ATHENS, Ga. — Tennessee saw Georgia coming, like a big red freight train headed downhill into Saturday’s contest.
“We didn’t get beat because we came in overconfident or because we didn’t respect our opponent,’’ said UT coach Bruce Pearl . “We got beat by a better team today, it was clear.’’
Georgia threw down nine dunks, was 7-of-12 shooting beyond the 3-point arc and out-rebounded UT 35-24 in scoring a convincing 78-63 victory over the No. 8-ranked Vols.
UT (15-3, 3-1 SEC) had won seven straight games and had not been beaten since Dec. 19 at Southern California.
The Bulldogs (9-8, 1-3) snapped a 10-game losing streak to UT that dated back to February 2004 and beat Pearl for the first time after eight losses.
The Vols jumped out to a 4-2 lead, but Georgia ended the hopes of the 1,500 or so UT fans who traveled to the game quickly, responding with a 12-0 run that included one of the most spectacular dunks of the season.
Travis Leslie, a 6-foot-4 sophomore wing, took flight on a breakaway, executing a two-handed windmill dunk that he stuffed home on the reverse side of the rim.
Leslie’s slam brought the crowd of 10,523 to its feet; it was Georgia’s first sellout in Stegeman Coliseum dating back to a loss to No. 1 Florida in February of 2007.
The Bulldogs rewarded their spirited followers with domination Saturday, leading by double-digits from the 9:59 mark of the first half onward.
When it wasn’t Leslie (19 points, nine rebounds), it was 6-10, 247-pound Trey Thompkins (21 points, eight rebounds) doing the majority of damage.
“We tried to extend our defense a bit, because we felt we needed to turn them over,’’ Pearl said. “We were so concerned with their post offense, then when the game got helter skelter, it opened the floor up for (Leslie).’’
The Vols, led by Scotty Hopson’s 19 points, trailed 42-27 at the half and didn’t get closer than 12 for the remainder of the game.
Pearl said UT’s offensive problems were aplenty; from Georgia’s considerable size advantage, to the Vols’ inability to get the ball inside against the Bulldogs’ unorthodox 3-2 zone.
“One of the things that makes it (3-2 zone) effective is nobody plays it,’’ Pearl said. “So we had to spend all week getting ready for something we hadn’t seen all year.’’
UT senior post Wayne Chism was ineffective even before he went down with a hyper-extended left knee with 9:22 left in the first half.
“It was sore,’’ Pearl said, “so physically he just wasn’t the same after that.’’
Chism returned after a brief trip to the locker room and played 27 minutes, scoring six points on 3-of-10 shooting while pulling down six rebounds and blocking three shots.
“First and foremost, we got smashed and beat horribly on rebounds,’’ said UT freshman post Kenny Hall, who scored 10 points but grabbed only three rebounds in his first start. “I don’t remember seeing that many bigs on the floor at a time against anyone else we’ve played.
“And I just felt they wanted it more, and played harder than us.’’
Cameron Tatum and Melvin Goins saw their first action since being reinstated last Sunday, playing nine and four minutes, respectively.
But Brian Williams, the 6-10, 278-pound junior, was the player the Vols missed most in this matchup. Williams remains indefinitely suspended for his role in the well-documented Jan. 1 traffic stop that resulted in the dismissal of forward Tyler Smith.
“We missed Brian a lot today because of his size and physicality,’’ Pearl said. “So you’ve got Renaldo Woolridge (6-8, 208) playing some center and a 6-5 walk-on power forward (Steven Pearl) out there.’’
Pearl said the Vols are also missing too many from the perimeter, with the exception of Hopson, who hit 3 of 6 beyond the 3-point arc.
“Scotty stepped up and showed what he’s capable of, but he needs to do it more in the beginning,’’ Pearl said. “Playing against a 3-2 zone, you’re going to have to make some shots from three, and for the second straight game Scotty was the only one to make a 3-ball.’’
Hopson took no consolation in his offense or defense, which included a career-high five steals.
“We battled back a little bit,’’ Hopson said. “But there were just too many mistakes in this game.
“It’s just good knowing we’re coming back home to play in front of our fans this week.’’
The Vols play host to Vanderbilt (15-3, 4-0) at 7 p.m. Wednesday before Florida (14-5, 3-2) comes to Thompson-Boling Arena at 1 p.m. next Sunday.
Oregon sends Lady Vols home from…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 106
zigvol writes:
Glad a loss in b-ball does not kill your season. Need to win the 2 next week though...
LEXKYVOLS writes:
-Okay it’s one game – but time for all the Pearl haters to come out now.
-It was fun watching little Pearl have his best game of his career.
-As long as we play and win the “other” games we are suppose to win, we will be okay.
-No one is going to catch UK this year, and then they also come back to earth next year.
-We need to play hard and finish 2nd in the SEC East so we do not have to play UK, for a third time, until the finals of the SEC tournament.
-At home versus Vandy and Florida – win those two and we are right where we need to be.
