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Lofton's 3-pointer lifts Vols in closing seconds, 89-87

By Mike Griffith (Contact)
Originally published 03:19 p.m., March 14, 2008
Updated 09:12 p.m., March 14, 2008

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ATLANTA — Tennessee men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl said he knew the Vols would find a way to win.

The rest of the people in the Georgia Dome and the fans watching on television were in suspense until the final horn sounded on UT’s 89-87 victory over lowly South Carolina on Friday afternoon.

The No. 4 Vols (29-3) advanced in the SEC tournament for the first time in three years and will play at 1 o’clock today (TV: WVLT) against Arkansas (21-10), an 81-75 winner over Vanderbilt.

UT defeated the Razorbacks 93-71 on Feb. 13 in Knoxville, but Pearl expects a different Arkansas team.

“It’s obviously a better team that looks like they are really sharing the ball,’’ Pearl said. “They are going to their strengths, they have identified their roles and utilizing their depth really well.

“They are getting better point guard play; Gary Ervin is really the captain of that ship.’’

To earn the right to play the Razorbacks, UT had to find its way out of troubled waters against the fired-up Gamecocks (14-18).

South Carolina said and played like it was motivated by its embarrassing losses to the Vols (80-56, 89-56) this season.

UT said and played like it was determined to make history, and as Pearl said, found a way to win.

So when Chris Lofton needed a screen to get open on an inbounds play with UT down 87-86 with 16.7 seconds left, Wayne Chism found a way to set what South Carolina coach Dave Odom called a “roadblock’’ pick.

When Lofton needed the winning shot to fall, after going 1-for-9 beyond the 3-point line, he swished it with 11.4 seconds to play — later explaining that, “as a shooter, you always expect to make the next one.’’

Finally, when South Carolina inbounded the ball with 1.1 seconds left, The Vols’ defense rose to the challenge and prevented a final shot.

“This is the season we’ve had,’’ Pearl said. “I sleep at night knowing we’re going to find a way.’’

The Gamecocks’ way was through the hands of guards Devan Downey and Zam Fredrick, who in addition to limiting their team’s turnover tally to eight, scored 26 and 24 points, respectively.

“We were unable to guard their guards off the bounce,’’ Pearl said. “Downey is terrific. Our guys shake their heads … he’s the best point guard in the league.

“In any given game, he can put that game together.’’

The Vols were fortunate that Chism put together one of the best games of his career.

Early on, Chism was the only consistent scoring threat, as he poured in 15 of his career-high 23 points in the first half, helping UT to a 41-40 halftime lead.

Lofton hit a 3-pointer to open the second half, but South Carolina battled back and took its first lead of the game, 51-50, on a pair of Downey free throws with 14:45 left.

At the 10:28 mark, with the Vols clinging to a 63-62 lead, Tyler Smith finally awakened, scoring his first basket of the game with an inside move.

It was a preview of things to come. Tyler Smith scored 11 in a row for UT from the 5:58 mark until 38.7 seconds remained on the clock, when his basket gave the Vols an 86-85 lead.

Dominique Archie, Tyler Smith’s nemesis throughout the game, answered with a basket inside to put South Carolina up 87-86 with 21 seconds remaining.

The Vols brought the ball up the court and called time out with 16.7 seconds left to set up Lofton’s shot.

“Chris was going to get the ball,’’ Pearl said. “JaJuan was the first option, he was probably pretty open, (but) Chris was going to get that touch.’’

That was fine with JaJuan Smith, who, despite scoring 19 points, was comfortable seeing the ball go to No. 5.

“When he gets that look in his eye, like he did when coach drew that play up, we know to get him the ball,’’ JaJuan Smith said. “We wouldn’t be sitting here smiling if it wasn’t for him making big shots time after time.’’

Pearl, however, looked deeper when breaking down the victory.

“Brian Williams’ play was terrific,’’ he said, referring to the freshman center’s 4-of-4 shooting, nine points and three rebounds in 13 minutes of play. “What a lift he gave us with rebounding and scoring around the basket.

“And Josh Tabb — three assists, no turnovers and he played great defense,’’ Pearl said. “Fans are going to remember Chris’ shot, or Tyler scoring 11 in a row, and don’t forget about Wayne in the first half … It’s just been that kind of year.’’

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       179 Comments

Posted by kesterja on March 14, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow...statistically not Lofton's best game, but he sure came through in the clutch!

Posted by Ashley on March 14, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Officiating was at it's absolute worst once again. Verrrrrry dumb foul by J. Smith.
Great game Wayne and Tyler. Jordan H. needs to be sent back to Knoxville, tonight.

Posted by juicetke on March 14, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank God for Lofton! I still can't believe he shot that shot. It really shouldn't even surprise me by now though.

Posted by C123456 on March 14, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll take an ugly win over a loss any day.

Posted by EastTNVol on March 14, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This team makes you crazy!!! Had a feeling that it would be much closer than last Sunday but not this close. These guy's simply find ways to win in any situation. On to the Semi's!!!!!!
Go Vols!!!!!!!!!

Posted by King53 on March 14, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BOTTOM!!!!!!!!

Posted by tigervol9802 on March 14, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wise man once said -

"When you have not made semifinals since 1991, a win is a win is a win."

He also said -

"God bless #5!"

Posted by houvol on March 14, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hopefully this will be the only first round scare they have this year. Overconfidence is a killer in everything. Let's hope they settle down and play Tennessee Basketball.

Posted by dgriesbeck on March 14, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now we've reversed the snake bite and broken the Dome curse. Loosen up and win two more!!!

Lofton achieved immortality today!!!

GO VOLS!

Posted by EastTNVol on March 14, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sorry Ashley officiating wasn't all that bad. Tennessee had some dumb fouls, especially Jordan and the JaJuan shove that got a technical. Persoanlly thought that he deserved what he got.

