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UT has had problems on Alabama's court
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Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl understands history, even if it seems he hasn't quite gotten the flavor of the Vols' bitter across-the-board athletic rivalry with Alabama.
"While I have great respect for the rivalry we enjoy in football,'' Pearl said, "we play these teams in the East (Division) twice as much … so you have more room to dislike them and them to dislike you.''
Pearl is, however, savvy enough to have his No. 7-ranked Vols (17-2, 4-1 SEC) prepared for what they'll face against Alabama (12-8, 1-4) at 9 tonight.
Coleman Coliseum has been UT's personal house of horrors for three decades. Tide fans will do what they can to see to it that tradition continues, as they are promoting a "white-out" for this ESPN-televised contest.
The Big Orange basketball program has fared worse in Rammer Jammer country (1-17) over the past 25 years than anywhere in the SEC - including Kentucky's Rupp Arena (2-27).
"I don't know about what happened here before me, but I know this is a historical game for us,'' said UT sophomore point guard Ramar Smith, one of six in the Vols' nine-man rotation who will be playing in Tuscaloosa for the first time.
"We can make history by winning because we've lost 17 of 18 there,'' Smith said. "We can't control what happened in the past, but it's set up for us to control how it is now.''
UT senior Jordan Howell, who is from Auburn, Ala., has a theory on what has happened to Vols of the past.
"This is a really big basketball rivalry for Alabama. Other than Auburn, Alabama gets up for Tennessee more than anyone else,'' Howell said. "That place will be rocking. I think it has caught other Tennessee teams by surprise.
"But Coach Pearl has put an emphasis on it. The team knows what's at stake and we're trying to make history.''
Pearl has been bitten once in Tuscaloosa.
"Two years ago, we went down there with a highly ranked team (No. 8) that won the East and was playing good basketball,'' Pearl said, "and we got it handed to us.''
The final score was 92-79 in favor of the Crimson Tide, and it wasn't that close. Alabama shot 76 percent in the first half and knocked down 15 of 17 (93 percent) of its free throws.
Those shooting percentages are an indicator of focus under the direction of Alabama coach Mark Gottfried, who was 6-1 against the Vols as a Tide player - 3-0 at Coleman Coliseum.
Perhaps not so ironically, Pearl's prospects for being hired by UT got a lift from his Wisconsin-Milwaukee team's 83-73 victory over Alabama in the first round of the 2005 NCAA tournament.
Who would have guessed that would be Pearl's most impressive showing against the Tide three years later?
"Last year, Alabama held us to 33 percent shooting, 19 percent from three and had a five-point lead with two minutes left,'' Pearl said, referring to the Vols' 69-66 overtime win in Knoxville. "We really struggled offensively. It was a crucial game for us; we went into that game on the bubble.''
Tennessee appears to be on a roll of sorts going into Alabama tonight, coming off an 85-69 win over Georgia that featured the return of sophomore post Duke Crews.
Pearl said Crews (6-foot-8) and starting center Wayne Chism (6-9) will be on the floor at the same time with Chism sliding to power forward.
"We haven't seen that much,'' Pearl said, indicating the move will serve UT's need to neutralize Alabama's All-SEC post, Richard Hendrix.
"Hendrix is a physically dominating center,'' Pearl said. "It all starts with him on the inside. You've got to limit his touches. Once he gets it, he's a hard guy to play one-on-one.''
The Tide is rolling, too, coming off a 97-77 win over Auburn on Wednesday night. Hendrix scored 20 points and pulled down eight rebounds while Alabama shot 48 percent from beyond the 3-point arc against the Tigers.
"Alabama is a much better team than its record indicates,'' Pearl said. "And nobody has beaten us more than Kentucky and Alabama, right?''
Still, Pearl concluded, "I don't think they (Alabama fans) dislike me any worse than anyone else in the league does.''
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Posted by RockyTopRooks on January 28, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GO VOLS!!! BEAT BAMA!!!
Posted by jameskhill2 on January 28, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Richard HENDRIX can have his points. We cant let guys like Alonzo Gee and Rico Pickett beat us.
Posted by rockyknox on January 28, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't forget that one of our guys will have a big chip on his shoulder. Remember the big snub Gottfied gave Chris Lofton last summer?
