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Vols claim outright SEC title in dramatic fashion

By Mike Griffith (Contact)
Originally published 11:31 p.m., March 5, 2008
Updated 11:32 p.m., March 5, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Tennessee won its first outright regular-season SEC men's basketball Championship in 41 years by saving its best for last Wednesday night.

The No. 4 Vols made a dramatic second-half charge to pull out an 89-86 victory over Florida before a sellout crowd of 12,046 at the O'Connell Center.

Mississippi State's 86-85 overtime loss to Vanderbilt earlier Wednesday night set up UT's opportunity to clinch the outright title.

But Tennessee couldn't don the SEC crown until Nick Calathes, who scored a game-high 24 points, missed a 3-pointer in the final seconds and the Vols took possession and ran out the clock.

"Our players had a will and determination to win that championship tonight,'' UT coach Bruce Pearl said. "We didn't want to wait until Sunday.''

Perhaps not, but the Vols (27-3, 13-2 SEC) waited until the second half to snap out of their doldrums after Florida (21-9, 8-7) raced out to a 55-42 half-time lead.

"There were some calls, some plays they made and then their crowd got involved,'' said JaJuan Smith, who led UT with 23 points. "We just fought through it and picked each other up.

"We're SEC Champs!''

The Vols, who trailed by as many as 16 in the first half, opened the second half on a 7-0 tear to trail 55-49 after a Ramar Smith steal led to a Tyler Smith turnaround with 18 minutes left.

The teams continued to battle over the next 10 minutes, exchanging baskets and hard fouls with the crowd growing louder at each exchange.

Finally, UT appeared to wear down the young Gators.

A Lofton 3-pointer at the 8:16 mark pulled the Vols to 69-68 and ignited a 14-0 run. Wayne Chism capped the burst - which included eight consecutive points from JaJuan Smith - with a basket inside to put the Vols up 79-69 with 6:11 left.

Florida, fighting for an NCAA at-large bid, fired back with an 8-0 run that cut UT's lead to 79-77 with 3:30 left. The Gators' charge included a physical exchange between Dan Werner and Tyler Smith that led to double technical fouls.

"I didn't want to fight, but we were trying to win,'' Tyler Smith said. "He (Werner) had that hard foul on J.P. in the last game, so that was twice for him.''

The Vols had taken an 85-82 lead on two Lofton free throws before Calathes drained a 3-pointer to tie the game at 85-85 with 1:46 left.

Chism and Calathes traded missed shots on the next two possessions before JaJuan Smith was fouled and sent to the free throw line with 44.1 seconds left.

JaJuan Smith missed both, but Tyler Smith knifed through for the rebound on the second miss and scored on a putback to put UT up 87-85.

Marreese Speights split a pair of free throws with 27.2 seconds left to pull Florida to 87-86, and then Chism took a hard foul at the other end with 18.5 seconds on the clock.

Chism, a .493 free throw shooter, calmly sank both shots to extend the lead to 89-86.

"I couldn't even hear the crowd because my ears were ringing,'' Chism said. "Coach (Steve) Forbes had worked with me on my free throws, so I wasn't worried.''

Werner charged at the other end, but UT turned the ball over on the ensuing inbounds, giving Florida the opportunity for Calathes' errant 3-point attempt.

"The difference in the game was three things,'' Gators coach Billy Donovan said. "To start the second half, Tyler Smith got them close with a lot of plays around the basket.

"And then JaJuan Smith and Lofton made some difficult shots. Those two guys do it every game, and it's a special and unique quality. You have to give them credit.''

In addition to winning their school-record 27th game, the Vols also clinched the top seed in the SEC East.

UT opens play in the SEC tournament at the Georgia Dome with a 1 p.m. game March 14 against the winner of the March 13 game between the West's No. 4 team (Ole Miss or LSU) and the East's No. 5 (South Carolina or Georgia).

The Vols will close out the regular season at 2 p.m. Sunday at Thompson-Boling Arena when they put their 31-game home-court win streak on the line against the Gamecocks (13-16, 5-10).

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       318 Comments

Posted by knoxville_born on March 5, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a comeback! What a tough road win! Bring on the SEC tourney! Go Vols!!!

Posted by knoxville_born on March 5, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a comeback! What a tough road win! Bring on the SEC tourney! Go Vols!!!

Posted by volsfan327 on March 5, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Awesome, just Awesome! SEC Champs sounds soooo good! Thank you Coach Pearl and the mens basketball team for bringing this victory home!!! The dry spell is over!!!GO VOLS

Posted by 4114 on March 5, 2008 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's GREAT TO BE A CHAMPION VOL !! What a game to win it at florida makes it even more sweet.

Posted by utchris2003 on March 5, 2008 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First Round bye. Will play the winner of East #5 (Gerogia) vs. West #4 (LSU, ALA, or Auburn) in the second round

Posted by lnbadger320 on March 5, 2008 at 11:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what a game, composure, composure, composure. even against the refs, which were pathetic.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GO VOLS SEC Champs

Posted by Einstein on March 5, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a GRITTY performance by the Vols!!!

Posted by UTByrd on March 5, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Talk about home-cooking! Congrats, UT

Posted by girdle1998 on March 5, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tyler Smith is a MAN!

Posted by budrhon on March 5, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gritty performance by the Vols and JuJuan has nothing but ice water running thru his veins.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what a stretch of 4 games this team showed so much heart

Posted by UTByrd on March 5, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Still gotta beat the 'cocks. GO Vols!!!!!

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

absolutely girdle

Posted by huntined on March 5, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That was a great game gators were ready in that first half...hit everything.
Good job to come back on them..
SEC CHAMPS !!! I still think fla needs to be in ncaa not nit.. if we had 21 wins we would feel as if we should be there if we had reversed roles
GREAT WIN...GO VOLS!!!

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

man the SEC is a tough league

Posted by EDis4UT on March 5, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love this team! Coach Pearl has this team playing their hearts out!

Posted by jr8657 on March 5, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SEC CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!! WHAT A GREAT COMEBACK. WE CAME OUT IN THE SECOND HALF AND JUST DOMINATED! THIS IS ABSOLUTELTY WONDERFUL! 41 YEARS OF WAITING IS FINALLY OVER! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE PLAYERS, ALL OF THE COACHING STAFF AND TO THE HEAD COACH OF THE 2007-2008 SEC BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS....BRUCE PEARL!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK AND LET'S GO GET'EM IN POST SEASON!!!! GO BIG ORANGE!!

