Tennessee’s exhibition opener was about what Vols coach Bruce Pearl expected.
“Not pleased, but what I expected it would look like,’’ Pearl said after his 14th-ranked team defeated Division II Indianapolis 87-73 Monday night at Thompson-Boling Arena. “There’s cause for some concern.’’
Scotty Hopson and Tyler Smith led the Vols with 14 points apiece, Wayne Chism scored 12, Emmanuel Negedu 11 and Bobby Maze added 10.
UT was down 11-2 four minutes into the game before the crowd of 18,378 and didn’t lead until the nine-minute mark when a Smith dunk made it 20-19.
The Greyhounds fought back to take a 25-24 lead with a 6-0 run capped by a Keith Radcliff basket with 9:08 left in the half.
The Vols didn’t take the lead for good until Negedu scored on a tip at the 8:50 mark, igniting a 9-0 run en route to a 46-31 halftime lead.
Even then, Indy hit five of its first six shots to start the second half, leading Pearl to conclude he didn’t like the bigger lineup he started with Brian Williams at center, Chism at forward and Smith at wing.
“I know size matters, but I didn’t like it,’’ Pearl said. “That group there didn’t defend.’’
Meanwhile, walk-on Michael Hubert made a name for himself at point guard.
The player Pearl erroneously called “Mark’’ until a week ago saw 10 minutes of action.
“I just learned his last name today,’’ Pearl said. “He made the team during (walk-on) tryouts, so he’s been on the team two weeks.
“Believe it or not, he got cut a couple of years ago by Chattanooga. He wasn’t good enough to walk on at Chattanooga, but he was good enough to be in my backcourt.’’
Daniel West, projected to back up Maze at the point, remains academically ineligible. J.P. Prince, the next option, injured his shoulder last week. Josh Tabb was benched because of academics. Tanner Wild, a walk-on, albeit an experienced one, had a bad back.
“You don’t normally go six-deep with 13 scholarships,’’ Pearl said. “But Mike did a terrific job, he got 10 minutes, didn’t turn the ball over and kept us in the game.’’
Turnovers were a problem for the rest of the Vols: the team committed 20, many unforced. Pearl was also unhappy with the way UT defended.
“We haven’t been together long enough to develop a character,’’ Pearl said.
UT returns to action at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Thompson-Boling Arena for its second and final exhibition game against Tusculum before opening the regular season at home at 7 p.m. on Nov. 15 against Chattanooga.
Preseason Honors: Smith was the Vols’ sole representative on the Coaches All-SEC preseason first team while Chism and Prince were named second team. Smith was also among vote getters for Associated Press preseason All-American honors.
Oregon sends Lady Vols home from…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 37
eduardo writes:
Got to defend. Pearl will make sure of that!
Madkels writes:
Not to mention, emotions were running gloomy after the news conference 2 and half hours earlier. Go Vols. You can do it!
MrBamSeydu writes:
Dear Wayne Chism, please never shoot another 3 as long as you live. Thanks.
username writes:
And once Pearl has a losing season or two, he'll be dumped unceremoniously in favor of the "flavor of the month". Poor showing by a preseason top 15 team. Poor day for UT sports in general.
robot22 writes:
Madkels- That is the worst excuse I have ever heard. UT just didnt play well. They were rusty. That was expected.
nickreveiz4heisman writes:
please dont wish us another dane bradshaw kosmo. i cant take blown lay-ups by a division 1 starter anymore. dont wish for another jordan howell either. they were both terrible
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Why? He's knocked them down pretty consistantly for a big man, and when he does it forces the "D" to bring a big man away from the goal or play zone. If they leave him open out there, he needs to drain those shots.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
Hey Mike, where's the box score?
A win is a win. My gameball goes to Michael Hubert for coming out of left field to play 10 minutes of turnover free ball. Glad to see 4 players in double figures. Go Vols!!
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Really, what an anal retentive statement.
Triton1 writes:
Fire Pearl! This was phooey, iif we only win by 14 over this team, it's gonna be a long season. I say hire Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Pat Summitt, or maybe Rick Pitino. Who do you guys want? I think we need new blood, This team is going to get killed in the SEC!
VolJunkie writes:
The team did not get cranked up until they went into a full-court press. That seemed to get things flowing and led to some easy points. This team does get back better (quicker) when they press though they don't look comfortable defensively yet. Maze made a couple of nice drives and handled the ball pretty well. Agree with other comments about Hubert, he was a big surprise. Loved to see Negedu run the court; this guy can move. On one play he affected the shot on the defensive end and was back down the court on the break. Also had a nice touch from outside. Chism seems to have a point guard mind stuck in a big man's body ... I have no problem with him taking the 3 but he does not need to be handling the ball on the break. It was just great to be back in TBA again, looking forward to Friday.
fundamentals83 writes:
I think your post is ridiculous. Fulmer's team has been going down for the last 8 years. Pearl's has done nothing but improve.
WVVOLFAN writes:
i hope an outside shooter developes. that's what we were missing last night.
