Posted by MemphisVol on January 22, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We lost by playing DUMB BASKETBALL tonight. should have beaten that team. Get em in Knoxville!

Posted by IdahoVol on January 22, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's see how many of the idiot posters jump ship after this one. (After all, it's Fulmer's fault we lost tonight.)
Tough place to play, and chances are we were not going to go undefeated in the SEC. I can't wait till we get the Cats in Ktown!

Posted by Ironcity on January 22, 2008 at 11:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As good as our halfcourt defense has been this year our press has been ineffective most of the year and especially in the SEC. If we don't steal the inbounds pass, teams are getting a lot of easy baskets. Not sure why that is.

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 22, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WHO'S YOUR DADDY?? THATS RIGHT...THE KENTUCKY WILDCATS!!!!

EVEN IN A DOWN YEAR FOR KENTUCKY...WE ARE STILL GOOD ENOUGH TO BEAT tennessee.

DONT YOU JUST LOVE THE BLUE!

Posted by tigervol9802 on January 22, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From the other article from me:

As much as it pains me to say this, Pearl just got his rear handed to him by Billy G in the second half. He let it become the game Kentucky wanted in the half court, and did not seem to deliberately try to get #5 the ball in the econd half.

Poor job. There is no way we should lose to that team, I don't care where it was played.

Posted by james on January 22, 2008 at 11:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can you say CHOKE. Certainly did not act like a #3 team. Didn't pressure the ball. Didn't finish. Certainly didn't deserve to win. 3 games in 6 days seemed to have taken their legs and hearts. Maybe this will get them back to earth after a very very short trip up the polls.

Posted by SmokeDog72 on January 22, 2008 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols beat Kentucky by 20 plus in Knoxville. Count on it.

As crappy as we played, we were a couple of decent shots away from winning tonight.

Rebounding, movement away from the ball, and foul shooting have to improve or I see a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 exit.

Posted by Retiredvol on January 22, 2008 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's Florida in football and Kentucky in basketball. Just can't beat em. What a lousy 2nd half UT played. Loss will build character!!!

Posted by grvol on January 22, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow they sure suked tonight. What a Fulmer-like humiliation on national TV to a team that suks. If Pearl doesn't get the IAA tandem of Howell and Childress out of the rotation they don't even win the east. They all suked tonight.

Posted by RocketVol on January 22, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The inability to adjust at all and get it in the paint is very concerning. If it's not a layup or a 3, seems we can't score. I knew someone would finally step up and stuff our layups. Kentucky played us perfectly - and I expect so will others. Our game is way too wild and aloof - not good March material.

Posted by primetimevols on January 22, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh yeah, the Big Blue is back! Gimme a break! You're 2-2 in the SEC and 8-9 overall. You lost to the Toros and Gardner Webb! Just wait till you come to Knoxville when we blow you out by 20. We played our worst game, and you saved Gilespie's job for a couple more games. Better hope you win the SEC tourney, or it's off to the NIT you go!

Posted by ratkins589 on January 22, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#3 for a day (sigh)

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 22, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FACE IT....PEARL GOT OUTCOACHED AND the vols WERE OUTPLAYED!

KENTUCKY WILL ALWAYS BE THE GOLD STANDARD IN THE SEC AND tennessee WILL ALWAYS BE WISHING THEY WERE US.

Posted by pearlific on January 22, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

$1000 says airforceone doesn't show up in knoxville to see ut win by 20! face it....one close loss on the road isn't stopping this team.

Posted by SmokeDog72 on January 22, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Airforceone,

I guess you now know how we look at your football team!!!!!

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 22, 2008 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

primetimevols....not so prime time tonight huh??

Posted by pearlific on January 22, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

two more reasons ky will be watching the big dance on tv....gardner-webb and san diego!

Posted by kdt0725 on January 22, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Awful coaching job. There are some serious problems with our offensive set and they were shown tonight.

We have little or no movement in the half-court game. We run the same offensive play over and over again and it's the same flex offense I ran in 7th grade. It's too simple and too easy to guard.

We don't let Chism, Williams, and Tyler get the ball in the low block enough. If we work the ball inside, it makes the defense collapse and frees up mid range jumpers and 3's for Lofton, JaJuan, and Howell.

Ramar Smith simply needs the ball in his hands more. He is by far our biggest threat off the dribble and we need him to take the ball to the hoop more like he did tonight. Ryan Childress shouldn't touch the floor because he does nothing for us. We need to take away the green light to shoot 3's every single time on the floor. It's so frusterating when we jack up 3's for no reason.

Also, our aggression on the defensive glass can be disturbing. We allow far too many offensive boards and sometimes we go on spells where we lose our concentration and tenacity and let teams catch up to us.

And finally.....WORK ON THE DAMN FREE THROWS ITS NOT NORMAL TO SHOOT 65% AS A TEAM FROM THE LINE IT KILLS US!!!! We're a #7-10 team, not a Top 5. Not with our lack of inside game.

Posted by grvol on January 22, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Will this team be a bunch of chokers? Looks like it.

Posted by SmokeDog72 on January 22, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And by the way, Airforceone, who's your daddy? Your uncle or your cousin?

Posted by Plasticman on January 22, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Outcoached, outhustled and outplayed. Cats wanted it more than the Vols. We must stop jacking up 3's (J. Smith, T. Smith) WHy can we not rotate the ball inside out , penetrate and kick it out to Lofton. Sometimes we look like an NBA team tht just plays one on one offense. Maybe it's best we don't get ranked so high, we play better as underdogs. Should never have lost to this KY team!

Posted by Retiredvol on January 22, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

C'mon guys all Air Force One can talk about is basketball. UT has the longest winning streak in Division 1 football against ???????

Who else the baby cats of KENTUCKY

Can't wait till they baby cats visit Knoxville

Posted by RocketVol on January 22, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForceOne deserves to gloat - they spanked us with sound basketball. But I tell you what, you don't own the SEC in basketball. We do have another good team here as well. Care to insert a sexest remark?

