Tennessee Men's Basketball
Tennessee sophomore Scotty Hopson was merely following orders when he hit the game-winning shot against Florida on Sunday afternoon.
Vols coach Bruce Pearl issued the command after calling timeout with 24.2 seconds remaining and the Vols down by one.
“I said to him, ‘Win this for us,’ and I drew up a shot for him,’’ Pearl said.
“And Scotty said, ‘yes sir,’ ” UT senior Wayne Chism added.
Hopson’s long jumper, over the out-stretched arm of 6-foot-9 Chandler Parsons, held up when Alex Tyus missed a short jumper with 2.5 seconds left.
Hopson grabbed the rebound and raced down the court, hurling the ball into the rafters of Thompson-Boling Arena after the buzzer sounded with 14th-ranked Tennessee on the winning end of a 61-60 victory over the Gators.
“That’s the first time Coach (Pearl) has said that to me,’’ said Hopson, who scored 10 points, pulled down four rebounds and had three assists. “I felt it was the biggest shot of my college career.’’
Pearl correctly assumed Florida coach Billy Donovan would come out of the timeout in a zone defense in an effort to prevent Chism from getting a shot off from close range.
After all, the Vols (16-4, 4-2 SEC) had done most of their damage inside in rallying from a 10-point deficit to defeat Florida (15-6, 4-3) in front of the CBS national television audience and crowd of 21,208.
The Gators, winners of four straight entering the day, had out-rebounded UT 20-14 in the first half and held a 22-16 advantage scoring in the paint, with Tyus scoring many of his team-high 18 points from close range.
“In the first half it was just me and Renaldo (Woolridge) down there rebounding, so it was like five on two,’’ said Chism who led the Vols with 16 points and 11 rebounds. “In the second half we started sending our guards in there.’’
Most notably, J.P. Prince, who responded with 12 points and seven rebounds.
Prince’s gritty performance led UT to a 27-12 rebounding advantage in the second half and the victory, according to Pearl.
“We write it on the board every day, that defense and rebounding wins championships,’’ Pearl said. “We had 14 second-chance points, and I’d imagine J.P. had six or eight of them; that’s just effort and toughness.’’
Prince scored inside on three consecutive trips down the floor early in the second half to help spark UT’s comeback.
The Gators, however, appeared determined to avoid losing for the eighth time in their nine contests against Pearl.
The Vols didn’t reclaim the lead until Skylar McBee hit a 3-pointer to give UT a 42-40 advantage with 12:13 remaining. It was UT’s first lead since 3½ minutes into the game.
The teams traded the lead four more times before Parsons drove the lane for two of his 14 points and tied the game at 57-57 with one minute left.
The Vols looked inside to score on their next possession, and Chism was fouled on a spin move to the basket.
Tennessee was just 2-of-10 from the free-throw line before Chism calmly drained both with 41.7 seconds left to put the Vols up 59-57.
“I just started talking to myself at the line,’’ Chism said. “I told myself I was going to make them.’’
Parsons had confidence, too. Having hit two last-second game-winners earlier this season, the Gators’ lanky forward answered with a 3-pointer that put Florida back on top, 60-59, with 29 seconds left.
Five seconds later, Pearl called timeout and put the outcome in Hopson’s hands.
“I thought he’d be more open . . . he made a play himself,’’ Pearl said. “It’s a big shot, but he’s going to have a lot more big shots.’’
The Vols return to action at 9 p.m. Thursday at LSU (9-12, 0-7) before returning to Thompson-Boling Arena to play South Carolina (13-8, 4-3) at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 154
Volz4life writes:
No... No... No.... YES! Great shot Scotty
Fryinpansvols writes:
Our Hero Of The Day, Scotty Hopson! Big shot Mr. Hopson! Hopefully back on track. GBO!