Posted by yemmusdarb on March 5, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

where's gatornation at tonight??? yeah, that's what i thought.....

4 more W's and we should be the #1 overall seed.

Posted by chrisw2967 on March 5, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just pay Pearl the money to keep him.
great win and great comeback

Posted by rabidvol1998 on March 5, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yaaaahoooooooooooo. It's great to be a TN VOL.

Go Vols.

everybody contributed. Great team effort.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did BP say something to the refs after Tyler got hammered on the dunk in the first half

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did BP say something to the refs after Tyler got hammered on the dunk in the first half

Posted by murrayvol on March 5, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When Widby & Co. last turned this trick I was a junior at the University. Where did all those years go? Thanks Vols!

Posted by murrayvol on March 5, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When Widby & Co. last turned this trick I was a junior at the University. Where did all those years go? Thanks Vols!

Posted by tnbanker_govols on March 5, 2008 at 11:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another situation where another team played over their heads in the first half. Tough win on the road. Beat a good Florida team along with a horrible SEC officiating team as well. SEC officiating did their best to get another team in the Tourney but it didn't work. Tyler Smith really set the tone and J. Smith hit some clutch shots. Awesome game.....the Vols really deserve this victory, the Championship and a #1 seed in the Tourney. Congratulations Volunteers.....see ya in Knoxville on Sunday.

Posted by cdldoc on March 5, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great punter, Ron Widby.

Posted by cphil on March 5, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This game proved what the Vols are made of....had to beat a hot Florida team and the refs. I thought the officiating in the Memphis game was bad, and the next game at Vandy was as bad, but this was about the most blatant attempt to help beat a team I've ever seen. I thought I was watching a horror movie for most of the game, "The Rape In Gainesville".

Congratulations to Coach Pearl and the entire team for overcoming the adversity and wrapping up the regular season title.

Posted by billadcock on March 5, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is gaternation now??????

Go Vols.

Posted by billadcock on March 5, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Where is gatornation? Hahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahha

Posted by BluetickBlues on March 5, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SEC is tough. How do the Vols withstand that barrage of shots in the first half and still win? Great game, refs were atrocious as usual on the road in the SEC. Thank you Commode Doors, I hate you, but thanks for helping the SEC championship arrive to KNOXVEGAS! Champions baby!

Posted by cphil on March 5, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a thought, I wonder if Teddy Valentine helped had pick this crew.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

55 pts in 20 minutes...then I realized 42 was pretty good

Posted by hallmo11 on March 5, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Once again....our Vols don't panic and gut out another win!
They remain completely calm under tremendous pressure
in a tough setting. We're so proud!

Posted by RocketVol on March 5, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really hope, somehow, Tennessee meets Florida in the big dance - it'll be an easy win. Pearl owns Donovan.

Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on March 5, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That was one intense game. The BBall rivalry with FL is getting as heated as the FB one. Fortunately we are on the lopsided advantage at the moment.

Congrats to the team on the SEC Championship. Now win the tourney and claim the unanimous conference crown.

Posted by StaytheCourse on March 5, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What a Grizzled team the Vols have become...Where you at GatorNation? Tyler Smith is a Man-beast....and how bout Chism hittin some clutch ft's. Florida record aganist the "Total Package" 1-5.

Posted by tnbanker_govols on March 5, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Vols have been pretty impressive on the road this year (minus the fluke at KY). Playing on a neutral court, I believe they can go deep in the tourney this year. I'm ready to fill in my bracket!

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

great game #5 way to go

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stay the course i agree the chism fts were critical

Posted by VolBall_1 on March 5, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gators!Gators! Why dont you just bite my bass?

One day you guys will figure the total score for the whole game is what counts--Also, it is not figured like golf--where the low number wins. Keep coming to our board and we will help you with your sports IQ!!! Dont worry about your baksetball team--like the pool in your wonderful sports facility they are all wet..May I recomend pampers.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 5, 2008 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

great road teamwith or without sleep, flu etc

Posted by SFOrange on March 5, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's what championship teams do---overcome adversity. UNC came back down 18 @ BC, Duke came back down 14 @ NC State. That's the kind of win that show's that UT is ready for the NCAAs. Go Orange Go.

Posted by anthony on March 5, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We were there in 67 leading the panty raid after we beat Miss State. The campus just went wild. We were planning the raid from inside the dorm with a guy named JF leading the charge on a loudspeaker set up in his dorm room. Great memories. Finally, we win another one, i didn't know it had been that long. To God be the glory, thanks be to Him and for the hard work and for coach Pearl.It's great to be on top of the heap. I knew we had it in us and that the Tennessee fans deserved this too! Don't you really feel bad about the gator poster trying to get our goat, but we beat Billy Donovan anyway and in the Gator Dome!@!

Posted by Rockytop98 on March 6, 2008 at 12:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CHOMP!!!! Take a bite out of the Gators!!! Sweettttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!

Posted by pearlific on March 6, 2008 at 12:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl 5 little Ricky 1.

Posted by reasonablevol on March 6, 2008 at 12:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GREAT GAME!

Florida is going to be really good next year :(

Teams we don't want to play in SEC tourney:
Kentucky or Florida!

Let's be honest, we're probably are going to have to play both.

SEC tourney will be very tough b/c everyone knows us in this league. NCAA tourney will be different!

GOOD LUCK VOLS!!!

Posted by hdhurst on March 6, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This game reminded me of the Rocky-Clubber Lang fight in Rocky III (or was it Rocky 13). Anyway, Clubber is hyped up and is extended alot of energy to beat rocky, then Rocky wears him down to take the final punch.

Sweet road victory, against the Gators, no less. This was as complete a TEAM victory as I have seen in some time. Like some of the other readers have said, we can improve our bench and will become a better team. Nice job, however, from Howell and Prince stepping it up.

Goal # 1 accomplished...SEC regular season title
Goal # 2? SEC tourney championship
Goal # 3? NCAA championship

As they say, 1 game at a game, fellas. GO VOLS!!!

