It's a shame Jeremy Pargo has business on the West Coast in late February. Gonzaga's junior point guard would love to be at FedExForum when No. 3 Tennessee visits the top-ranked University of Memphis in four weeks.
Having played and lost to both the Tigers and Vols this season, Pargo and the Bulldogs are uniquely positioned to assess one of the most highly anticipated games of the college basketball season.
Pargo expects it to be a can't-miss affair. He also expects the Tigers to win.
"It's gonna be a game to watch, I can tell you that," Pargo said in the aftermath of the Tigers' 81-73 victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday at FedExForum. "They're pretty similar. Overall, I think Memphis is a little more athletic than Tennessee. Memphis probably has a pro in every single spot. They get out on the press and jump on people. Some of the stuff they do is unbelievable."
Gonzaga is one of just two common opponents between the Vols and Tigers, both of whom also defeated Middle Tennessee earlier this season. While Tennessee beat Gonzaga, 82-72, on a semi-neutral court in Seattle last month, the Bulldogs walked away from Saturday's slightly narrower road loss singing the Tigers' praises.
"I think Memphis has a better team," Gonzaga guard Micah Downs said. "Don't get me wrong; Tennessee has a really good team. But Memphis has the size at every position. (Point guard Derrick) Rose is 6-3, the two guards are 6-5 or 6-6, (Chris Douglas-Roberts) is 6-7, and they just get bigger and bigger when you go down the lineup."
Tennessee impressed the Bulldogs with its tenacity on defense and perimeter shooting. The Vols hit 10-of-29 3-point attempts and forced 18 turnovers against the Bulldogs, while Memphis went 6-of-24 and induced 13 turnovers.
Like Downs, however, Gonzaga forward David Pendergraft thinks the Tigers' superior frontcourt size could give them an edge.
While the Bulldogs out-rebounded the Vols, 34-32, when the teams met on Dec. 29, Memphis enjoyed a 40-28 edge on the boards in Saturday's game. Tennessee will likely have forward Duke Crews in the lineup to face the Tigers -- the 6-7 sophomore missed the trip to Seattle for medical reasons -- but the Vols are still relatively thin in the interior.
Pendergraft suspects Joey Dorsey, Robert Dozier and Shawn Taggart could have a field day in the paint against the Vols.
"They're a little bigger and more athletic than Tennessee," Pendergraft said. "Tennessee is tenacious and plays with a lot of energy ... but those three guys are gonna cause problems for Tennessee."
Junior forward Josh Heytvelt, who played sparingly against the Vols while recovering from a foot injury, also likes the Tigers' chances against their state rival.
"They play the same type of game, up-tempo and fast-paced. They play the same type of defense also," Heytvelt said in reference to the man-to-man tactics employed by both Memphis coach John Calipari and the Vols' Bruce Pearl. "It's a good matchup. I think Memphis has a little bit of an upper hand. They seem to click a little better than Tennessee."
Gonzaga guard Matt Bouldin isn't sure which team to pick, but he isn't discounting Tennessee's chances.
"I don't know," he said. "I think Memphis will have a tough time with them because of how hard they play. Everybody on their team can make things happen and that makes them a big-time threat."
Gonzaga coach Mark Few was essentially non-committal when asked to assess the matchup based on first-hand experience. Like Pargo, however, he imagines it will be a spectacle.
"I think Memphis is probably more physical," Few said, "but the speed in that game is gonna be something."
The Tigers' victory over Gonzaga was their third in as many years, including an overtime thriller last year in Spokane. Those Bulldogs who have been around for all three encounters think this Memphis team is clearly superior to the previous two editions.
"I think this lineup has an edge," Pendergraft said. "A lot of those guys are more experienced on this team. They've got seniors out there who know how to run their system. That's the difference between Memphis and those other teams. They know how to handle situations, and they pass that knowledge down to younger guys like Derrick Rose so they can see what's expected in those situations. Because of that, I think this team gets the edge."