Posted by jr8657 on January 22, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

3 games in 6 days finally caught up with us in the last 10 minutes of the second half. we did not impose our will and our style on them tonight. Were up 10 with about 10 to go and down the stretch we just stood! Just ran out of gas...all you can say! This will help us moving on from here, Coach Pearl will use this moving forward.

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 22, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pearlific...I already have my tickets for the game in Knoxville. The way we handled tennessee tonight, we will beat you in Knoxville too.

Cmon Now....WHO'S YOUR DADDY??? COME ON...SAY IT...THE KENTUCKY WILDCATS!!!!!!

Posted by huntined on January 22, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did not run the ball down the court..
Played their kind of ball.
Cost us a game.. Vols will re-charge and know they will have to play their best every game
CONG. CHRIS looks as if you are back and we know you are the best 3-pointer in the SEC.
Lot of ball left to play..
GO VOLS

Posted by anthony on January 22, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ESPN wins another one against the Big Orange. I don't know who is running that company, an octupus without a brain!!! Did you hear the announcers??? And the refs!! Did they ever call one against Kentucky when we drove the lane??? This has been another one of the same. We are not suppossed to win at Kentucky. We are just Tennessee.

Posted by Retiredvol on January 22, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with kdt07. Our free throw percentage is terrible although tonight was better. If you guys remember Coach Mears used to make the team shoot rotating free throws after practice everyday. They had to make 100 in a row before hitting the showers. Coach Pearl take some notes!!

Posted by kdt0725 on January 22, 2008 at 11:44 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by pearlific on January 22, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just sell your tickets airforceone and buy a new hdtv to watch ut in the tourney! a 4 pt win in rupp will equate to a 20 pt loss in knoxville...seriously.

Posted by SFOrange on January 22, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please Mr. AirForceOne, close the door to your trailer and say goodnight.

Posted by nnease15 on January 22, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought Coach Pearl did a poor job of going after Patterson and Bradley when they were in foul trouble. Bradley had 2 fouls early in the 1st half and no one attacked him. Same thing for Patterson. He picked up his 4th foul deep into the 2nd half and Wayne Chism never touched the ball down on the block.

Tennessee will be fine. Coach Pearl won't let this team panic.

Posted by Plasticman on January 22, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're not going to win games at Rupp with SEC Refs calling ticky tack fouls every time Patterson touches the ball. We did get hammered a couple times and no whistle was blown. However, I will not say the refs beat us, we beat ourselves and let KY control the tempo. THat and poor shot selection beat us tonight. (JuJuan, when we're up by 10 points with the opportunity to go up 12, please don't come down and jack up a 22 foot 3 point shot!!)

Posted by w on January 22, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey AFO...who owns the SEC record for 3 pointers...where is he from...what team does he play for...and where was the record set?

We won't be hearing from you after the Cats get drilled in K-town.

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 22, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!
GO BIG BLUE!

Posted by threehundredbowler on January 22, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Out coached this night,bad shot selection(Too many wild threes},trying too many alley oop passes(show boating}missd free throws, spelled defeat tonight and will again soon.Hope not but count on it.This team needs more patience, especially on the road.Should have beaten this team tonight.Kentucky is not that good as we will see later.Of course anything can happen when our Coach is a God.Ain't that right crvol?This is not a put down of the Vols,just the way it seems to me.

Posted by jgvol8 on January 22, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is college basketball in the SEC. It is tough to win on the road; especially in Rupp. If we go 13-3 or 12-4, we will win the East. If you're a college basketball fan, you know that we weren't going to go undefeated in SEC. We will be just fine. At least Phat Phil isn't on the sideline clapping his phat hands telling the players it is ok when they screw up. I love Pearl's intensity. He will take us where we need to go. GOVOLS!

Posted by pearlific on January 22, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it's a sad day in ky basketball history when players, coaches, and fans storm the court at rupp after a win! at least this time they won the game before running out there.

Posted by w on January 22, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jeez...AFO is celebrating as if they beat us in football. I guess it was quite the upset.

Posted by tractoronthepole on January 22, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Time to man up and get Crews active under the boards. Pearl must work the refs harder the no calls were terrible, why can't we get as many no calls in Knoxville? No we haven't peaked, we haven't really played a complete game since Xavier. Suck it up guys and build on this one, they wanted it more.

Posted by jgvol8 on January 22, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Air Force One... Face the facts. The BLOOO HOOOO will not make the tournament

Posted by kdt0725 on January 22, 2008 at 11:51 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by ksteelescvol on January 22, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tuff loss 2nite, but no one in the ncaa will go undefeated this year just ask NC. A loss like this will make practice a little more intense this week, and will help us in march. Airforce you get to gloat tonight but you want be a factor in march. Good to see lofton set the record at Rupp...

Posted by ajbake on January 22, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kentucky will lose by 15 at home to Western Kentucky in the first round of the NIT... if they're lucky

Posted by alfrizzle097 on January 22, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols didn't handle pressure well. Lofton didn't get any looks for 18 minutes and suddenly takes about 10 shots in the last 2. If he is our best scorer, have him involved at least once every posession. I know Pearl wants to stick to his rotation, but if a certain lineup is the only one working, keep a guy in for 35 minutes.

Posted by Couchdummy on January 22, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with the nnease15 post! Let me ask the collective posters, what the f**k is a shadow defender that Brad Nessler the commentator and his color guy espoused? What a BS term for a simple zone defense IMO!!!

Posted by bricker865 on January 22, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I seriously doubt AirForceOne will be on here after the game later this year. If you want to waste your time on another team's forum go ahead. I guarantee you won't see me wasting my time on another team's web page. Good luck in the NIT this year.

Posted by Pullingguard on January 22, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't know if it was a one night thing or not, but this team did not move without the ball tonight. Too much standing around... Lofton was guilty of this hanging back, way back beyone the arc for the three pointer... This team cannot go where they want to go depending on Lofton shooting the trey. They have got to work the ball, left Smith do the penetrating and take sensible shots around the key. Ok so Lofton scored 22, but he took a lot of bad shots, ill timed shots... Not sure that Pearl was at his best tonight, especially in the 2nd half.