Posted by schymtz on March 6, 2008 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you, Coach Pearl! Thank you, Thank you! This feels So good! And what a way to win the SEC Championship on the floor of the defending National Champions. The Gator's wanted this game badly and played the best first half of the season against Tennessee.
Once upon a time, playingnKentucky in Lexington during the Ernie and Bernie Era, the Vols were down double digets. John Ward called the game and said "The faint of heart abandoned hope - I am...the faint of heart!" But Bernard King hit a jumper falling down and they came back to win in overtime! I confess I was very close to being the faint of heart. Not this Team! Not this coach! Not these players! Thank You, Volunteers!
Didn't think I would be saying "Thank you to Vandy this year, but they did a good job in overtime,making this wrapup tonight possible.
The spirit of Coach Mears must have been in the house! Winning at Florida always meant a great deal to his teams. "Good things happen when we win here." Fantastic!Hang the first banner of the year!

Posted by pearlific on March 6, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

is Werner a PUNK or what? he can't handle Tyler, J.P., Wayne, duke or anyone else. twice now he has intentionally foled and ran his mouth...somebody's gonna bust his chops one day.

Posted by ratkins589 on March 6, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

take the tourney now !!!!!

Posted by billadcock on March 6, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey gaternation.........;hahahahahahahahahahahha

Posted by billadcock on March 6, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Go gaternation........hahahahhahahahahahahha

Posted by pearlific on March 6, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We don't need no stinking Vandy! a win sunday would have won it outright anyway!

Posted by King30 on March 6, 2008 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So glad to see CBP go with his senior guards in crunch time (yeah...that included Jordan for all you haters).
We hear all the time that it takes experienced guards to go deep in the 2A...
And with those three and Tyler we have four +70% free throw shooters to close out games.
RTYAB!!!

Posted by ratkins589 on March 6, 2008 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tyler smith ROCKS!!!!!

Posted by orangeinmississippi on March 6, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"GO VOLS", bring em all on,we dont care!!!

Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on March 6, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That was one intense game. The BBall rivalry with FL is getting as heated as the FB one. Fortunately we are on the lopsided advantage at the moment.

Congrats to the team on the SEC Championship. Now win the tourney and claim the unanimous conference crown.

Posted by oldhippie57 on March 6, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by gatornation on March 4, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Prediction - UF 72 Tennessee 66

Prediction - Tennessee is #9 in next weeks poll, a #2 seed for the NCAA

Prediction - Tennessee wins 1st round against #15, loses 2nd round, comes home, is sad.

Prediction - hahahahahhahaha

Whose laughing now GAYTORDICK?

Posted by hdhurst on March 6, 2008 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Love Tyler to death, but he could have easily got called for taunting with the stairdown he gave Pop Werner. Tyler is a critical piece of why we are happy VOL fans tonight, so I can't knock him for this slight.

I predict we lose out in the SEC tourney, but go on the warpath in the NCAA's. Oh well, that's why they play the games. (Funny, just got a msg from KNS to "Watch your mouth! The words "g--k" are not allowed here" and it is not even in here...all because I said good luck to the vols.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 6, 2008 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Heh Gatordick - come on back. You smack talking sons of #@$&. Winning the SEC was SWEET! Winning on your home court was PRICELESS!

Posted by mmmjtx on March 6, 2008 at 12:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce Pearl said to enjoy this championship. After waiting 41 years, I sure am! Congrats to the team, and to all the vols fans who have stuck it out for all of the years.

Posted by LazhilUT on March 6, 2008 at 12:21 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by IdahoVol on March 6, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great finish for the outright championship.

Three things I noticed watching the game tonight - the gator cheerleaders are not nearly as hot as they used to be, the freshmen gator players look pretty gay (nice hair Calathes), and the gator team can't finish a game. It must suck to be a gator during basketball season this year!

Posted by IdahoVol on March 6, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great finish for the outright championship.

Three things I noticed watching the game tonight - the gator cheerleaders are not nearly as hot as they used to be, the freshmen gator players look pretty gay (nice hair Calathes), and the gator team can't finish a game. It must suck to be a gator during basketball season this year!

Posted by Duster on March 6, 2008 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats UT, well deserved. Proud of our young Gators and looking forward to the future.

Posted by IdahoVol on March 6, 2008 at 12:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OOPS - didn't mean to double post

Posted by King30 on March 6, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The worst and the best.

The WORST officials I think I have ever seen.
The WORST announcers I've ever heard.
The WORST official scorer caused CBP to remove both Jajuan and JP from the game at different times cause he couldn't get his numbers straight.
The WORST (by a mile) fans in the SEC take a home beating by the BEST Tennessee team EVER, proving it can overcome anything because they have such heart and the BEST coach in the nation.

Posted by billadcock on March 6, 2008 at 12:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey gaternation.... hahahahahhahahahahahahahahah

Posted by MemphisVol on March 6, 2008 at 12:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Way to go BIG ORANGE!!!!! Win that last home game and then off to the postseason!!

Posted by danthemanwells on March 6, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This team is so much fun. There was so much leadership shown tonight. It makes me so happy to see Jujuan and Lofton and Howell played well. All played big roles in this game, and I love it! Now, let's not blow this one against USC on Sunday...

Posted by King30 on March 6, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That wasn't Wayne Chism that hit those two clutch free throws, was it? Nah...it couldn't have been. Really? Chizz? You sure?
Way to go Wayne!

Posted by cphil on March 6, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gaternation is ashamed to show his face because he knows Bruce Pearl OWNS Billy Donovan!!!

Posted by rabidvolfan on March 6, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a special team. Congratulations Pearl and players. I love this bunch of young men!!

Posted by rbatten9 on March 6, 2008 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't believe UF blew two halftime leads against UT.

Posted by givehim6 on March 6, 2008 at 12:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SEC CHAMPS! nuf said.