Few seemed to agree when he said that "Memphis has a chance to be real special."
"They seem to get along great," Few added. "They share it; they make the extra pass. Everybody's doing a good job -- as we like to say, pulling the rope.
"Memphis is terrific, really terrific, and they are worthy of No. 1."
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Comments » 95
Vols1998 writes:
Well......what can anyone say? I think UT is deeper that Memphis and can keep the game close, but if CL is hot again, I give UT the nod.
Go Vols!
utfpmd writes:
Keep in mind we did not have Crews as an inside presence when we played Gonzaga.
RockyTop1 writes:
That's why they play the games!! GO VOLS!!
auttat writes:
What's the point of writing this article? Everyone will find out who the better team is in time.
ballewville6 writes:
KEEP IN MIND GONZAGA PLAYED AT MEMPHIS AND LOST BY 8 TENNESSEE BEAT THEM ON A SO CALLED NEUTRAL COURT 2000 MILES FROM KNOXVILLE AND 15 FROM GONZAGAS HOME COURT AND WE ONE BY 11 ,PARGO IS AN IDIOT IF LOFTEN STAYS WHERE HE IS AND CREWS IS BACK IN SHAPE WE WILL WIN FOR 3 RD YEAR IN A ROW
Jagob38 writes:
If the game was in Knoxville UT would win, but it is in Memphis therefore they will win. The teams are close enough that homecourt will make the difference. The best thing for Memphis would be if they lost to UT because that is the only team left on their schedule with a chance to beat them and they will not win it all if they go undefeated in the regular season.
ggriggs939#223122 writes:
That is the mentality of some of these guys. They hope to deride the team that embarrassed them at home. Since the game is to be played at Memphis, you can expect all the close calls to go against the VOLS as well as calls that disrupt the flow of the VOLS offense.
It is always an embarrassment to get beaten soundly by a new kid on the block and some like this dude, try to hide behind someone more experienced.
He is apparently not familiar with the VOLS - Memphis series in which the VOLS have held their own.
missrvrvol writes:
How can it be 3rd year in a row with a UT win?
1/18/2006 UM 88 UT 79
12/6/2006 UT 76 UM 58
vol4jesus writes:
Why all CAPS? Mr. Ballewville just kiddin'. Go VOLS beat the teams in between one at a time and see where we are then.
RockyTopRK writes:
auttat: Are you suggesting that sportswriters shouldn't write about upcoming games - the Super Bowl for example? True fans love to talk about and look forward to the games to come, GO VOLS!
volchiq writes:
Thank you Gonzaga. Now we can start the bulletin board file and bring it out a little closer to game day. GO VOLS!
navyvolinva writes:
Lets also remember that Lofton didnt have a good game against Gonzo either. I agree they are athletic and big in the post but I think Tyler will have a good game against them and if he gets some time Tabb will be a factor defensively as well. GoVols!!!
orangeblood writes:
hmmmm....all those big guys they say will give us problems...i ask you, where were they last year when we drubbed them?
Volssux writes:
I believe the game is a toss up but how can anyone thing that UT is deeper than Memphis? Memphis is one of the deepest teams in basketball this year, can UT go 10+ deep every game?
NO
hdhurst writes:
TN is 7th in todays poll..but really, who cares. This should only give the VOLS more motivation to take it to the Tigers. GO VOLS!!
RockyTop1 writes:
So now we go to losers and ask what they think? If they had split the season or had a history against both teams maybe that would be different! I simply don't care about opinions of those we have already beaten on the (neutral) court! GO VOLS beat BAMA!
utchris writes:
I like how this article has been on here less than two hours and already has more comments than it has gotten in two days on the Memphis website. As ridiculous as I think people on here can get with the comments sometimes, all I need is to look at the commercial appeal, I and I realize how much dumber people can be.
See the responses to this article in their site. And then crash their party!