Posted by flashbone on January 22, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wayne chism didnt touch the ball on the block because he is too busy jacking up threes. hes going to have to get tougher. patterson manhandled him. but patterson will dominate anybody as long as hes able to use his arms to get position. he was also over the back all night.

Posted by Ironcity on January 22, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of you guys are being hard on Childress. I know he has played lousy of late but he is a good player who just is not playing well. He will come around. As for Howell, I am not sure what he brings to this team right now. He should be able to hit at least 45% on his threes he is always wide open.

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 22, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OH LETS SEE WHAT THE COUNT IS FOR KENTUCKY.

43 SEC TITLES
7....COUNT EM, 7 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE ALL TIME WINNINGEST BASKETBALL PROGRAM.

EVEN IN A DOWN YEAR FOR KENTUCKY, WE WERE STILL GOOD ENOUGH TO BEAT tennessee.

tennessee IS JUST OVERRATED!

Posted by Titan on January 22, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I also see that "spurtability" has bled over from Kellogg on CBS to ESPN. Enjoy it while you can AFO - it won't last.

Posted by RocketVol on January 22, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We have 3 more games against Kentucky in basketball this year - I'm looking forward to all of them. Bet we take all 3.

Posted by jgvol8 on January 22, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why the f@#k does Howell start over Ramar???? I am not John Wooden but I can see that Howell sux. Also, Childress can't play either.

Posted by ajbake on January 22, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we were worn out... 3 games in 6 days against 2 teams that will make the tourney (ohio state, vandy)... if anything, after tonight i hope lofton will stay hot... we simply looked flat tonight

Posted by VolCane7979 on January 22, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tenn inexplicably failed to drive to create opportunities in the 2nd half, nor did they move the ball into the post. Kentucky deserves some credit, but Tennessee shut themselves down as well. I have no doubt Tennessee will run Kentucky out of T-Bol next time.

AF1 - 8-9 doesn't even make your squad (if you really are a UK fan) eligible for the NIT. Enjoy playing your last game in the 1st round of the SEC tourney and watching the Vols in the dance as a 2 or 3 seed.

Posted by jgvol8 on January 22, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Air Force One.... Kentucky likes to be down

Posted by Titan on January 22, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so AFO, why brag about an overrated team that you should beat? Kind of like us bragging about beating the Mildcats in football.

Posted by bricker865 on January 22, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForceOne...it's funny you were so copasetic with the Vols earlier, what happened? Way to stick with your guns...

Posted by flashbone on January 22, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

most of ky championships were when they used peach baskets.

Posted by DekanGator on January 22, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tenn Fans .... Let me handle Airforceone.... Airforceone ... does the university of Florida mean anything to you? 8 straight and 2 National championships mean anything? How bout 3 straight SEC Tour Championships? Wanna talk football?

Posted by jgvol8 on January 22, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And go down

Posted by Retiredvol on January 22, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Air Force ONE call yourself an Idiot because you are!!

Posted by teedub on January 22, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

airforceone,

do you think the ky fans like yourself would have reacted this way (the way you are reacting) to a win at rupp 10 years ago? what does that tell you about the state of hoops in the sec east?

see you in k-town, silly, where you'll get a little reminder about who owns the east!

go vols

Posted by utchris2003 on January 22, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The good news is that the sun will come up tomorrow.

Anyone who thought that we would run the gamut without blemish in the SEC had dreamy eyes. Every night in the SEC will be a dog fight, especially on the road. I thought that we looked really flat tonight compared to our other games. We did seem to not take the "dumb" three point shots until about 2 minutes to go. Williams has seem to hurt us in SEC play bc he is not a offensive threat and gets quickly in to foul trouble on the defensive. Hopefully Duke will give us some added depth down low in the coming weeks. Not much orange in the stands..kind of surprised me

This loss will bother me less if we look back on it in 3 or 4 weeks and remember that this game was the game where Chris found his stroke.

Patterson was good tonight...would not be surprised if he leaves for the NBA after this year.

Posted by Couchdummy on January 22, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shadow Defense???

Posted by SavageVol08 on January 22, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We were due for a loss.....three games in 6 days. The Vols are gunna blow KY "cat" jelly out the water on my birthday in ktown! Plus, Duke crews is coming back and he is a presence in the paint...with him, we woulda won. And, Chris is warming up....congrats for the record.

P.S. Airforceone is obnoxious

Posted by stevefrommemphis on January 22, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Things they don't teach in Kentucky public schools:
(1) What was the first school / sport ever to receive the NCAA death penalty? KENTUCKY BASKETBALL.
(2) Why is it that Eddie Sutton never had any trouble whatsoever with the NCAA before he went to Kentucky, and never had any trouble with the NCAA after he left? I'll leave it to readers to guess. I have my opinion.
(3) What did Bobby Knight say to Caywood Ledford when Ledford asked him about the IU - UK rivalry? Paraphrasing: "After all the crap that has gone on at Kentucky over the years, this game doesn't mean much to me at all."

I used to be for the Soviet Union when they played Kentucky in pre-season games during the Cold War era, because I figured I was pulling for the lesser evil.

Conclusion: No matter how clean Kentucky is now, the Wildcat tradition was built on a foundation of corruption.

I have to agree with Bobby Knight on this one.

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 22, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Titan...tennessee is the team that should enjoy success while it lasts....because it will be gone with Lofton next year....and Pearl wont be far behind.

Posted by jgvol8 on January 23, 2008 at midnight (Suggest removal)

I can talk football with AFO... 1984, last UK beat us in football. Was you even born then?

Posted by VolCane7979 on January 23, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, nice numbers, but how about .500... as in where your team isn't. I guess Dykes and Nessler were right - things are right in Kentucky for just one night. If you are acting like your team just won the national championship based on one game, you're admitting your season is a joke.

