrayvol writes:
DSaVol says double digit win. Vegas says 2. Get your $$$$ down boys. And even if we run the regular season table, don't expect an unanimous vote in the AP poll. I suspect those two Illinois voters haven't forgotten "the incident."
VolFan_n_NC writes:
Let's Bring It Vols.. Now's the time to prove you're the #1 team in the nation.. Let's lock up the SEC Championship and take it into the tourny!
VolJunkie writes:
Lofton said it well, "It's how it's going to be in the NCAA tournament." I give CBP a lot of credit for the schedule he puts together, this team will be ready come March. I think a lot of us are more nervouse about this game than Memphis because of what is at stake.
As to officiating and other assorted Memorial gremlins, KingsportVol is right on, play UT basketball and the rest will take care of itself.
GO #1 VOLS!
VolJunkie writes:
marc_ash ... it was a blast seeing all the VOL posts on the CA board, it really got their panties in a wad. You have nothing to be ashamed of! Unfortunately there was not as much sport in it as I had hoped for, as another poster commented, "it was a target rich environment". Now, step away from the dark side and back into the light!
GO #1 VOLS!!!
tennrich1 writes:
Ally Prescott made that call 25 years ago...and still says it was the right call....it was a terrible call!!!!!!!
bigbluevol writes:
marc, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. We'll see if we can get you the help you need. Stay strong brother.
DSaVol writes:
I DID say double digit win and will stand by it after a very good night's sleep. From the standpoint of letdown, I'm more concerned about Sunday. Playing at home provides an opportunity for guys to be more comfortable in the environment, have folks congratulating them endlessly, and generally be distracted by a whole lot more. BP was smart getting them back into "practice" on Sunday. Having arrived in Nashville last evening, they'll have all day today to focus and I'm certain BP will have them locked in by 9 PM EST! Vandy will be strong probably for about 30 minutes but I see them fading down the stretch. Our guys just need to keep the chip on the shoulder and remember that respect is not given or earned - you want it, you gotta go take it!
jweaver3#395614 writes:
GO VOLS!!!
BEAT THE DORES!!!
Great story on Tyler with Coach Pearl on ESPN this morning. Coach Pearl couldn't keep his composure when talking about Billy Smith.
REALLY COOL, the relationship that Tyler and Coach Pearl have developed.
TXVOLSFAN
SEE YOU IN SAN ANTONIO
TommyJack writes:
marc_: And while you're at it, see a behavoirist.
DooleyNoted writes:
This Vol fan will be in section 3F cheering on the Orange between nosebleeds.
dlobh writes:
gatornation, you're calling somebody names? Come back when you can spell Nashville and hillbilly. After we take care of the 'dores, we'll be down to see you next week.
KennesawVol writes:
marc_ash - just stay the course and work like heck to get better.
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
Dude, at least spell "Nasheville" and "hillbillie" correctly. Or is that too much to ask of someone with a stellar Gainesville education?
Chainsaw writes:
Learn how to spell, Gator.
rockytop#413695 writes:
Gatornation, what is your team ranked now? You really should hope we stay ranked number one until we come visit you. If you could pull out a victory it would help your hopeless chance of getting into the tournament this year. That's called no ranking!
EDis4UT writes:
"Tennessee can't win in Nasheville again Vandy, not at home."
LOL!
CoverOrange writes:
Stevefrommemphis, was that the game where Tennessee had a 10 point lead with one minute to go and Vandy tied it to go into overtime? I know it was a game before 3 pointers were counted. Set the standard for me for how big a lead is big enough.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Ha, ha, indeed, gatornation! Guess you have already forgotten that we have won four out of our last five against your Swamp Lizards! Even the game you won was when we didn't have Chris Lofton, who was LOTS more important to us then than he is now. Not that I don't still love CLo; I expect him to drop about 30 on you when we play next. Just go back to hibernation now; this year is just about over for you unless you make it to the NIT. Good luck with that!
steve#413367 writes:
I'll take number one at the end of the year in exchange for a loss to Vandy tonight. And what if we do lose? So what! Who needs a freakin' bullseye on the back through the regular season and into the SEC tourney? Frankly, a loss will not bother me in the least. Way too much pressure to exert on a team that just whipped Memphis. So we lose, but we beat Kentucky at home and spank the Gay-tors, and myabe even run through SEC tourney ... and then win the big one. Wouldn't we all trade a loss to Vandy for that?
RoyaltyVol#280778 writes:
Congrats Vols and coach Pearl on being # 1, you deserve it! Go Vols, beat Vandy!
TommyJack writes:
99gator: Hey 99, is gatornation one of "yourn"?
lol
ggriggs939#223122 writes:
It appears the game is already a win for the commode doors, but that is to be expected when they are in Nashville. With the arrangements there, the visiting team is down by 15 to 25 before the game starts due to discriminate whistles just like at rupp. I believe the VOLS have improved since they played in knoxville and have played a tougher schedule as well.
