Vols promise better results against Alabama

TAMPA, Fla. — “One round and Greyhound!”

That’s what a Kentucky fan shouted in the direction of the Tennessee men’s basketball team Thursday afternoon outside of the team hotel.

As if the Vols (19-11) needed any more reminders of their SEC tournament futility. UT has won the SEC tournament only once — 30 years ago in 1979.

Tennessee will have plenty of motivation for Friday night’s game (TV: WVLT, 7:30 p.m.) against Alabama (18-13) in the St. Pete Times Forum.

Five days ago, the Tide spoiled the Vols’ home finale with a 70-67 victory on a buzzer-beater.

On Thursday night, Alabama played above the rim in scoring a convincing 82-75 victory over Vanderbilt in the first round of the SEC tournament.

“That’s five of six (wins) for Alabama,’’ UT coach Bruce Pearl said after scouting the game from courtside. “I kept expecting Vanderbilt to make a run, but Alabama is just that talented.’’

Junior center Wayne Chism said he knew UT would have a tough match-up regardless of the opponent.

“We’ll have to come out sharper (against Alabama) than we did at our house,’’ Chism said. “We had opportunities, we just didn’t hit the easy shots.’’

Pearl doesn’t expect the Tide to make things any easier on the Vols than it did on Vandy center A.J. Ogilvy, who didn’t hit a field goal until less than a minute was left.

“They play a 2-3 zone, and they’ll pack it in and make us beat them from the perimeter,” Pearl said. “I was very impressed with Alabama tonight.”

Forward Tyler Smith, who was 3-of-15 shooting against the Tide on Sunday, said the Vols will need to bring their best.

“We just came out flat that last game and didn’t play to our potential,’’ Smith said. “We’ve got to make sure we’re up for this one.’’

As for the Vols’ poor history in the SEC tournament — even Pearl-coached teams are 1-3 — Smith said that indeed adds incentive.

“Of course we want to make history,’’ Smith said. “Winning the tournament is something that hasn’t been done since 1979.

“This would be another milestone for the program under coach Pearl.’’

Pearl said he doesn’t think Alabama will be at a disadvantage tonight after playing Thursday night.

“The first game is the toughest, because you’re in a new building, getting used to the rims and the other team has the momentum from their victory,’’ Pearl said. “Alabama has the advantage having played tonight (Thursday).

“Fatigue is not a factor until the third night.’’

The Vols had an hour to take shots in the St. Pete Times Forum on Thursday before having a short practice at the University of Tampa.

“I think our guys are anxious to play,’’ Pearl said. “But they have been businesslike. They stayed off their feet all day and should be ready.’’

The winner of tonight’s Alabama-Tennessee game will play the winner of Auburn’s game against Florida on Saturday (TV: WVLT, 3:15 p.m.).

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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