Tennessee Men's Basketball
TAMPA, Fla. — Tennessee forward Tyler Smith was an angry young man before Friday night’s game.
Smith was upset about his 3-for-15 shooting in the 70-67 loss to Alabama in Knoxville last Sunday and frustrated UT hasn’t played its best ball often enough this season.
Smith reached his boiling point when Tide guard Senario Hillman ran though the Vols’ pregame shoot-around session.
“That just added to it,’’ Smith said. “We feel that’s disrespecting our team.’’
So Smith and fired-up Tennessee made Alabama respect them, scoring an 86-62 victory in the SEC men’s basketball tournament at the St. Pete Times Forum.
The Vols (20-11) play at 3:15 p.m. today (TV: WVLT) against Auburn (22-10), a 61-58 winner over Florida, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s championship game.
“When you win these things, it’s almost as much for your fans as anything,’’ said UT coach Bruce Pearl, who improved to 2-3 in SEC tournament games in four seasons with the Vols. “I’m really glad our fans don’t have to go home tonight.’’
The Vols’ followers who traveled to Auburn Feb. 7 left unhappy after the Tigers won 78-77 on Korvotney Barber’s bucket in the final seconds. Auburn out-rebounded the Vols 34-21.
“They are one of the toughest, most physical hard-nosed teams we’ve played against,’’ Pearl said. “That was a key win for Auburn in them taking off.’’
On Friday, the Vols played angry and eager to improve their NCAA tournament seeding from the outset, leading from the opening tip and running out to a 9-2 advantage on the Tide (18-14).
UT’s only struggle was from the perimeter; it hit 1-of-14 shots from beyond the 3-point arc in the first half.
Still, the Vols held a 43-32 halftime lead.
“I think they just came ready to play,’’ Tide guard A lonzo Gee said, “and they were physical the whole game.’’
J.P. Prince stole the ball on the opening possession and dunked to set the tone
Smith scored 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting and had six rebounds and two assists.
Prince recorded his first double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds to go with five assists. Wayne Chism scored 15 and pulled down seven rebounds.
The Vols outscored Alabama 60-28 in the paint on the strength of offensive rebounds (17) and transition baskets. UT’s defense enabled the Vols to run, forcing 18 turnovers that led to a 20-2 advantage on fast breaks.
“We played hard, we played unselfishly, and we had great leadership from our veterans, Tyler, Wayne and J.P.,’’ Pearl said. “This time of year, your backs are against the wall. You don’t play well, you go home.
“If our defense and rebounding continues to hold up, we can continue to advance.’’
UT’s defense and rebounding held up in the second half — the Vols opened the final 20 minutes with a 17-0 run.
Smith capped the burst with a floater that gave UT its largest lead at 60-32 with 13:34 left.
Andrew Steele’s free throws stopped the run and were the Tide’s first points of the second half at the 13:30 mark.
“I thought they got off to a great start in the game,’’ said Alabama interim coach Philip Pearson, whose team had won five of six entering the game. “To Tennessee’s credit, they came out and threw another punch or two (in the second half) and we weren’t able to recover.’’
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Comments » 150
Snakebrown13 writes:
Rollin' like that, it won't matter if it's Florida or Auburn...
VolJunkie writes:
Great night for the Vols, doesn't matter if you hit the 3 when you score inside at will. JP with a nice double-double, lot's of momentum going into another payback game against Auburn (IMO) tomorrow.
Go Vols!
bmaples writes:
The paint, the paint, the PAINT! Way to take it to the iron, Vols! Let's get another one tomorrow. Congrats!
Bruce in Louisville
4114 writes:
Anytime that the VOLS can roll the tide in any sport it's an automatic good day! Great Job Young Men!!!
Around the bowl and down the hole roll tide roll...
VOLS_R_BEST_DEAL_WITH_IT writes:
It's a great day to be a Tennessee Vol!!!!!
If you agree say amen my Volunteer Brothers!
VOLS>TIDE
fpcoach writes:
J P keeps dropping dime after dime......he just put that one on his Tabb. That comment made me laugh. Great Game. Go Vols...
huntined#565710 writes:
This was not the same team BAMA saw last SUN..
keep going VOLS!!!