EDis4UT writes:
WD40:
The game that you're thinking of was in the previous season in '82. Steve is talking about the game in the '83 season. I think that was the year that Vandy beat us by 1 pt. in Knoxville and hosing us in that "gym" by 1pt. I may be wrong, I think UT was ranked when we played them in Nasheville...err...Nashville.
jhmclain#224991 writes:
Gatornation - what a moron! You are what gives other school's fans a bad name. 99Gator is always welcome here as he can make logical statements w/o flaming the other school.
skroutyboy writes:
Steveinmemphis and WD--the infamous Phil Cox hosing was in '83 and the official blew two calls against us late. His name was/is Allie Prescott from-----Memphis! The other game where Vandy came back was in '86 when Barry Goheen went wild. Unfortunately, I was in attendance at that one. Swore to never go back and I've adhered to that promise. I hate those jerks sooo much.
TommyJack writes:
Marc: ajs38 ??
TommyJack writes:
skroutyboy: Dude, with that memory, you need to go on jeopardy.
CoverOrange writes:
So was it 82 or 86? Would like to know where the vault with all the trivia is kept. All I remember is listening to John Ward and reaching to turn off the radio because the game was over about 17 times.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Hey, ajs38mh, got any money you want to put on that stupid prediction? I'd say there are any number of guys on this board that would like to cover that action! I'll bet even ol' AF1 wouldn't take your side on that one. Maybe not even gatornation..., well, maybe he would, since he doesn't seem too bright, either(;-P)!
EDis4UT writes:
WD40:
Maybe the game your referring to is in '86. I just do not remember playing a OT game that year with Vandy. I have lost some brain cells since then! LOL! I'm probably wrong on the year.
Chainsaw writes:
OK, here it is:
1. UT is winning tonight.
2. AF1 will watch his DVR on Sunday and cry like a baby when Big Blew blows it on Rocky Top.
3. UT will continue to own Billy Donovan.
4. That is all.
Razzle writes:
Na id say ajs38 lost all his welfare money betting on the last memphis state game. i think he was giving up tennessee and 10 can u believe that? LOL
chrisw2967 writes:
Tenn just needs to take it one game at a time and play within themselves and they will be fine , I just hope they dont start holding Lofton like Memphis was doing , we beat them without Loftons points and if he can get a shot off and start scoring we will beat the Doors with his scoring.
GiveHimSix1387 writes:
I gotta say that I'm pretty nervous about this one.
RussellP writes:
Vols are headed for an easy win. Vandy playing close through midway in 3rd quarter before fading. We beat them by 20 before and, face it, Vols today are much better than they were then. Not to jinx them out or anything, but I think we're looking at a possible blowout and certainly a total affirmation of the #1 ranking. Only thing that gives me the willies is that homecourt advantage Vandy gets because of their probably illegal court design, and of every coach in the nation Pearl is probably the one who would be least affected by something like court layout.
FatherVol writes:
Marc-Ash: You are forgiven, my son. Now for a penance....
UTByrd writes:
KY spanked us, we spanked Vandy. Throw out all the speculation and just play UT ball. CBP built his wall around the paint at Memphis and did not stray from his game plan. By all intents and purposes, we would have lost if we had not outrebounded them by 15. I've no doubt that CBP knows how to handle the Vandy game.
SFOrange writes:
UT 74 Vandy 67
volntx writes:
Like Loftens attitude about comparing the short turn around time to the NCAA tourny,"we'll see were we are at" they are young and the team is deep,but a tough place to play anytime.
rockytopron writes:
Vols 82
Dores 74
Go Vols ! #1
MrBamSeydu writes:
UT 81 VANDY 70
1volk-nowi-tall writes:
Have seen many UT VU games in Nashville. Everyone who comes to Memorial Gym feels that they have gotten the shaft. Vandy's guard from Franklin Tn. use to grab Allen Houston's shorts just prior to the tip and not let go of them until the game ended. No fouls called on this sweet little Vandy player. UT's guard Greg Bell was mauled as he moved across the floor near center court only to be called for a charging foul when the Vandy player was actually between him and the goal pushing Bell away from the basket. Could fill one entire article with bad calls seen at Vandy. That is why any win there is really special. Moving the throw-in spot from the foul line extended to near mid-court gave Vandy the chance it needed last year.. Play smart, play hard and pray Vols...
BloneyBoy writes:
If I'm not mistaken, the "end zone" benches are due to the fact that the court is above the first few rows of spectator seats by about 2 feet. The benches on the side would block too many view lines so they have always put them on the ends. Leave it to Vandy!?
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