Posted by dallasdog1 on January 23, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey airforce,

Do you miss tubby? Or are you glad to have a coach who has to have a driver in lexington and bangs coeds.......he will be one and done.

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 23, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

stevefrommemphis....Dont Hate the Player...Hate the Game!!!

Posted by kdt0725 on January 23, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do people from other schools even have memberships to GoVols.com and why the hell do they post here?

Posted by schymtz on January 23, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sad for us, but not totally unexpected. Now that the bubbles of invincibility and inevitability have been busted, we will be better prepared for the SEC grind. Congratulations to Chris on setting the record. We just saw the game plan that will be thrown at us by any team with a big man inside advantage...but.....It was Lexington, after all. Kentucky won't be so fortunate on the road. And at the risk of blasphemy, yes, Pearl got out-coached tonight. Now, let's play basketball.

Posted by BigOrangeInCarolina on January 23, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm coming up for the Georgia game. I expect Pearl will have the boys hungry for a quality win. He was right-Kentucky is still Kentucky. I was worried about this one all day, and I was almost proven wrong. Still a lot of ball to be played, and I am confident the Vols will be just fine.

Posted by bricker865 on January 23, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForceOne....from one AF troop to another....good luck in the NIT....

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 23, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dallasdog1...go to kentuckysportsradio.com and check out your coach with his little hoochies.

BillyBAll is here to stay....get use to it because the losses to Kentucky are not going to stop.

Posted by Titan on January 23, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AFO - you HOPE BP is gone. Which choice was Gillespie for you guys in your coaching search? Third, fourth? Seems like coaches would be knocking down the door at the opportunity to coach at such a legendary place. Must not be so.

Posted by RocketVol on January 23, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForce, good game tonite. However, I bet Tennessee's men and women are both more likely to win a national title than either of your programs. And, at the end of the day, I bet Tennessee will have more basketball wins on you than you will on us this year - you may want to cool it. Best your gonna do is bat 0.500 baby. Looking forward to the remaining games.

p.s. I don't think you have the winningest basketball team in history - but we have the winningest coach.

Posted by flashbone on January 23, 2008 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

did anybody see the ky coach asking for an intentional foul after the one called against ky? what an idiot.

Posted by LargeOrange on January 23, 2008 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys don't turn on Coach Pearl just yet, several posters have brought Fulmer up in this and other articles tonight. I get it, this loss was Fulmer's fault, just like with Randy Sanders, Fulmer was intercepting the play calls and changing them, it is just like him to call for wild 3pt shots all the 2nd half, even with a lead! Actually if you look closely at one of the refs, he looked like he was really Fulmer in a zebra outfit, I'll bet he was changing the plays Bruce Almighty was calling in.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 23, 2008 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

got to agree with kdt and plasticman, "die by the 3"--we're not a good enough shooting team to jack up so many every game--too many never had a chance----was poor effort working it closer for better shot--Agree we need more of what Ramar brings

primetime and pearlific you both talk nonsense - no basis other than being on koolaid now to be predicting blowouts in knoxville--too many above are disrespecting Kentucky cause theyve had it rough early with a lot of injuries---looks like a real solid team to me who will be around the top of the heap at the end

listening to Bruce--hes saying too much 1 on 1/ not enough assists and not enough getting it into the paint and FINISHING

most of us realistics never expected up to win them all so no getting down with a loss/ just learn from it--so much for all the euphoria and waste of energy from too many about rankings so early in the season

Posted by CatScratchFever on January 23, 2008 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Goodnight vol fans...when you all calm down from getting beat tonignt...just remember that KENTUCKY IS STILL KENTUCKY. WE ARE THE GOLD STANDARD IN THE SEC....AND tennessee's DADDY!!

I WILL REMEMBER YOU GUYS WHEN I'M DRINKING MY FRESH SQUEEZED ORGANGE JUICE FOR BREAKFAST.

Posted by bricker865 on January 23, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForceOne....class act indeed....goodnight loser

Posted by chrisw2967 on January 23, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I still dont know what Ramar has to do to take over Howells spot cause he isnt half the point guard Ramar is , all Howell can do is hit 1 or 2 3s if that and other than that hes done , Ramar should be the starting guard , he brings alot to the court.
Lofton looked great what time he wasnt sitting on the bench, hes no use to us on the bench, especially not 4 minutes into the game.

Posted by mparker on January 23, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

still had the chance...Lofton and Smith missed crucial threes.

you could see this loss coming a mile away. the new ranking, the tough games before against OSU and Vandy, Rupp, and KY playing close games in all their SEC matches.....

damn, it sucks to lose like this.

Posted by pms151 on January 23, 2008 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Unfortunately it looks like Bruce took some ill advised advice from CPF about how to prepare for rivalry games. The Vols played down to to KY's level and got beat at their game. This was just too conservative. Come on Bruce, do yourself a favor and don't listen to Phil or Mikey or whoever told you to fear your rivals more than anyone else.

Posted by snowvol on January 23, 2008 at 12:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From Anthony: "ESPN wins another one against the Big Orange. I don't know who is running that company, an octupus without a brain!!! Did you hear the announcers??? And the refs!! Did they ever call one against Kentucky when we drove the lane??? This has been another one of the same. We are not suppossed to win at Kentucky. We are just Tennessee."

Anthony, you aren't serious, are you? Jimmy Dykes has been raving over the Vols since the season started, and he did the same most of the game tonight. And Brad Nessler has done the same kind of posturing on UT; listen to him on other games. The guy loves Bruce Pearl and the style of basketball we play and thinks we're a serious Final Four contender. Whether we are or not isn't the point...what is the point is that ESPN LOVES Bruce Pearl and the Tennessee basketball program. This whole "ESPN is against UT..." notion just doesn't wash. Far too many UT fans need to get over their ESPN paranoia. Enough already.

What happened tonight is that we played a horrible final 13 minutes. Just awful. Everyone stood around and looked for other guys to make plays. I hate that we lost to UK, in Rupp, again. But keep it in perspective: North Carolina lost at home to Maryland as an 18 point favorite; UCLA lost at home to unranked USC. Teams lose. We'll be fine.

