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Tennessee Men's Basketball
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tennessee turned to its bench with seniors Wayne Chism and J.P. Prince in first-half foul trouble.
The Vols’ non-starters, known throughout coach Bruce Pearl’s tenure as the “Bench Mob,’’ responded by out-scoring South Carolina’s subs 20-3.
“I think the key today was our confidence in the bench,’’ Pearl said, “and it was our willingness to play the bench that made the difference.’’
The 20th-ranked Vols scored a 63-55 victory over the Gamecocks before a crowd of 15,622 at the Colonial Life Arena.
Next up for Tennessee (20-6, 8-4 SEC) in a showdown for third in the SEC East at Florida (19-8, 8-4) on Tuesday (TV: ESPN, 9 p.m.).
“These teams keep coming at us,’’ said senior Bobby Maze, who led UT with 14 points and three assists, “and they know they have to beat Tennessee to get into the (NCAA) tournament.’’
South Carolina (14-12, 5-7) started Saturday’s game like a team with its back against the wall.
The Gamecocks led most of the opening half en route to a 28-24 lead at intermission with Chism playing only 10 minutes after picking up two fouls and Prince being limited to six minutes while getting three fouls.
Considering the Vols also had 11 first-half turnovers, Pearl considered it a moral victory of sorts to be down only four points on the road at that point in the game.
“We just survived it; we stayed patient, and tried not to let them run us out of here,’’ Pearl said. “To be down at the half by four, playing the way we did, I told the team we were in good shape.’’
Chism (11 points, nine rebounds) and Prince (10 points, seven rebounds, three steals), were thinking the same thing.
“I really wasn’t worried because our teammates had me and Wayne’s backs when we got into foul trouble,’’ Prince said. “I figured me and Wayne would have an impact once we got back into the game.’’
Kenny Hall played 20 minutes and scored eight points, and Brian Williams had five points and seven rebounds in his 14 minutes.
The Vols came out gunning in the second half, scoring on four of their first five possessions before a Maze 3-pointer at the 15:03 mark gave UT a 34-33 lead — the Vols’ first lead since 9:23 of the first half when Brandis Raley-Ross (16 points) hit a trey to put South Carolina ahead 16-14.
There were two ties and seven lead changes during the next 6½ minutes before Prince hit a pair of free throws to key a decisive 8-0 run down the stretch. Prince, 8-of-10 shooting from the free-throw line, capped the run with another pair of free throws to give the Vols a 51-46 lead with 7:14 remaining.
South Carolina’s Devan Downey (15 points) answered with a 3-pointer — one of only four shots he made in 18 attempts — to pull the Gamecocks within 51-49 with 6:42 left.
But Tennessee’s exerted itself from there on. South Carolina missed its next four shots and had four turnovers in the next five minutes, enabling the Vols to build a 60-49 lead with a 9-0 run.
The Gamecocks finally connected on a shot by Lakeem Jackson (10 points), but with only 1:53 left the fans were already filtering to the exits.
“The difference really was that their bench gets 20 (points) and we get three from ours,’’ said South Carolina coach Darrin Horn, now 0-5 in his career against Pearl. “They’re just so athletic and deep.’’
Perhaps, but not deep enough for Pearl’s liking.
“We didn’t anticipate Cameron (Tatum) playing, but when J.P. picked up those fouls Cameron played four minutes,’’ Pearl said. “There was some hodgepodge going on out there.’’
Hodgepodge, Bench Mob, whatever you want to call it.
“It was a team effort and a total team win,’’ Maze said. “We know we all need each other to keep winning.’’
Going Deep: The Vols played four substitutes double-digit minutes: Skylar McBee (14), Hall (20), Steven Pearl (15) and Williams (14). South Carolina’s Johndre Jefferson (13) was the only non-starter on the Gamecocks to play more than 10 minutes.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 183
tnaseevol writes:
As well as they should, exciting game..now onto the next one!!
GBO
lawvol01 writes:
surely this means a trip to the tournament
volcycle writes:
No worries my friend, we're just playing for seeding at this point.
azorange writes:
Congrats on #20! That's a major accomplishment and I'm liking the streak of 5 straight seasons of 20 wins. While I didn't see the game, I do see the word "lethargic" in the article, and it seems like we see that behavior a lot from the Vols. Glad we overcame it to beat the Gamecocks. Nicely done!
Mule_Days_King writes:
TaterVol, O TaterVol. Where are you? I can't hear you!!!
Your silence is defeaning, moron troll.
eefor10c writes:
Could someone explain to me why McBee, one of the better shooters on the floor, is getting only one or two shots from the floor per game. He can be wide open, whoever has the ball will ignore him and then pass the ball to a covered player. Guess that most of the team doesn't want to hear McBee for three. Selfish and jealous.