10SCVOL writes:
JP: foul another 3 point shooter, dribble the ball out of bounds, let Fla. back in it. Just another typical game. Thanks Scotty for bailing us out. I WAS impressed with JP's control in this one.
spacehistorian writes:
A very sloppy game and I would never advise taking an off-balance three-point shot as a means of regaining the lead with 12 or 13 seconds left but Scotty Hopson put up a beautiful arching rainbow of a shot that was nothing but net. A hard fought win against the Gators that was still frustrating due to our inability to be consistent at the FT line. Still, a win is a win especially in front of a nationally televised audience. Now if some of that good karma will filter down to Columbia and help out the struggling Lady Vols...
Ironcity writes:
Great game, I ahve no idea how we won. Shot 33% from the foul line Chism couldn't drop the ball in the ocean for 35 minutes.
I do have a question, I thought Hopsons shot was a three if Tyus makes his do they go back and review Hopsons shot?
redrod writes:
Great win!!!
volzcrushm writes:
WOW... the SEC is one wild ride. We lose to lowly GA....then to strong VU..and then to the wire with FLA who seems to be equal in talent. Hmmmm... we are going to have to step it up.
Ironcity writes:
I think the ref missed the call on JP's dribble out of bounds. Its hared to believe since he was 3 ft away. JP certainly thought the ball was knocked out of his hands.
tulelakevol writes:
Glad to get a win, but we have got to quit leaving so many points on the free throw line!
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Scotty, please keep playing more aggressively! Does anyone else cringe when they see our second team check in?? Why do we put all our second team players in at the same time? It's not like the old days when our second team was almost as good as the first!
JP, your attitude was much improved but you got to stop with the mental lapses! Fouling a three point shooter and dribbling one off you foot, both in the last minute of a close game??
All that said, I am happy for the win. With our upcoming schedule, we need all we can get now.
SEC__Headgear writes:
Mr. Emotion almost got out of control again but he sure does draw those charges. It would be nice if the team hit more freethrows. And speaking of the charity stripe.... Why is it a foul on our defense and a block or just "contact" on the other guy's defense? Is Slive behind this too???
stayingorange writes:
Nice win. Use this momentum to get it back on track.
craneman writes:
Dude, this is the SEC! WHy do you have to be DOWN on a team that has lost one of the best ever, and has rallied to WIN convincingly agains the toughest competition in the country? FAIR WEATHER IDIOT FAN!
tenacjim#211887 writes:
I thought it was a three as well. I would have been a lot more worried at the end had I known.
You would hope they would have reviewed it had the Tyus shot gone in.....
schymtz writes:
From the old board:
schymtz writes:
in response to LADYKNOWSSPORTS:
Thanks wildcat! Congats on your win! I sure am glad that KY beat Vandy!!!!! BTW, KY is my 2nd fav BB team behind the VOLS. I have always watched them and are always for them, unless they are playing TN!!!!....So I'm a VOL BB fan that actually loves KY BB too! For all the VOLS fans, don't hate on me, I just have always loved watching KY play through all these years!
You do know basketball! Vandy and Kentucky are both very strong this year. Tennessee faces a long road, and this game was really big. It is so hard to get up off the floor when on the road. As to Kentucky, I think they are a final four caliber ballclub this season. We get two chances at 'em. Personally, I pull for Tennessee fans to develop the same kind of entitlement that Kentucky nurtures: Namely, that "We own the SEC EAST and the SEC Tourney is properly called the UK Invitational!
Volz4life writes:
The fans were chanting Ambles' name too at the game.. Wonder what he thought of that little taste of Big Orange atmosphere. I know he's been here before, but this was pretty cool scene!
wildcatbasketball writes:
CONGRATS VOLS--Big win....I still think that the Vols will make this a race until the end!! Vandy is good but it will come down to the Vols and the Cats at the end. I have posted this comment the last few weeks even when UT was struggling.
I just want UT-UK to become a good basketball rivalry years to come. It would be fun to watch.
abi writes:
Great win great team works GO VOLS
VolsRaysBucs writes:
You are one of "those guys" huh? The, "ya I won the lottery, but I have to pay taxes on it and the cash is full of germs" type of fan.
A win, is a win, is a win, which in turn, is a win, which equals a win, which is a victory, which is.....Folks need to enjoy the fresh air sometimes.
ctownvol writes:
Great win against a tough Florida team that was on a roll coming in. Just as important was the wonderful atmosphere for the recruits taking that last visit before signing day. It's great to be a Tennessee Vol!