We're going to destroy UGA this weekend and make no mistake: When UK comes to Knoxville, they will get run out TBA. Mark it down.

Posted by Titan on January 23, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey AFO - don't leave yet. I'm still waiting for you to tell us how many coaches rejected the Cats before you finally found Gillespie.

Posted by bsalyer on January 23, 2008 at 12:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForceOne,

KY will not make the tournament, congratulations this is the best its going to get this year for you. Its all downhill from here.TN will still be at least a 2 seed in the tournament. KY still has a losing record and will be very lucky to get into the NIT. This loss is not that big of a deal for us. We will win the SEC in basketball and we are still the East Champs in football. Why would TN wish we were KY? Whether or not we won tonight we are still better, compare the records. I know it kills you all that we are better at EVERYTHING now. I hope you enjoy watching the Vols in March because your team won't be playing.

Posted by antiUKfan on January 23, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You Vols suck! I mean really!

I was so hopping you would beat UK. I hate UK basketball because of the obnoxious fans.

If you want to know how ridiculous UK fans are, and how they have made me sick, just look at Air Force one's comments, which aren't even that bad. For example, on MLK day, there was a poster who created a post "Happy Earl James Ray day." (Ray was the man who killed Martin Luther King.)

Also, when I got to the main page of this newspaper, I was surprised that the games wasn't the headline. You see, if you go to the Kentucky Herald Leader, you will see that the KY game is *always* the main story.

So, go Vols! Please, kick UK's butt in Knoxville. Don't screw up again.

Posted by jh43 on January 23, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate to say it, but we deserve to be laughed at tonight. We have played hard all year except Texas and tonight. Brought back memories of no effort against Florida and Alabama in football.

We just cannot stand prosperity. Our team should have had to buy tickets to the game because they watched more than most of the fans.

It was a pitiful effort. Looks like we may have a lot of victories, but with this kind of effort, we will still go home early.

Posted by bleed_orange on January 23, 2008 at 12:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TN has beaten KY in Knoxville before when TN was not ranked and KY was #1 in the country! Anybody in the SEC can beat you on a given night at their home. Look at the then #1 Tar Heels losing to the Terps at home! You just don't go 16-0 in the SEC. Look at FL the last 2 years. Then they went and won the National Championship back to back. TN will be OK. TN played KY's game tonight. It will be different in K-Town. However, I think it might be close too. I think we saw the real KY team tonight. They are finally getting healthy. GO VOLS!
JDS

Posted by hdhurst on January 23, 2008 at 12:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Records out the window, it is tough to play at Rupp. This was KY's best game vs TN's 2nd worst. No doubt we will take the game in K-Town by 20+.

While it hurts a little, this loss is just a little bump in the road to a historic year for the bb team.

There are bright spots: Lofton gets his shot going, Chism making most of his free throws, Ramar starting to play the point like we expect, and Duke expected back.

Trust me, the KY win means more to them than a loss by us. We know Pearl will get the guys re-focused for another 8-10 game winning streak. As with other losses in the Pearl era, we will learn from this.

GO VOLS...back to TBA for some home cookin'

Posted by TommyJack on January 23, 2008 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ajbake was on the mark with post at 11:55.

Nessler and Dykes do a credible job announcing.

Posted by GiveHimSix1387 on January 23, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys this is college basketball not college football. One loss isn't going to kill us. Rupp Arena will always be a tough place to play no matter how good Kentucky is. Trust me they are much better than their record. They are getting healthy and Gillespie is starting to get those guys to buy into him. I'm scared to play them in the SEC tournament. Tough loss tonight for Coach Pearl and the Vols. They should do like they have in the past and learn from their mistakes and make some key adjustments. Lets put together another win streak and be ready to upset Memphis. After that we will be right back up around the top 5 and still having a chance at a one seed. I swear, one loss in any sport and I see nothing but negativity. GO VOLS!

Posted by newtonrail on January 23, 2008 at 12:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone can lose on a given night. grvol and jgvol8, what do you have against Jordon Howell and Ryan Childress beyond the obvious?

Posted by GiveHimSix1387 on January 23, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am still baffled at other fans taking the time to get on our website and talk trash. They must:
1. Have no life
2. Be idiotic(Tennessee has lost 2 games this year to what Kentucky's 10? give me a break; also, I was not even born the last time they beat us in football)
3. Have no respect

Posted by mike on January 23, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome back to earth Vol fans. It was just yesterday everyone was talking smack about how brilliant Pearl was and one person even called him a "god". The Vol-nation just learned that even they can be beaten on any given night. Show some class and get off Pearl's back. They will probably lose some more. Support your team, don't bury them.

Shot selection in the last 2 minutes was awful and that cost them the game, not the refs. Live by the 3, die by the 3.

Airforceone, congrats, your team finally beat somebody. After losses to Garner-Webb & San Diego you deserve a big win. Patterson is a great player and he showed up tonight. But,"dizzy" Gillespie is not half the coach Tubby was. Now, shut up!

Tennessee is a little soft in the middle on defense. Teams like Memphis, No.Carolina & Georgetown will exploit that weakness. Count on it.

Last year a team came to Knoxville to play its 3rd game is 6 days with one of their bigs suspended and not available, you all are still gloating over that win. It was Memphis. Shoe is on the other foot tonight.

Tennessee was a little over-rated at this time in the season. The Vols have had several close calls aready. You have a very good team, but a final four team?

To all the Memphis vol fans that have been talking the smack to the Tigers in the Commerical Appeal...who is #1 ?

Bruce will get you back on track Vols, be patient. Tigerfan in Knoxville..

