Strange: Spotlight gone, but UT wins big one

NASHVILLE — The trappings weren’t nearly as grand. The combined talent pool wasn’t as deep. TV sets in Saginaw and Boise were no doubt tuned elsewhere.

Yes, by comparison to Tennessee’s visit to Vanderbilt last February, this was a modest affair Tuesday night.

But forget all that. The Vols needed this one more.

UT’s wire-to-wire 76-63 win over Vanderbilt wasn’t scintillating basketball. What it was, though, was exactly what the Vols needed:

A take-care-of-business SEC road win at a crucial juncture of the season.

Bottom line, getting their 12th win this year on Jan. 20 was more important than getting their 25th win last year on Feb. 26.

When these old adversaries met in this oddly configured building last season, the state of Tennessee had suddenly become the mecca of college basketball.

The Vols were fresh from upsetting No. 1 Memphis in Memphis, a 1-vs.-2 showdown that drew a massive national TV audience.

By the time they dribbled into Memorial Gym they were no longer No. 2, having ascended to No. 1 for the first time in the then-99-year history of the program.

Vandy was pretty fair, too. The 18th-ranked Commodores pooped UT’s party with a 72-69 victory. Bye-bye No. 1.

The Vols went on to an SEC regular-season title and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, from which they reached the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year.

Beating Tennessee evidently sapped the ’Dores. They lost four of their remaining six games, got blown out of the NCAA tournament by Siena.

Still, a 26-win season was worth celebrating and none of those 26 worth celebrating more than the one over Tennessee.

That was then. This week, the spotlight shines elsewhere than the Volunteer State.

Vanderbilt hasn’t sniffed the rankings. Tennessee just fell out. Memphis just climbed in, barely in time for Saturday’s visit to Knoxville.

Shan Foster, the 2008 SEC Player of the Year, was nowhere to be found Tuesday. Nor was Chris Lofton, the 2007 SEC Player of the Year.

“Both teams were playing very, very well at the time we played them last year,’’ said UT coach Bruce Pearl. “Shan Foster couldn’t miss.’’

Vandy played a tad better that night.

Sure, Big Orange Country would have enjoyed a win over the ’Dores last year. It would have prolonged the No. 1 ranking that might or might not ever come again.

But rankings are mere window dressing in college basketball. Win or lose here last February, Tennessee was well on its way to a wonderful season. It was on its way to the Big Dance with room to spare.

This year, it’s still to be determined where Tennessee is headed.

A continuation of the good life seemed a sure thing in November. Deep into January, things aren’t quite so clear.

The Vols were 11-5 when they got off the bus Tuesday night. With growing pains evident, they haven’t exactly been tearing it up since the calendar flipped to ’09.

To be 12-5 when they got back on the bus, that’s a big deal. So is 3-1 in the SEC.

“Wins in Nashville are precious and few,’’ said Pearl.

This year, however, they are not quite so few. Illinois-Chicago won by 19 here in December. The Commodores are every bit as young as the Vols. They’re vulnerable.

Like Georgia 10 days ago, this was, in a sense, a must-win for Tennessee. If a road win is there for the taking, you darn well better take it.

Well, the Vols took it. They didn’t have to overturn a 10-point lead like they did at Georgia. They took Vanderbilt’s best shot, then closed it out with authority.

By the time Wayne Chism fouled out with 2:14 to play, having inflicted serious damage on the ’Dores, Vandy fans had either left or were too dispirited to razz his walk back to the bench.

“Neither team is as good right now (as last year),’’ Pearl said. “We’re both trying to get there.

“It’s a good step for us.’’

At this point in an uncertain season, every step counts.

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276 or strangem@knoxnews.com.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!