Waldorf writes:
Will have to shoot better outside tomorrow, but no doubt that was a nice win.
VolJunkie writes:
It gets lost when you win big but 80% from the line tonight, looks like some of this week's work paid off!
Alabama / Auburn / LSU ... the UT "redemption "trifecta" coming to an arena near you.
Go Vols!
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
let's hope auburn beat fla....to meet vols in semi's
fla beat auburn in janurary @ auburn 68-65
auburn will have revenge on their mind....
to play fla again for the 3rd time COULD be tough for vols
if auburn wins, revenge comes into play for our vols.... earlier
season loss to au
WHAT COULD BROWN DO FOR UT?
VOLS_R_BEST_DEAL_WITH_IT writes:
Wellllllllllll........... I will amen myself then.........
Amen!! And good inside scoring and dribble penetration. Also did well from the foul line(for once)
Hope this is a sign of things to come!!!
VOLS>EVERYBODY
eduardo writes:
Are you serious, the way the gators defend??
dvols writes:
jp is smooth to the groove like sandwich bread...
VolJunkie writes:
JP: 14 points - 10 rebounds - 5 assists ... JP has taken a lot of criticism this year, hope his performance tonight shuts people up for awhile.
Go Vols!
GiveHimSix1992 writes:
Sweet win...and I will join my Volunteer brethren in chanting...AROUND THE BOWL AND DOWN THE HOLE ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!
ydl writes:
I like that thought! Redemption trifecta!
VOLS_R_BEST_DEAL_WITH_IT writes:
Oh KAP please ban gatorz2. Same guy you banned earlier just joined today thanks.
RJ_Vol writes:
Quality win over a good team. I'm very impressed w/ how Coach Pearl has "coached 'em up". Ball movement on offense was superb. After the last UK game, I had little hope of an NCAA bid. Shows what can happen when a team doesn't quit. Let's win two more this weekend!
VOLS_R_BEST_DEAL_WITH_IT writes:
Na we never have problems with the gators. I pray that we get them because the feeling of taking it to Florida in any sport is just Oh So Satisfying :)
VOLS>GATORS
VOLS_R_BEST_DEAL_WITH_IT writes:
Nice I like it lol
VOLS>GATORS
CrankE writes:
That was a mighty good display of basketball tonight. They showed some good hustle on defense (which is the fuel of Pearl's style of offense). UT got into transition and found ways to get into the paint quickly-negating Alabama's zone defense. Missed some easy buckets, but had plenty of chances too. They tore off a nice second half run to build a 28 point lead. That gave them time to rest some starters at the end which has got to be good for you in tournament play.
With UF and AU on the bubble-perhaps needing a win or two to punch their NCAA dance card, tonight's game between those two should be hard fought. I'd like to think UT has the advantage tomorrow regardless of tonight's winner, but I know our tournament history. I also know how quickly this team has traded in a blowout win for an improbable loss to an underdog opponent. I'll withhold the over the top praise until UT shows me that they're really a tournament team.
But it sure was good to wear the Big Orange in the 205 today.
volpreacher writes:
Where's FulmerwasSabanated987? He was really bragging about beating UT twice in one week. Hey buddy, I told you that the Vols would take Alabubba to the woodshed didn't I? Go Vols!
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
thanks .... from someone who knows how tough that is....to someone who apparently also knows how tough that is
trl_x writes:
Now that’s what I’m talking about! Domination even with terrible 3 pt shooting. I thought it would be a struggle. Obviously, a lot of motivation for this game. And it doesn’t hurt when a Bama interloper runs through your layup drill during pre-game. LOL.
bud0323 writes:
I don't know who I want the Vols to play tomorrow. We matchup better with Florida but as you said we're not only playing them for the 3rd time but the fact that the tournament is in Florida kind gives you a feeling that Florida is playing at home despite not wearing the white jerseys. If we play Auburn we'll have revenge on our minds but we don't matchup as well with them since they're such a great rebounding team. But whoever Tennessee plays they better KILL them.