Mule_Days_King writes:
deafening.
-1 for spelling.
Mule_Days_King writes:
Or maybe it might be that McBee has been very inconsistent lately from beyond the arc. Just my opinion.
volinuptonky writes:
I really liked how Scotty Hopson played today. Even though he did not score and shoot as well as he could, he was agressive and went to the game instead of letting the game come to him. Go Vols and beat the Gators. Go Vandy and beat UK
schymtz writes:
If any of you missed Johnlg comment on the last thread, go back and read it. I'm still laughin'!
WAY TO WIN ON THE ROAD!
This is the second game in a row that the game wasn't on TV in the Tri-cities. I did find it on-line but mercy, that does not compare.
From the old thread:
Great 2nd half of the 2nd half. Another slow start with way too many unforced turnovers. "The wall" defense worked again just like in Knoxville. Scotty seemed to be down even from recent performances. Maze did a fantastic job. Weak free throws bouncing off the front of the rim. Chism, Hall, & Williams did their job. A special plus for Steven Pearl! This team is developing and growing well. Ain't it great to win on the road! (Especially at a place where UK stumbled.)
Congratulations to Bruce Pearl on ANOTHER 20-Win season with games to go before we sleep! Thank you, Coach!
Both UT and UF are at 8-4 in the conference. Let's keep the broom out for another sweep!
GO VOLS! BEAT Florida!
rockytopatl writes:
This is a huge road win and it clinches a spot in the show.
He didn't get mentioned in this story, but a big factor in the Vols' last two wins is Brian Williams. He is a big, tough presence underneath and when he can stay out of foul trouble, like today, he can give a zone defense some trouble. He knows how to box out and he gets a lot of rebounds and chippies.
They are a much more physical team with Williams in there. If he keeps playing this well, he will get Chism a lot more looks. And Hall as well when he's in there.
When you shoot as badly as this team does, you need to take more high percentage shots. Williams helps get them those shots.
And how about Prince at the line? Something like 8 out of 10, I think. He showed some form and some touch. Maybe he's actually been working on his FTs.
ArkyVol73 writes:
eefor- I think Mcbee's confidence is at zero right now. This college game is much faster than what he's accustomed to. I do think he's getting a better grip at not just firing away like I've seen earlier on. He'll be alright. Good win vols. Keep adding to that resume coach!
schymtz writes:
You're probably more "on target" about Scotty. I was doing a lot more listening than watching. He did get some key rebounds. I was frankly impressed with Steven Pearl! Maze was great!
IPUTONFORTN writes:
Mcbee has been shooting terribly. He is supposed to be a pure shooter. If he can't make almost every wide open three he takes then he has no business being on the floor. He is in there for one reason, and he hasn't done good enough, with the exception of a couple games this year.
LSG410EC83 writes:
Skylar is struggling shooting, but has made up on the floor in defense and hustle. You hear his name often with causing turnovers and even though one of the shortest on the court, rebounding. Usually the first back down the court to set up on defense. I admire his hustle. Pearl is the same way. They make the most of their time in the game and yes, they do get fouls called on them, but I would rather have a player hustling and getting a foul called every now and then than to have a player standing around giving less than 100 percent. Great win. Now lets get those Gators. GO BIG ORANGE.
tractoronthepole writes:
Great win, turnovers must be reduced. I can't believe I'm saying this but Brian Williams was a difference maker. Not a scoring machine but his big body and rebounding kept us in the game. Steven Pearl with the acrobatic Michael Jordon move-not, but it did go in.
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
GREAT WIN ON THE ROAD, VOLS!!!! Very impressive for the exception of the turnovers, way too many..but I'm sure CBP will fix that. Oh...by the way, Bruce can't coach!!!(sarcasm galore)
I want to shout out to all my GVX friends and CatScratch, wildcatbasketball, and UKblue02. Sorry I haven't been on here much lately..Been watching the Olympics and enjoying every minute of it.
GBO!!! ANOTHER 20-WIN SEASON!!! WOOOHOOO!!
FWBVol writes:
Great win for the Vols. I love the way they played in the second half.
Kenny Hall was especially impressive in the second half. I would rather see him on the floor than Steven Pearl.
The worst thing was listening to Jamal Mashburn. I thought maybe Tennessee was playing Kentucky the way he kept talking about the Wildcats.