Posted by pupvol on March 14, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what in the world gets into jajuans head sometimes. don"t like that kind of play.

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 3:32 p.m.

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Posted by EastTNVol on March 14, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JaJuan is such a great player, he needs to play much smarter, without all of the flash. No behind the back passes.

Posted by Plasticman on March 14, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Any win is good come tourney time, but we must have better point guard play or our post season will be very short. I have confidence though that BP and the boys will get it together. Officiating was of once again, HORRIBLE!!! What else would we expect from SEC officials....

Posted by GoVol on March 14, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TN almost made history. Glad Tyler Smith finally turned it on in the 2nd half and glad to see Chism with a great game. All-in-all they looked very sloppy, but really glad they won. I'll Lofton in the cluth over anyone, everytime!!!!

Posted by EastTNVol on March 14, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack this time we simply had to overcome ourselves.

Posted by cphil on March 14, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmmm... 25 team fouls called on UT vs. 16 on USC. They attempted 30 free throws to our 16.

Looked like this crew was schooled by Teddy Valentine.

Great game Vols. Way to hang in there given the "adversity".

Posted by Wooly on March 14, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who do the Vols get tomorrow, Van/Ark winner? What time is the game and is it on TV?

Posted by GoVol on March 14, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry, Clutch, not cluth.

Posted by EastTNVol on March 14, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Winner of Vandy and Arkansas at 1PM

Posted by wjackson on March 14, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There were a few dumb calls. But The refs were calling Tennesee for anything. Like close to the end, that guy was all over tyler smith and they didn't call anything but as soon as South Carolina got the ball they called Jordan Howe for hitting the guys jersey. That was some pathetic officiating in the second half. Also. I had never seen SC play before. Is there any coach that crys to the ref every single play like Odem. I thought that was crazy!!

Posted by EastTNVol on March 14, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Same Vol channel, Same Vol time

Posted by IR4UT2 on March 14, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ugly win indeed. Just glad SC couldn't hit free throws! Hope it was a wake up! GO VOLS!!!

Posted by pdhuff on March 14, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

C'mon Arkansas, drop the Dores.

What a game.

Congrats BP & co.

Dang!

Posted by trl_x on March 14, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll take it. Survive and advance. Beating a team 3 times in a row isn't easy.

I think the Vols will play much better tomorrow...especially if it's Vandy.

Posted by auttat on March 14, 2008 at 3:40 p.m.

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Posted by Plasticman on March 14, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I want to play Vandy and get revenge for the loss in Nashville. THis time the benches will be where they are supposed to be, on the side of the court. Either way, we must play better to beat either team.

Posted by wjackson on March 14, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the refs should have frisked Lofton before that last play. I guess they didn't see him carrying that DAGGER!! LOL

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We simply pushed the ball too much. USC wasn't wearing down, and we were turning it over. We actually made a lot of good offensive plays, once we got set.

I'll say this: USC did get tired, as their FT shooting and defense let up. The oddest game, Wayne played super, Tyler was kind of...iffy, and Chris and Jajuan made more errors than they've made all year.

I agrre, too, that Josh deserves time over Howell right now. I hate to say that, but Josh really made a huge difference.

Posted by juicetke on March 14, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A wise man once said..."MONEY!"

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wjackson 3:36, Yes there is. His name is Bruce Pearl. But he is still da man!

Posted by QCVol on March 14, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just heard on the radio that he thought dude was the "foam" around the "goal post" and was just "diverting" his momentum back in the other direction...now that, is a hellava explaination! I believe that dude did a little bit of an acting job becuase it didn't look like much of a shove to me...

Posted by wjackson on March 14, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I live in Maryland. So I had to watch PPV. The funniest part of the whole game. Which I'm not sure you were able to see on regular tv was they showed about a 15 to 20 second shot of the SC cheerleaders jumping up and down with a sign that just said C0CKS. I couldn't stop laughing and the two guys calling the game just stopped talking. What a riot.

Posted by drum56 on March 14, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MONEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by invisiblekid on March 14, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack, how in the world can you forget John Adams in your list?

Posted by wjackson on March 14, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry TommyJack. I watched the game. Bruce was no where near as animated as Odem. Oh well. Won't have to watch him again anyway! And the PPV game callers were big time SC fans.

Posted by KnoxVol_in_TX on March 14, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm at work and was listening to WLAC online. I could see the officiating though, as soon as the announcers talked about T.Smith getting clobbered, and then J.Howell getting called for the "phantom" foul on the other end.

Still, these things happen (too often), and you've got to play through them. JaJuan, give me a break man. You're a Sr. and a leader....act like it!!!

Posted by vols76 on March 14, 2008 at 3:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How can we blow a team out of the gym on Sunday, and less than a week later let them almost beat us.......unbelievable!

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kid: Wow. You're right. Huge oversite.

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW, please do not blame the refs. We were fouling. A lot.

As for Jajuan, didn't it look like he had his arms crossed, and just pushed out of instinct as he came through??? I can't imagine he did that on purpose.

Posted by BluetickBlues on March 14, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll not hate to much on the refs they did what refs do, call fouls. We need to play some "D" with our feet instead of our hands slapping and hacking. I do take offense to that BS call on Chism, one of the biggest flops of the season. Good win but we are going home tommorow if we get that kind of effort again against the commodes/porkers.
Hats off to Wayne, Tyler(2nd half), and Lofton on the game winner.

Posted by Volchaz on March 14, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The refs called this game TIGHT, much like our most recent Vandy game. If they let us play, no one can stop us. If we do play Vandy, they are going to turn it into another FT contest. Crazy..