TrouserCough writes:
J.P. Prince drives me nuts. The game wasn't pretty but it ends the skid. Hopefully Hopson will gain more confidence this.
craneman writes:
MAN I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!!!! GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
stupid comment----Florida has some good talent and if you are thinking our overall talent is better than most other teams in the league you are on Koolaide-----its going to be a struggle to the end and yes we have to win at home
reidtownriverrat writes:
This should not have been such a hard win, but our lack of chemistry,fundamentals and ability to finish around the basket puts us in a pickle sometimes. Wayne needs to throw it down instead of banking it in.HE IS 6 9 right.
craneman writes:
IF YOU KNOW SO MUCH, WHY ISNT YOUR LAST NAME "PEARL" OR "COACH"? SIT DOWN, ENJOY THE GAME AND SHUT UP
huntined#565710 writes:
Well got to say I am glad we beat FLA. as I thought it would be a tough game and it was. I think we must have missed 15 shots right under the basket.. The women escape with the win at the end WOW what a day for TENN BB
99gator writes:
congrats on the win.
for folks being critical....hello....there are two players who are missing on the team.
pearl's winning games with mcbee and his son getting playing time.
tennessee has continued to find a way, but it won't be traveling down easy street.
tdvol1989 writes:
Florida is a good team, but we are playing below our potential right now. Except for the crowd getting into it, it was hard to watch on TV. We are just consistently doing the same things wrong. JP is good for at least 1 foul on a 3 pointer every game. We still dribble into traffic. And, we appear to be in our annual mid-season outside shooting slump.
BUT!!!!! We still won. And Bruce has a big lift coming next year in his back court recruits. While I don't think he is ready especially physically, I think Scotty is a danger to leave early for $$$$. But, if he doesn't, you will see big improvement next year.
As for me, my money is on Bruce and he is allowed to struggle his way into yet another NCAA Tournament for all I care. He proudly shows his Tennessee pride and has rebuilt our BBall program. Remember this too, we WERE the feature game on CBS. I remember darker times.
schymtz writes:
Yes it was a big win. Fun to remember when UK-UT played 50-50 ball with Rupp-Hall vs Mears-DeVoe.
The Lady Vols squeaked by South Carolina today.
wildcatbasketball writes:
tdvol---Do you REALLY think Hopson is ready for the NBA..really?? No offense but he is not even close...I respect your opinion but there is no way he is ready for the next level. Does he have the potential in a few years but not now. NO WAY. Jodie Meeks did not even make it. Are you kiddin me?
asleep#212036 writes:
Same problem as before. We shoot 36% from the floor, they shoot 48%. We gave up a 3-pointer with a 2 point lead and under a minute? Dribbled it out of bounds? Took a questionable shot (made it, thankfully)? I love winning these slugfests but what's up with the offense? We took 66 shots to their 48 and only won by a point. That tells the tale. Ouch. In the win streak, we had a different guy step up every night but we should have seen this coming. You have horses to ride and if they aren't playing well, you can only go to the well so many times for a career night from a young gun. Apparently we have run out of step ups at this point. BP had better get the D cranked back up and Scotty and Wayne will need to put this team on their backs, ala Lofton and J. Smith, or we are going to have problems. Go Vols!!!
RockyToptoNeyland writes:
we have got to be the worst free throw shooters in the league, hall was 1-6 from the foul line, I was shooting at least 60% in the 5th grade, we have got to improve from the foul line, or it will cost us
UKblue02 writes:
Congrats Vols, good win, I thought your team showed some good fighting spirit in the second half. Very entertaining game.