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...
justbware#205283 writes:
It's funny how UT fans will step up and point out our (Memphis') common opponents, but how many teams have you guys beaten by 6 or less, when other teams beat the snot out of those teams (See PV, UTC, OSU, etc)?? You guys played about the best game you could have played vs. Gonzaga. Great D and hit your 3s. However, you don't do that every game! I can't wait until Feb.23 so we can all just shut up about this game. I predict you guys will lose one, if not two games this week. MSU will bury you in Starkpatch!!
utchris writes:
Looks like we did not drop that much in the polls. Number 7 and 8 respectively.
justbware#205283 writes:
Funny how you talk about dumbness, utchris2003, and then you use the word "dumber"! Who are you, Jim Carrey now?
redneckerson writes:
first, couldn't care less about these losers' opinions. Like auttat said, we'll know soon enough.
And uttat, won't it be a pretty boring sports page if these guys can't write about games that haven't been played?
bigbluevol writes:
hiresanders with more wisdom and sunshine
bleed_orange writes:
TN has to bring their A+ game (hit a good % from the 3pt 33%+,FT 75%+, & FG 45%+)and Memphis bring their B game(3pt 30%-,FT 60%-,FG 45%-). We have to turn them over more then they do us and have to do reasonable on the Boards. That means Wayne, Tyler, Brian, Duke and Ryan have to BOX OUT BETTER. They need to take it to Dorsey and Dozier. They need to be in early foul trouble (Dorsey & Dozier). Play up and tight on Rose (probally joint effort of Jajuan, Ramar, & Josh Tabb). If possible take the crowd out picture from the start with like a 10-0 spirt. Hopefully Chris & Jajuan will both be hot from 3pt range. But first thing is first- BEAT BAMA! GO VOLS!
JDS
utchris writes:
Actually this is Jeff Daniels. You might want to check the spelling of Beware before you start talking though. Glad that you were sitting here waiting to cherry pick a UT comment like Dorsey did on three of his dunks against Gonzaga.
Lazhil's point about Memphis only having one good sport brings up something interesting. Memphis fans were commenting at nauseam the other day in the Commercial Appeal about how schools like UT, Ole Miss, and Miss ST, etc, continue to block them from gaining entry into the SEC because we are scared of them. That is such phooey. What could Memphis possibly offer the SEC? Men's Basketball is the only sport that consistently wins. Their other sports are dreadful for the most sport (I am not counting their national championships in cheerleading or rifle). They complain that Tennessee has more money, but fail to realize that all of UT's Athletic money is self generated.
justbware#205283 writes:
"Memphis is terrific, really terrific, and they are worthy of No. 1." - Mark Few
Concerned_Mother_Focker writes:
This article is a little premature. Memphis is better than the Vols and everyone else in college basketball this year. They should win this game but we'll see. This will be an awesome matchup.
bleed_orange writes:
Memphis will not go 37-0. Will they lose during the season or in the NCAA Tournament? 1976 IN last men's basketnall team to do it. Memphis will lose at some point. They will lose either to Houston or TN during the season or in the later stages of the NCAA (eilte 8 or final 4). They will probally lose because of missed free throws. GO VOLS!
JDS
NatiVol writes:
Man, reading stories about the game with Memphis one can start to wonder if UT should even bother playing it. Just take a 1-0 loss and save face. Whatever, I like it when everyone says "they are good, but Memphis will beat them". I like it when it is said in football also, I think Pearl will have this team ready.
MOOREVOLS writes:
Hey Volssux -- Tennessee can go 12 deep if Pearl wants them to. He just doesn't choose to do that. Right now Tennessee is going 10 or 11 deep, if Tabb plays. Don't forget, Tennessee has a winning record against Memphis in basketball, 11-7, I believe. Even in their down years Tennessee has been able to beat Memphis in basketball a number of times. It could very easily happen again. Don't get too cocky Memphis. One game at at time. Beat Bama.