Posted by 55Vol on March 14, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The god ( refer to Foolmore ) was lucky he didn't turn into the great pumpkin today.

Too many turnovers by senior players. The play displayed today will not beat Vandy, Ark., Kentucky or Miss State.

Thank goodness for Tyler Smith in the 2nd half. As someone already posted, we will take an ugly win over a loss anyday.

Straighten up now and play Vol basketball and win out. Go Vols.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JaJuan thought he was pushing off of the goal post b/c it was the same color as the Gamecocks uniforms. It was another great game for JaJuan. Lofton came through in the clutch once again! Wyane played his best game ever in a UT jersey! Great play from Brian Williams off the bench. Great play from JP once again. All in all, a great win against a team playing their best basketball all season. I hope Downey is a senior or is going on to the NBA after this year b/c that kid is a special player.

Posted by wjackson on March 14, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vols76 It's called gameplan. It's tough to beat a team 3 times in 1 season. SC did play some good ball. I can't take anything away from them. Now I hope UAB get's a third shot at Memphis and comes out on top. I think Bruce will have a serious talk with those boys when they get into the locker room. I am not sure if it was from the layoff or what but we looked rusty.

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I watched on Yahoo Broadcast, which uses raycomm. Espn360 had it, too, but for some reason espn360 is very prone to 'breaking' every 5 seconds, like the streaimg gets interrputed.

ANY WAY, you have to give full credit to Downey and Fredrick, those guys made a real game of it. Most of you know this, but BBall is a game where at times one guy can take over.

Some of you older fans may remember Danny Manning of Kansas...

Posted by thesavageorange on March 14, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack ,How can you forget CPF.Heard he was in the Atl area doing some recruiting work.

Was this game as hard to watch as it was to listen to?Phew ,that was rough.Gutsy call by BP.I could of swore they were going to Tyler inside.Good luck coach Odom.Class guy.

Posted by 1974Vol on March 14, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! Odom always seems to get them ready for a tournament. Remember they went to SECT finals year before last & then won the NIT. Yeah, this wasn't a thing of beauty for Vols, but give USC some credit - they played a great game. Now its time to BEAT VANDY! or BEAT THE RAZORBACKS

Posted by 1974Vol on March 14, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! Odom always seems to get them ready for a tournament. Remember they went to SECT finals year before last & then won the NIT. Yeah, this wasn't a thing of beauty for Vols, but give USC some credit - they played a great game. Now its time to BEAT VANDY! or BEAT THE RAZORBACKS

Posted by wjackson on March 14, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agreed. An ugly win is a win. And we hadn't had a quaterfinal one since 1991. So I don't care if we hacky sacked the ball in on the last play. WEEEEEEEE WON!!!! Now my blood pressure can go back to normal. Peace everyone. I'm out.

Posted by 1974Vol on March 14, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! Odom always seems to get them ready for a tournament. Remember they went to SECT finals year before last & then won the NIT. Yeah, this wasn't a thing of beauty for Vols, but give USC some credit - they played a great game. Now its time to BEAT VANDY! or BEAT THE RAZORBACKS

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wjackson:
hey, I didn't think we looked rusty at all. USC played us tough and hung in there. I thought we felt we could tire them out, which we did in a way, but it never stopped Downey. The turnovers we had were bad...

You know, we didn't fold our tent and go hoem, and we coulc've.

Posted by 1974Vol on March 14, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry about the duplicate posts - computer error

Posted by volwalk on March 14, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When was the last time Jordan Howell made a shot??? This is getting ridiculous---I hate it for him, because I know it bothers him the most. I agree with the earlier comment--pull Howell and insert Josh Tabb. Tabb played a big role in the second half.
Way to pull out a tough one VOLS---Know the monkey is off, lets win it all!! GO VOLS!

Posted by NatiVol on March 14, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wins a wins a win, but wowsers! Ok, moving on get the feel of tourney play and ready for the NCAA...

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savage: No, Dr. Fulmer WAS in Atlanta, but he was at the Varsity.

Posted by invisiblekid on March 14, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No problem TJ, gotta admit pestilence and John Adams kind of go hand in hand though. Now let me go waste some time posting about what a waste of time it is to read Adams' columns.

Posted by Chainsaw on March 14, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A win is a win. Tighten up the ball-handling and come back Saturday to play some real ball.

Go Vols!

Posted by hmhawk on March 14, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you men.Please don't make it so hard on my old ticker tomorrow.Can anyone explain how the gamecock got credited with a steal on an obvious loose ball.He never touched it til the player rolled it off his thigh and lost it.

Posted by bruceismyhomeboy on March 14, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

whew!!! got that behind us, now we're off!

Posted by KHVOLFAN on March 14, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great win VOLS! Keep playing hard and lets win tomorrow. GO VOLS!

Posted by KyScGaFlAlAkMiTnLa on March 14, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Lofton had been 2 for 9 instead of 1 for 9 at that point we wouldn't have needed it so badly. These last minute heroics aren't fun anymore and a tourney team will hit that last 3 pointer that Vandy, KY, FL, and now SC LUCKILY missed. Any TN fan who enjoyed that game from the 10min mark of the 1st 1/2 until the final buzzer needs his head examined. I love 'em, but I can't watch 'em. They frustrate the *@#$ out me to no end. 2 cocks with over 20 points? What did we do, shoot and if it went in go get a drink of water? I mean come on, you got to play some kind of defense. And how the hell does one team have 10 fouls on them and the other only one? That is f#####g b######t. M###########g refs ruin this game for me. They are worse than lawyers. #$%# #$%#%#%# %^&^%& #^%% ^^ *^&^* $$^&&$& refs.

Posted by dalvol on March 14, 2008 at 4:16 p.m.