It's now BB time in TN!
volnknox writes:
get over the fulmer firing tritonbaby, grow up your post is soooo ridiculous. Basketball is the only thing that has brought excited back to the Vol nation.
drwfocus#660070 writes:
The expectation level for this team is way to high. They will do good to finish 3rd or 4th in the conference. And if they make it, be lucky to get past the first round in the NCAA tournament.
diggerland17#448133 writes:
Bruce will eventually b a victim of his own sucess just like every other good coach.This is a young ball club in critical positions on the basketball court (guards). This team will still win 22-25 games bc of a weak SEC. Chism is our leading 3pt shooter returning. Moving the line back a foot will probably help Chisms % since half his shots almost knocked down the backboard last year. This team is very long & athletic and should b able to create more turnovers. Basketball is all about chemistry and now that JuJaun Smith is finally out of here they all should b more of a tight nit group who will gell together as the season progresses. Vol fans will need 2 b patient with this team & leave Bruce alone bc he is the best thing that has happened 2 this basketball program!
threehundredbowler writes:
Did you have a ball that was used in the game?
alfrizzle097 writes:
Give it six or seven years. "Pearl can't make it past the sweet 16! Pearl can't win in the SEC tournament! Pearl hasn't finished in the top 5! Fire him! Nevermind that he took the program to a new level. Nevermind that he is the only one who has ever met the expectations we now have because of him."
One would think Pat is off limits. Then again, a coach with one national championship used to be.
alfrizzle097 writes:
That said, I'm going to miss the teams from the last couple years. They accomplished more with less talent. One word: scrappy.
It is easy to root for a team with that kind of work ethic.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
I'm impressed with any kind of win.
Style points or not.
WVVOLFAN writes:
butch, may not want to look in the mirror. you may see who you are speaking to. ease up. you've been bashing everyone all of the boards today. hope you're not a postal employee.
best wishes
CleverUserNameVol writes:
I keep hearing the phrase "orange kool-aid" flying around on the radio and such. I think we should change it to black kool-aid because I've never heard more whiner-babies and Negative Nancy's in my life. You guys are worse than the movie geeks on Aint it Cool News. A true Vol fan is never happy unless there's something to cry about, i guess. So here's my two cents: The defense looked wicked sloppy most of the time with several glimmers of hope for a bright future sprinkled in there. The offense got off to a slow start(so slow it almost seemed to be moving backwards the first few minutes) but like previous teams began to pick up speed and display alot of potential. I worry a bit about Chism getting into early foul trouble again, lets hope he can work on it, but there seems to be some real talent in there to back him up. A few different guys showed they can drill a three if need be, including Negedu(who knew?). They need some more practice and need to find a way to get into a flow as team. Oh...and kudos to Mark Hubert(just kidding Mike) for showing poise and "steppin' up for the team. Looking forward to the rest of the season. In Bruce we trust.
Colliervol writes:
He'll get over it WV. Just a little overwrought today as are many others.
As far as the game goes, it was a glorified scrimmage and we are basically replacing 3 starters. Might lose a game or two before the SEC schedule cranks up. But Pearl will have them ready by January.
WVVOLFAN writes:
i agree collier, is was good to have something to cheer about last night.
fundamentals83 writes:
.452 vs top 25
.417 vs top 20
.389 vs top 15
.368 vs top 10
.300 vs top 5
It has been as steady decline over the past 8 years and was never stellar. Now please Vicki, stop using an alias.
fundamentals83 writes:
8 years:
3 losses in sec title game.
5 Bowl no shows or losses.
2002 Lost to Maryland
2003 Lost to Clemson (wow)
2005 No bowl
2006 Lost PSU in Outback
2008 No bowl
Sorry but I'm not impressed with backing into Atlanta and getting our butts handed to us or lack luster bowl trips.
WVVOLFAN writes:
lol. that's funny stuff.
WVVOLFAN writes:
gator, i heard your alls score on the way home last night. sounded to me like you guys ran over that team. from the sound of the score, didn't sound like they were nervous to me.
jblair writes:
Well we learned a few things from last night. First, we need to work on free throws. Second, we need to work on perimeter and transition defense. and Third, the freshmen are every bit as good as advertised.
ctexorange writes:
Statistics can be twisted. Look at the "whole body of work" Phil is 2nd only to Neyland.
Watch out Pearl, these so called fans turn rather quickly.
If you do not improve your stature every year. They turn on you. Florida looks to win the SEC this year and KY is much improved. Lute Olsen is available so watch your step.
Triton1 writes:
This is NOT a Gator board, so I really don't care.
salute_to_the_hill writes:
Well if we don't have a good season are we going to fire Pearl too? Huh Mike Hamilton?
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
UK will be just fine. Last year, it took'em a half-year to get over Tubby, the players really lvoed the guy.
Gillepie is a tough coach, a winner.
Bruce knows he is in a fight this year, no Chris, no Jajuan.....
overatedvols writes:
Seems they haven't gotten out of their funk since the Memphis game. The fog hasn't cleared.
Jan. 24th.
stormblast writes:
ctex...I thought I flushed you the other night. Loyalty seems not to run burnt orange either with the Mack Brown hire (Mackovich won conference titles continuously...Texas college anything, especially football is disasterous...a what-not-to-do for anyone wanting to have a successful football program - Texas A&M, Baylor, SMU, Rice...a who's who of losers...also the coup de grace of losers...the incredible Prairie View).
Florida knows who daddy is and that is Pearl. Kentucky is behind Florida.
Listen pal...there is only one, ONLY ONE UT...it is not Texas. FLUSH... stay down this time.
stormblast writes:
UT better fix any problems it may have...my Mighty Mocs come to town soon. Pearl will have them ready.
Best of both worlds. Lifetime UT fan and UTC graduate. If this game is half as good as the last two (04' - UTC won by one in Knoxville, last year - UT won by 6 in Chattanooga), it'll be great.
Good coaches in this game.
I want to apologize in advance to all who go to this game or watch it on television...the Mocs uniforms are the worst I've ever seen. Awful.
drewgizzle writes:
Even though we won, I don't get how Bruce Pearl was unhappy. Well, we are still getting out some pretty big kinks. I guess he could be a little unhappy.
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