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Tennessee Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Las Vegas oddsmakers say second-seeded Tennessee is a 20-point favorite over 15th-seeded American University today.
History shows that No. 2 seeds are 88-4 against No. 15 seeds since the NCAA tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
But as Arkansas coach John Pelphrey said after the Razorbacks eliminated the Vols from the SEC tournament last week, games aren't played on paper, they're played on hardwood.
Tennessee (29-4) plays the Patriot League champion Eagles (21-11) today (TV: WVLT, 12:15 p.m.) in the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex with the notion of taking every opponent seriously.
"We have to play this game as if it's our last,'' Chris Lofton, one of three UT seniors, said Thursday. "It's one and done, now.''
The Vols need only reflect back on their opening-round NCAA tournament game two years ago, when 15th-seeded Winthrop took second-seeded UT to the final second.
It took Lofton hitting a twisting, fade-away 3-pointer from the corner with 0.4 seconds left for the Vols to win 63-61.
"That let us know a 15 seed can beat a two seed,'' UT senior Jordan Howell said. "If not for Chris Lofton's shot against Winthrop, it's a different finish.
"That right there lets us know we can't overlook American.''
JaJuan Smith said the first game of the NCAA tournament is never easy.
"It's the toughest, just everyone nervous and everyone trying to make plays on both teams,'' Smith said. "So from that (Winthrop) game, we have been here before and done that.''
UT coach Bruce Pearl said he hasn't mentioned the Winthrop scare to his players; instead, he looks at more recent history involving the Patriot League.
"Bucknell was able to beat Arkansas, and they were able to beat Kansas,'' Pearl said, referring to the Bisons' wins over the Razorbacks in the 2006 NCAA tournament and the Jayhawks in 2005. "This (Patriot) league has gone in and in the first round they have competed, and American represents this league.''
Bucknell was a No. 9 seed when it beat Arkansas and a No. 14 seed when it defeated Kansas, but Pearl's point is well taken.
In fact, the first thing Pearl pointed to when the NCAA brackets were released Sunday was American's 67-59 victory at perennial Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouse Maryland on Dec. 22.
Former UT coach Don DeVoe, who coached at Navy in the Patriot League, watched the Eagles beat the Terrapins.
"You look at the score and think it might have been a close game, but that wasn't the case,'' said DeVoe, who coached the Vols 1978-89. "American dominated Maryland, really, from the first five minutes to the end. In the last four minutes a lesser team usually folds, but that didn't happen.''
DeVoe said UT should think twice before pressing the Eagles.
"The strength of the American team is their ability to really handle full-court pressure,'' DeVoe said, "and then they are very good when they get to the offensive end, really controlling the tempo, a lot of screening and a lot of misdirection plays. They are a very smart and rugged team.
"It would not be wise for Tennessee to think this will be a typical 2-15 match up.''
Shay's Take: UT assistant Jason Shay said watching American on film, he sees a combination of this year's Vanderbilt and Western Kentucky teams.
"A lot of the things American does on offense, the ball screening and movement, remind me of Vanderbilt,'' Shay said. "But they're not as big as Vandy; they're more like Western Kentucky size-wise.''
DeVoe's Key: DeVoe said UT can win by getting the ball inside where it has a size advantage.
"In terms of size in and around the basket, there is really no matchups that favor American,'' DeVoe said. "If Tennessee works on its post feeds and settles down and gets the ball inside, American will not be able to handle Tennessee.''
3-Point Bombers: Garrison Carr leads American with 129 3-pointers this season and is shooting .454 beyond the arc.
Lofton leads UT this season with 113 treys at a .398 clip.
Closet Vols: American's Travis Lay grew up a Tennessee football fan.
Lay's parents met as students at UT and brought him to Vols football games. His grandparents live in Chattanooga
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Memorable moments in Pat Summitt's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 105
volintexas writes:
The DeVoe led Vols played American in the Vol Classic in the early 80's and were supposed to blow them out. American outhustled and outplayed the Vols who were toast with a few seconds to play when Gary Carter stole a pass and made an incredible shot to win the game.
rabidvol1998 writes:
volintexas - Gary stole it and shot it in one motion. All American had to do was throw it to the other end of the court.
Let's hope this one doesn't need a miracle.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
No wonder DeVoe is so afraid of them. Of Course, he is not BP. GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cherokee writes:
If I recall correctly, wasn't Carter's shot from around mid-court? I can remember listening to that game at my grandparents' house in Madisonville.
EDis4UT writes:
We SHOULD beat American by 20+ points - easily. We'll see...
murrayvol writes:
And Duke was an 18 point favorite over Belmont.
gohawks1 writes:
Tell that to Duke University. They came within a frog's hair of getting beat by their #15 seeded component today.
bmaples writes:
For once, all the cliches are dead on. "Play each game like its your last" ... "One and done" ... "Take care of business"
And don't forget this one: "Finish."
