Photo by AP Photo / Brett Flashnick
Tennessee guard JaJuan Smith (2) beats out South Carolina forward Dominique Archie, back, for a lay-up during the first half of their basketball game Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, in Columbia, S.C.
Box score
Men's Basketball
COLUMBIA, S.C. - No drama here, just a lot of chicken feed.
Tennessee ran its winning streak to nine games with an 80-56 victory over South Carolina at The Colonial Center Saturday night.
JaJuan Smith scored 15 points to lead the eighth-ranked Vols (14-1, 2-0 SEC) while Wayne Chism scored 13 and Tyler Smith and J.P. Prince added 11 each.
Devan Downey scored 24 for the Gamecocks (8-8, 0-2). It was South Carolina's worst loss to UT in Columbia.
"To win on the road you have to play well early,'' UT coach Bruce Pearl said. "You set a tone and let everyone know you're coming in here for a reason.''
The Vols needed only to look back on their last trip to the Colonial Center - an 81-64 South Carolina win last season - to find added incentive.
"We were on the receiving end of this whipping last year,'' UT junior Ryan Childress said. "You don't forget things like that.''
The Vols used an 11-0 run off the opening tip to build a 43-35 halftime lead and started the second half on a 20-3 tear, sending feathers flying and fans to the exits.
"Wow, I was impressed,'' Pearl said. "You have to like the energy the guys started both halves with. They are feeding off each other.''
UT fed off Gamecocks' turnovers, too. South Carolina entered the game averaging only 10.9 turnovers per game but had nine by halftime and 17 at the end of the game.
The Vols' perimeter pressure was top shelf as well. The Gamecocks ranked second in the SEC in 3-point field goal percentage (41.1 percent) but made just 5-of-21 (23.8 percent) of their 3-point attempts.
In fact, South Carolina missed its first 10 3-point attempts of the second half before Zam Fredrick finally connected with 1:25 left in the game.
"South Carolina is usually better from three(-point range) than two; they came in hitting 41 percent,'' Pearl said. "So there's a difference with our defense right there.''
While the Vols came out of the halftime locker room soaring through the lane on drives and burying jumpers, the Gamecocks didn't score their second field goal of the second half until there was 12:54 left when Dominique Archie's jumper cut the UT lead to 63-40.
"I thought during halftime if we could correct a couple things offensively and defensively, that we could make a run at them,'' South Carolina coach Dave Odom said. "I never dreamt that we would come out of the locker room so flat.''
The Vols led by as many as 29 when Tyler Smith split a pair of free throws with 9:07 remaining to make it 71-42.
The Gamecocks highlight was early, brief and modest; they battled back from the 11-0 deficit to cut UT's lead to 14-11 when Archie split a part of free throws.
The Vols answered with a 9-0 run and went on to lead by as many as 13 points in the first half when J.P. Prince did a reverse spin off a would-be drive, hitting a high-arching step-back baseline jumper to make it 26-13 at the 8:44 mark.
The Vols return to action at 7 p.m. Thursday in Thompson-Boling Arena against Vanderbilt. Tennessee looks to extend its 24-game home win streak, which ranks as the fifth longest in the nation.
Try It Again: Prince continued to make an impact with 11 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes, but he left the arena shaking his head over the double-pump, reverse dunk he missed on a fast break.
"It was mad at myself; how do I miss a dunk like that,'' Prince said. "I was too high. I make that all the time in practice.''
Pearl said he wasn't at all upset with Prince's highlight dunk attempt.
"J.P. made a great steal, and I was glad J.P. was aggressive,'' Pearl said. "He tried to make a nice dunk.''
Prince said Pearl offered him encouragement.
"He told me if I had another breakaway, go ahead and try it again if I wanted,'' Prince said.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 79
Phowell23 writes:
Great game overall we just overpowerded them with our depth. You could tell in the 2nd half USC was worn out. Lofton's shots (the few he took) looked bad. Hopefully, he'll catch on soon as we'll need him to get deep in the tournaments.
Go VOLS beat VANDY!
dfreeman writes:
Atta boys!! Whipped up some gamecock put it in the oven and had some roasted chicken!! Along with some pounded fritter!! LOL Great game guys!!
cdldoc#211897 writes:
OIL MISS files complaint about Tennessee game.
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/...
dfreeman writes:
cdldoc - Does Kennedy want to file that with the bajillion missed calls that we didn't get as well?? What a sore loser!! Bottome line W-Tenn L-Ole Miss!!!
