Tennessee Men's Basketball
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Tennessee men’s basketball team met its match, falling in the title game of the Old Spice Classic to Gonzaga.
The No. 9-ranked Zags (5-0) held on for an 83-74 victory over 12th-ranked UT (5-1) before a crowd of 3,914 at the Milk House at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Sunday night.
“Mark (Few) has his team further along than I have my team, and they are the better-coached team right now,’’ said UT coach Bruce Pearl, who failed in his first attempt to notch 400 career wins. “We got it handed to us. Gonzaga was clearly better than us.’’
UT staged a furious rally, closing from 18 points down with 5:09 left (74-56) to 77-71 on Cameron Tatum’s 3-pointer with 1:32 left.
Tennessee had a chance to cut the lead to four its next trip down the floor, but Brian Williams and Bobby Maze missed two shots apiece within two feet of the basket.
“We’ve got to make the easy shots down low; if we make it there, we’re down four and we could have got in the press and got a steal,’’ said Vols’ junior T yler Smith, who scored a team-high 17 points and was named to the all-tournament team. “But the big thing was our defense; we weren’t talking enough and they shot almost 60 percent (58.3) in the second half.’’
The Zags were the biggest, most experienced team UT had faced, and it showed early when they bolted to a 6-0 lead off the tip en route to a 35-31 halftime advantage.
“There were two keys,’’ said Few, whose Gonzaga team faces the Vols in Knoxville on Jan. 7. “We attacked the pressure, and we got some easy shots.’’
UT outrebounded the Zags 50-26, but its press was largely ineffective in forcing 14 turnovers — only four in the second half.
When Gonzaga wasn’t breaking the press for easy transition baskets, the Zags patiently moved the ball in halfcourt sets, rolling up 17 assists while spreading the scoring.
Steven Gray scored a season-high 19 points to lead five Gonzaga players in double figures. Tournament MVP Jeremy Pargo had 10 points, seven assists and three steals.
The Vols, meanwhile, struggled against Gonzaga’s zone, committing a season-high 21 turnovers while shooting a season-low 35.5 percent.
Wayne Chism and J.P. Prince had five turnovers apiece, and Bobby Ma ze was held below his season average of 6.4 assists, getting two.
Freshman Scotty Hopson was one of UT’s few bright spots, scoring 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting while dishing out a team-high three assists.
Smith said it was good for Hopson and the other young players to feel the intensity of Sunday night’s game.
The tension was unmistakable at the half, as the teams jawed at one another while leaving the court, an animated Pearl stepping between them, yelling himself.
UT returns to action at 7 p.m. Wednesday against UNC-Asheville at Thompson-Boling Arena.
It will be the Vols’ last home game until a Dec. 20 contest with Belmont.
UT plays at Temple on Dec. 13 before playing Marquette in Nashville on Dec. 16.
Rocky Top League opening night
Old school: Archived photos of UT…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 133
yeavols#228407 writes:
Good game..We'll see Gonzaga on Jan 7th in Knoxville for a repeat..I might even go to the game...
bcbobcat82 writes:
we'll get em in Ktown
ColumbusVol writes:
Quite a few mistakes that were preventable. I believe they may be a little winded with this many games in a short period, but the experience gained should help this team come together. I am glad to see them take these mini-tournaments seriously.
yeavols#228407 writes:
It was a tough loss but a learning curve. It did the VOLS some good..now they know what they need to do next time..On Jan 7th, the VOLS will meet Gonzaga again in Knoxville, and before the Fulmer supporters can get on here and claim we need to fire Coach Pearl I have 2 words: SAVE IT.
dbc5361 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
MANVOL writes:
Nice showing in the tourney. To many turn overs and not enough rebounds, we looked out of sync. Wait til they get aload of Thompson-boiling arena. We'll rock thier world. GO VOLS!!
huntined#565710 writes:
We missed our 3-point king tonight..
He kept us in big games last few years
But we will see what the team can do at home against them
They sure hit a lot of open three's tonight.
OMike writes:
Intensity, teamwork, and all out effort was given by this team tonight. The loss bothered them all, you could see it. That is all a fan can ask for, great job Big Orange.
chrisw2967 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
rthestar#368358 writes:
racist idots still get freedom of speech...yea USA
xvolx writes:
this team does not have the speed to play press defense. inexperience really showed. pearl probably goes to the pros anyway. another promising sport program down the drain. good night and good luck.