Posted by Cherokee on January 29, 2008 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bama's biggest weakness, for years now, has been defense, specifically against 3 point shooting. If we can shoot well from outside, we should win. Having Crews back will help that because the Tide will have to focus on the inside game more than previous opponents have had to. That said, we have really struggled with Bama for years now, and it is infuriating to me. I hate Bama, and when I was a kid UT was #2 all-time in the SEC. After we allowed Dickey to treat basketball with all the importance of synchronized swimming for years, including the embarrassing Wade Houston years, we have slipped behind the Tide in the standings. It's time to correct this, and it starts tonight! I want to hang a 25 point loss on the Tide. B'ham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky did his best in yesterday's paper to try to fire up Bama, practically saying it would be a miracle if the Tide won. He knows darn well we have hardly won there in the past 20 years.
Posted by Lessel on January 29, 2008 at 2:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope Crews does not eat into Tyler Smith's minutes.
Does T Smith ever play the 3 spot as a Small Forward?
Posted by pdhuff on January 29, 2008 at 6:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Beat Bama. Our stalwart lads in the land of Gottfried and Satan. Perish the thought.
Posted by tigervol9802 on January 29, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pressure them, pressure them, pressure them! Cause havoc for the guards and I like our chances. We've got to dictate our style of play in this one.
And a white out in T-town? Has the crimson stain become too much for even a Bama fan to wear?
Posted by fundamentals83 on January 29, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
tigervol,
The concept of "A Crimson Out" was just too much to handle.
Posted by drone on January 29, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well that will be very good. With what Orange will be @ Coleman tonight, it should have a nice look to it - Orange & White! Go Vols!!!!!!!!!
Posted by GreeneVol on January 29, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A very pivotal week for the Vols...at Bama is always a test, then at Miss. State that surely feels it's a disrespected team being that they are undefeated in SEC yet are still ranked (25th in ESPN, 26th in AP) below Ole Miss which they just thrashed by 20.......go get 'em Vols!
Posted by shoalcreekvol on January 29, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
pdhuff, you imply that Gottfried and Satan are two different entities. Ask yourself: Have you ever seen them both in the same place at the same time?
Posted by mparker on January 29, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bama has beaten us down there, to be really honest, because they literally beat the snot out of us on the inside game. Major Wingate could dominate at times, but I'd swear we havn't had a big, wide-bodied banger since Torrey Harris.
Maybe it's just me, but with the way refs call games anymore, UT is at a distinct disadvantage in inside paly. Other teams with bigger players just run over us in the paint.
I am concerned with tonight's game, but I am damn sure the boys are focused on it. They won't take Bama lightly.
Posted by VolCane7979 on January 29, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We made the trip from Knox to Tuscaloosa 2 years ago for the game. We went down to their strip and couldn't find a place open to get a beer at 12:30 on a basketball gameday before a 4:00 game. Their gym is very poorly lit, but very loud. I hope we can finally break the losing streak in that building tonight.
Posted by johnlg00 on January 29, 2008 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cherokee, why would Bama have to concentrate on Crews on defense? Has he EVER scored double figures in a game? Not lately, for sure. His greatest value for us this year, and for his career so far, is to provide rebounding, post defense, and general intensity. I'm not knocking those contributions, but no one has to pay any extra attention to us defensively in the post. The only way we ever score inside is with Tyler, Ramar, J.P., and occasionally JaJuan driving; the only way our post guys score inside is off of dishes from the drivers and offensive rebounds when the drivers draw the defense away from their rebounding positions. We'd better be ready tonight. It's always a good time to beat Bama in anything! GO VOLS!!!
Posted by bricker865 on January 29, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BYOB :) I'm afraid....
Posted by TazDaVolFan on January 29, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We need to hear more from Bert on the radio. Money, Talk to me Tyler, etc. At least Burt brings some enthusiasm to the broadcast.
Posted by Tennisajoke on January 29, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sitck to football Tennessee....you are no good at basketball seeing as you have never made an elite eight. And, the football program is fighting for 3rd in the EAST division, so maybe stick to women's basketball
Posted by Tennisajoke on January 29, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOWLY Kentucky beat Tennessee....they have home losses to Gardner-Webb and San Diego...haha.....Maybe try and get some tips for coach cal on the other part of the state....he seems to be doing alright. #1
Posted by pdhuff on January 29, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
shoalcreekvol-11:00 a.m.- well maybe ol' Saban-Satan will be at the tilt. Did you catch Gottfired's wife chewed out Finebaum courtside at the halftime of the Au-Ala game?
al.com-also catch Scarbinsky's column praising the Vols at the skies. Setting them up. This should be tuff tonite. Beat Bama.
Posted by dirtdobber1 on January 29, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
buck fama!
Posted by dirtdobber1 on January 29, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tennisajoke- memphis is running rough shot over conference usa- that should help them keep that rpi stout! good job against mtsu- 24 point victory- not bad- The vols smoked them by 70! Put that in your crackpipe and smoke it!