VolBall writes:
Wow! Great road win. The Colonial Center was whisper quiet thanks to the Vol thumpin. Tyler Smith is unassuming, unselfish....unreal! The comradery of the team is clearly evident. Bruce Pearl deserves all the credit and recognition he is receiving.
fundamentals83 writes:
Kudos to Ramar 8-8 from free throw line. I love the way Brian Williams runs the court on defense. He really gets back quickly on D. Coulda won by 40 tonight. Go Vols.
Hunter writes:
Best balance IMO of the season so far. Every body in an orange jersey contributed something of value - even ole' Stevie Pearl off the bench with some defensive intensity at the end. Keep waiting for Lofton to get on track, but at this point (as I said 3 days ago) I am not really expecting it to happen.
Wayne Chism - if you read this: REBOUND = GOOD; LONG SHOTS = BAD; HAMBURGER = GOOD; GATORS = BAD; PRETTY GIRL = GOOD; 3-POINTERS = BAD.......Do you catch my drift??????
VolBall writes:
We did a much better job in the 2nd half stopping the dribble drives. Like an earlier post stated, I think our depth wore them down. Prince is silky smooth. Good things happen through T. Smith. And, J. Smith continues to be our leader.
DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu writes:
Great win. Don't anyone take this the wrong way, but, with us up by 26 with 5:00 left, why not clear the bench? All those kids riding the pine would have appreciated some minutes.
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
Looks like we'll be going up two spots in the polls with Michigan State and Washington State losing.
I have to give it to Ramar Smith. Whatever happened after that horrendous 0-12 showing at the line earlier in the year, he's done a great job redeeming himself since. He's 37-61 after tonight, so 37-49 without that game. That makes him one of our better FT shooters.
And it looks like we outrebounded the Gamecocks tonight 43-26. Nice road win.
dfreeman writes:
I thought with us being up by 26 we could give Chris Lofton the ball and try to let him sort through his issues. Give him the ball and let em fly!! Chris I really do hope you get this worked out!! You have carried this team for the last couple of years and you don't deserve for your last year to go this way!! However, no matter what happens with your game we Vol fans love ya man!! Go Vols!!
bshell12 writes:
jajuan 8 rebounds, pretty good for a guard. Bruce said they were gonna work on guards hittin the boards
alfrizzle097 writes:
Some red shirts are in order, and we are also playing for seeding. 20 points is kind of the cut off for a major blow out.
Lofton is still working hard for the looks he is getting. Eventually somebody will realize that he is the one you can afford to let shoot. They will just give him the 3(like Tyler versus Ole Miss). He will hit a shot or two and get his confidence back. It will be too late for everybody else on the schedule.
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
Chris is playing some good defense, looking for the open man, drawing the defender out to him. His only "flaw" is that he isn't taking enough shots. As far as I'm concerned, if he scores 6 PPG and we win, that's fine with me.
I would, however, like to see him shoot from somewhere other than the left wing. He seems to hit more from the top or the right wing.
daddyaxe writes:
Good overall game...But it is time to face the fact that Loften needs the bench...Let someone else start and wake this guy up...He can come off the bench some and see how his all american status fills then. I love what coach Pearl has done but Lofton just stands without the ball. Let him ride the pine coach. He will respond or get some game time with your future players. I don't see him working for a shot too often.
Hacksaw57 writes:
Missed most of the game. Was watching the NFL Playoff game and forgot to listen to the live stream broadcast on UTSports.com. but caught the last 5 minutes. From all accounts of the posted comments, I didn't miss much. Good SEC win. I can't help but get anxious thinking ahead to us meeting Memphis. We need to "WHUP SOME BUTT" with those guys and hang their first loss on 'em. It’s going to be a tall order to do so but I really think if we play OUR game and put pressure on THEM unlike they’ve never seen yet we can do it.
I was hoping that Vandy would be still undefeated when we met them but the Big Blue got them first in 3 OT's. Things must be kinda different in Lexington, now. Those Ruppies acted as if they won another NC after the game.
Sure must be hard on them being a break-even team under Gillespie who was suppose to be the answer to Tubby's "inability to win consistently". Bet they wished they had him back.
WE got THE MAN! BRUCE ALL-MIGHTY! GO VOLS!!