The_Mayor writes:
Typical short-sighted waivering "Vol fan". What good does Thompson Boling Arena do us in March? Gonzaga beat us on a neutral court (although considering Orlando is in Knoxville's backyard compared to Spokane, WA). Quit being such a homer and try to be realisitic. Quit aiming low and set the expectation level high...not in the comforts of your home arena. There is no home arena in the Sweet 16, Elite 8 or Final 4. Quit being a University of Pearl fan and be a UT fan. Quit being a Pearlite. So far we have nothing more than an SEC title to be proud of. Certainly no National Championships. We do not accept mediocrity at UT. Our players were within an eyelash of starting a brawl immediately following the half time buzzer. Gonzaga made better half time adjusments. When the Vols finally put their collective noses to the grindstone tonight, they showed they could come back. In the end, they waited too long to give the necessary effort, and they ran out of time, and they LOST. This is not acceptable.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
hey Manvol--we had double the rebounds Gonzaga did--why dont u check out boxscores before before making clearly wrong posts
TommyJack writes:
This team has a chance to be really good.
OMike writes:
Yeah right, not acceptable to get beat by a top ten experienced team shooting lights out. Where have you been the last 30 years. Your trying to hard to sound intelligent, but your ignorance is shining through. Great effort VOLS!!!
Ironcity writes:
Your an idiot! Freshman make Freshman mistakes and we made plenty tonight. I hope you didn't think we were going to beat everyone by 20 points?
Teams has a long way to go but games like this allow the players to see what they need to learn. Its hard to convince someone you need to player harder and under control when your up by 20.
CleverUserNameVol writes:
Well, they couldn't throw the ball in the ocean if they were standing in a boat and the Zags just couldn't miss. Plus, we sent out a message to everyone; Use your zone defense and we will crumble. It's early, though, and being a college athlete is all about learning, right? I still think they will continue get better. Scottey started to show us some of the reason that he was so highly recruited, except for that "look, mom, I'm Michael Jordan" shot he threw up out of his rear. They played hard and rebounded well, sometimes the shots just don't fall. Good game fellas, get in the gym and work on that zone offense. We can get them back when they come to TBA.
The_Mayor writes:
You won't catch me apologizing for having high expectations for our team. I think this team has the potential to be great, but they have to aim for greatness. Sorry you can't find that within yourself.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
so your high expectations dont allow for a young team to lose any games during the season----you're too much
MANVOL writes:
First, no one will doubt my loyality to the VOLS, especially you. someone who does not know how far and wide i travel to support Vols. If you no nothing from me, my post are always the program first and never settle for second. I am also aware that we have a young inexperienced team that will need to learn to play at a higher level to succeed and this loss will make them work harder. If you don't win in TB, and build a resume there will not be a sweet 16 or better run. The two wins we did have are resume builders. If you're going to call someone out you need to know the facts, cause there is no team going undefeated. GO VOLS and you PI$$ off!!
The_Mayor writes:
No, not a "great effort Vols". You're trying hard to stay asleep and live inside your dreams. I'll bet you a cup of coffee Bruce Pearl was not a bit happy with their effort, and probably told them that if they had put nearly as much effort into posturing at the half time buzzer as they did into executing a game plan, they might have just beaten a "top 10 team experienced team shooting lights out". Good grief man, is that all you got? Is that where you set the bar? Top 10? No thanks, we deserve to strive for better than that.
The_Mayor writes:
That's all great. Now stop your whining and show some smarts. Have higher standards for gosh sakes man.
AppStVol writes:
Was it just me or did anyone think looked lost on offense tonight? It was like the players were waiting for someone to take control offensively. It could be a credit to Gonzaga. Also I know Brian Williams is a good story, but I get nervous everytime he touches the ball. He just looks kind of spastic/nervous with the ball in his hand. He also just stands there and watches people go by him without even making any effort. I think we are better off with the freshman Negedu. Also I think Cameron Tatum's game against Georgetown was a fluke he didn't do much. But an early loss won't hurt us.
yeavols#228407 writes:
Ageed..with the loss of Louisville, Michigan State, and Georgetown, I only see the VOLS moving up. After beating Georgetown, it took a lot out of them. But, it is a learning curve and early in the season. The Vols in March should be hot. They should be ok come March unless they totally blow it.
yeavols#228407 writes:
I see your point and they did look a little sloppy throughout the game. But, they did play a good Georgetown team yesterday and are probably tired whereas Gonzaga beat a Maryland team that got drilled by Georgetown. No excuses, it was a good game and the VOLS will be ready for Gonzaga again in January. It only matters in March..
bobbarbilly writes:
Not-quite-ready-for-primetime-players. Give them some time.
