Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl played spin the dial by using yet another different starting lineup Wednesday night.
It landed on “Big Win.’’
The Vols, using their seventh different starting lineup this season, trailed Georgia 29-24 at halftime. They were “a little rusty” with two point guards on the floor at the same time, according to senior Bobby Maze.
But Pearl’s plan clicked in the second half, and 20th-ranked Tennessee pulled out a 69-60 win before a crowd of 18,086 at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Georgia (11-13, 3-8 SEC), dominant in a 78-63 victory over UT in Athens earlier this season, used a 12-2 run to muscle its way to the five-point halftime lead against the Vols (19-6, 7-4).
“After a sluggish first half, with no chemistry, I asked them if they enjoyed playing together,’’ Pearl said, asked about his halftime chat. “I answered the question for them: ‘Hopefully not. We didn’t do anything, we didn’t screen, cut, move or pass.’
“The big thing was to come out the second half and play better team basketball.’’
Tennessee, led by Wayne Chism’s 16th career double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds), responded.
Chism, who tied Rob Jones (1983-86) for most games played at UT with 130, scored on the Vols’ initial second-half possession to get things started. UT hit seven of its first nine shots over the final 20 minutes to take a 39-37 lead at the 15:30 mark.
It was Maze, who had 13 points and four assists, going coast-to-coast to give the Vols their first advantage since the 13:23 mark of the first half.
“It was just a matter of us making the adjustment to the lineup,’’ said Maze, who made his first start at shooting guard with Melvin Goins at the point. “We all understood how huge this game was after losing two in a row.’’
The Bulldogs, who haven’t won in Knoxville since 2001, battled back behind Trey Thompkins’ 25 points and 10 rebounds.
There were two ties and two lead changes after Maze’s coast-to-coast drive before Maze stepped up again, hitting a 3-pointer with 8:14 left to spark what proved to be a decisive 10-0 run.
Prince, who made his first start of the season at power forward, was pivotal down the stretch, scoring all 15 of his points in the second half including a three-point play and an alley-oop dunk in the 10-0 spurt.
Hopson, who scored 10 points and matched his career-high with six rebounds after starting on the wing, closed the run with a put-back basket to make it 59-50 with 6:10 left.
With Vols junior post Brian Williams clogging the lane in his first significant action (18 minutes) since returning from a nine-game suspension, Georgia struggled to get the ball inside to Thompkins down the stretch and failed to draw closer than five points the rest of the game.
“It was a pretty gutsy win,’’ Pearl said. “There was a lot of pressure on the kids with the schedule the way it is, knowing how few home games (two) we have left and the tough road ahead.’’
The Vols next home game is against Kentucky on Feb. 27 before they close their regular season home schedule with a March 3 game against SEC West Division leader Arkansas.
The Vols return to action Saturday at South Carolina (TV: WVLT, 1:30 p.m.), followed by a trip to Florida (17-8, 6-4) on Tuesday.
The Gamecocks (14-11, 5-6) dropped a 92-79 decision to the Razorbacks Wednesday night, but are 11-2 at home including a win over No. 2 Kentucky. The Gators play host to Auburn tonight.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 292
Stokes44yrs writes:
I've never said 1st so I won't!
Stokes44yrs writes:
Good game! 2nd on too?
tnaseevol writes:
Every player played up to their potential tonight! Good game!!!
Especially 2nd half
Stokes44yrs writes:
Gooooooo Steven Pearl...lol
vol75 writes:
Lackluster, maybe. But you saw some good things. Williams gave a physical presence inside. Chism carried the team on his back. Maze set the tone offensively. Prince made some key plays. Defense played with passion. In spite of some turnovers, they do a lot of things right that don't show in the box score. The team was on a mission in the second half- refuse to lose. This team is showing some toughness that should set the stage for a great finish.
walt23tn writes:
Way to show up. Now get your S*** together and let's play like we can for a while. Time to buckle down.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
Way for Chism to step up in spite of his various hindrances and pain. Keep it up guys!!
Stokes44yrs writes:
Defense definately won the game!
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
Good to see the field goal percentage go up some, too. Hopefully we can keep it up for these next tough games.
tractoronthepole writes:
I missed the game. Did Goins and Maze get on the floor at the same time tonight?
Stokes44yrs writes:
no not really.
UkJarhead writes:
Shew. The refs almost cost you another one.. Congratulations, you beat an 11-13 team at home even though you have the NCAA conspiracy against you. The refs have cost you every game you lost. Way to overcome!!!!!