GoVol writes:
Pearl will have them ready for this game. TN tough schedule will favor them against a weaker schedule of Tiger high. The VOLS will have to play their very best, but it certainly can happen...even in Mempho!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I thought that was a pretty reasonable article from a valid perspective, that of a team which has played both Memphis and UT. We all know by now how big, fast, rangy, and deep the Tigers are. For sheer physical talent, one would have to look back to, say, the UNLV teams of the late-80's/early-90's. What no one knows, or is likely to know before we play, is how they can play in a close game against a team as quick and athletic as they are. Also, it seems to me that they depend on Rose more than we depend on any single player. If we can keep a fresh man on him the whole game and avoid getting pounded too bad on the boards, we should have a good shot at them. No question they will be favored, though.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Free throw shooting aside, our most glaring weakness is that we're not real physical. I don't know how physical Memphis is, but UT is not even though we have decent height.
Nonetheless, who cares what Gonzaga thinks? As the saying goes: "that's why they play the game".
Anything can happen.
Titan writes:
Tiger High fans beat their chest just like Vandy fans with no justification at all. Both have losing records against the Vols in BB (we won't even go near football records) but to listen to them, you would think it is just the opposite. As far as depth, I'd put our second five up against UM's second five. When you play the schedule that Memphis plays, it's easy to get up for a "big" game. Come play in the SEC and see how you like having to play EVERY game. Have they played a three game stretch like Vandy, Ohio State, and Kentucky in five days? Nope - they haven't and they won't. Don't misunderstand, they're good but when you can win without having to bring your best every night, it eases the strain of a long season.
MOOREVOLS writes:
Tennessee may very well lose another 2 or 3 games (maybe even 4) in the next month and a half. Memphis would lose 3 or 4 conference games too if they were in the SEC. That's what happens when you play in a REAL conference. Tennessee may lose to Memphis. Tennessee will have Vandy, Kentucky and Florday all in a row after the Memphis game, so they have a tough stretch at that time and the conference games will weigh more heavily on them, I'm sure. But, like I said before, don't get too cocky Memphis. Tennessee will want the Memphis game as much as Memphis will and Pearl will have them ready. Memphis will have to play their best to beat Tennessee. There's a lot of basketball left to play before Feb. 23, but it's fun to talk about.
KENVOL writes:
Coach Cal said when he came to Memphis he didn't want to play regional teams. Looking at their schedule it looks like they might join an all girls league. Of course no top 10 teams would be allowed if he had to play them on the road. Give Memphis their due they are good but will not win it all. They will probable beat us,but only because we play them at home. In k-town we beat they by 10 easy. I just hope Lofton lights it up and Chism get ready to rumble. GOOOOOOOOOOOOO VOLS!!!!!!!!!
vol52 writes:
A comparison is really a meaningless venture. Each game was payed at a different point in time. I honestly don't believe our team was playing as good as they are now and with Duke back I feel we have a lot more upside. BEAT bama BAD.
utchris writes:
If Tennessee were to beat Memphis, I was thinking of renting out the billboard that currently reads, "This is Tigertown."
What to rename it?
This is Big Orange Country
or
This is Bruce's Town
orangeinmississippi writes:
Word around here(Memphis)is that Coach Cal said the Tigers were Tennessees team! "GO VOLS"!!!
Volssux writes:
KENVOL- Look before you leap. Every "BIG" non conference game on the Tigers schedule is a home and home series so your dumb comment makes no sense. Either the games were played in a Tourney, or part of a series. So we will play on the road or have already done it. And remember for this year nothing sux like a big orange!!!