The_Mayor writes:
Did I say that dipsh/t? No, I didn't. Now go put words in someone else's mouth. Or, as self-proclaimed "MANvol" would say, pi$$off.
givehim6 writes:
Ok, a early lose, it will let the Vols know thay can bleed. And how to avoid those mistakes before conference play. GO VOLS!
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
let me refresh you moron --it sorta went like this " they ran out of time, and they LOST. This is not acceptable."----these were the words right out of your mouth
newtonrail writes:
It's sold out.
OMike writes:
Im sure you are right about Pearl being unhappy - Im sure the players were too. Never said there was not room for improvement.You're trying hard to stay asleep and live inside your dreams. Uh ok, sorry not smart enough to understand that one. No thanks, we deserve to strive for better than that. We deserve, uh ok got me again. Did you lose your wife's Christmas present money on this game or what?
The_Mayor writes:
Refresh me? That sounds gay. I'd rather you not refresh me, and simply raise your expectation level of this team. They have the potential to be great, but as long as mediocrity is the expectation, they will never fulfill their potential. Maybe that what you want. Or, maybe you would rather go and refresh them.
The_Mayor writes:
Hire Chief ; )
The_Mayor writes:
Naw man, but UT is a better team than Gonzaga. They should have won. That is all.
OMike writes:
I do agree with that. Very young, but I expect great things from this team. This won't be the only bump in the road along the way. There is such thing as a good loss if you have a good coach and we do. Bruce is great, but he is also learning about this team. Back to Monday see ya.
chrisw2967 writes:
this is a young team that played a senior led team and a very good team , this right here is a learning experience and Id much rather get that learning experience early in the season rather than in march.
but for the Mayor to say that this is not acceptable is just plain ignorant , that is so stupid for you to even say something like that. this team hasnt even found its identy yet and they will and it may take another lost but they will find it and when they do this team will be dangerous.this team is only going to get better.
junder13 writes:
This team is a good mix of youth (Hopson, Negedu, Tatum, Woolridge), an experienced new face (Maze), and solid experience (Smith, Chism, Prince). So don't throw this loss off as just being an "inexperienced" team. They may be less experienced than the Zags, but I do not believe they are inexperienced considering how the best college bball teams rarely have players stay long anyway.
This loss will be a good test for this team. If you remember last year, we got embarrased by Texas early in the season and went on to be 16-1 before losing again. If this team is as good as our high expectations, they will respond passionately to this loss (think Florida football team after Ole Miss loss). Tyler Smith is our leader. How will he respond? How will he demand his teammates respond? Every great team has a great leader. I was not impressed at all by this game, but it's November. I think Jan 7th will provide a very good measuring stick for how much the team has developed over the next month. If we want to be a Final Four team, the improvement will have to be vast.
As a side (and, yes, I would like to think my expectations are realistic), I would like to see the UT men's basketball program win a tournament....ANY tournament at this point! Can anyone remember the last tournament UT men's bball has won that had AT LEAST 8 teams involved? I honestly cannot...
Caspian writes:
Man, some of you people on here need to relax and get a life. Or something. It's apparently impossible to have a normal conversation about a basketball game without personal attacks, four-letter words, and insults. How are you ever going to cope if real life actually gets difficult in some significant way if you can't even handle differences of opinion about a game played by a bunch of college kids. Some here are worse than bickering, 6-year-old siblings.
kb7398#233189 writes:
Uh...a loss here is better than in March. You could see where the lack of a true inside game and all the youth and inexperience affects the Big Orange. Just an observation, but Hopson might not want to entertain any thoughts of being one and done...lots of work to be done for him.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
I saw bits and pieces of the game. Gonzaga was pretty much always a step ahead.
There are some games where you just don't get it done. How many times did TWO VOLS go up to rebound, only to knock each other off the ball?? I see a lot of last year, too, when they can't finsih at the rim.