Chris4Vols22 writes:
He's just so inconsistent with his shots...he has the most trouble with the wide-open ones. And he is awful awful awful defense. Granted he gets a steal now and then, but he can't keep up with his guys and he does silly fouls way too much.
tennrich1 writes:
While i too liked the aggressive play from Scotty and at the risk of sounding negative (great win on the road against a more than capable team and another 20 wins season.....I mean really who would have predicted that 5 years ago when CBP was announced as head coach) Scotty still isnt as active with his defensive pressure and off the ball defense as a player of his caliber should be....Now maybe he'll turn into that "one and done" type of player that all the pundits said he was out of HS but he's nowhere close...I mean not even close....and next year, yeah I guess this will be his team.....
ArkyVol73 writes:
smokey- Is the big blue going down tonight in Memorial? That is a tough place to play! Go dores!
tennrich1 writes:
S.Pearl is a little over the top with his energy level but you have to love his defense...he really can man up much better than i had imagined..
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Great road win! Way to hustle men! Great game by all with special props to Chism, Maze, Williams and yes Prince. I thought this was his best game of the season overall plus he was 8-10 at the FT line! Pearl and McBee played well also.
We only jacked up 11 treys and hit 4 of them compared to 5-26 for SC! Better shot selection with more drives to the basket! Way to go team.
The Vols also put a hurt on Downey again! It was even better this time! I bet if he never had to see orange again, it would make him happy!!!
VOLS.....TCB......KOKO.......GBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lomas98 writes:
Although the chances of finishing 2nd in the east are slim, I think we may want to pull for the Wildcats tonight. Another VAndy loss will at least put TN one game behind them, although they will have to make up another one somewhere since Vandy swept. It will be hard to finish worse than 3rd if we can sweep the gators Tuesday.
VictorKruger writes:
Could not agree with you more about Jamal Mashburn. He does not seem to realize that it's not about him any more. I wonder if he was me-centric in his glorious playing days that he constantly reminded us of.
I think Prince has done a much better job managing his emotions since the meltdown(s) in the Vanderbilt game.
It was nice to see Tatum out there, and hopefully he'll be mostly recovered by Kentucky.
SummittsCourt writes:
Beating SC is always great for this SC Vols fan.
I hear the tunes a-playin' - must mean the dance is a-callin'!
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Oooops! I did not mean to leave out Hall. Hopson did play with much more energy and was a factor also. Just think he needs a GPS that would direct his ball to the right destination...like the basket....but am happy with what he did. If Woolridge ever gets in again, he needs one too!
ArkyVol73 writes:
tennrich- Do you think Scotty is going to turn into "the" player? I really hope he does and i do think he will be a really good player before he leaves. I thought his progression would be more advanced at the end of his soph year though. I don't think he had the coaching out of high school that other "dapper dandys" have had. Heck most of them don't even go to college, but we know they have to now. Wall and Cousins would have gone straight into the NBA. Most McDonald all-americans have the"gift" already but I have yet seen him take over a game. Hopefully we'll see a huge change in his game for the next two years.
Mule_Days_King writes:
Mashburn's most arrogant comment: "With all the NBA experience I have, I can tell you that Chism has all the tools." Really Jamal? You had to remind us of your greatness?
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
That's an excellent question, Arky..I wouldn't be surprised because Vandy has a way with beating highly ranked teams in that horrible gym..Then again, UK may pull out another one. It will be a good game.
GerryOP writes:
A big, big victory! Nitpickers have a ball criticizing ... it doesn't matter. Five straight 20 win years! That's a significant milestone. Big cheers for The Pearl and his guys!
Mule_Days_King writes:
With Cam gradually being back in the lineup, you might see McBee's minutes diminish a little more.
Is it me or is this the second game in a row that Woolridge saw little or no action?
ArkyVol73 writes:
lomas- I'm not sure who i'll be pulling for but Vandy would have to lose 3 more times including tonight for us to move up to 2nd. We have 4 losses and if they lose tonight and another games, then we both have 4 loses, but we were swept, so they would still end up ahead of us. I think i'll root for Vandy being from Tenn. I'm not so sure we can run the table either. I hope i'm wrong though.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
No action. His name was not even listed in the box score.
Mule_Days_King writes:
Must have been bigorangekoolaid on his way to get tater for their double date to Memorial Gym.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
I'll explain it to you-------we dont have any good shooters on this team and McBee still isnt one of our better ones--------he came into this game at 32% and 30% on 3 pointer--------glad you are impressed but the rest of us understand why hes not getting the ball---------you must be getting him confused with McPhee of Ga whose has had 3 pointers today in just the first half
Mule_Days_King writes:
I hope they both lose. Both coaches are arrogant jerks.