Posted by LargeOrange on March 6, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Where are PDhuff, Invisible, TJ, TNGeneral, and all the rest? If this was Football, they would be talking about how we needed Vandy to win in OT to help us back into a SEC championship and how if that 3 pointer had just been a few inches one way or the other we would have lost, how lucky we are to win against an unranked team, blah blah blah... I'm glad it is basketball, where we haven't convinced ourselves that we DESERVE to be national champions every few years. But it is just a matter of time before these negative/haters turn on CBP and start calling for his head too. Mark my words. God help CBP if he wins the NC, and doesn't repeat for a few years, these delusional posters will be talking about how time has past Bruce's way. Just keeping it real.

Posted by jglocsawgrass on March 6, 2008 at 12:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gatornation? HOW DO YOU LIKE US NOW? Go Vols. CONGRATS TO THE GUYS FOR A REAT SEASON. Keep the focus. We are so proud of you!!!!

Posted by givim6 on March 6, 2008 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me tell you how good the Vols really are,

Our 5 on the floor beat their 8 on the floor.

When will the SEC Commish get wise to the home cooking at Vandy and Fla? (Petino says he will never take another team to Nashville because of the blatant home officiating.)

We are the Champions, We are the Champions,
my friend!

Posted by lindaleewilliams on March 6, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How about Duke Crews jumping in and keeping an arm on Tyler Smith to keep him from going after the UF player? That was a great example of one teammate looking out for another, and Duke seems to exel at this (remember last year when he asked BP to start Chism against Memphis?). At any rate, Duke may have saved Tyler being ejected.

Posted by ballewville6 on March 6, 2008 at 1:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FLORDIA IS GOING TO BE GOOD NEXT YEAR I AGREE WITH WHOEVER POSTED THAT ,BUT EVEN THOUGH WE LOSE LOFTEN AND JUJUAN WITH THE RECRUITS WE ARE GOING TO HAVE COMING IN NEXT YEAR I SEE A LITTLE LESS GUARD ACTION BUT I DONT SEE TOO MUCH DROP OFF,TENNESSEE IS GOING TO BE GREAT AGAIN NEXT YEAR TO OUR BIGS WILL IMPROVE AND OUR SF AND GUARDS WILL BE GOOD TOO EVEN IF HOPSON DOESNT SIGN ,WHICH I BELIVE HE WILL SIGN WITH THE VOLS AND WE WILL HAVE A SPEEDSTER IN DANIAL WEST WHO CAN SCORE IN BUNCHES AND AFTER ANOTHER YEAR IN WEIGHT ROOM OUR BIGS WILL BE TOUGH NEXT YEAR WE WILL COMPETE AGAIN FOR SEC TITAL,PAY BRUCE THE BIG MONEY ON LONG TERM DEAL CAUSE HE HAS BROUGHT SOME HEART TO THE COACHING POSITION ,I KNOW INDIANA COVETS HIM THE BIBLE SAYS NOT TO COVET THY NEIGHBOR ,WELL THEY WANT BRUCE AND THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE A BIG PUSH AND THROW SOME SERIOUS CASH ON THE TABLE. SO WE NEED TO LOCK HIM UP WITH A LONG TERM DEAL,CAUSE AS LONG AS HE IS COACH AT TENNESSEE WE WILL BE AMONGEST THE BEST AND WE WILL WIN AN NCAA TITAL IF NOT THIS YEAR WITHIN THE NEXT 2 TO 5 YEARS.AND SORRY RYAN CHILLDRESS GIVE UP YOUR SCOLERSHIP PLEASE YOU CAN REMAIN ON TEAM BUT WE NEED IT FOR A TOP RECRUIT.YOU WERE MOST IMPROVED FROM 2005-2006 TO 2006-2007 BUT IN 2007-2008 YOU HAVE GOT MUCH WORSE.YOU SHOWED GREAT EFFORT TO IMPROVE THEN YOU UNFORTUNLY LET IT GET TO YOUR HEAD.

Posted by newtonrail on March 6, 2008 at 1:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Need everyone to continue to vote everyday for Lofton for Lowes Senior BB Player of the Year. A Dukee--- is edging ahead. Start voting people.

*************************************************
VOTE FOR LOFTON EVERYDAY!!!!!!
*************************************************
http://www.seniorclassaward.com/VOTEL....

Posted by DekanGator on March 6, 2008 at 1:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't believe some of these post I've read.
You guys act like you won the national championship.
Which you can, because you do have a great team, who plays togeather well. And great "D" but lets not forget, fellows, You played a team with 5 FR. 3 Soph 1 JR. And a top 10 recurting class coming in.
Congrats on your SEC championship. Lets face it. the road is going to get tougher Just ask us. We won back to back nationl champions! 3 Times in a row SEC tourny champion.
If Floirda does not win the National Championship,We would like an SEC team to win, I dont think that is true in Tenn.
One last thing fellows, Thank God Lofton is a SR.! He kills us!

Posted by trl_x on March 6, 2008 at 1:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win by the Vols!! SEC CHAMPIONS!!! SWEET!!!

Florida played really well. It's the sign of a Champion to take the opponents best shot...and win.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by cphil on March 6, 2008 at 1:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DekanGator, you have to keep in mind it's been 41 YEARS since UT last won the regular season title outright, so yes, we have reason to and are celebrating.

Second, I feel that most Vol fans are always going to root for the last SEC team left in the Big Dance, even if it's one of our arch rivals. Hell, I'd even pull for Vandy if it was them. Also, I think we all pulled for the Gators the past two years, since we had the distinction of beating them so much during the season.

Posted by calivol on March 6, 2008 at 1:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DekanGator, we're not acting like fans who just won a national championship. We're acting like fans who just beat Florida for the 7th time in the last 9 meetings.

Posted by mparker on March 6, 2008 at 1:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WoW!!!!!

You knew we'd make a push....a couple of mistakes when we had the 10 point lead let them back in. Still, what a tense game. You'd think CBP has a plan to let the other team come out hot, and then wear them down!!

Great job, guys; great game, UF.

Let's complete this with a win over USC. We can worry about tournaments later.

Posted by rodneyadms on March 6, 2008 at 2:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Where the hell is gatornation...I knew he wouldn't show his candy ass on this site again!

Posted by Musicman74 on March 6, 2008 at 2:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win.
GO BIG ORANGE!!!

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 6, 2008 at 2:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce owns Eddie Munster. 5-1 all time!!

Posted by imwithphilly on March 6, 2008 at 3 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gatornation, I hope you enjoy the NIT you p.o.s.