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Posted by KyScGaFlAlAkMiTnLa on March 14, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Correction, VANDY did hit it, so they won that one.

Posted by cphil on March 14, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker, I do blame the refs for one big reason. There's always a good amount of contact in a game, this one was no exception. They could call any number of contact fouls on any given possession.

The problem I have was not only the fact that they called more on UT, but WHEN they called them. The second half started out with UT getting called with a foul on almost every possession by USC. That put several of our players in potential foul trouble very early in the second half, and as a result had the potential (and I think actual) to affect the game plan. We had something like 9 team fouls before they got called with their first one in the second half.

Sure, UT made contact a good bit, but no more so than did USC.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 14, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmhawk, I'm only 31, and mine almost gave out on me.You might want to keep a defibrillator and a glass of orange kool-aid handy.It seemed like Lofton's shot spent 10 minutes in the air.

Posted by bkgunter on March 14, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJack---Why the crack about the Democratic Party? You can't even sports blog without hating on a majority of the country. And the rest of us can't even enjoy a vols win without it being political in some small minds. Go blog on CNN.

Posted by cjraney on March 14, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone ever notice that when the basketvols win a close one the story goes "An ugly win but we'll take it. Pearl has taught the guys how to fight and win."

And when the footballvols win a close one its "We won by pure luck...should've lost....could've been 7-6 or 6-7 instead of 9-4...sure we won the East but look where our defense was ranked...game has passed the coach by, etc."

Ain't that funny?
Win the next game. Win the SEC tourney. Get the #1 seed. Go Vols.

Posted by bordenride on March 14, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This team devine's the term, ole saying - " It Ain't over till it's OVER" !!!!!!

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought the officiating was pretty fair. They missed a call on Tyler in the paint and then gave Howell that touch foul, but then they let Tyler get away with one that could've sent the Gamecocks to the line on the last possession. There was no doubt about it; Tyler shoved that guy along the baseline going for the board, but the refs let them play.
Howell has been ice cold for over a month now shooting, but he's still very smart with the basketball and good at running the 1/2 court. He had 3 assists to 1 turnover today, not bad. If Ramar could make better decisions with the basketball, we wouldn't have to rely on the back-up point guard as much. I think he'll be much better at that next year.

Posted by hmhawk on March 14, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thesavageorange LOL.Ijust really hate that the cock got credit for record steals on a loose ball.Going to WallyWorld to get a defibillator now.Do they have them?

Posted by BloneyBoy on March 14, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought we played like we were having problems getting up for a team we had beaten by a combined 50+ points in two outings. Talk is cheap but disciplined emotion is what you need to win in a tourney. Fortunatly we had enought talent at more positions to over come the letdown and pull out the W. Thank you Chris Loften. Refs could have called a foul on the screen Loften used to get that shot off.
J. Smith's tech was obvious to me. He meant to push off the goal post which has the black foam and instead pushed off the SC guy. I thought it was the right call though. Chris's last three made up for the ball stuck on hip turnover just earlier.
All in all, it turned out great. We didn't play that well but we did what it took to get the W.

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 4:29 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by thesavageorange on March 14, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bkgunter ,You mean NY and California?Just kidding!!

Heres to hoping someone knocks off N Carolina.Memphis is a 1 seed lock.Texas or Kansas will probably win the big 12 and get one.Everyone seems to be in love w/ UCLA ,no matter how poor they play, so there probably a 1.Just win Vols!Usually everything else takes care of itself.

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cphill:
normally I'd agree, but it sure looked like we were playing pretty poortly on D to get a lot of those calls.

I think what hurt us the most was our turnovers. How many times have you seen Crhis involved in so many to's?? Maybe never???

Well, anyway, this one is in the books. I tihnk a lot of the smarter fans knew this game would be tough. Hats off to USC, they did a great job.

Posted by thesavageorange on March 14, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hmhawk ,They have everything else!Glad that some of the old guard is getting to see a type of b-ball program they probably thought they would never see again at UT.

THANKS BRUCE!

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My post from another bball article on this site; I'd like to think I'm that smart, but I know better. This was a pretty obvious game to predict:

=============================================
Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't look for any easy games at this point. Look, realistically, many of our games this season have been close ones.

I very, very much look for the vols to work Tyler and Wayne and Duke a LOT today. Chris and Jajuan will focus on defense and maybe the clutch 3.

JMHO.

=============================================

Posted by VolJunkie on March 14, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow ... I thought UT would blow out SC but then I did not expect 18 turnovers. Great offense from UT, something like 70+% in the 2nd half, we just could not stop their guards. Don't know that I agree that the officiating was that bad, UT made a lot of stupid fouls especially early in the 2nd half, there were probably just as many that were not called.

A win is a win is a win and UT is playing on the weekend! There is indeed history to be made.

Go VOLS!!

Posted by invisiblekid on March 14, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They say the first step in any journey is always the hardest. Anyway, congratulations to Odom for being a class act and having his team ready to play. Downey and Frederick are a couple of terrific players and I don't look forward to seeing them match up against the Vols next year.

Chism played a terrific game but I think they need to work to get Lofton some more open looks as much as they can. I know he is a focal point for the opposing team so it's easier said than done though. I'd like to see Tabb get some more playing time. I hate to jump on the slam Howell bandwagon but he isn't hitting his shots and seems to get overmatched at times on defense. If nothing else, Tabb brings more to the table on the defensive end. Survive and advance is what it's all about this time of year though.

Posted by BOASoldier on March 14, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

36-40 Arkansas leads Vandy at the half

Posted by hmhawk on March 14, 2008 at 4:36 p.m.

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Posted by Basketball_Jones on March 14, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey a win is a win. You have to admit our guards hand check and hold alot, sometimes it catches up with us. Now down low there are not many plays on both ends of the court where players don't get fouled. It all comes down to who is getting those call.