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
everyone stop already with the Lofton worship and excusemaking and belief hes going to get it back ---no improvement in weeks and its not going to happen it appears----quit wanting him to jack it up more shots at 25-30%----he needs to find his shot if its to be found in practice and not in games ---I'm glad hes been missing less by shooting less--mayhe should try some 2s for a change to make a few and help his confidence
Ironcity writes:
Grat game and as a team we seem to be able to win in so many ways this year in comparison to last year. I am no expert, but Lofton just doesn't look comfortable in his play on offense. He looks like he has to think about what he is doing. Its a classic problem when you are in a slump. He ends up passing up good opportunities and taking bad ones. He really just needs one good game and I think he will be back. I am starting to believe that the absence of Dane (who always passed to Lofton where he wanted it) has hurt him more then I would have thought.
scvolalum writes:
I agree, alfrizzle097. Chris, why don't you just concentrate on your overall game, as you obviously do anyways, enjoy yourself and allow your gift of the magic 3's to relentlessly swoosh away----as we know you will. Ain't Bruce somethin'?
SFOrange writes:
Next 3 games are huge and nationally televised (Vandy, Ohio State, @ UK)...this team still has not reached its potential..if Lofton gets his shot back watch out.
VolBall writes:
Lofton obviously serves a different role with this team. We have all seen him take over games in past years and carry the team on his shoulders, often times with forced three pointers heavily contested. This year, while he is still taking some forced shots, there are several talented team mates to look to.
Lofton still stretches the defense. His shooting slump is obvious, but you'd better get a hand in his face if you're an opposing defense.
Lofton seems to be a great young man. He is a winner, and I believe he will display senior leadership and make big shots (within the offense) in the remaining games in the season. He will always have a green light from Coach Pearl.
Nothing like a game against his home state, Kentucky, to get his juices flowing the 3's dropping like gum drops.
usnavyvolfaninva writes:
Great win on the road!! No matter who you play, a road win in the SEC, especially by this much, is hard to get!
Can't wait to see them on TV against Vandy (who lost in 2OT @UK).
jevolball7 writes:
Nice game! This team is getting better game by game. SLOWLY climbing the ladder,rung by rung. Which is exactly what we should want. Not too fast or slow,just progressing. March is starting to smell mighty good!!We could have beat them by 40 if Bruce wanted. Get off CL,his PIECE of the PUZZLE fits just fine this year!
VolBall writes:
In my life time... Coach DeVoe had some nice years with Dale Ellis, but the shot clock and 3 point line were changes to which he was slow to adjust.
Wade Houston...Just plain terrible years. Tennessee was blown away on so many occassions. Bell, Weisman, Griffin, Swarragen(sp?), one-eyed Roth...Only the company of his son, Allan Houston, can be looked back on as a plus during his tenure.
Jerry Greene....no discipline, but some talent with players like Victor and Heislip,
Kevin O'Neal....players scared to shoot beyond 12 feet from the basket, run the offense deep into the shot clock or else. Slow the tempo, curse the refs (which they deserve)
Buzz Peterson...the Jimmy Carter of coaches-too nice, players not tough enough, uninspired.
Then comes Bruce Pearl. Instant energy. Instant accoutability. Never flinched at "football school label" or "lady bball school". He established instatnly an environment and system that players and fans feed off of. Players take the court with the same demeanor he displays on the sidelines; sheer confidence and healthy swagger.
UT simply must butter his bread as heavily as it takes to keep him in Knoxville and allow him to solidify his legacy in orange.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Ditto, jevolball7. Can't believe all the negative posts about Chris! I haven't seen the stats yet, but I'm pretty sure he had a few marks in every box of the stat line. Had to wince at a couple of his passes, but I do the same with JaJuan. I REALLY want to see Chris get the SEC career 3-pt record, but until the shot starts dropping, I'm happy that he is contributing and that the team is winning. I'm sure he feels the same way, classy guy that he is.
EastTennVol writes:
Good road win for the Big Orange!!! Hey Bruce... C-Lo needs to get back in the groove if we want to get that much needed win against the Commode-doors next week.
dfreeman writes:
I've actually only seen one negative Chris remark, and that's the guy that said to bench him!! Everyone else wants him to get his shot back!!
andy112382#209793 writes:
Got to go to the game, first Tennessee basketball game I ever attended, good one to make my first! Great win! Those SC fans were dead quiet and left with 11+ minutes left, Vol fans were the majority at that point.
dowdpat#654244 writes:
As crazy as this would have sounded at the begining of the season, The vols would be better served with Lofton being the 6th man and Prince taking his spot in the starting five. Jujuan is really the spark plug of this team and Tyler's shot has really come on. He is looking more and more NBA ready each game. This isn't an anti-lofton post, love the guy, but 15 games out of 28 is not a slump it's looking more like an off year. I compare it to baseball when a guy like Tony Gwynn had one sub .300 season, it happens to the best sometimes.
rbatten9#231828 writes:
Lofton is a victim of the SI cover curse I guess. Is there anyway we could get the whole Vandy team on the cover for next week?