Vols, if you get up 20, try to make it 30. Never stop, never slack, keep it going, keep it focused. Good luck!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Dang IT!!
Belmont jsut couldn't come up with any offense on the last few possessions. I think the coach alomst outsmarted himself.
Can't stand Dook, never could.
EDis4UT writes:
Guys! American is no Belmont!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
anyone else bummed so far??
I don't think a game yet has ended the way I wanted, but then I guess I've been pulling for the big upset.
Guess the Belmnt game will get UT's attention.
volusherG writes:
Hey VOL fans!
How about helping a BIG ORANGE BROTHER out!
Copy and paste the link below and vote for awVols1985, the TENNESSEE representative on CBSsportsline's Member Mayhem contest? Let's keep UT in the essay tournament too!
Thanks for your interest and participation!
http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/message...
GO VOLS ! ! !
volusherG writes:
Or click on it!
Wasn't sure it would work till I posted it !
Thanks
GO VOLS ! ! !
rbatten9#231828 writes:
It's time. - John Ward
angie200810 writes:
As a Knoxville native, now American U student, I am conflicted about my loyalties. Regardless of the results, I am thrilled that AU gets the opportunity to play a team of such great caliber.
Hunter writes:
Chris, don't play this game like it's your last.
Play the National Championship game on April 7th as if it's your last.
VOLINSC writes:
angie200810 - no matter what, never forget where you came from - You should cheer for the VOLS.
BillVol writes:
Angie, cheer for the Vols.
kimzy, where the heck do we vote? I went to that site and couldn't see where to vote.
chrisw2967 writes:
BillVol ,when you get on the site its already on page 2 you have to go back to page 1 and its on that page
anthony writes:
Go you guys, and remember that this team is nothing without coach Pearl. Ever since he got here he has been overachieving. Heck of a good job at it too. Didn't even have brother Wingate, that year, and then last year, look what happened. Beating the national champs twice, and ohio state, almost twice. Give him and us, and the team a break!!! We are winning our share of the games.
GreerVol22 writes:
If you guys set on your a$$ on defense then it will be your last. The Arkansas game was truly pitiful. No hustle, No hands up, No switching off on screens....etc
THE_VOL writes:
Hey Griff...when are you gonna do your job and report that 2 players are suspended for the first half today??? Yes one is a starter and although it shouldn't matter against this team it's nonetheless indicative of some of the "minds" on this team right now!
tlc429#392720 writes:
Good mornin' Orange faithful and scrubs (you know who you are). In reading the above article, two things jumped out at me. The first was Lofton saying every game should be played like it's the last. Thanks for pointing out the obvious there Chris. Had the team adopted that mantra only one week earlier, who knows? We might've been a #1 seed. How about you and Jujuan concentrate on making baskets and not getting burned on defense and leave the math to us? The other thing I noticed on the board is the talk about the Belmont game. As a Knoxville bred Nashvillian, contrary to popular belief, only outsiders were shocked by the brilliant show of teamwork Belmont displayed. Next to the UT-Vandy mens and womens games played at *cough* War, the Belmont-David Lipscomb ticket is the hottest thing going here in Nash. They played their hearts out yesterday and I feel for them. They deserved to win but came up short.
As for us, if we go in half prepared, we'll get a whole whoopin'. I have no doubt in my mind American is drooling over having a shot at us. Chris and Jujuan we MUST have your offense and Chris said it best, "as a shooter, you always think the next one is going to go in". If he comes out cold on 3's, drive a little, take those floating 2's and possibly draw the foul, eventually the 3's will come. Jujuan has to play like he ain't scared. And lastly, we MUST make free throws. Having said all that, GO VOLS!!! ALL THE WAY TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP!
VolJunkie writes:
grvol -
Syracuse was the #2 seed, they lost to Richmond, '82-'84 ... I think.
American plays a style that has given UT some challenges this year, deliberate pace, strong guard play, good outside shooting (my nephew goes to AU, I have been getting some ill-advised smack talk from him!). If UT plays good D and works the ball inside, this should be an easy win. BTW, after watching several games yesterday it appears the officials, in general, are letting the teams play. This bodes well for UT if hand checks aren't called as tightly as they have been.
Go VOLS!!!
VolJunkie writes:
grvol -
mea culpa ... it was 1991, and it was the first time a #15 had beaten a #2
Go VOLS!!!
stroker writes:
Anyone know where to find the schedule and time for future games on KNS or anywhere please?
VolJunkie writes:
BTW, interesting article on JaJuan on the CA site ... amazing how much UT coverage there is in the local Memphis paper.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...
VolJunkie writes:
stroker -
The CBS site is always good for schedules/updates. They also have a good online video player to watch games that may not be on TV:
http://www.sportsline.com/collegebask...
CharlotteVol writes:
volintexas - love the throwback post about gary carter! what a great player he was for us "back in the day"!