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 23, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

geezzzzzzzz, the koolaid flows so quickly after a loss -lol---everyones jumping on the "we'll win by 20+ in knoxville" Express already--"no doubt" to boot---do I hear 40????---can we just have some realistic optimism for a change rather than unbridled predictions with a Kentucky team clearly getting healthy and better---with full respect to our good team I'd take a 1 pt win right now

Posted by kevinc0465 on January 23, 2008 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I do agree we played awful but I think that was a pethetic officiatted game. I may be biased but I thought it was one of the more lopsided called games I have seen this year. I know some of UK's players got into foul trouble but they played 90 percenet of the game. We had to get murdered to get a call and still didn't a couple of times. But that said, even with the bad calls we shouldn't lose to taht team. We just didn't play with the energy that we have played with in every game I have seen this year.

Posted by dyoung2020 on January 23, 2008 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What the hell is a KY fan doing on a Knoxville newspaper website. It's like a 30 year old hanging out at a middle school checking out girls. Yes, I just compared what people like AirforceOne is doing by being on KNS website to Pedafilia. I don't see much of a difference.

Posted by jclowers on January 23, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Questions concerning this game...Where did Lofton go in the second half? He had to be feeling great after 14 points in the first, then we only got him one shot in the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half. Why did Tyler Smith shoot a three in the last 2 minutes when we were down by two? If he is going to shoot it, he needs to make it. If Bruce Pearl wants to make TN vs Kentucky a rivalry, he has to win in Rupp. If we cannot beat Kentucky this year when they are down, then this may never be a rivalry. Where is an inside presence??

Posted by antiUKfan on January 23, 2008 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GiveHimSix1387

>>I am still baffled at other fans taking the time to get on our website and talk trash.

Yup. The UK fans have no life. You are right. Just go to the boards:

Go over to the KY wildcats boards.

http://forums.kentucky.com/kr-uksport...

The fans are talking like they have won the NCAA tournament. Lots of ugly talk. Some are predicting UK will win the whole thing; some the SEC tournament.

You all have no idea how ugly UK basketball is. When I first moved to Lexington, I thought UK basketball was fun. Then I thought it was obsessive. Now I think it is obnoxious, the way the fans think they are entitled to win every year. Even when UK coach Tubby was winning games, the fans were upset that he didn't win them by 30. UK fans just love to see their basketball team humiliate others.

And I am not alone in despising UK. I run into people everywhere who feel the same way but won't admit it up front because they might get punched in the face.

Go Vols! Beat UK in Knoxville.

Posted by dyoung2020 on January 23, 2008 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The officials won't call a foul when Lofton drives the lane. I think that was a point of emphasis this year.

Posted by mike on January 23, 2008 at 1:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dyoung2020..defenses adjust is you answer. Lofton is not getting the open looks like he was early in his career. If the lane is cut-off you have to force it or pass it. Also, why do you think he gets fouled everytime he drives the lane? He doesn't.

Posted by rodneyadms on January 23, 2008 at 1:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This game was dissapointing...I hate Gillispie...I'm gonna go have a beer...

Posted by hdhurst on January 23, 2008 at 1:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadabadoo1026....I catch your drift about the confidence vol fans have about handing KY a 20+ loss in K-town. Maybe you need a little more justification for thinking things like "No doubt" as expressed in my post.

First, like other teams, Vols play better at home. Second, this team is loaded with an up-tempo style and good players have responded in majority of games this year. Second, they will be more than hyped to play KY, especially after a loss earlier in the year. Third, you can't expect the "Smiths" to have another bad game (combined) like they did and most Vol fans expect Lofton to continue to rise back to the top. Finally, I would expect Pearl to find ways to "speed the game back up" to the Vols standards.

Sorry, just had to break it down for you. Like most posters here, I was not trying to play Nostradamus (?), only playing off positive expectations of what we have seen thus far. Well, got to get back to my Koolaid you are talking about.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 23, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hdhurst, no offense intended---i can always respect a breakdown as yours much more than just stary-eyed reflex-like claims with no basis---of course we should learn some from this one and play better and different at home but lets not assume Kentucky isnt capable of playing better themselves as they are starting to mesh. I personally stay even-keiled, happy but not in the clouds when we win and not too down when we lose----I have faith in BP to have us ready but we have to execute---we just have to quit forcing 3s all the time at the expense of working for something better IMO

Posted by anthony on January 23, 2008 at 1:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Smokey Dog good post, ratkins gets the second best post, Kentucky was just lucky to have beaten us. The Kentucky guy was scared to death we'd beat them. Don't let him get to you@@

Posted by hdhurst on January 23, 2008 at 1:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadabadoo1026...1:41am...completely agree with you there.

Posted by mj54 on January 23, 2008 at 2:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AirForceOne, typical classless KY fan. Wouldn't be surprised if KY fans tried to harm the Lofton's.

Bad thing about Tubby not being there is that at least he had some class. Now with DUI Gillespie, you will see more and more fans like AirForceOne with absolutely no class.

Describes KY to a T and is why they are known nationwide as classless jerks.

Posted by pms151 on January 23, 2008 at 2:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LargeOrange, I thought the Zebra looked more like Tennessean writer Joe Biddle, alias Coach.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on January 23, 2008 at 2:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

with apologies to any ladies here you know with just a few exceptions these gal side-line and court-side reporters generally add very little with their questions except window dressing, not at all knocking window dressing mind you---and the nicer lookin they are generally the dumberass the questions--this time "coach, you got outrebounded in the first half, what will you do about that?" --whats he supposed to say to that one " I'll tell my guys to try to jump higher"--regardless though bring on the window dressing--lol

Posted by imwithphilly on January 23, 2008 at 4:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

im sure airforceone wont be talking sh** when TENNESSEE is in ncaa tourney while his wildcats are at home.

Posted by imwithphilly on January 23, 2008 at 5:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It must really suck to be a KY fan, b/c all you have ever had is bb.

Posted by oldorange on January 23, 2008 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If there is any good to come out of this it is that it came now instead of later. We all have seen a team loose after a long win streak and it kinda takes the pressure off. I look forward to March 2nd and the second game in K-town against this team.

GO VOLS!!!!!!!