Posted by imwithphilly on March 6, 2008 at 3:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gatornation, i hope you enjoy the NIT you p.o.s.

Posted by VolFan_stuck_in_FL on March 6, 2008 at 4:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great Win. Congrats TN BB players and coaches.

Let's just keep it rolling

Posted by chl1958 on March 6, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations VOLS! Greatest display of Heart and Sportsmanship I have ever witnessed! You make me proud to be a Tennessee Vol!

Posted by creepykev on March 6, 2008 at 6:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I always root for TN first SEC team second.

Posted by shipperman on March 6, 2008 at 6:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

UTByrd: Still gotta beat the 'cocks. Do you realize how that sounds? Would you want your daughter to be a S Carolina cheerleader? :o)

Posted by pdhuff on March 6, 2008 at 6:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Largeorange 12:56 a.m. - Great win Vols, but at that time of morning, codgers are asleep. We leave it to you spring chickens.

What an effort. Never quit. B Ball is a game of surges. Any SEC team is tuff on the road. BP is the man and the Vols are the team.

SEC Champions. How sweet it is. IU might be interested in Pearl, hard to tell. Mikey should see that doesn't happen. Kudoes again.

Posted by Alphafemale on March 6, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Florida's team reminds me of us the last two years. Calathes is going to have a great career and be a PITA for the next few years. Werner needs to get his self in check...

Having said that, GO VOLS!!!!!!

Posted by RocketVol on March 6, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've never read so much sour grapes in my life (Florida fans). If you Gaytors wonder why there's so much "acting like we just won a championship" it's because you are classless and ticked everyone off on these boards before the game! Are you really that stupid? You asked this!

By the way, your national titles didn't go through Knoxville - Pearl owns Donovan. You should be thankful we didn't meet in the tourney somewhere else there would be no rings. Now, that may change, but it is the state of affairs today.

Go back to class, go find some class, go home, go Vols!

Posted by madisonvillevol on March 6, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

billy donovan is eddie munster!

Posted by JHite7 on March 6, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great game! I was really hoping that Duke would let Tyler go just to see what he could do to Werner. Werner is known for the cheap bullcrap that he has pulled at least twice in this series this year. I know one thing though, the hard foul he had on Prince at our place in February wasn't forgotten by Tyler...which makes me feel good knowing this team has gelled and has each other's back's. But I ain't even gonna lie...Tyler's stare intimidated me watching it so I know Wiener/Werner didnt want any. Great to be SEC champions and glad to do it in Gainesville...but dang that Florida team is gonna be tough for a few years. Especially if someone tells Calathes he's not in a boy band and gets rid of the stair stepped Fonz hair. What a tool

Posted by iowavol on March 6, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl needs to be the highest paid SEC coach. Donovan second. I wouldn't mind seeing Calathes and Werner on our team. Speights is not too shabby either. Calathes brings it and even though Werner got burned a few times by Tyler (who hasn't), I like his agressiveness. I wouldn't mind if our bigs sent a few messages each game.

Posted by budrhon on March 6, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hdhearst - sometimes that stare is necessary. It sends a quiet message that this is a Man's game and your Football mentality will not be tolerated on the Basketball floor. I see nothing wrong with it. It shows this team will not back down from anyone and they have a warrior mentality on the court. Nothing was said, but the eyes said it all.

Posted by dopedawg on March 6, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a great win!!!! We are very proud of the guys!! Got more ball to play, so rest, finish off SC and go on to the tourney!!! I love it!!!!

Posted by pdhuff on March 6, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, just realized we're a basketball school. Who'd a thunk it. The Dook of the Smokies. Has a nice ring to it.

Both teams, Top 5.

Posted by 77vol on March 6, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did Tebow put that hickey on Calathes neck?

Posted by dfreeman on March 6, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I will never pull for Florida as long as Werner plays for them!! Somebody needs to put that little freshman in his place!! He's a straight up punk!!

Posted by james on March 6, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good roadwin in a tough place.

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 6, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gatornation and mcbrim, where are you? We beat your team, we beat your officials, we beat your coach "Eddie", and we beat your pathetic "Duke" wanna be, student section. What a choke job this was for you guys.

Werner, your a punk. We could have lost our composure at that point but Tyler was more mature and decided to just outplay yor a$$.

Posted by splinterdand on March 6, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ha ha ha ha ha where's GatorNation this morning ha ha ha ha ha.

Posted by Plasticman on March 6, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

77Vol, that's hilarious!! It's been a long time coming for us suffering VOls BB Fans. Pearl has taken us to the pinnacle , now it's time for Hamilton to step up and pay him for it. We can NEVER, I mean NEVER, let Pearl get away. Now , let's sign Scottie Hopson so we will have someone that can shoot the 3 next season!!

Posted by mcbrim1998 on March 6, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats Vols on a big win and SEC championship. Sorry for the late post, but did not pull in until almost 1 this AM.

As I said yesterday, the young Gators would give you all you wanted in a game..and we did.

Good luck in the Big Dance.

Go Gators!

Posted by vinnievol on March 6, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good Morning, gatornation! LOL

Posted by vol88 on March 6, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Greer...they're probably in homeroom about now.

We own Florida, period!

Go Vols!

Posted by VolJunkie on March 6, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Only thing better than beating Florida? Beating them twice and winning the SEC. What a night, what a team. All the seniors were magnificent, Jordan picked a great night to break out of his slump.

Not to state the obvious, this is a special team. They win games in the 40s and they win games in the 90s. This is an unbelievable feeling and all Vol fans can take pride in this accomplishment and more importantly, take pride in this coaching staff and the young men that make up this team.

Don't get caught up in rankings or polls, winning has a way of taking care of that. Best thing about college ball, the NC is decided on the court, not in the newspapers.

One more time to celebrate at home this Sunday, fasten your seatbelts, this should be a great postseason!

BTW, is it just me, or does that punk Werner look like the poster boy for the Hitler youth?

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by VolJunkie on March 6, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Apologies for the long post, interesting comments from Rob Lewis & John Brice:

"The Vols' senior guard duo, along with Tyler Smith, essentially willed Tennessee to victory in Gainesville.