The biggest difference, to me, was i valuing the basketball. We had a LOT of unforced errors. I think they are a little bit of a fragile team right now, and Bruce knows it. He has to keep them winning while getting toughness into them.
I was not as impressed with Gonzaga. Without that kid's 19 points, many of which where tough shots, and UT's 'gimme' baskts, they maybe don't win. Still, the Zaga did play tough ball. My guess is they will address some other weaknesses, such as rebounding.
All in all, Sunday sucked, so no surprise the vols lost too. Just ahake it off and move on.
alfrizzle097 writes:
The_Mayor is just trying to show what happens when you hold the basketball team to the same standards as the football team. NO. I am not talking about firing Fulmer.
I am talking about every time people got upset when we lost to a very good football team, even in the good years. Everyone was shrieking mad about the SEC championship game we lost back in 2000 or 2001. What they forget is that another team did come out and play. UT isn't the only one trying to win. One team has to lose, but that doesn't mean that there should necassarily be a disgruntled fan base.
alfrizzle097 writes:
As far as the game goes...
Gonzaga is a pretty good team that played a great game. UT is a above average team at this point with tons of potential. The guys need to dictate instead of react. Somebody said Gonzaga seemed like it was a step ahead all night. That was because they were.
Guarding the pick and roll is as much about anticipation as anything. Unfortunately the Vols were into the pick before they started to react to it. Without fail, when that happens there will be an open shot within two passes.
Tennessee has a lot of guys that CAN hit the three. They only have two or three guys that can do it consistently. With a long team playing that type of zone, you need to be able to take shots from inside the outside layer but beyond the bigmen. Gonzaga was doing a good job not collapsing their guards when UT got penetration. At that point, if you can pass to JP or Tyler between the layers, they can do any of three things:
1) leave the layup open by sending a forward to guard
2) leave a gap in the perimeter by collapsing down, something Gonzaga wasn't forced to do
3) let a decent shooter spot up from mid-range
At that point either Tennessee scores a lot of points, or Gonzaga changes their defense and the chess match starts again.
Good effort, but work smart before you work hard.
jzt writes:
That game just guaranteed a sell out in TBA on Jan. 7, Looking forward to a rowdy one.
alfrizzle097 writes:
How do you say that Tyler wouldn't even be a draft pick? He was projected late first round last year. Unless you think the projection was completely off (they consult the teams that would potentially pick him), your statement doesn't hold water.
houvol#438636 writes:
I saw two things in last nights game.
1. Our youth and inexperience showed.
2. This team can be really good.
Gonzaga had a more experienced team and it showed. I do think in the 2nd half we were outcoached. Lesson learned on each side. I also beleive this team can make it to the elite 8 if they continue to work. I saw a team that has yet to see how good they can be. We will see how they do when they go to Kansas. We think we have been in tough places to play. Kansas in Lawrence will be a real test.
fundamentals83 writes:
Hey guys,
Keep your fingers crossed and maybe THE_VOL will bless us with his rantings and general lack of substance this morning. If we're real lucky, maybe he'll have an original thought on the games.
eduardo writes:
We didnt just hire Lame Kiffin did we? Too many turnovers against not much pressure. Was glad to see the rebounding, but must do a better job against zone defense. Held the ball too much and didnt look sharp trying to find the open man. Got to get more aggressive in the full court press. The young guys need to turn it up a notch on their aggression. Look forward to the zags coming on Jan. 7th. This will be the rubber game of the series. Think Micah Downs will get the student sections attention? I have never seen a game stopped because the player was complaining about getting hit in the mouth. Should have been something, but not a timeout by the referee! I thought the officiating was atrocious! Those guys were not up to the speed of the game!
alfrizzle097 writes:
Agree on the refs. Bad calls both ways. Lack of consistency. That said, they were consistently inconsistent. The calls were pretty even. They were not the reason UT lost.
What has happened to officiating in college basketball? I'm not saying it is an easy job. I just can't believe how two identical plays get completely different calls by the same crew. At that point, the rules are useless. I'm also sick of seeing a guy from across the court without an angle making the call because the official not two feet from the play drops the ball. No pun intended.
dirtywhiteboy writes:
one of the few games that pearl got outcoached. the amount of uncontested shots the zags took was unbelievable.
drwfocus#660070 writes:
Get used to it.
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