Posted by james on January 23, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have said all year, the inside game has to improve. The free throw shooting has to improve. Hopefully Crews can set a tone for the inside game. Practice on concentration will set the tone for the free throw shooting. It more mental than physical.

I didn't understand not putting Crews in for 30 seconds to a minute to light a fire. He was a stick of dynamite as his teammates would have reacted for him, I believe, and that might have been the missing link tonight. Whether he did anything or not. Up 10 with about 14 minutes, give him a shot for a short time just for the "MO" it would have created.

Posted by vols76 on January 23, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

KY is still Ky....And Tennessee is still Tennessee......Enough said......

Pearl stated #3 ranking would not affect the Vols...don't let your mouth make promises your body can't keep.....Enough said....

Posted by jgg1947 on January 23, 2008 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee is a dominant football power in the SEC. Hoops is a different story and they would be wise to refrain from trashy behavior while visiting Lexington!

Posted by KingsportVol on January 23, 2008 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like AirForceOne and his sister are expecting.Congrats to both of you.I agree with james.We should have gotten Crews in for just a couple of minutes.That would have put some life back in our guy's.We should have won this one.We will get them in K-Town.jgg1947 what do you mean?

Posted by ctownvol on January 23, 2008 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lexington Ky. The armpit of America!

Posted by KingsportVol on January 23, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ctownvol LOL

Posted by pdhuff on January 23, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats to the KY. As I said yesterday, scared to death of this game. No excuses.

Sad parallel. Gardner-Webb and LaMonroe succeeded where we failed in B Ball and Pig. Some times its not meant to be. Dread the Gators too. All bubbles burst.

Hate to admit it, but turned this one off when we blew 10 point lead. Watched IFC. Looked like legs where gone. Very vulnerable inside to any decent 6'7"+ scorer. Hope Duke can help. Oh well, pressure is off.

Back to DTs.

Posted by VolBall on January 23, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Credit KY with controlling tempo and playing tough. On poor shooting nights, TN usually finds a way to pull it out whether by turning up the defense and/or out-hustling the opponent. Tonight, as Coach BP said, "KY was the more passionate team". That's painful to say, but should serve as a wake-up call for the remainder of the season.

Our interior defense was not good, lack of rebounding and poor foul shooting, which have been troubling signs most of the season, caught up to us. Learn from it, right the ship and dig in for the rest of the season.

Posted by hiresanders on January 23, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Even Fulmoore beat Kentucky. Hope we don't have to play an ACC team or top 10 team early in the tourney.

Posted by GreerVol22 on January 23, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VolBall, spot on. Pearl said his guys were out of gas and it showed late as the intensity on D was off by a step in all 4 corners.

Get some rest, your gonna need it for Saturday.

Posted by pdhuff on January 23, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Best spin I can think of is at least this took some pressure off ol' Billy G. Maybe we'll get another "big surprise" to ease our mind off this one. Final push close at hand.

Posted by marc_ash on January 23, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Airforceone, don't damage your credibility on here by spurting off at the mouth in an emotional tyrade. If you are trying to make a point, sounding off like a giddy school girl being asked out by the quarterback of the football team isn't the way to do it.

Kentucky did win last night that is a fact. And IMO, Bruce Pearl got outcoached. The first time I've seen that actually. But the fact is there are 2 games to be played in this series and the second will say a lot.

As for the accomplishments of Kentucky, kudos. But if Tennessee is so overrated and as bad as you suggest, why do you find such accomplishment in beating the Vols? I think you would find more enjoyment in beating teams you are supposed to beat at home (like Gardner Webb and Sandy Eggo).

The Vols will be just fine. I forcasted 4-5 losses this season, and they are on track for that. It's a long season, and the Vols have plenty of time to solidify up a #1 seed.

Enjoy your kentucky win Airforce. It's just too bad the only way Kentucky gets to the NCAA tourney this year is if they buy a ticket.

Posted by vol52 on January 23, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't believe we had our shooting legs last night. The team also looked tired. This loss should refule the VOLS for the rest of the season. I did not expect to go the rest of the way undefeated. I just hope the get better as a result of the defeat.

Posted by hosslarry on January 23, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee played a "not to lose game" against Kentucky instead of a "play to win" game. There is no inside game on offense other than go inside and instead of finishing it for two points, they would rather kick it back out for a high risk three and especially when the score is close. Too much showmanship on offense and just stupid fouls being committed on defense. Kentucky just physically whipped the Vols the entire game and it was quickly apparent that the Vols didn't have the stomach to battle inside and on the boards. If this continues, possibly Sweet Sixteen, small chance at the Elite Eight, but no Final Four. Maybe they just expect teams to roll over now because of their ranking.

Posted by marc_ash on January 23, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Guys, it's one game. The Vols just ran off a 12 game winning streak. They just came off of a brutal week playing 3 games in that time frame. As someone stated earlier, this isn't football. This is a team that has won 17 games and lost 2. Let me say that again. This is a team that is 17-2...HELLOOOOOOOOOOO.

Maryland (and unranked team) beat North Carolina on their home floor. Are you calling them being only elite 8 or sweet 16 because of 1 loss? I would say NC is one of the beat squads in the nation with one of the best coaches in America. His team lost on their home floor to that unranked team...don't think NC's season is over though.

Posted by Basketball_Jones on January 23, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Will you people shut up about football! This is basketball season. I think some of you got exactly what you been wanting all season, Lofton was the man, got his pts, hit 50% from 3 and we lost. Where was Jajuan Smith all night? I mean did he get off the bus at Rupp or did he go over to the local YMCA? What about Jordan Howell where was he at?

This game wasn't about coaching it was about being smart and knowing how to win. The second half we were way too impatient on offense, settling for 3's by guys who can't make many (Tyler and Jordan). Ramar was a stud again tonight, I think he's UT's best player. Not a great shooter but breaks the D down and makes teams play defense.

With all that said it sucks we lost but it's not the end of the world. There is still alot of basketball to be played, lets just hope some guys learn from this loss and we get better.

Posted by Volalumnus on January 23, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ky didn't look good. TN just was bad.