Its on to the semifinals, everyone quit complaining, remember it could be football season. hehehe

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wjackson -

I hate to break it to you, but UAB won't get another crack a Memphis until next year. They got put out of the C-USA tourney last night along with Huston, so it's gonna have to be one of the other C-USA cupcakes if they're gonna get knocked off.

cjraney -

Go to Yahoo Sports right now. The headline: "Vols Almost Rolled" not "Vols Advance to Semis" or "Vols Get It Done". It has to have a negative connotation. Oh well, all I've got to say to that is 29-3 beeotches! This is our year!!

GO BIG ORANGE!!! Let's go hang up another banner!!

Posted by thesavageorange on March 14, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IBleedOrange444 ,The Memphis coaching staff could beat everyone else in that conference by themselves.

Memphis will be a #1 seed ,no doubt.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 14, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JaJuan said in the post-game that he thought he was pushing off the basket stanchion; SC jerseys were black, same color as stanchion. Saw the replays, there was no malice int it but did warrant the "T".

Don't let the disparity in free throws fool you; SC was shooting 1 & 1 with about 16 minutes left in the 2nd half, glad they did not shoot the 100% they shot in the first half or these posts would look a whole lot different. UT played sloppy defense, made some stupid fouls and got called on it. Learn and move on. BTW, we are playing on the weekend!!

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by rckytpfn on March 14, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chris in the clutch - repeat, repeat - why can't these guys perform in a tourney like regular season??? We just avoided a typical repeat of TN b-ball history.

Come on BIG ORANGE let's focus and win the dance!!

Posted by KyScGaFlAlAkMiTnLa on March 14, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UCLA is home team for most sports outlets, just like USC so they are hoping them in. When California finally moves on and joins Japan in the Pacific, I won't miss em. But it will be time for Puerto Rico to step up....(so we still have 50 states).

Posted by Pullingguard on March 14, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vols were very fortunate to win this game...Vols could not handle the guards of SC, too fast and good shooters... The speed of the guards is what caused all the fouls for UT.... Bruce needs to come up with some good, fast, shooting guards something he defintely does not have presently.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea, it doesn't help matters that they get to play the whole tourney on their home court. WTF?? I'm just glad we were able to put that -1 at the end of their record! We've gotta win tomorrow to hold onto our hope of a 1 seed, but that's ok. I think we'll play much better "D" tomorrow and get it done.

Posted by schymtz on March 14, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love this team. I like Coach Odom and have always thought he showed a lot of class and skill and learns from losses and mistakes. He had a much improved rotation this game and the score was tight enough that his coaching really made a BIG difference. I thought the screen for Loften was excellent Bruce Pearl when many coaches would have continued to go inside. Too many fouls, too many turnovers, but the Vols shot a tremendous percentage even with Howell, Loften, and J. Smith not so accurate. I feel more Relief than outright satisfaction. I remember the last SEC Tournament Championship. Tennessee is overdue for another. GO VOLS!!! I kinda expect Vandy to pull their game with Arkansas out despite being down at the half.

Posted by chl1958 on March 14, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

South Carolina played their best game of the year for Odom. We were fortunate to win. Our guys did not panic;gutsy call from Coach Pearl to go for 3. I am proud of our guys,but my heart is still pumping hard! Go VOLS!

Posted by weisgarber2003 on March 14, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 4:29 p.m.

"bkgunter: Wasn't hating on Demo.party. Perhaps you're a tad sensitive about your affiliation. Sounds to me like CNN would be more to your liking."

NO problem with flogging the Demos. Those clowns are flogging each other as well.

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

weisgarber: agreed. they're their own worst enemy. But that's ok by me.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 5:03 p.m.

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Posted by auttat on March 14, 2008 at 5:06 p.m.

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Posted by General_Watermelon on March 14, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The team looked like they were sleep walking at times. This was a classic example of playing to the other team's level. We made South Carolina look better than they are. This happens in basketball especially when you beat a team so badly a few days ago. Let's just hope this is out of our system because Vandy or Arkansas will beat us if we play this way in the next game.

Posted by shoalcreekvol on March 14, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree the officiating was terrible. I don't think anyone was surprised when Tenn has 9 team fouls while SC had only 1 in the first 10 miutes of the second half. That's just the refs unfortunate way of making themselves more important than the players.

That being said, the bottom line is the difference between this year's team and BP's first two teams here: We won this game. The last two team's wouldn't have pulled it out. In basketball as in the thoroughbred business, it pays to have studs. We've got the NBA talent now to get 'er done.

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ibleed: Not gonna go there. Not here.

Posted by jacksonvol on March 14, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You would think some of our posters would learn how to spell. Quit making us look like we're idiots. Learn to spell or quit posting.

Posted by Silent_Fulmer on March 14, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCEE

Posted by shoalcreekvol on March 14, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On another note, sounds like IBleedOrange444 should change his username to ILikeChocolates. Run Forrest Run!

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 5:13 p.m.

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Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 5:14 p.m.

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Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 5:14 p.m.

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Posted by auttat on March 14, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think there is a conspiracy...conspiracy...conspiracy going on in your computer.

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat: Caused by the vast right wing conspiracy.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 5:20 p.m.

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Posted by General_Watermelon on March 14, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You guys crying about the officiating. Tennessee players were reaching and getting whipped to the basket, especially our gaurds who were schooled for most of the game. Lofton looked really slow out there while on defense. JaJuan made one pretty steal, but he didn't seem to play his normal inspired defense. Tyler Smith was sleep walking until the 2nd half. This was a simple case of SC playing to stay alive (no post season for them) and TN playing uninspired ball against a team that they beat like a middle school a few days ago. They will be up for Vandy / Ark.

