A 21-point Tennessee lead over Vanderbilt had dwindled to eight with 7½ minutes remaining when coach Bruce Pearl called timeout.
“Coach just told us not to slow down,’’ senior guard JaJuan Smith said. “He just told us to keep attacking, and refocus.’’
It turned out to be that simple.
Tennessee (15-1, 3-0 SEC) scored an 80-60 victory Thursday over the No. 16 Commodores (16-2, 1-2), bringing most of the Thompson-Boling sellout crowd of 20,799 to their collective feet on numerous occasions while providing ESPN with plenty of highlights.
It was the sixth-ranked Vols’ 25th consecutive win at home, and 10th in a row this season.
UT’s Tyler Smith provided what was perhaps the most pivotal SportsCenter moment, tipping the ball from Vandy’s Ross Neltner to JaJuan Smith, who fed it back to Tyler for an authoritative dunk at the 5:42 mark.
The slam gave the Vols a 63-53 lead, re-ignited the crowd and sent a “Not Tonight’’ message to the Commodores.
Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings received a technical foul 22 seconds after Tyler Smith’s dunk leading to a Chris Lofton free throw and a Wayne Chism tip-in.
The Commodores never got closer to 10 points for the rest of the game.
“Sometimes,’’ JaJuan Smith said, “it takes a dunk to get you going like that.’’
It also took great perimeter defense and one of the strongest performances in Chism’s career.
Chism scored 18 points while posting career highs of 18 rebounds and four steals, all the while keeping Vanderbilt freshman center sensation A.J. Ogilvy (12 points, five rebounds) in check.
The Vols’ defense was just as stingy on the perimeter.
The Commodores entered the game leading the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage (43.9 percent).
But with JaJuan Smith, Ramar Smith, Jordan Howell and Lofton all but inside their jerseys, Vanderbilt’s shooters hit 3-of-21 (14.3 percent) from beyond the 3-point line.
Commodores’ marksman Shan Foster, who entered the game leading the SEC in scoring (20.6 points) and 3-point field goal percentage (51.1), was held to 14 points, hitting 1-of-11 of his 3-point attempts.
“We tried to make his catches difficult,’’ Pearl said, “and stay pressed up with him.’’
Vanderbilt would have done well to apply the same strategy in the second half against Lofton.
After being held scoreless for the first 25 minutes of the game, Lofton buried a 3-pointer from the corner, scoring eight points in three minutes in the midst of a 19-6 Tennessee run. Lofton’s 3-pointer at the 11:22 mark gave the Vols a 59-38 lead.
Pearl said he could hear and feel the crowd “willing’’ Lofton’s shots to go in, and so could the preseason All-American.
“It’s just great to have that crowd behind me,’’ Lofton said. “They know I haven’t played good this season.
“But Wayne was the story tonight. He came to play, he was a monster on the boards and he led us.’’
The Vols held a 36-23 lead at the half, thanks in large part to a 16-3 run.
The teams slugged it out the first 11 minutes with Vanderbilt cutting a UT lead to 17-15 on a turnaround jumper by Foster with 8:47 on the clock.
But then J.P. Prince scored on a drive, and Howell followed with a trey, and the Vols caught fire.
Tyler Smith stole the ball from Ogilvy on the next possession and passed upcourt to Prince. Prince slowed the break and lobbed a pass skyward that a streaking Tyler Smith slammed down to ignite the crowd.
Foster scored to pull Vanderbilt back to 24-17, but Chism kept the run going with a steal and 3-pointer.
Foster came back to hit a free throw before Ryan Childress and Chism hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Vols their largest lead of the first half at 33-18 with 3:56 left,
UT returns to action Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:30 p.m.) at home against Ohio State.
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Comments » 109
rbatten9#231828 writes:
Great win!