Seems to me that the team was too focused on saving loftons record for Knoxville.
He was on and on early with three 3 pointers in the first half, yet he didn't really try again until the end of the game when it was absolutely necessary and he was still on. Can't play 4 on 5.

Need 3-4 vanilla plays that are inside plays that the team only runs those plays until they score again when they go into those 7 year droughts.

Posted by daxvolfan on January 23, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

First time I've seen a Pearl team look tired. 3 good opponents in 6 days will do that, no matter what kinda shape they are in. This loss will help Pearl keep things in perspective for this team. He coaches much better as an underdog with a chip on his shoulder, with something to prove. No worries for a loss on the road in the SEC in January. It'll make them stronger in March.

Posted by slovog on January 23, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks as if Tennessee basketball remembered how to be Tennessee basketball last night.

Just like this past football season when Kentucky football remembered how to be Kentucky football when they had to play Tennessee.

Right AirForceOne?! Where were you in 1984, the last time KY beat Tennessee on the gridiron? Over 20 years. And has it been that long a time since the Vols beat the KY in b-ball? Think about it.

Posted by Volalumnus on January 23, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The dissappointing part was that at the end of the game 3 of their main players had 4 fouls and we didn't take advantage of it.

Posted by jdcvols on January 23, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It was simple....totally outcoached! This is rare from Pearl....is crvol alive this morning??

Posted by webbofconfusion on January 23, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fire Pearl! he is now 2-3 against Ky.
how can we expect to win in the tourney?

Posted by GerryOP on January 23, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Whoops! Reality check!

Posted by jimr07 on January 23, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

why do you guys keep responding to air farce one. he is a jerk and that is that. i bet he will not come online after we beat their ass in Knoxville. cowards usually do not.

Posted by b.skelton on January 23, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mark it down...... Vols beat Cats by 20 (or more) when they come to Knoxville.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on January 23, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fire Pearl! Let's get the ball rolling. Fire him, fire him!!!!

He is losing control of the program. He is letting us backslide. Recruiting is going to suffer because of this embarassment on national TV.

We can't even beat KY when we are ranked #3. Woe, woe to the Vols basketball program!

Maybe FOOLmer needs to coach BBall and Pearl-shmurl needs to coach the FBall team.

Posted by VolJunkie on January 23, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Another night where UT was unable to hold a lead. This is a great team that was simply playing their 3rd game in 6 days. Any road game in the SEC is going to be tough and this is not the same UK team that lost to Gardner-Webb and San Diego early in the season. They beat a good Vandy team in 2OT and took Florida to OT before losing. They also have one of the rarest things in college ball today, a couple of good shooters from 12'-15'.

Don't give up on this UT team, there is lots of basketball to play. There are still some things to fix (FT shooting, defensive rebounding), but a #3 ranking with Duke on the bench and Lofton searching for his shot, the best is yet to come!

Posted by waterskier3 on January 23, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well we're the same ol tn team in kentucky... that was a terrible second half.

here's my question every game this year that tn has played a good team we seem to quit running our offense at the 5 min mark in the second half and let every team back in the game... is that the coach or players??? they did it in the tourney last year and they've done it in each game that i've watched on tv this year.... i suppose we're a good team but not a top 5 team yet...

beat them by 20 in ktown... please....

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on January 23, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey waterskier...

Maybe coach Pearl is taking notes from the Cutcliffe football strategy. Fire Pearl!!

Posted by jamcdaniel79 on January 23, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Shows that we are not an elite basketball team. We died by the 3 ball and not shooting freethrows as usual.

We will get there. Even Pearl has bad games.

Unlike Fulmer, Pearl only does it once or twice a year.

Posted by jimr07 on January 23, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadabadoo- i agree with you completely about female sideline reporters. i don't see many man sideline reporters at womens games. i am not sure cute, perky little suzy is all there. coach what is your game plan for tonight? also not sure i am interested that they had to go Poland to get a size 20 shoe for someone. or that so-and-so's 102 year old grandma who dips snuff and drinks a little Jack Daniels every night but watches every game on tv is of much interest. I also do not like male sideline reporters. they detract from the game.

Posted by tigervol9802 on January 23, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gotta love the article on ESPN talking about our guys doing their best Phillip Rives impression before the game too with the fans.

We were not mentally in that game at any point.

Posted by todd on January 23, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bring back DeVoe!!!

Posted by bernardking on January 23, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The posts here are unbelievably ignorant. Well there are a few good ones. It is hilarious to hear the criticism of Pearl. Guys, this loss will help us down the road. Three games in six days is tough, even with our depth.A few of us get it, unfortunately, most of you don't.

Tyler Smith played his worst game of the year.

Watch out for kentucky. They will use this as a spingboard and ultimately have a decent season. Of course they won't challenge us for the East, but they will help OUR RPI with some more big wins.

We will still finish 13-3, 14-2 or 15-1 in the reg season.

Posted by AlpharettaVol on January 23, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know it's a long season but they did not look like the same team we have been watching this season. We let KY dictate the pace. Looked like the Ohio State game last year when we tried to slow it down and that's just not something we do well. Too many time we had 4 guys 20-25 feet from the basket just passing the ball back and forth. It's one of the reasons we get out-rebounded night in and night out. Somebody needs to slash to the basket. Right now only Ramar is doing it. It's hard to get any fouls when we are not pressing them with our offense. The positive side is that despite all those problems last night, we were still in a position to win the game. Let's hope they take it out on the Dawgs on Saturday and start another win streak.

Posted by DSaVol on January 23, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is some of the stupidest BS on here I've ever seen. Just as I expected though from this bandwagon hillbilly crowd. Outplayed, outcoached, can't make FT's (even though we made 15 of 21 for 71%), refs cost us (even though KY had 3 guys with 4 fouls at the 6 minute mark), ESPN is against us, blah, blah, blah....Why can't you people ever take a loss for what it is without all the BS grade school excuses, bitching, whining and moaning??? ANYBODY that expected this team to run the table in the SEC i