Posted by auttat on March 14, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You may not have started it, but you definitely took it to a whole new level. What is it about this site that people feel the need to berate others?

TommyJack, received an email today that KFC is running a Hillary Special...2 fat thighs, a small breast and a left wing!

Posted by VolJunkie on March 14, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with the General ... I did not disagree with a single foul that was called against UT in the first 4-5 minutes of the 2nd half. We played sloppy "hand check" defense and got called on it. It did seem like this game was called closer than some of the other tourney games but it is what it is, you have to adjust to how the game is being called.

Looks like Vandy/Ark will beat each other up for tomorrow's game, UT will be focused tomorrow, take care of business and play for the Championship on Sunday.

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by pjhaddix on March 14, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And so far, Arkansas is not letting Vandy have their way. Personally, I'd rather play Ark. tomorrow.

Posted by GreerVol22 on March 14, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tennessee continues to get more than its share of dumb player fouls and and ticky tack touch fouls. Deny it if you wish, it happened.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

3 pt game right now. I think I'd rather go up against Vandy. They'll be gassed playing for the 3rd day in a row whereas Ark got a 1st round bye. Plus, they don't shoot nearly as well away from memorial gym.

Posted by volboy81 on March 14, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

YOURE THE BEST CHRIS!!!! Thanks!!!!
#5 needs to hang from the rafters of TBA

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Volboy81: Couldn't agree more! I hope I can be there when they retire #5.

Posted by chkrbrd on March 14, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Back in the day, I remember playing a team during the regular season and beating them twice by 20 points. We then faced them in the playoffs. I remember I was not particularly inspired, and while we all said the right things, I was not even close to fired up to play. None of us were. We won in overtime. Human nature folks. You need a slap in the face sometimes, and if Pearl is the coach I think he is, he will use this close win to motivate the boys and remind them what happens if you don't come ready to play.

I also seem to recall a couple years ago that Butler had Florida beat in either the first or second round of the NCAAs, and Florida escaped at the very end. That same Florida team then woke up and won it all.

Emotion drives college athletes. If you didn't play you don't get it. The moment SC realized they had a chance it was anyone's game.

Win and advance, baby. Next?

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on March 14, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bring on the Razorbacks!!

Posted by rabidvol1998 on March 14, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Analysis doesn't matter any more. It's (as chkrbrd said) win and advance. that's all that matters.

Time to make BBQ of the pigs next.

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 5:52 p.m.

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Posted by gate12 on March 14, 2008 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IBO444: I've got a lot better opportunity of making $500K voting R than D. Corruption? Man, wake up and smell the treason.

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well, that may help Ark get into the NCAA's. I think Ole Miss blew their chance last night. No offense to UGA, but I'd rather have seen Ole Miss have a chance in the NCAA's.

The more SEC schools, the better.

Flameout prediciton: the Pac-10. Everyone has them pegged to be 'the greatest'. We all know it is about matchups, so maybe they'll (pac-10) will get a bunch of tough ones.....

Posted by pjhaddix on March 14, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's official, we'll take on the razorbacks tomorrow.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 14, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker ... don't sweat it, this is supposed to be fun ...

BTW, your 4:34 post, I remember reading the original post and totally disagreeing with you. I thought this would be a blowout, that UT would run SC into the ground. Got any PowerBall numbers you want to share? ;)

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by auttat on March 14, 2008 at 6:02 p.m.

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Posted by shoalcreekvol on March 14, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IBleed, take your political bullcrap somewhere else. This is a Tennessee FAN site. You know, SPORTS. Not just another website or forum to be hijacked and used to bash a certain political group. FYI there are plenty of Eastman/Kodak bins around so don't forget to recycle your GOOGLE RON PAUL sign when you're through with it.

Posted by pdhuff on March 14, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Arkie up next, I guess?

Posted by VolJunkie on March 14, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, off subject here ... watching SportsCenter, highlights from all the conference tourneys, including the Republican/Democrat Smackdown Conf are in beautiful HD. Let's go the the SEC and you get some grainy barely in focus crap. What gives? Is the TV contract really that bad for one of the premier conferences in the country? Just does not seem right.

Sorry for the rant, we now return you to your regularly scheduled postings ...

Go VOLS!!

Posted by VolFan_stuck_in_FL on March 14, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

great shot by Chris and Tyler had great 2nd half, but without Wayne we get run out of the gym today. let's keep it rolling.

GO VOLS

Posted by VolCane7979 on March 14, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on. The officiating didn't account for UT's awful second half half-court defense. Don't even think about putting this one on the officials. Thank goodness we made it to tomorrow. Well done Chris Lofton, hitting the "Lo-Down" and getting the cover for the 1-2-3.

VolJunkie,

Great point. It's always seemed to be that way, at least on JP sports. CBS gets the Sunday game, which is in HD.

Posted by nafslov on March 14, 2008 at 6:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This team is GOING somewhere ( Final Four) unlike the '67 team that placed 4th in the Mideast Regionals ( great coaching by Ray Mears )! Coach Pearl is the only men's coach UT has had ! Go Vols!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 14, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OHHHHHHH STFU you paranoid crybabies about officiating----an absolute given were going to hear "the worst officiating ever" claim after every game. Cphil theres no rule that that fouls called/shots have to be equal----the way it works is that it is directly correlated to the actual fouls that occur. Why is it on this board that the "worse officiating" is ALWAYS to UTs detriment in you koolaiders eyes rather than generally equal distributed????? even on a nuetral court--------its no wonder why the sportsworld dont like us---nothin but whinnin and crying and excusemakin here-----credit to those few here who are giving credit to SC for playing us strong and playing with some pride after 2 drubbings---few here ever want to give respect to other team---instead you pull out the tired old the refs had it in for us crap--

Posted by dopedawg on March 14, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Vols!!!! Ugly but good win!!! Beat the hogs on Saturday!! Please dont foul so much.....