HilltopperVolPhi608 writes:
Just think how unstoppable our offense will be whenever Lofton gets it going.
jevolball7 writes:
We didn't shoot the rock very well,but played GREAT defense! Lucky for them we didn't shoot well. This team does'nt have to bring the A game every night. That in it's self is a very good thing! Bring on THE Ohio State. It will be worse for them. Does everyone remember that rabbit they pulled out of the hat in last years NCAA?! Doubt we have forgotten that!
rbatten9#231828 writes:
Man this is sweet. It's always great to beat the loudmouths from Nashville.
pms151 writes:
How is it that the AP can post before the KNS?
murrayvol writes:
Yeah, I've been thinking about that a lot Hilltopper. About 16 games now. Maybe Saturday. Hopefully next Tuesday. Surely by March.
Can't complain though. We're 15-1 without much from Chris. But I would be a lot less anxious if he would start lighting it up.
iowavol writes:
Hey Hilltopper, Lofton found just enough of his game to help fuel the second half onslaught. Had he had it to begin the game, maybe we have 90-95 points. Regardless, he is still pulling the defense to him and he is going to the hole when the situation allows. He's opening the game for the rest of the tema. Great game, great defense, great team effort. Was Ramar Smith 6-6 at the FT line? Simply unbelievable how on he is lately given that 0-12 start. As for Chism, regardless what a lot of folks say on this site, his shooting from outside does a lot to open the middle. He does frustrate me sometimes being the mini-me in a grown up body, but the kid played big against Ogilvy and everyone else Vandy threw at him. Now, just go get 18 rebounds every night and this team is virtually unstoppable.
Bruce Almighty, we love you being here.
jevolball7 writes:
pms151: cause they suck.
rockyknox writes:
Who has the #1 RPI in the land. The Tennessee Vols, that's who. Check it out.
King53 writes:
Chism was a beast on the boards tonight. Love to see him get aggressive in there. He could do it every night if he just focused and really made an effort to box out. We will need him to continue to get better if we are to advance far in March. Great win over Candy. I said it before the game...they were the most overated team in America. They had not played anyone and have now lost back to back games. Oh well...let's log onto the Tennessean and listen to the Candy lovers whine and moan.
rockyknox writes:
http://www.realtimerpi.com/rpi_Men.html
GerryOP writes:
Wow! Our guys are good! Fun to watch!
jevolball7 writes:
Now we can break out the Aussie comments. Anyone for some Ogilvy on the barbie,plenty of Fosters,and Chism manning the grill!! Big Wayne took him to school!!!!
ssukonic#254241 writes:
I really liked our effort and harrassment of Vandy on defense. That was the difference. Lofton had a little offensive spurt in the second half.....Tyler Smith had a defensive spurt in the second half. We just have too much firepower, defensive intensity, and the ability because of depth to throw waves at them. I just loved it........
iowavol writes:
King, I don't know about your comments before the game, but I couldn't disagree with them more after it. Vandy is not a bad team, Ogilvy is a player as well as Foster. Their bigs played pretty well. Heck, King, they missed the elite 8 last year by a 1 pt, just like us. They just got dominated by a fired up well coached top 5 team. Vandy will win some games this year and we will have a tough time beating them in Nashville, although we will prevail.
stevefrommemphis writes:
Great game, Wayne Chism!
jr8657 writes:
Great game on the defensive end for 40 minutes. Little bit of a drought at about the 10 minute mark of the second half, I think we took the foot off the gas there for a little bit and we struggled. I understand but I think with this team they just need to keep the pedal down...if we win by 30 then so be it. Don't think for one minute anyone will ever let up on us if given the chance.
SFOrange writes:
From the get-go Vandy looked huge and dominant inside...but then UTs all court intensity showed.
These guys look very strong.
Question: what has been the highest poll ranking ever achieved by UT hoops (men)?
Ironcity writes:
We should have won by 30 if the refs would have made just a few calls early in the game. It's all the more impressive that our team doesn't seem to get upset (like I do).
jr8657 writes:
Tennessee was ranked #4 at one point during the Jerry Green era...too bad we didn't end up anywhere near that at the end of the season. If old man Jerry had given a hoot no telling what would have been!
volntx writes:
Keep it up Chism.