DekanGator writes:
Vol Fans... As much as this pains me to say, It looks like UT must carry the load this year for the SEC.. We (gators) have carried to torch for the last 2 years. We are to young this year but we will be back..Take care of Kentucky this year... I love to see them whine.
weedbreath writes:
I am a little puzzled at the lack of confidence in Chris. As everyone that has followed Chris since he came to Tennessee should know this guy can shoot the basketball. The slump he is in right now is just that, a slump. It will not last all season and it may be a good thing that he is getting it out of the way now instead of slumping when it's crunch time.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Keep marching, Pearl. Chris, keep firing, the basket hasn't gotten smaller.
fencevol writes:
We are 14-1, and most likely to be ranked 6th or 7th in the country. If Chris is averaging 25 per game, I, really believe we would be 11-4 +/-. With the players we have now, Coach has built this team to be a 6-7 headed monster, not a 1. If Chris were to go down(and believe me,I hope he NEVER does),I guarantee we don't lose 3 in a row. Chris's leadership on the floor would be sorely missed, but this is a completely different TEAM from last year. I completely agree with alfrizze097 and scvolaium,get off Chris, this year is a whole new ballgame. Chris brings a hell of alot more than points to this team. Go vols!! Win the next 3 and this team will REALLY be special.
9krpms writes:
Great win, I really feel this team can compete with anyone when they are on their game. I believe the Lofton slump is a mixture of two things:
(1) Bruce's offense is designed for playmakers to make their play. In previous years plays were designed to set Lofton up, get him in a rhythm, come off designed pick plays, etc. Now we run that shell offense where Lofton stands at his spot behind the 3 point arc and having run the base version of that offense myself before it is very difficult for a pure shooter to get in a rhythm running that particular position he is playing.
(2) Lofton is playing "New England Patriots" style game... meaning he is taking one for the team. Being a decoy to open up lanes pull a defender out, etc. and he knows this, not forcing things.
I think that down the stretch we'll see Lofton being set up for shots on designed pick plays, especially when we need it most.
TurboFan writes:
CLo should call CJ Watson (see other article on this site) or he won't be drafted by the NBA. The NBA wants scorers.
TDTN, if I am the opposing coach I let CLo shoot and tell the guy guarding him to sprint to the other end of the court for a fastbreak layup. We don't rebound consistently or defend the fast break very well.
THE_VOL writes:
Funny as hell how so many who would kiss the feet of Chris Lofton if they ever got within 30 feet of him have so much to say. Best advice for all of you is to STFU about him and get off his ass because when the truth is known you will all feel like the fools you are. Bottom line 14-1!
james#216392 writes:
A game that concerned me. I again was concerned that SC was able to climb back into the game in the first half. My son said that SC was dead at half. He could see them holding their knees during free throws. He said the second half would belong to the VOLS. He was right. He was at the KY-Vandy game in Lexington and says both those teams SUCK. I hope he is right again.
Plasticman writes:
Chris is a Team player. He could care less if he scores alot of points (only shot 6 times yesterday) and only wants to win. I still think when we need him to fill it up, he will be able to. We are a better team when everyone is scoring 10-15 points and we don't rely on 1 player. I guarantee Lofty will win some games for us before the season is over....
PureOrange writes:
Chris Lofton has carried us on his back to many victories over the years. I hurt for him to have this bad shooting year, but he still does a lot to help us win. We need him in there even when he is not hitting.
Just watch, he will hit some very critical shots. Meantime, Chris, just keep giving it all you have. Most Vol fans really appreciate all you have done for Vol basketball.
iowavol writes:
Wow - Ramar 8-8 at the line, shooting 77% at the stripe since the 0-12 game. That 0-fer had to be a nightmare for him. Nice work coming back.
What a team. Agree with posts to get off Lofton's back. He has hit 40% of his shots the last few weeks and everyone saying he's still in a slump. The whole team is playing as a team rather than sitting around waiting for Lofton to do his thing. His standing around - that someone earlier complained about - is bringing the defense out to him and opening the middle so Tyler, JP and Jujuan can do their thing driving the middle. Well, Jujuan is doing his thing all over the place and really is the MVP do date on this team. This whole team is playing with confidence which is great. Keep it up.