RoadTrip writes:
A few mins each half. Hard to tell with all of the subbing he does, especially in the first half. Bet he sets the D-1 record for subbing in games each year.
lomas98 writes:
Agreed. We have 3 opportunities to beat some decent teams on the road. A win over KY at home would be like 2 road wins though. People can complain about this team or Pearl or the refs all they want, and yes they may have underachieved at times. But, I will take 5 years in a row of being in contention of the NCAA tournament anyday. Yes, they are not going to win the whole thing but I feel Pearl has done an outstanding job with the overall program. Rick Stansbury does an outstanding job at Miss St but I'm not sure if they have made 5 ncaa tournaments in a row. I also know that Pearl has not lost to teams like Rider and W. KY like they have. Keep up the good work guys and get the best seed you can in the tournament. Somewhere there is a person complaining that we only beat GA by 9 at home or that we were down by 5 halftime.
bc_vol_10 writes:
STARTERS:Chism, Maze, Goins, Williams, ????. Minus Goins' forcing a layup or two i love both them on the floor especially on D. Our other guards just seem to dissapoint me by not playing to their potential throughout the game. A much needed win though
arlvol writes:
Shut it squid troll..your one and done boyz will rob a liquor store before seasons end
UkJarhead writes:
If they are one and done, why would they rob a liquor store? They are getting ready to sign million dollar contracts. I believe the armed robberies take place in Knoxville...
lomas98 writes:
You are right they were not gimmes, but I think his point was no quality road wins against teams that will be in the NCAA tournament. No road game in the conference is a gimme. If TN would have lost to Bama it would have been considered a bad loss. If you beat that same team it can't be considered a quality road win.
HtownVol writes:
I may be on my own, but I am so scared when I see 22 on the floor for such long stretches in a game. I know he had 4 points, but, that is not the story. He was out of position giving easy baskets to UGA, He threw the ball away twice. He even had a chance to throw up a lay up between whistles and the rim stuffed him. It was sad.
Understand, I do know that we need to use him in games, but 4-5 minutes/game is great. The last 3 games he is averaging 11 minutes per game. Steven Pearl has NO RIGHT to be out there for 11 minutes per game. Please be real and see that he hurts us more than he helps us.
Great game Maze and Chism. If they would dominate a little more that would give us the spark we need to open up the scoring.
Keep the "WS" coming so we make the dance.
GO VOLS!
arlvol writes:
hellooo..because they are that stupid..everyone knows the book on Wall..UNC wouldnt touch him with a 500 ft poll but Mr Criminalpari loves the convict type..enjoy the ride..hahaha!
UkJarhead writes:
And how many convicts can you tell me that that Coach Cal has coached? Can you name one? Cal has never been charged with a crime OR been found guilty by the NCAA of ANY wrongdoing... NEVER. That's just a fact. He turned in his player at UMass when he found out he accepted gifts. Which isn;t a crime but a rule violation. And Rose cheated on a test before he got to Memphis. Also not a crime. The schools were held accountable, not Cal. Get your facts straight and stop hatin..
rlshepa#259432 writes:
Where is VoInGa
Pepe_Lepew writes:
Since they play for Mr. Virtue (calamari), I'm sure the one and done guys already have all the money they need *wink, wink*.
volfan107 writes:
Good win tonight. This team has fought hard all year and I am proud of them. With some tough games coming up they have a great chance to improve their seeding in the tournament. Many people have counted them out, but if there is one thing I have learned in the Bruce Pearl era is to never doubt him which I will not do. I see this team in the sweet sixteen or farther.
SeanJean writes:
Maze has been playing the best ball of anyone on this team the past few games I have watched. He has improved dramatically. He is playing great in transition. He is getting to the basket anf finishing. He is knocking down jump shots. He is a very good free throw shooter. I've been very impressed and pleasantly surprised by B Maze. He's really coming into his own.
eduardo writes:
Can this team score 80 pts again???
scott_m99 writes:
UK will lose in Knoxville...Book It!
Bogytrain writes:
Did anyone notice Woolridge didn't see the floor tonight? No? Me either......
eduardo writes:
Kiffin back???? You my friend are insane!!! I wouldnt have hired that punk in the first place!!! Good riddance!!!!!
UkJarhead writes:
Even I can tell Tater Vol is crazy. Pearl is a great coach. The likes of Vandy???? Vandy is GOOD...
23govols writes:
you really dnt know what you are talking about bruce pearl is one of the best basketball coaches tennessee has ever had he lost one of his best players and still beat the number 1 team in the nation. and has finshed in front of kentucky almost ever year that he has been our coach. and talking about sending kiffin back what did he do for us tell his team that the bowl game dont matter because it wasnt a bcs bowl game and always talked about bringing southern cal tradition to tennessee give me a break
chrisw2967 writes:
Mr Potatohead
If you dont like Pearl you can always become a Trojan fan and reunite with Kiffin,nothing is stopping you.