Is it just me or does Tyler Smith seem to hang in the air?!!
rbatten9#231828 writes:
I agree, I am VERY annoyed with the hands underneath butts fans we have in the arena right now. It has become the 'in' thing to do and that's be at the game. Those idiots need to GET FREAKIN LOUD and not sound like an empty school building.
nicavol writes:
Free throw shooting was our weakness tonight and the poor FT shooting let vandy get back in the game. plus you had the ref Valantine out there keeping Vandy in it by calling handchecks on UT while Vandy bodied-up on our guys creating TO's. But free throw shooting must be at least 65%. Was it below 50%?
TommyJack writes:
jwraymond: Of all your asinine posts, this one is asinine deluxe. You can't bust the team's chops, so you get on the crowd. Man it must suck to be you.
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
If I am not mistaken, the #4 ranking in the 2000-01 season matches a #4 ranking sometime during the Ernie/Bernie era.
GiveHimSix1387 writes:
Chism proved all of you naysayers wrong with a brilliant performance tonight(except for the alley oop pass). He can shoot the 3 and needs to continue to do it so we can bring the other teams big man out to the perimeter. Nice win Vols!
VolBall writes:
If you were a highschool stud basketball player, how could you not want to play for Bruce Almighty? Bruce brings sincerity, passion, intensity, smarts. He lets you showcase your talents. There is true method to what appears madness at times. His players take the floor with the same confidence he exudes on the sidelines...He is a legend in the making.
jevolball7 writes:
#4 is the highest I know of. We have more old,rich,bluehairs than I've ever seen on tv. You know the ones,"please sit down young man I can't see" Soon followed by the 80 year old usher,when I won't sit down! If you are not in to the game,watch it on tv. Plenty of Geritol and Depends at home.
jr8657 writes:
Did anyone besides me hear on the tv broadcast, Andy Katz was on the sideline and reported that Duke Crews could be back REAL SOON maybe as soon as tomorrow. They were saying that they had taken Duke to Atlanta to see someone there and he had what they described as a sports heart...and they got interrupted at that point and didn't say anything else about it really. Don't know much more than that but if Duke can start his comeback now he could really be a factor down the stretch of confrence play and into post season GO BIG ORANGE!
TommyJack writes:
cupcake? woooo
jevolball7 writes:
VOLBALL; I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!
SFOrange writes:
you're right...listen to the UMinn crowd (ESPN now)..the building is smaller that TBA...but we could do alot better.
dfreeman writes:
jwraymond1 - I think there are a large number of fans that yes, would like to see a quiet game of basketball. I also think there is a great number of fans there that won't (shouldn't) let that happen! When Lofton hit that trey to put us up 21, the croud in the background was going nuts!! I was in my Living Room bouncing off the rafters and my Vols were laying out Vandy!! Funny words to Vandy from a funny movie... "you got knocked the Freak out!!".... "you should've been bobbin' and weavin'"
tigervol9802 writes:
My God,
Only at UT can we find something to gripe about in a 20 point win over a top 25 ranked in state rival.
rabidvol1998 writes:
JW - The standing students were excellent tonite. I was lucky enough to be amongst them. The rest of the crowd could certainly be louder. I did see a couple of blue hairs getting on the refs.
dfreeman writes:
I once was told that if I didn't sit down and tone it down after cheering a defensive stop in a Florida vs. Tenn game then I would be asked to leave!! All because a Florida fan got ticked and some old fart in orange agreed!! I never cursed! I never stuck my finger in his face! I never did one thing to anybody around me except jump up and scream when we stopped em'!! What is football, basketball, or any other sport if you can't cheer your team??
jwraymond1 - calling anyone a cupcake on an internet forum doesn't make you Rocky Balboa!!