All three were huge in the second half. JaJuan Smith probably has to get the nod as game MVP for his game-high 23 points and string of 'good lord!!' three-pointers that helped capped the come back, but all three had their moments and the Vols aren't heading back to Knoxville if any one of the three doesn't come up big.

Smith's long-range shooting was dazzling in the second half, but he also showed his grit, stepping in and taking a jarring charge from Florida's Dan Werner with seven seconds left that proved crucial.

Tyler Smith finished with 13 points and eight boards, but those numbers don't capture his impact. His intensity coming out of the locker room in the second half when the Vols cut a 13-point deficit down to six in 90-seconds was contagious. Smith scored seven straight points for the Vols in the early stages of the comeback and made winning plays down the stretch.

None was bigger than the offensive rebound and stick-back he had after JaJuan Smith missed two free throws with the game tied at 85-85 with :42 left. Smith's bucket gave the Vols an 87-85 lead they wouldn't relinquish.

And Lofton was well…Lofton. Among his 21 points were a couple of buckets worthy of inclusion on No. 5's career highlight clip if there's still time to squeeze them in. One in particular, a step-back three from the top of the key directly in Walter Hodge's face that the Gators' guard will be seeing in his sleep, was overtly nasty."

GO VOLS!!

Posted by BOASoldier on March 6, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you mcbrim

Posted by 99gator on March 6, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

congrats to the vols. did not expect an instant replay of the first game. the unexpected twist was that when tenn pulled away in the second half.....florida came back.

best two games (as far as being "fun to watch") were tenn and florida within the league.

as a gator, i hope florida does not regret that its best shooting performances came against tenn and it did not matter.

if florida shot the ball nearly that well in some other games, they would have won. against tenn, it did not matter.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 6, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator ... nice post, I wish there were more UF fans like you. Frankly, even though they have been great games, and UT wins, I hope we don't have to play your team a third time.

GO VOLS!!

Posted by mtnbikrtn on March 6, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When I first turned the game on I though I was on the wrong channel. I thought I was watching a show about Vanilla Ice on VH1. Little Eddie will need help from Herman and Grandpa to beat CBP. Way to go VOLS. To Calathes, all I can say is, "ICE, ICE, BABY."

Posted by pdhuff on March 6, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator - was a great game. Big effort from the Gators. Knew 67% wouldn't last. Vol's SEC champs!!

Think Donovan will be tempted by IU opening?

Posted by alfrizzle097 on March 6, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I just wanna know what happened to our defense in the first half. Sure, give Florida credit for making the shots, but you have to stay with your man so somebody else doesn't have to leave his. How many shots did they get where there wasn't anyone near them. The d got better in the second half.... Just a concern of mine. Now it isn't too early to think abour the tourney....

Posted by fundamentals83 on March 6, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Rules Question:
When Tyler and Werner tied up, a jump ball was signaled. (Gator possession arrow) Then, a double technical was called which I think is also a jump ball. (Tennessee possession arrow) Shouldn't Tennessee have walked away with the possession on that?

Posted by volfanincarolina on March 6, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anytime we beat Florida in anything is a great day.
Go Vols

Posted by akkdowl on March 6, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was just about to be 1 year old the last time Tn won an SEC Championship outright. Crap I'm getting old and so was the drought. Like the TN program I feel renewed and like a kid again.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 6, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fundamentals83: I don't recall the jump ball being signaled, heard the whistle blow, saw Duke step in and the double technical, at least according to the announcers (suspect as they were pretty lame) was called on each bench. The double T resulted in the alternate possession, UF ball.

IMO, the activity at the scorers table was pretty dicey all night (i.e. number of fouls/player) so who knows.

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by vol88 on March 6, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mtnbikrtn...hilarious! I would try to add to your post, but I always get the Munsters and the Adams Family mixed up.

Posted by 99gator on March 6, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff

if donovan were to ever leave for another college job, it would have been kentucky last year.

and after the situation last year, i think the nba will never call on him again.

i do think he is a lifer at florida. the only thing that would get him to leave in my opinion, is if there were ever a rift with the athletic director or university president.

other than that, i think he is not going anywhere. (i think that about pearl too). i will put it this way, i think both of them will be around long after billy gillespie is no longer at kentucky.

Posted by tennesseekilt on March 6, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Awesome win! To the Gator fan who said we wouldn't root for them: I always root Tennessee first, SEC second. I was glad to see UF win the last 2 tourneys, and I think many TN fans think the same.

Let's not get carried away however. I think some of the posters here are perhaps celebrating a bit too much. UF won the last 2 NCs. We are nowhere near that league yet, even though we have beaten them 5 of last 6! :) Get a final 4, establish some tradition. I think we can do that with BP at the helm. Then we can REALLY talk smack.

Posted by utvolz on March 6, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As always, IT'S GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL! Keep it going gang. Championships don't end with the regular season. CBP is the man!

Frank in Miami

Posted by tngeoff on March 6, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This far and away the BEST Tennessee men's basketball team of all time. I watched Ernie and Bernie and in their time they were exciting. No offense should be taken, but there is NO men's basketball team that could hold a cnadle to this one. This is what everyone who follows Tennessee sports longs for. Women's sports are the best in the Country. We want the men's to be as well. Coach Pearl has done a magnificent job without excuse, without blame shifting and with complete style and honor. Thank you coach and team. May others follow your example!

Posted by steve on March 6, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sweet as sweet can be.

But now the real work begins. If we are truly among the nation's elite, proving time is now. Win or lose the SEC tournament, we still have a legit shot at a #1 seed (RPI # 1, quality wins everywhere, brutal conference), so Vols in great shape to go far. It's all about a national championship. Otherwise, we're a footnote. Ask the Patriots what will be remembered about their season -- 18 straight or losing the big one? Opportunity is now for Vols. Can't anticipate lots of 27-3 seasons (to this point) even with a genius like Pearl. Get it now in 2008, Vols. Play like this is the last best chance to get it done.

Posted by fundamentals83 on March 6, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VolJunkie, Why did the whistle blow to stop play? I thought the double T was for post play activity.