GR82BAVOL writes:
They played like the "Beast of the East" 2night!
WAY 2 GO!
thebadsamaritan writes:
...once again.
Why can't UT fans enjoy their win, without taking a shot at Memphis?
Your conjecture is that 'Bama could beat the Tigers. Maybe - maybe not.
However, UT was unable to beat us this year. Remember?
54-52.
northernvavol writes:
"....But it sure was good to wear the Big Orange in the 205 today."
As well as up here in the '703' of Northern Virginia. Nicely done tonight, looked a lot more like the team that took it to Fla and So Carolina. Doesn't matter who they meet in the semi's. Both have their pro's and con's as to match-ups for UT. Would like to see them take down another SEC West team but playing/beating the 'Gators never gets old either. Don't see anything keeping LSU from playing on Sunday...pretty solid effort earlier.
Sovol writes:
What was Ky. saying about a Greyhound. I guess they were talking about the big blow.,.er blue.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Man, if some of those 3's had went in, we'd had 95.
Great effort, Vols.
tnmantravel#531151 writes:
yes...i see now...you must be
givehim6 writes:
Humm.. beating UF and bama fills good 2 me! I do think it would be better for the Vols to face Auburn sat. than UF, UF will have the pay back thing. But the Vols will have the pay back momentum thing with auburn.
VolJunkie writes:
Feels good to know we are not on the bubble, some crazy stuff going on in the conference tourneys: Kansas - out, Xavier - out, UConn - out, Pitt - out, Maryland beats Wake ... March is such a great month!
Go Vols!
SignalMtnVol writes:
anyone seen rammer jammer 987? I have a new one for him:
Rammer Jammer Tennessee put an A S S whuppin on Bammer!
HAHAHAHAHAHHA
VolJunkie writes:
Sounds good to me ...
Layla_Kiffin_is_hott writes:
I just don't want to have to play Florida in the state of Florida...
VolJunkie writes:
Why? We seem to own them wherever we play them. Though I would prefer to play Auburn just for the "payback" factor.
Go Vols!
DisorientedVol writes:
I'm not sure it matters who we play next. The real question is which UT team shows up. One game unstoppable... the next?? Surely, the tournament will have them motivated if that's been their problem this year (but heck if I can figure them out).
thebadsamaritan writes:
Compared to Bruce Pearl - Coach Cal is a saint.
You only have to look at their marital histories.
I don't recall seeing a Coach Cal ex-wife opening up a salon called "Alimony". Coach Cal doesn't have an ex-wife.
trl_x writes:
I think I want Auburn to win. We don’t match up well with Auburn(small, quick team vs a bigger, slower UT) and that quickness differential won the 50/50 ball-battle for them last game, but they’re basically a man team and we seem to fare much better against man to man as opposed to zone.
But in the end, I just want some payback. Then payback against LSU. Tigers X 2.
Go Vols!
SignalMtnVol writes:
bet he has a ton of ex boyfriends, though . . . . . .
thebadsamaritan writes:
Based on UT's history in the Sweet 16 (they've never advanced past that point) - you really don't want to play us there.
thebadsamaritan writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
BillsBrother writes:
Based on Tennessee's record against the basketball tigers, i would look forward to the match-up!
thebadsamaritan writes:
UT won't win the SEC - which is unusually weak this year.
No way you'll get into the Elite 8 - no matter what draw you get.
SignalMtnVol writes:
Sounds a little like jealousy that you weren't able to afford the living costs up here, my friend. I guess a Memphis State education will do that for your finances.
DisorientedVol writes:
The SEC is weak. Memphis is overrated. None of that matters come tourny time! Go Vols!
thebadsamaritan writes:
Care to explain why you "...look forward to the match-up!" based on UT's record against UofM?
UT is 0-1 this year against the Tigers. (54-52, I was there)
VolJunkie writes:
Exactly right ... and don't let a memphis troll steal the joy of this win.
Go Vols!
thevoice writes:
Hey now, where's the optimism? Beating a team twice in a row should give them confidence to know they're the better team and can do it again.
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