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

voljunkie;
I wish I were good with powerball (I matched 4 about 20 years ago in GA, but didn't get anything for it... )

Okay, my guess at ARK, and I have NOT seen them play at all. Chris and Jajuan have better shooting games, cosue now they are used to the rims. Wayne is tired, so the insdie work will be Tyler.

I'm thinking we play a good game tomorrow. Ramar and Jordan are hurting us, if they don't play well, then mroe minutes for Josh Tabb and JP.

Both us and Ark won games over teams that shot more FT's. That's an idication the offense for both teams worked well.

Hopefully one on this board disrespects Ark. They beat Vandy, and vandy is a good team.

Posted by Kwitcherbellyachin on March 14, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nafslov, I don't believe I would go as far as to question the abilities of Coach Mears. Back in the day, teams weren't given the benefit of seeding. Believe me, if they were, Mears' teams would have had far more success in the tourney. I believe one year, they had to play the #1 ranked team in the first round, despite their own lofty status at the time. We live in a different era now, thankfully.

Posted by skroutyboy on March 14, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK, here's my take on the officiating. I am not going to say we weren't fouling. With the type defense we play, those calls are inevitable. However, my gripe is with the lack of fouls called on SC. We did not get into the 1 and 1 in the first half. Then, with about 13 minutes to go, SC still had 1 foul called on them. Is this the Vandy of Columbia?!? Even though SC finally got over the limit in the 2nd half, we did not shoot a 1 and 1 free throw the ENTIRE GAME. When is the last time that happened?

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know, some fans and pundits will go 'what?' about the UT-USC game. But hell, that is what tournament ball is all about.

Really, most athletes are pretty comparable. The successful ones can turn it up in the regular season. HOWEVER, in postseason, EVERY player turnts it up. Suddenly, teams that stink in the regular season look like kings of the court in the postseason.

To UT's benefit, they've been playing close games all season, and are tough. Remember both LSU last year, and UF the year before in football? Tough games about every week.

Well, that is my story, and I'm hoping all the tough games have the vols ready to go a long way.

Posted by Basketball_Jones on March 14, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lofton's shot was #1 on Plays of the Day, Chism's mid court was #2...ESPN loving the Vols

Posted by weems1024 on March 14, 2008 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are in bad shape at the point guard spot. Ramar and Jordan get worse every game. That doesn't bode well for tourney time.

Posted by mparker on March 14, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

skrounty:
seriously, I don't think SC fouled all that much. they didn't reach, and they didn't contest much inside.

Look at it this way, it may have been to our benefit NOT to go to the line.

Note: I do complain about feffing, I think we were screwed at Vandy and at UK. But, not this game. We stunk on position defense.

Posted by CatScratchFever on March 14, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker. A very good post. Games like this are more the norm than the exception in March....no matter who you are. I think the key is just making sure your in the game with 5-minutes to go and to are truly focused in the final 2-minutes.

Posted by TommyJack on March 14, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BBJones: Wash your mouth out.

Posted by UTByrd on March 14, 2008 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UCLA's last 2 reg. season victories were gifts from the refs.
The Vols and CBP had that "deer in the headlights" look.
I believe the "shoes" almost cost us this victory. Chris even lost one of his.
If you want to talk garbage politics, please go to an appropriate site. It is good to have sports so I can escape all the B.S.

Posted by pearlific on March 14, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GO HOME CANDY!!!!

Posted by bigorangedude on March 14, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great job Vols, and great job Chris Lofton!

Posted by thesavageorange on March 14, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UTByrd ,You are right on target about UCLA getting gifts those last 2 games.It may ultimately cost UT a #1 seed.Hope not, but oh well.The great thing about the dance is, you're going to play the best of the best at some point.Doesn't hurt to have an easier road though.

Posted by trl_x on March 14, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dangit Vandy. I was looking forward to the rematch.

Vandy seems pretty lame outside of Memorial.

Posted by LargeOrange on March 14, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just got home from the game, here is my perspective, not that anyone cares, but that is cool, I'll give it anyway. as an aside, Chris Loften's cousin sat right next to me, very nice people. SC played hard and if I remember correctly, in the first two blowouts, they were close at halftime also, but we wore them down in the 2nd half and put them away. Today we did not run them into the floor in the second half, partly because of the huge numbers of fouls called in the second half, most on us but several on them too. This slowed the game down and SC spent a ton of time resting while either team was shooting all of those foul shots. Our depth did not come int play because of this, thus they played us close for both halfs. We also did not shoot well from the 3 arch and they did. One thing that saved us was that fact that they stunk it up from the foul line (I haven't seen any stats, but that is how it looked live). We do much better when the refs call a looser game and let both teams play. I stayed for the Ark Vandy game and the same thing happened to Ark, they had over 10 fouls to Vandy's 2 in about 10 mins in both halves. The Arkies screamed at the refs the whole game, even more that the Vol fans did. With our style of aggressive play and the same style ARK played today, there may be a record number of fouls called on both sides if we have the same refs tommorrow. All in all it was a win, and I am glad for it, but it was too close to being a loss, you could feel it in the Dome, until Chris hit that 3. One good thing, there was a ton of Orange in the Dome and I only saw 10 or so SC fans. Ark will bring a lot more noise tomorrow. But what was amazing to me was the number of KY fans at our game and lined up outside after the game looking for tickets to their game tonight. If we make it to Sunday and get KY we will likely be outnumbered fan wise for what it is worth. GO VOLS BBQ the piggies!

Posted by yemmusdarb on March 14, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dave Odom is a standup guy. I respect him more than any other coach in the SEC (other than our own), whether it's football or basketball.