Posted by foreverorange on March 6, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At least you admitted it. There's no way florida has shot the ball that well all year and has 8 or 9 losses, like they do. To beat a team having their best shooting performance, with two extra players on the floor all night(the refs were ridiculous), and in their own gym, sweet.

Posted by King53 on March 6, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Unbelievable game. SEC Champs! Thank you to the few gator fans who have came back and posted. I guess there are class fans at every school. In the words of JaJuan Smith..."I'm starting to think Coach Pearl's a genius..."

Posted by jdcdjc on March 6, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The key to the win was Tyler's rebound and putback, without that it's another loss. Go Vols.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 6, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

83 ... don't have an answer for you, everything happened pretty quickly. There are always a couple of bb officials posting on this board, they may have a better answer. Only other thought is that the double T overrides the other action. In the end, glad it did not make a difference!

GO VOLS!!

Posted by CatScratchFever on March 6, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats vols on your big win last night and winning the SEC this year.

Posted by VolnDothan on March 6, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow. What a team. Smith as quoted as saying that Bruce Pearl was a genius because he told the Vols before the game that the GAYters would come out hot but would cool off eventually. He was right about the first part, the rest of the game was a fight to the finish!

Posted by txsvol on March 6, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Deguello! On the 172nd anniversary of the fall of the Alamo, may the Vol basketball team adopt the cry of the Mexican army in the attack!
Give no quarter!
Take no prisoners!
Get here April 5 & 7 and WIN!
Go Vols! SAVol

Posted by DSaVol on March 6, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fundamentals...it was FL arrow when the tie-up occurred. The techs were during the dead ball following. The ball must be put in play for the arrow to change. Since FL had not inbounded when the techs occurred it remained FL arrow. It was the correct call - although one of few.

How big was Jordan Howell in this one? For a guy that's been getting blasted from all angles the last month, he stepped up big with a couple huge buckets, no turnovers and great poise late after Ramar threw one away.

Don't overlook that JP, BW and Chism went 6 for 6 at the stripe either. For 3 guys that are about 50% combined on the year that was obviously huge as well.

Now you can talk all you want about hair, etc...but ya gotta admit this FL team is very good to be so young. Last night IMO was just a little preview of some MAJOR wars that are going to occur the next few years between these programs. Did I mention that I STILL hate this place called Gainesville????

Posted by HotlantaVol on March 6, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did anybody see the game last night? Who won?

Posted by volboy81 on March 6, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

way to go Vols!!!
It GREAT to be a Tennessee Vol!!!

Posted by mdvolmom on March 6, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tennesseekilt, well said. Have always been a college hoops fan but ACC. Never knew much about SEC, no need to until the last two years. I have noticed when watching Game Day and Sports Center, the VOLS get very little coverage or talk. When they do, it's like pulling teeth from the announcers to admit we are getting better each year with a good team and are going places with CBP. It's like we get ignored unless they HAVE to talk about us. Am I imagining this because I love the Vols so much or does anyone else feel the same? I think you're right TNkilt, we need to establish more credibility and a tradition of excellence throughout the league. BTW, gatornation you got swamped,twice! now who's laughing. Be a man and congratulate the better team.

Posted by cjraney on March 6, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dekangator-
I think you're wrong about UT fans - I've been pulling for the Gators in NCAA the last 2 yrs. I always pull for another SEC team if the Vols aren't involved. The only exception is Bammer. I tried to pull for the tide once and my body rejected it, vomiting ensued.

99gator- I think all on the board appreciate your class. Y'all will have a very strong team the next 2-3yrs with those guys,but Werner is a punk.

Congrats to the '07-'08 SEC Champion Vols!

Posted by pdhuff on March 6, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pigs are still flying. Revelations from sjt18 the other day and kudoes from mcbrim and airforceone. What's next?

Beat SC.

Posted by Vol13 on March 6, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LargeOrange:

The problem with us is NOT that we expect perfection and to win the SEC or NC every year. All we strive for is to field a competitive team that consistently shows improvement.

What you and so many Fulmer worshippers fail to see is that Fulmer is to Buzz Peterson as Bruce Pearl is to _______ _____________. Buzz/Fulmer are great guys and do a lot of good. But winning big is not one of the things that they do well (although Fulmer was successful against the Donnan's, DuBose's, Goff's, Scott's, etc. in the SEC of yore).

If a Fulmer team would have gotten down like Pearl's team did last night at Florida what do you think would have happened? Oh wait. I almost forgot. We've witnessed firsthand what would happen. Multiple times. And the results were not pretty. The players quit. The coaches quit. Remember the quote from the UF player about the Vol special teamer teliing him before the play not to "block him because he was tired and wasn't going to try." We would have again folded like a cheap suit.

I'll tell you this much. The bigger that Pearl wins, the more pressure Fulmer will feel. Pearl is everything that Fulmer isn't.

Posted by auttat on March 6, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Leave it to tngeoff to slide a Fulmer digg in there. I would have never seen that one coming.

Is it not possible to congratulate the bball team and then leave it at that?

That said, awesome, awesome, display of will and determination last night. Congrats on the SEC Title!!

Posted by mloaks on March 6, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats, gentlemen. And, tks fr th great recruiting, Buzz...

Posted by Chainsaw on March 6, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WAY TO GO VOLS! Sweet, sweet victory from a team that just refused to panic or lose their composure. Even at the end of the first half, I felt like they'd tire the Gators out and find a way to win if they could get it within 5 points inside of 2 minutes. But I didn't expect them to come out and tear off a run in the second half - that was a thing of beauty. It's great to be a Tennessee Vol this morning in Knoxville!

Oh, and thanks Vandy...you may now begin losing.

Posted by auttat on March 6, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Obviously, I posted too soon. What tngeoff started, Vol13 definitely finished.

Unbelievable, guys!! It's March and the MEN'S BBALL team is making history. We can worry about football next year.

Posted by tngeoff on March 6, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang. Post a completely positive comment and have it become skewed. A funny thing...if you want to see something a particular way bad enough, you'll see it that way. If anyone can honestly deny that Coach Pearl is setting the example and causing excitement for men's sports at Tennessee, then demonstrate and illustrate the contrary to me...PLEASE.