dfreeman writes:
TJ - lock your doors he may be mean!!! LOL
Couchdummy writes:
Great win. What a good balance we have in team play.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
why is it every single game football or basketball--win or lose, home or away--some vol fans always complain about the refs as if we always get all the bad calls and the other team never gets any----------it gets so old
why is it after every game some say
" just wait until Chris gets it goin" when it appears thats likely not going to happen---it makes no diff who gets the points and if he gets a lot it come from others---why are some so obsessed that CL has to get a lot of points--I'm Ok if he hits a decent % and his attempts are reasonably proportionate to hows hes shooting----hes cut his attempts back based on his shooting and I can be Ok with him based on that--makes no diff whose getting the pts as long as we are winning
good show tonite--way to bring it, Wayne
dfreeman writes:
Hey yabadabadoodoo - while I agree with some of what you just said, it was you griping and complaining about Lofton and his "lack of production" on a previous bball thread!! Most were saying that Lofton was fine just doing what he was doing!! As far as the refs, I thought this game was called ok. Past games called were terrible this season!!
ellisonfamily writes:
We have enough top tier wins already (Gonzaga, Xavier, Miss., Vandy) to ensure that, if there is debate about our seeding at #1, we should be in good shape. We still have games against Memphis and other SEC schools to go too. Awesome. I only wish we could play the other UT again...
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
dfreeman--my gripes were not his point production but his efficiency----low % with too many shots----i can deal with it when his shot count is appropriate to his make %
when games are called bad it works both ways and evens out despite some thinking we always on the wrong end of it
hdhurst writes:
Now that was board play tonight Vols!!
Although I am still not sold on Chism throwing up the 3-ball, they did not seem as un-timely as they have been and a couple occurred after good ball movement.
I thought Chris showed a little more aggressiveness tonight than he has in the past few games, driving and shooting etc. Perhaps this will get him going. I am never for a player forcing things, but maybe that would help him out.
Overall, I thought the team showed great composure tonight when Vandy got it within 8 points. TN just stuck with their game plan and took it to them.
GO VOLS..can't wait to see KY go down.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
ellison--how can you be promoting us as a # 1 at this point in the season--lot of BB left to be played----why would you assume other teams ranked comparable to us may not have quality road wins as well?----take the orange glasses off----too early to be speculating. If Chism continues tonites play and Duke can come back and be a factor its something to think about at least
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
agony.....pain....dammmmmmmittttttt....
I set the vcr; for some reason, set it too early. had a bunch of espn garbage,then the game, got to see it till it was about 8=6, then the 'REW" starts up....
a tenn-vandy game, on espn, and I freaking lose it....think it's time to corak.
dfreeman writes:
Can anyone tell me what's wrong with the tennessean website?? I haven't been able to pull it up for a couple of days!!
newtonrail writes:
The Free Loading jwraymonds1's of the world can say TB isn't loud, but you are WRONG. This isn't your uncles' TB. Sure, the TV Announcers are on the East Side of floor and shots are taken across floor to encompass coaches. Those are the "Grandfathered seats". They paid for TB, and everyone might as well shut up about it. The rest of the building was rocking. Minnesota loud. Since I was at game, I didn't see it tonight, but I'm happy for Tubby. That place doesn't hold over 12,000 seats. Slight difference in TB and most arenas but a handful.
ZWVol11 writes:
On the subject of the crowd noise:
If the student section was actually closer to the floor I bet the place would be a heck of a lot louder. I know the season ticket holders would gripe, but what if we had another standing room student section on the other side? that way the students have a chance to be in the game for both halves. Instead of having half of the students on the third level up there in the nose bleeds. I was thinking about it in pregame when at about 6:15 all the students were there ready to go. Then everyone else shows up right after the National Anthem is over. The reason all these places sound so loud (i.e Cameron Indoor, Rupp, even the O Dome in Gainsville) is because their student sections take up over half their respective gyms. But thats just my opinion.
Besides that great game.
volmattna writes:
yabadbadoo-- he is promoting us a # seed because thats a very good chance..i think we will roll through the sec and if we can beat memphis we will be a #1 seed..go vols!! love you pearl you are the man
ZWVol11 writes:
well said newtonrail
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