Posted by cphil on March 14, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadabadoo1026,you obviously didn't get the point I made. The officials deciding to call the hand check fouls and other minor contact WHEN they did at the start of the second half had an obvious affect on UT. I never said the number of fouls called against each team had to be, or even should be equal. My point was when you start out the half with a 9 to 1 disparity it is, at the very least, questionable. There is little doubt the Vols were not playing their "A game" today. They just didn't need the help in upsetting their mind set.

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 14, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LargeO - can I call you Large O? You went to the SEC Tourney? Cool!

Posted by General_Watermelon on March 14, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cphil - The reality is that Tennessee does more handchecks and plays more aggressive defense than any other team in the SEC. They feed off turnovers. They also had a few cheap shots that they got called on today - see JaJuan Smith's push off that he got called a T on.

Posted by RJ_Vol on March 14, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone for renaming TBA, "The Pearl"? I can't say enough good things about Chris Lofton. To be gathered around a radio at work and hear that three point shot drop...was awesome! Go Big Orange!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 14, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cphil, the point I get from you and other regular refereeing complainers is that there is a vast and long ongoing conspiracy to screw Tennessee every chance they did----one idiot last nite claimed EVERY questionable call from his last 24 years of watching UT ball has gone against us---can only shake my head at you conspiracy theorists whose rational thinking has become deluded from the koolaide

Posted by cphil on March 14, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadabadoo1026, what you say may be true of some posters, but not me. There have been a lot of games where we got more favorable calls than the other team. But, there have also been those games where the officiating crew has obviously favored one team in their calls. When I see that happen, I'll call it like I see it.

I think most any Tennessee fan will agree with me that if you see Teddy Valentine on the court, the Vols need to get out the K-Y because he's going to try to screw them. I don't know what he has against UT, but his past actions have been obvious. I honestly think he makes many calls just to get on the highlight reel on Sports Center. While he wasn't part of the crew today, at times it seemed like it.

The officials should NEVER call a game in a manner that will, or even might, cause a different outcome in the game. There have been instances like this in other games around the country just recently. UCLA's last couple of games for example. During the game today, even the tv announcers made note of several of the calls. I'm not an conspiracy theorist, just a realist.

Posted by LargeOrange on March 14, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes General, of course you can call me Large O, you outrank me :-). Yes, I went down there looking for dejected LSU fans to buy their unused tickets, but I swear, I did not see one LSU fan the whole day (several Gators, AU, and Miss fans however). I bought a pretty nice lower level sideline seat from a Gator fan outside. I was in line at the concessions before the game and some guy asked me if I would mind taking his picture, and I said sure, but why, and he said "don't you know who that is in line in front of you?" It was Bernard King with his family. We spoke and he was very gracious in posing for the pictures. I am going back tomorrow and on Sunday, assuming we win tomorrow. It was a lot of fun, even as close as it was. CBP talks about it and so does Odum, in other articles, there were a ton of VOLS there although we were all spread out around the whole arena and in both levels. Should be even more there tomorrow. I will represent for all of those on here that would like to go but are unable to. GO BIG ORANGE!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 14, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cphil, well at least I'll give you credit for admitting many times we are on the favorable side of the officiating----most here think we get screwed every game be it home or away.

I would make my position without even watching the games though i do. I wont say that officiating can never be questionable--just my contention that even if bad its generally balanced to where over the long haul it all evens out. As with anything subjective as calling a game is you can never eliminate subconscience influences if any but I dont believe these refs have any conscious reason to favor a team and if it does it should work to our favor as much as to our disfavor---there is no anti--Tenn conspiracy.

As I've said before if refs may ever subconsciously go against us on a questionable call we may be to blame to some part for that. Condemning and acousing a Teddy Valentine for him to see on our boards if he so choses does nothing to make him more ref-friendly towards us. And if he wants to put on a show as many claim he can do that making bad calls against the other team as much as against us. These refs arent any more perfect than you or me are--this is often subjective--all we can hope for is reasonably consistent in calling fouls and I dont measure that but how many times each team goes to the line and think it must be pretty equal

Posted by King30 on March 14, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UCLA 54 USC 52 w/ 1:26 remaining!
Pac 10 in beautiful HD. It's a shame I can watch every game in the country in HD except RAYCOM'S.
ugh

Posted by StaytheCourse on March 14, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would have to give the game ball to chism.. but how bout b. williams coming off the bench...

Posted by LargeOrange on March 14, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadaba - I don't believe that refs have any agenda against Tennessee, as I have said, I think in basketball, it is more due to our aggressive, steal focused, pressure defense that hurts us penalty wise when the refs call things tight. But I can't erase from my memory the Florida football game when, I think it was Gafney (not sure), had the ball bounce off of his chest in the endzone and the ref, who turned out to be a Vandy alumni, called it a touchdown. I was sitting on the 10 yard line low at that game and I saw it with my own two eyes. That was highway robbery, in our own house. But for the most part, I think calls even out over time.

Posted by skroutyboy on March 14, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MParker, there was quite a bit of contact in the paint as is to be expected. Also, parroting CBP, Lofton gets mugged every game and little is called. By the way, per everyone I've talked to, the worst hosing we've gotten all year was at Florida.

Posted by skroutyboy on March 14, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, with what happened with the weather, it gives new meaning to the term "blow out."

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 15, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

but Largeorange, its your paranoia that makes you think Gafney got that call not because the ref truely saw it that way --rightly or wrongly --but instead because he was a Vandy alumni-----are you so paranoid--lol--that you check out the bio of every ref that makes an unfavorable call on us??

So let me ask you this since you question the integrity of the vandy alum ref----if a similar call went against bama when they were playing arkansas and the ref was a Tenn alum would you question