Go VOLS! Survive and Advance!!!
tlc429#392720 writes:
Two of OUR players are suspended for the first half? Please tell me it's Childress and Howell?!!
stroker writes:
VolJunkie thanks buy unable to find Vol game time if they win D-- I need to know if I can play golf and watch the game. You would think KNS would have the schedule right on first line.
VolJunkie writes:
stroker - last I saw it was 2:30 Sunday
stroker writes:
Thanks VolJunkie I just called the station and thats what they said. WHere did you find the schedule.
arkyvol writes:
given the vol's history, lofton may be right.
Volunatic writes:
I've been hearing the same thing THE_VOL is alleging for WEEKS now, and nothing has come of it. I was worried that it was Tyler Smith when he didn't start in the SC game a couple of weeks ago, but apparently he didn't start that one because he was late to a 10am "shootaround" because of daylight savings.
I'm pretty skeptical about the "insider" tips about suspensions right now.
GO VOLS!!! Beat American U!
Huntingdonvol writes:
Good read on America university vs. Vols http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...
THE_VOL writes:
tlc429...you must obviously be one of the scrubs you refer to. Stop referring to anything TN as "us" or "OUR" cause you ain't playin, coachin, or probably even cheerin! and no it isn't Howell or Childress.
THE_VOL writes:
I am very interested to see if BP backs down on the two suspended players if game circumstances develop adversely particularly at one of the positions where we are not deep. I certainly hope he doesn't pull a FOOLmer. That said, time to head over to the arena! Vol fans it's time to get off your ass and on your feet and pray to God we don't beat!!!
dopedawg writes:
Duke is over rated. Boys, play with your head and your hearts. We love ya', win or loose, but we would like to see you win!!! Keeping up the faith!! Go VOLS!!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Belmoont did what you try to teach kids NOT to do fromt the time they are about 8....they didn't stop the player with the ball on a break.
I hate that Belmont lost, but they really did not execute anything very well from 2 minutes in.
Neither did Duke, but Duke got the one big play they needed.
Volunatic writes:
So THE_VOL, if you're wrong about the rumored suspensions, then it means Pearl was just "backing down on the two suspended players"?
Interesting. You should consider a job as a spin doctor for Knox County politicians, unless you already have such a job.
Huntingdonvol writes:
Oh my read this story suggesting kentucky players need to be taking hgh and eating cheeseburgers its interesting reading the blogs to!http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/79...
IBleedOrange444 writes:
THE_VOL -
Who are the two players suspended and how did you hear about it?
wjackson#226202 writes:
THE_VOL. You keep saying two players are suspended but you aren't saying who. Do you know? Seems like you are the only one? Where are you getting this from?
topgun writes:
THEVOL 10:55AM post & 11:00 post.
You scolded tic429 for saying "us" and "our" (10:55) yet , in your self-proclaimed widsom, you say "WE are not deep" (11:00). I am certain that it is coach Fulmer's fault somehow, but aren't you being a wee bit of a hypocrite? OK for you, but not OK for anyone else??
I'll say us and our anytime I want and don't need your two-cent protestations. By the way shouldn't get on your knees to pray. Isn't it a sin to be arrogant? We should get off of our "seat" to cheer for OUR team.
That said, while you are at the arena, I hope that you and thousands of our orange-clad VOL friends have plenty of reasons to get "off your seat" and cheer for OUR VOLS. Regardless of who, if anyone, is suspended, OUR VOLS will carry the day! I want US to win it all! Chris Lofton, and the article, made some very good points and I am proud of our VOLS. GOVOLS!!
IBleedOrange444 writes:
I think THE_VOL just dropped by to stir up some poop and then left the msg board. Oh well, like he said earlier, if two players are suspended for a 1/2 it shouldn't be the end of the world. We are one of the deepest teams in the country!
I hope Jordan shines today. He's playing in a familiar setting and I hope it helps him find his shot. I want to see all the Seniors go out on a high note and play well deep into this tournament!
GO BIG ORANGE!!
topgun writes:
Agree with you, IBleedOrange. Hope the seniors and OUR entire team do well. Game is about to start. Time to fire up the TV and the radio. GOVOLS!!!
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Enjoy the game everyone. I hope you aren't stuck watching it on the computer from your desk like me. Don't know why I even came in today. I'm not going to be doing much work!
VolJunkie writes:
grvol -
Read my post ... you asked if TN was one of those #2 seeds that lost to Syracuse. I responded that Syracuse was the first #2 seed to lose an opening round game, NOT that they were a #2 seed in '77. I was at GMU in '77 so my VOL history does not go back that far.
Hope that clarifies my point ...
Go VOLS!!!
dma38256#264746 writes:
Note to Bob Kessling: Do you think you could maybe sound a little disappointed when the other team scores.....I mean, you know, use a little negative inflection...? A la, John Ward....
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