Any chance of getting Duke Crews back this year?
Basketball_Jones writes:
Everyone needs to get off of Lofton. This team is playing very well, we have like 4 guys averaging double figures and each night we might have a different leading scorer, sound familiar (Florida the last 2 years). Lofton won't play the 2 at the next level if he gets there, he will be a PG. All Americans don't ball hog unless they have to, Lofton is a team guy and knows he doesn't need 25 a night for this team to win. Get off his a^^.
Secondly why can't Jajuan make the simple pass? Last night they were running the break and he loads up his arm and throws a one handed bounce pass behind Lofton that goes out of bounds? WTH??? He makes bonehead plays like this at least 2x's a game. He's playing well right now but just make the pass for the easy bukct. Lofton was filling the wing for a 3 and an easy pass would have been in transition for what would hav been a nice play. There are people who make the difficult look easy and Jajuan isn't one those
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
THE_VOL, I cant tell if thats addressed to the CL excuse-makers or to those whose patience has run out and lost belief in him. CL is not contributing in other ways any more than a Josh Tabb would and prob less--last nite 0 assists, 0 steals, 4 TOs and not to the line at all cause he wants to jack rather than take in to the basket as he did some last year. His bad shooting has affected his entire game---we would be getting more out of a Tabb.I would never second guess our great coach but if its a confidence thing he needs to start by shooting 2's instead of 3s to try to get it back.
NOW TELL US THE_vOL WHAT IS THIS TRUTH YOU KNOW THAT THE REST OF US DON'T SO WE CAN FEEL LIKE A FOOL?
kiddtigger#228291 writes:
I haven't watched the whole game yet. Had to record it, but I did see Lofton make a 3 in the second half that kind of sparked a nice run. He's still clutch when you need him. He's a team player, no doubt.
txvolsfan writes:
You got to love Coach Pearl encouraging guys to be individuals, even though if he tried that in a close game the conversation may go differently!!! Great team, they seem to be jelling now. Get well soon Duke so we can get you in the mix.
GO VOLS!!!
TXVOLSFAN
Ironcity writes:
Chris just needs one big game to get his mind back in sync. His timing is way off. It goes with a lack of confidence. Do I want to see him play less? Heck no. Teams still overplay on him, he is still able to demand a double team. I would hope that teams would start leaving him open because that would be the easiest way for him to break out of his slump. I hope that the next time we need a big hoop that its Lofton taking the shot and making it rather then one of the other guys. He is still my favorite player of all time and he always will be. He is still the guy I want shooting the ball with the game on the line or shot clock winding down (not Ramar).
johnlg00#206211 writes:
We all love you, Chris! Thanks for what you have brought and are bringing to this team. Keep doing what you are doing in other ways to help the team win, and just RELAX!
TDTN, I haven't actually studied Chris's form as closely as you seem to have, especially with the tape comparisons to last year, but it seems to me that his form is not as consistent as it used to be. On at least one shot last night, it looked like he was really trying to AIM the ball by staying with his follow-through too long. Also, his launch angle varies from shot to shot, some higher, some flatter.
dowdpat, I'm starting to lean your way about the 6th man bit. As many have said, Chris brings much more than shooting to the game, but it blows my mind when I compare his shooting this year with the way he looked against Texas and Memphis, especially, last year. The only question in my mind is whether going to a 6th-man role will help his confidence or kill it for good!
THE_VOL writes:
jw...no I don't care to share it.
yabababble...were you born stupid or did you grow into it? My comments were addressed to all fyi...however those with as little knowledge about this game in general and this team in particular as you consistently display should pay very close attention to them.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
By no means am I a CL hater, hes a good kid and I'd like to see him get it back too but not by jacking 20 3 attempts a game as so many here suggest. Yes, its long beyond what could be considered a slump--BP has shown proper respect for 15 games for what CL has done in the past but now is the time to reaccess. Its lost of confidence magnified by the pressure in a starting role of the expectation hes not delivering on. At this point if we dont change how we use him no reason to believe his shooting is going to change. I'd hope BP would consider letting him come in as the 6th man and see if that takes some pressure off----more PT for Prince or a Tabb( who I think has skills) cant be a bad thing snd may give CL a way to relieve some weight and clear his head some
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
THE__VOL, and what makes you the so-called expert around here whose opionion should be considered gospel--lmao. You arent sharing it because you have nothing to share--you're full of phooey!
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