Tatervol=troll
VOLKING writes:
Tatervol is a troll. Plain and simple. No guts, no spine....just garbage, because Pearl and he had a falling out a few years back. Somewhere in Illinois I believe. He's like the old lady who has 100 cats living with her and screams at kids from her front porch. That boy is just crazy with hate. Ignore him. He is insignificant and brainless.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Defense was good as usual! Finally, the offense got it going! We had 4 players in double figures! Its been awhile since that has happened! I'm puzzled by the article regarding the rebounds. The stats I saw showed we out-rebounded Ga 34-31. Article states GA ended up with 4 more than TN, so I'm confused.
Doesn't matter because the Vols played some ball tonight. Great game by Chism and Maze. Everybody stepped it up. Williams looked better and played better too. Prince was Prince, but he did have a good game overall! Great coaching job by CBP. Keep up the intensity! A great and much needed win! Way to go men!
VOLS.....TCB.....KOKO........GBO!!!!!!!!!!
chrisw2967 writes:
he would do this but he has no cable and has never heard of a remote.your talking light years ahead of him.he still thinks single wide is as big as they get.
Orangeblood13 writes:
lol, these trolls like jug head and tater really crack me up
to funny, your fate is sealed with that lame duck cheat and you guys come on here, might we add the only coach to coach the vols over your kittens in winning the east more years in a row than anyone else
we are still winning with walk ons and 2nd stringers and you still want to talk trash
being an a-hole takes consistancy, you 2 have that
BillsBrother writes:
This guy is drowning in blue kool-aid...
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Good point Bogytrain! Yet another good move tonight by CBP!!! He did a great coaching job! BTW, I forgot to give props to his son for his excellent defense tonight and he did hit his 2 wide open layups....so they both did well!
Brentwoodvol writes:
Most of the time I think he kinda does look out of place, but tonight I thought he did a great job. Hall looked like he was in quick sand all night, except for one pretty shot in 1st half. I really think SP is getting better every game. Great win, fun to watch in 2nd half!!! GBO
volfan107 writes:
Are you serious!! You obviously don't follow college basketball. Bruce Pearl has taken a program that was satisfied with NIT appearances to a program that is guaranteed to be in the NCAA tournament each year. He has won the SEC east each year he has coached beat two number 1 ranked teams in the country and held the number 1 ranking in the country for the first time in school history! Doesn't sound like he's very lost to me. He will win a national championship before his career is done just wait and see.
TNvalleyVOL writes:
gotta give some kudos to pearl: he keeps creating new ways to maximize talent, "sees" what the real issues are (ability to ask the right "root cause" question at half to spark the new level of play)...he is a coaching master. I really want him to get a win over calipari and then hit the climax on the road at Miss St at the end! GoVo!
Vols4Ever writes:
Sometimes we are forced to educate the ignorant, as represented by the people that actually deny reality when it comes to Coach Criminal
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/...
TnScooby writes:
So what's your coaching record bucket mouth??...Take the Vol out of your name...you're PATHETIC...Better yet, go join Lame in Southern Calif so ALL Vol fans will be happy!!!!!
halloffamebowler writes:
did you think to read the article? If you had,you would know the answer to your question.
PoochPuntOn3rdDown writes:
If you are sick of seeing it, there are other activities at the home, I'm sure.
Stokes44yrs writes:
Why so down on SP?! Some of the best shooters of all time couldn't jump. Pearl is pretty quick! If he could learn to shoot he'd start on most mid-major teams! I'm not positive but I think the mocs would love to have him.
SP over Woolridge anyday...well most...well a little bit. At least SP doesn't try the shots he CAN'T make. Wooldridge might be startin' if he'd GO TO THE BASKET! He misses more 3s than any one in US per minutes played!! I'd like to see stats on that.
LSG410EC83 writes:
If you hate watching them so much, stop watching. I thought the team played spectacular the second half. As far as CBP, look up the statistics on percent wins on UTSPORTS.COM. Dont take my word for it, look at in black and white. The announcement last night said that we had the 4th largest average attendance of any NCAA school. You did not see that when we had the Buzz Curtains (which no longer exist) A true fan loves his team through thick and thin. Go BIG ORANGE AND THANKS FOR THE YEARS OF MAKING IT TO THE BIG SHOW COACH PEARL.
UkJarhead writes:
Touche....
You were able to produce some low life that was on Cal's team. So the first two sentences of that post are null and void. What you got, Vols4Ever, on the rest of the post? What has Cal done wrong?
orangeismydream writes:
it wasn't a pretty win but it was a win over team that embarrased us earlier this season.Scotty hopson played better but he is a street baller with all that dribbling and not going anywhere just trying to look good but if they can turn him in to real player he will be better. go vols
Dooley_Noted writes:
Come on man....UMASS and Memphis BOTH were placed on probation after he left. Can you guess the common denominator?
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