jevolball7 writes:
You think tiger high is the Lakers or the Celtics? I can't tell yet. If I were Pearl,I would'nt even show up. We obviously have no chance. Memphis plays run and gun,AND they go 10 deep! WOW! I sure hope we don't try to run with them or match their depth. Keep the kids at home,they aren't able to watch the public exacution that they will surely put upon us. Much like last year,I hope we don't get panic getting off the bus. I'm scared just thinking about it. LOLOLOL
justbware#205283 writes:
Titan: That might be the worst case for an argument that I've ever heard!! "With no justification at all," are you serious?? You can't compare any of the teams in your league with our OOC schedule! OSU is NOT good! They have lost twice by 19 or more. Vandy is ok, but overrated (your own fans shouted that)! UK is 0-2 vs. C-USA (did you mention that?). The SEC is also 3-5 vs. C-USA, but you want to keep talking about how bad we are?? I'm curious to know how this board is going to turn upside down when you guys struggle twice this week with a terrible Bama team and a team that stole your thunder over Ole Miss (also overrated), beating them by 20! I might give your argument a chance if it were two years ago, but it's tired and used now. 85-8, two elite eights and a Top 5 OOC schedule over the past three years has closed the door on that! Go Tigers!!
snowvol writes:
At the end of the day, if Memphis wins...oh well. Our season won't be lost, not hardly. And if we win, great. But it counts for one "W", nothing more. For Memphis fans, this seems to be more important than a deep tourney run. Of course, when you're entire fan base and athletic department's psyche rests on one game, two if we play in football, it's understandable.
What Memphis fans don't understand is that to the vast majority of UT fans, they just aren't relevant. And CUSA -- come on, does anybody even watch their games? In any sport? Outside of the southeast, which game gets bigger ratings and generates more national buzz: Florida-UT or Memphis-Houston? For that matter, put a marquee match-up from the SEC, in any sport, up against any CUSA game you can think of . . . it's almost embarrassing. Really, it's no contest . . . except in the minds of Memphis fans, your leaders in the Delusional Clubhouse.
justbware#205283 writes:
snowvol: You just wish you could be #1 in anything other than chick sports or player arrests!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Wait, its coming to me. Hmmm, #1 playing at home should be a 7-9 pt favorite. Vols best game could win this one, but its going to be a monumental task. Beat Bama.
utchris writes:
Tennessee with 2 losses is still ahead of undefeated Memphis in the RPI. Our strength of schedule is #2, Memphis is #34. I don't think you can question Tennessee's Schedule.
http://realtimerpi.com/rpi_Men.html
volsfan90 writes:
Good point utchris2003..
I don't think Memphis could handle our press defense. Rose is an amazing athlete but from what I have seen so far thats all he is. Haven't been impressed with his ability to score when it matters. Actually I really haven't been impressed by Memphis at all. I hope we crush them.
jevolball7 writes:
Tiger High= tiny sports,tiny budget,tiny fan base,and tiny minds. How incredibly stupid do you have to be to compare Memphis with THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE???? IN ANYTHING!!!!Memphis is a COMPLETE joke.
MemphisVol writes:
memphis is 7-11 against the VOLS in basketball and 1-20 in football.
jevolball7 writes:
News flash: In a run and gun game, Their big men won't make a sh--! If they want to push it,if they have the sack,they will get beat. If they slow it down,which they should,their bigs will hurt us.IMO,NO-BODY can run with us for 40 min....I hope they try.
Colliervol writes:
Talk is cheap. And, if you listen to the Tiger fans on Memphis talk radio, they think it's a foregone conclusion that they are going to wear us out. One things for sure. BP and the Orange jacket are coming to town February 23rd and it's going to be a show. Memphis has yet to play a team that can match them 10 deep with athletes like UT can. They are better inside and we have better outside shooters up and down the lineup. It really all depends on who's hot and who gets in foul trouble (Wayne Chism or Joey Dorsey). And, believe me, that latter question will play a big part in this game.
By the way, whoever said Memphis is Tennessee's team is a dimwit and dreaming to boot. Nobody east of Shelby County gives a phooey about them except the U of M graduates that managed to find their way out of the city limits. Past that, they are a non-factor in the minds of most Tennesseans. Memphis can win the National Championship and it will still be that way. Sometimes the truth hurts and that's just the way it will always be in this state.
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