Posted by DeeBee on March 6, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

99gator
I always knew you guys had a good team this year, but inexperience got you a couple of times, but last night was just a great game. You have 2 nc's and going to be tough next year, hopefully we can match you success this year while we have the chance. I vote for no one to acknowledge gatornation if he doesn't show up today. I do agree that Werner is weiner though

Posted by ggriggs939 on March 6, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We won in gatorland despite the zebras who gave
the gators every opportunity that arose. The VOLS should have gotten the ball after the double technical and again on the out-of-bounds play near the end when the gator charged Tyler from behind and caused him to drop the ball. But the sec gave the ball to the gators on both occasions and they still lost!!!!!
What do you suppose the sec has in store during the tournament?

Posted by waterskier3 on March 6, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

man CBP is the man!!! i was tick off in the first half saying he didn't have them ready to play but he proved me wrong... great adjustments at half and way to smack the gators down!!!!!!!!

think about it the gators were sitting at home in football and they will be sitting at home in BB...... NOW THAT'S A GREAT DAY......

like I say its a great day when you beat bama and gators in anything including marbles!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Colliervol on March 6, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a great comeback and win. Darn glad of an SEC championship but greater things await this team. If they play as they did in the second half last night, they will be hard for anybody to handle.

To face a stretch of Memphis, Vandy, Kentucky and Florida (with 3 of those on the road) and come out 3 and 1 speaks for itself. Nothing else needs to be said.

One more little note on Werner. If I'm not mistaken, he was the one who grabbed Chism on the foul before Wayne sunk the two FT's. Looking at the replay, it should have been an intentional foul since he just wrapped his arms around Wayne and held him down. Made no motion to go for the ball at all. And I believe he was the one who shoved either Duke or Tyler in the back and to the floor in the first half after he was beaten badly off the dribble. There is a pattern developing with that clown and somebody is going to clock him before his career is over if he keeps that up. Of course, maybe that's what he's in there for. Personally, I thought the officials had problems all night and the missed intentional on Chism was just another one. Also, I'm not sure if any of them know how to call the charge/block. They miscalled a bunch of those.

Posted by pdhuff on March 6, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngoeff- Never forget - beauty is only skin deep, ugly goes to the bone.

Now let's beat SC. Have mixed emotions about the SEC Tourney, do we need to expend the effort? I guess so. But Lordy, to play a KY or Fla again, oh well.

Would prefer a Hampton or LLU, etc. Just play who's in front of you. Great job, BP and minions.

Posted by Chainsaw on March 6, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"To face a stretch of Memphis, Vandy, Kentucky and Florida (with 3 of those on the road) and come out 3 and 1 speaks for itself. Nothing else needs to be said."

You are exactly right. That does say it all.

Posted by martinvolfan on March 6, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't think of a better team to sweep than the mighty gaytors! How bout them Champs! GO BIG ORANGE!

Posted by VolnFlorida on March 6, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Was the game broadcast on television in Tennessee.
Unbelievable, they did not broadcast the game in Florida. What a joke. Go VOLS! Werner is a two-bit
worthless piece of garbage. He's the guy off the court that would run from a one-on-one fight.
Punk!

Posted by GoVol on March 6, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gators bite, VOLS rule!!

Posted by VolnFlorida on March 6, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Pearl,
Can you coach football too?

Posted by martinvolfan on March 6, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Raycom televised the KY/SC game in Tennessee, I'm not sure why. Could it be we've still not arrived in the media's eyes?
Way to go Vols, you chomped the former champs and now they're chumps!

Posted by VolBall on March 6, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, what a game! I've said it on this forum many times this year, I love the healthy swagger, confidence, and toughness of this incredible team. All these qualities are a direct reflection of Coach Pearl. We've got a true gem of a coach. Our guys believe in his system and message, and they leave it all on the court every game. I couldn't be prouder. This success has been a long time coming.

Posted by martinvolfan on March 6, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

have you changed your post name Vince?

Posted by tmartin1 on March 6, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm in Carolina and couldn't pick up the telecast. And when I went to UT's sports site, all I could get was the CBS Tracker. Finally, I picked up the game through the Gator site....Interesting to hear the game through the perspective of the gator announcers. Anybody got any ideas how I can keep this from happening again? Is there a site that carries the vols on the internet?

And OMG, I'm so pround of our Vols. Coach BP has to be the coach of the year. What a rebuilding job!!! GO VOLS!!!!

Posted by gator4life on March 6, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congrats Vols on a great win and a great season. I said yesterday that it would take a near perfect game for the Gators to win and the first half was just that....but only 9 scholarship players is still a bad matchup for a team with the depth of the Vols.

On a side note. I've come to the conclusion that "gatornation" may work for the site. He spews out stupid comments and the responses are furious...so the KNS charges the advertisers more.

Posted by kevinlimbo on March 6, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Did I miss something other than the finer points of the rule book?

The Werner charge at the end of the game resulted in a ball out for UT, but UT was in the bonus, Why no free throws?

Posted by martinvolfan on March 6, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The difference in this team and former Tennessee MBB teams is they never quit. In years past I would have panicked at being down 16 on the road and probably would have stopped listening or watching. If you tune this team out, you will likely miss something special like last night's comeback. Coach BP is the master motivator and the kids believe what he sells them.

Posted by brucealmightyfan on March 6, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To quote Tyler Smith, " I believe Bruce Pearl is a genius." He told our guys that the UF was going to come out hot and we just had to weather it. The second half would be ours. Hey, Bruce how bout picking some lottery numbers for Saturday night?

Great win for the Vols!!!!!!!!!!!! SEC Champs baby!!!!!!!!!!!

As other posters have mentioned, the refs did their usual home cooking job but the no call when they were holding Loftons jersey on that inbounds play at the end of the game was inexcusable!

Posted by DSaVol on March 6, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GGRIGGS...while the officials were not very good, the two calls you mention were ones they actually got right. By rule, the Vols should NOT have gotten the ball after the double T (see my previous post) and on the play at the end, the ball did hit Tyler's foot while he was standing OB. Was it a foul on FL against JaJuan - maybe - but it was so iffy you will never ever get that call on the road.

As for Werner, I'm not particularly fond of him either but he's one of those guys that you love him if he's on your team and hate him if he's not. He's Ryan Childress with more talent. Had this game been "back in