Ironcity writes:
I agree about Williams. He is a very good passer and him and Chism seem to play well together. If he learns to finish he can be tough. Goins seems to play better off the bench.
largeandincharge writes:
dude, what games have you been watching lately? he has been wide open too many times and missed the shots. maybe, that is the rason he's not getting the ball. prunce is shooting better froim out there.
Mule_Days_King writes:
They are meeting up with Morristown/VolDog and Vol Doll after the game at The Beer Cellar on 2nd Ave. for a meeting of the local "I Hate Bruce Pearl Club".
miamiVOL writes:
I have watched almost every minute of this season
Hopson: lacks intensity, especially on the defensive end of the court. Lazy and lackadaisical player who is having a C- season.
McBee: at best a streaky shooter who is undersized. Always jumps for any ball fake, allows 3 pters all the time, fouled a 3 pt shot today. Sure he good BBall IQ but that can only do so much, I'd like to see Tatum get his minutes as he comes back. I do like his effort for defensive rebounds.
Best line up is : Goins, Maze, Prince, Chism, Hall. this line up has a good mix of ball handlers, scoring, defense and rebounds. I like what Maze has done at the 2 spot, this also frees up Chism to hit 3s as Hall will stay under the basket.
would like to see Bruce make Hopson come from the bench, if anything to see how Hopson reacts.
Williams is okay as a backup, but he CAN NOT finish around the rim, its bad. Pearl plays tough on defense and doesnt take silly shots. Woolridge isnt going to contribute to this team anymore this season.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
i agree, Brian is rebounding , scrapping and helping us in the paint
SeanJean writes:
A good win and a nice second half by the Vols. The first half was brutal as usual and really painful to watch, but hey what else is new.
That being said, I'm still really disappointed in Hopson. He looks completely lost on the floor. He had to have at least three traveling calls all by himself (I think the team had twice that many if not more). If you're a guard, you need to be able to dribble the ball. He really needs to work on his dribbling and hands. He really struggles to hold onto the ball and seems so tentative every time he has the ball in his hands. It's 100% mental with him, because he can get to the basket at will and is a great free throw shooter. It's just really tough to watch. A lot of talent being wasted there.
And despite all the praises for Williams, I still think Kenny Hall is twice the player he is. Williams consistently misses easy layups that Hall would finish, and he is brutal at the free throw line. Aside from 5 fouls and a few rebounds, he doesn't really bring much to the table. I'd love to see Hall get more minutes. Much more aggressive defender, rebounder, and has better basketball smarts on the offensive end. I'm excited for Hall's future.
Great great game by Maze again. He's been our most consistent player the past few weeks. He's been attacking the basket and has been money with his jump shot. I'm loving Bobby's game. Good second half by Prince as well.
ULTIMATEVOLUNTEER writes:
1st line ...Bobby Maze scores 14 points. Later...Bobby Maze equals his season output of 16 points. take your pick.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
This was a BIG BIG BIG win, going into tourney time. They won't win the SEC, but win at least 2 out of the last 4 regular season games and get past 1st 2 rounds in SECtourney and maybe get a 5 seed.
Ironcity writes:
In addition the refs won't call the bunny fouls on UK the way they call them on everyone else at Memorial. Lets see if Vandy gets there 40FT tonight
Ironcity writes:
This is why your not the coach.
tnaseevol writes:
Maybe CBP will take note of this and get someone to coach McBee into corrct form....we could use more really good players by the NCAA playoffs....I have noticed his going forward in his shooting also
tnaseevol writes:
Gee....I thought this was a really good post, you don't agree?
Looks like it may be a GA win, now on to KY-Vandy
GBO
HtownVol writes:
I dont understand how anyone can like Steven Pearl.
His offense is non-existant
On defense, when he switches off a pic he gets lost, he cant hold the bigs and is too slow for guards he gets burned.
All he knows how to do is settle down in the paint or the top of the key, he gets a pass and passes it right back.
Even when he has the ball below the rim he usuallt passes and we get nothing.
Some on here say " he has heart ", so did Dane Bradshaw, at least Dane had a little talent.
Dont get me wrong I am fine with Steven resting our bigs, but today he played WAY TOO MUCH!
The 1st half he played what 8-9 minutes, look how we played. Then the last 8 minutes he sat most of the time and we pulled away.
It is not hard to see that we are a much better team when he sits.
Please people realize we need to play our good players to win and not have Steven Pearl out on the floor 10+ minutes per game. I know Woolridge is bad lately, but I still like him over Pearl. Instead of Pearl playing so much, he and Woolridge can at least split the minutes.
Bottom line is there are much better options than playing his sorry ___ so much. Emphasis on "so much".
Good job Vols
Also, congrats Steven on finally making 2 lay ups in a row. I never thought I would see 2 in a row in 1 game from Steven.
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