-Urban Myer said at half time of the Florida/USC game he was going to coach this spring. Maybe little Kiffin was the reason he was not coming back. Then again, Kiffin gave all of us HEART BURN!
zigvol writes:
Or we could go out kick Ky. azz and win the east.....
MemphisVol writes:
Once again we are blown out on the road when Pearl wears a T-shirt with a suit.
CRFVols writes:
That was embarrassing. It's as if they weren't even trying to rebound and haven't had shooting practice.
back2backchamps writes:
Its not the end of the world. At least you know you get 2 wins when you play our Gators :(
TopTenn writes:
Go Vols!!!!!!!! Beat Vandy and the Gators.
CRFVols writes:
Yea......where's his orange? I don't like any of our HCs not wearing orange.
scott_m99 writes:
That was the definition of terrible
pammyvol1000 writes:
Fell asleep on defense. Too many back door shots or dunks!! Not very good offense against a zone if not hitting 3's!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Wouldn't be so sure... the Vols have been playing with fire since they started SEC play... get down early, then come back in the 2nd half. Got the first half right today... not so much the second part.
coach75 writes:
guys, you knew the running on emotion had to wear off soon. minor speed bump. whip vandy and florida, and stay in top 15. we are not a top 10 team yet, so a loss might help us realize that.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Agree... defense was nonexistent today.
ccantrell#227456 writes:
This team will be .500 the remainder of the SEC...
(9-7) SEC (3rd in East behind KY and VDY)
(19-9) and will need a victory in SEC tourney to secure NCAA bid..
Bubblious...
Steve Pearl tries hard,,, but he couldn't start for David Libscomb or Belmont... And if he continues to get this much floor time... It's going to be a long remainder of the season...
GO VOLS>>>>
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
I disagree... I think they'll have a better record than 9-7. However, they clearly need to stop getting down big early. First 4 points were Chism dunks, then it's like they just gave up and went to the 3-point game.
UT_fan_from_GA writes:
We usually play up or down to our competition!
tapeworm writes:
That was truly uninspired. Everybody was waiting for somebody else to do something, and no one did anything. Hope this is not our MO on the road this year.
Mule_Days_King writes:
Go away moron.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Of course, dawgs should get some credit for their play... they beat Ga tech and Illinois, and gave UK a game in Lexington.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Now THAT's funny... someone from South Carolina calling a UT player a hick!
radiomafia#577548 writes:
Very unmotivated performance, except for Bobby Maze. Maybe the team is not so motivated about accepting Goins and Tatum back.
Mule_Days_King writes:
"U G L Y, you don't need no alibi...."
Uninspiring effort on the boards and in their half-court offense. You can do better than that guys.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Yes, a lot of bball yet to be played.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
yep
VOLKING writes:
Just waiting on the troll cockroaches to come out so we can step on them. Poor performance and a bad matchup for us. Come home and win these next 2 against Vandy and Florida!! Go Vols!
Bloodrunzorange writes:
Georgia played out of their minds and this gets that sellout garzas picture off the front page!! Go Vols
huntined#565710 writes:
Hey guys get real you know any team in the SEC can kick your behind on any day on their home floor. Got to win some on the road and about all at home to be at the top. GA had our number this week Men and Women both lost at their house so maybe we can return the favor when they come in.. Just got to give it to GA as they wanted it more.FLA just won at home against S.C.
garrthom writes:
Vandy has the depth to run with UT. I think that it will be a very close game.
vol_4_fan writes:
well stated,also this had nothing to do with goins & tatum. We were out of gas, it is a long season. Go Vols
Volon writes:
Record with reinstated gun and druggies: 0-1.
Without them---undefeated.
budd#207344 writes:
This was a tired team playing short handed. Wayne has carried them and today he just didn't have it. They need the three stooges back to give them some depth and rest. But as much as I hate losing to georgia this was coming, They will be back
VoltFaceCons writes:
I know they played bad, but the ref's calls and the scoreboard thing, I wouldn't be surprised if that game was somewhat shopped.
pomp_and_circumstance writes:
J.P. Prince has been called for traveling what - 20 times? - this season. How is is possible that a senior has never learned to correct that, or has never been taught?
TopTenn writes:
GBO!!!!!!!!!!! Beat Dores and Gators.
JACK8254 writes:
Pearl should be allowed a clunker like this once in a while. He has done a remarkable job holding this team together after the Tyler Smith incident. I admire the man and his ability. He is what college coaching is about.
GreerVol22 writes:
flat and lazy...what is it about JP Prince that this team feeds off of? His attitude and hustle effects everyone on the team... he stunk tonight, so did the rest.
TommyJack writes:
If Steven Pearl had got more minutes, we're in the game.