Posted by dirtdobber1 on January 29, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Volcane7979- dude...you getting started early 12:30? Yell for me!
Posted by jdcvols on January 29, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brian..tennisajoke, 3rd in the SEC East? Good luck when you become a freshman at Mempiss community college.
Posted by pdhuff on January 29, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
volcane7979-11:03-made same trip several years ago with couple friends. Imbibed at one of Namath's Bar & Grills (name escapes me now-had big pic of Joe) pre-game. Drove out across 15" high center sidewalk. Helped out mufflers on 455 Olds 98.
During game, buddy named Hawk was pulling on a little Jack Black and in his largess mood, offered a shot to a Crimson neighbor. It was nicely refused and he handed Hawk his card. Baptist minister. Oh well.
Had a great time. Not much to Tuscaloosa.
Posted by drone on January 29, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Putting on my Orange right now & getting ready to head out. Beat BAMA!!!!! GOOOO VOLSSSSSSS!!!!
Looks like I'll be going to jail tonight. Hope the KNS doesn't get wind of it!
Posted by dirtdobber1 on January 29, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pdhuff and drone- Wow! I thought i was bad!
Posted by VolCane7979 on January 29, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow. I wish I could drink at work like you guys apparently can. Where do you work?
Posted by GoVol on January 29, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Drive the lanes, get physical and hit the free throws. They'll beat any team...even Tiger H.S....or is that team called coach Cals cons?
Posted by pdhuff on January 29, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Line at Tenn-4 1/2. Hope we crush them. Pound the boards and shoot the rock. Make a few FTs along the way. Showtime, Vols, give it your best!
Posted by Tennisajoke on January 29, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How many elite eights gentlemen? Go hunt and wear your orange with a nice cold one in your hand
Posted by Tennisajoke on January 29, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If Memphis is Cal's cons then Tennessee is Fulmer's Felons. Peyton Manning career record vs Memphis and Florida (0-5).
Posted by vol1994 on January 29, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Alabama's coach made some good adjustments going zone. We can't buy a basket.
We should be up by 10 but down by 2 throwing up
3's everywhere.
Still not too worried but playing very very sloppy and shooting below 32% at the 2 minute mark of 1st half is horrible.
Hopefully we will get some transition points to get us into some type of rhythem.
Posted by natcross24 on January 29, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
our half court defense is terrible. turnovers are out of control too. also seems as if JP has not faired well in conference play.
Posted by dfreeman on January 29, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tennisajoke - that joke beat your kitties by 18 last year!!! Memphis... the armpit of Tennessee!!!!
Posted by dfreeman on January 29, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mcbrim1998 - Good to see that you know how to post something else!! Did your momma type this one??
Posted by LargeOrange on January 29, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Childress is terrible, he gets eaten alive under the basket, can't make a 3 footer all day and couldn't make a Free throw to save his life 48%. Williams is better all around, thanks God for all fo the Smiths and Chris. Beat BAMA!
Posted by dfreeman on January 29, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree LargeOrange!! However having him in there has kept Chism or someone else from fouling out!!
Posted by drcmac on January 29, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This team looked too much like one of Jerry Green's teams tonight.
Too much talent but not playing with discipline. Until we figure out how to guard the big man, we will be done early in the tournament.
Posted by LargeOrange on January 29, 2008 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry meant Chism not Childress. But a win is a win and it is all good!
Posted by weedbreath on January 29, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OK I think it is official now - LOFTON IS BACK!!!!
Posted by natcross24 on January 29, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JP---5 points, 0 assists, 1 steal, 1 rebound, 5 to's, not a good line at all. we need more than that. thinking we need to see Tabb getting some of those minutes back.
Posted by weedbreath on January 29, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah I agree that JP seems to have been less than mediocre lately. I get worried everytime that he touches the ball now as to whether he is going to turn it over or not. Hopefully he can get it out of his system now before tourney time.
Posted by vol4good on January 29, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great Win in Bammer country!! I live in Athens, Alabama (Richard Hendrix's home town)--Let me tell you these people love Richard--I guess in a way I do too! He comes from a real good family, and the man always has time for his fellow neighbors. I am glad to see the VOLS whoop his arse though! Great game J. Smith!! Welcome home Mr. 3--Chris Lofton. I will be crowing all day at work tomorrow!
Posted by Indianavol on January 30, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not this time Bammer Morons; great win for the BIG ORANGE!
Did anyone see the idiot with the "Fat Phil Squeals" sign? What a moron, the Moron Nation is jealous because they are owned by Phil!
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