VolNWA writes:
I am surprised no one has said it already. A WIN OVER FLORIDA FEELS GOOD ANYTIME, AND TODAY IS NO EXCEPTION.
straightshooter writes:
If CBP never drank much before Prince came along, I am sure he does now. The guy is a big liability most of the time on offense even though he had 10 points in this game. And of course had the UF guy hit 3 of 3 rather than only 1 of 3 at the end with the Prince foolish foul,likley the game would have gone in the UT lost column. Free throw shooting overall a very weak spot for the team. Still, an entertaining team to watch but have a long way to go to be as good as the 2008 team.
stayingorange writes:
I also thought it was a 3, and apparently so did Pearl. He said in postgame that he was thinking about it going to overtime and didn't realize it was only a 1 point lead until after the final buzzer.
huntined#565710 writes:
DC We will trade you two BB wins for ONE FB WIN.
and we will throw in a WOMENS game to boot!!
newportvol writes:
I heard Ambles and Rogers both were at the game
VolunteerLifer writes:
Nothing will come easy for this team. We're not a good shooting team, and that makes us look bad at times on the offensive end. But this was a very good defensive effort. Pearl used his bench very well. We got significant contributions from just about everyone. I thought the play of the game was SKylar McBee's penetration and quick look pass to Chism attacking the rim along the baseline, and slamming a dunk down just before the shot clock ran out. made me wonder if McBee could play the point. Hopefully Scotty will start gaining the confidence to be another inside/outside man offensively to complement Chism's inside/outside play. We need a genuine three point threat, and it would be great if he could provide that along with his ability to drive to the rim. If this team keeps getting better defensively, then everything will work out all right in the end, but there are gonna be alot of games like this one this year.
rabidvol1998 writes:
I thought it was a 3 also. The brief replay did make it look like he had one foot on the line. Thanks goodness for our inbounds defense or Florida would have had a timeout and could have run a set play for a 2.
ringgoldvolfan writes:
These guys are going to give me a heart-attack. That being said, it is always nice to beat FLA.
huntined#565710 writes:
Thanks UKblue, right now we are trying to get it together this year but losing those players when we did hurts. at times they are hard to watch and I have said many times you have to have a STRONG HEART to be a VOL fan.
wildcatbasketball writes:
plasticman--agree..read my earlier post...he is not even close to NBA caliber...
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
JUST WIN, BABY!!! WOOOHOOO!!!
magicbyswh#221420 writes:
Again Prince is at the end almost costing us the game. I can't understand why Bruce can't see this. 2 turnovers in the last 2 minutes. WAKE UP BRUCE He was bailed out this time.
wildcatbasketball writes:
GOOD WIN for the Vols..it may have been ugly but when the selection committee looks at it in March it will be a win. I doubt they will pull tape and see how they won...
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Would ya'll please stop griping about Chism???? I agree, he had a rough first half, however, he turned it on and there is no way that we could have won without his 16pts, 11rebs, 2blks, 1stl, no, TO's, and he was 3-4 from the FT line when it counted the most!!!! Glad to see Hopson with the winning shot! Prince's attitude was better and he played better until that unnecessary 3pter foul, he committed and then the TO after that, but I could tell he did have a better "tude"! Tatum got some good shots, McBee threw in some 3's for a change and I hate to admit it, but Pearl did play pretty good defense and I think he had 5 steals! I was disappointed that Maze didn't do too much....It was GREAT to have the recruits at the game! The good times just seem to keep on coming for the VolNation and can't wait until NSD! We are going to land a few great surprises!!!! The Lady Vols come from behind win was awesome and Kamiko played fantastic! So, all in all, I am a very HAPPY with football and mens and womens BB!!!!!!!!!!!
VOLS.....TCB........KOKO......GBO
rockyandbowinkle writes:
jp is killing us... for a coaches son, he makes the worst decisions ever (fouling 3 pt shooters)...and this must be the worst free throw shooting team in history, 1 and done come march again....
TheOpinion writes:
I agree that he's not ready for the NBA. But to say he has to dominate the SEC is just silly. Let's look at Joe Johnson and Rajon Rondo. Neither dominated the SEC and both are All Stars. Look at Lofton, Haslip, Yarbrough, Slay, etc all dominated the SEC but couldn't make it in the NBA. Its about potential and Scotty has a lot of it and hasn't reached the begining of it. So I think he can make it in the NBA but I'd love to see him stick around.
rockyandbowinkle writes:
i agree, jp belongs on the and 1 mix tour....if we could shoot, we wouldn't have to get so many off. rebounds to score...
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