SandySpringsVol writes:
This was a truly ugly loss; turned off the TV with about 6:00 left in first half. Team should have just forfeited and saved the cost of traveling to Athens. Reminded me of the no-show against USC.
tapeworm writes:
For all you people who feel we'll be just fine - just what do you mean by "just fine?" An SEC East championship? An SEC Tournament championship? An NCAA Tournament berth? Better than a "Sweet Sixteen" appearance? Seems like none of this is likely with a team that on paper, looked to be the class of the SEC this year. Now that we have lost Tyler Smith and presumably Brian Williams, plus how inconsistent we have been on the road, it's hard to imagine what being "just fine" might look like.
wayoutwill writes:
I'm hopeful that this is a minoe speed bump,but we have been running on emotion,we are hurting without Tyler Smith,we are hurting inside without Tyler,Williams was a person that might have helped fill that void and he's out,looks to me like the Vols will be needing to get our two black sheep back going soon and really rachet up the pressure defense!I know that CBP can get 'em going--HE IS THE BEST!
SCIENCETCHR writes:
Oh. Well, considering all that has transpired the past few weeks, a let-down was inevitable. But, as Yogi Berra said: 'It ain't over 'til it's over!"
Collect the body bags and get back to business.
Tenn_Dawg writes:
More talented....not hardly. You are right about Thompkins and Leslie though. I would take them over anybody on your team but your other starters and bench are better. This Georgia team plays hard but the lack of a quality bench is hurting them. Leslie has made ESPN's Top 10 several times this year and will probably be on it again for the windmill dunk. If Thompkins (Soph)will hang around next year and Fox can get a pure shooter to come to Athens things could get real interesting.
One thing for sure is these are not Felton's Bulldogs. Fox has them playing well. Who knows...maybe if they can get close to 20 wins with the upsets over highly ranked GT and UT they may sneak into the tourney. Good luck the rest of the way except when the Dawgs play in Knoxville. UT and UK are still the class of the SEC and I can't wait to watch those games.
One other B-ball observation. Did Pearl get his sweat glands removed? The first two years at UT he would soak a suit in 10 minutes. Maybe he still does and it is just the material doesn't show it but it just seems odd.
On a football note...glad to see you guys hired Dooley. He should win and represent your program well. He is a super sharp guy and kids will want to play for him once they get to know him. I think you guys are in good hands.
Volumnus writes:
Had to work today, very busy could not see it. But you may just be on to something there. Chemistry and bad influences sometimes do not mix..
donsolo writes:
Actually, they are 1-1 since Tatum and Goins were reinstated. If you are going to bash, please bash correctly...
Tenn_Dawg writes:
Again..UGA has two quality players. The rest are average. Maybe Price is better than average. You guys have top ranked players. Like Pearl (especially early in his tenure)...Fox is getting the most out of his guys. Really even this year he is doing a fantastic job with the issues that UT has had.
As far as the UGA record they have played a top 12 schedule thus far with wins over Illini, GT and UT with close losses to UK, Ole Miss and Miss State. They have lead in everyone of their SEC losses late in the second half.
BubbaJ writes:
This was a sad showing for sure, But, this is still January, and this team can still have a nice finish. Even if the Vols stumble to 9-7, and 20 wins. The RPI for this team will get them another 8 or 9 seed. Truthfully the Vol Nation expects more, and I for one will not get down on Pearl for a loss after such a great run over the last 7 games. This is UT Basketball, Go Bruce, Go Vols!
Tenn_Dawg writes:
Getting 9 wins would be fantastic but it will be extremely tough. UGA must beat the teams they should so no slip-ups (like today for UT) can happen and they will have to have a couple of more upsets. Win or lose...I am having fun again watching them play. Although I think Felton was a good man and probably a good coach it was just a really bad fit and his brand of BB was painful to watch.
Ditto...regarding being better off without Lane. The guy could recruit and probably has a good football mind but he was an total a-hole and a bad fit for UT and the SEC.
TSNVol writes:
The game I saw today was one where one team hustled and the other was lazy. There was movement on offense for Georgia and UT's guys just stood around. No one followed a rebound. We watched guys go backdoor and we missed alot of terrible shots.
Wayne Chism with only 6-points? (3 of 10)
WHATS THE DEAL!!!! You're ranked 8th in the nation and you can't get up to play a game??? For some odd reason I sometime detect some pouting with the Vols players.
And on shooitng free throws. I would have my guys on the line all day in practice. When I played our team had to shoot at least 70% in practice or run "killer drills". This was an ongoing deal until we accomplished the 70%.
Prince, Tatum, Goins, Pearl all need to spend time at practice shooting free throws. Mercy, all day, every day if it helps. The team needs to improve. The reason I mention this is because I haven't seen any improvement. Later on we'll need those points to move through the NCAA.
This outcome should have been reversed, no question. What a shame! Georgia 1-3 in the SEC beats Tennessee!
lrwin writes:
This game was a pitiful excuse for TN basketball.
The players shoes were filled with concrete and their minds as well. Why is Pearl playing his son when he cannot shoot from the field or foul line.
No defense, rebounding or shooting equals a ridiculous performance.
abnermc writes:
Can anyone tell me how many free throws each team had in the first half?
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