Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl brought his own level of March Madness to Wednesday night’s final regular season game at Thompson-Boling Arena.
His jacket came flying off, his eyes flared and the decibel level of his voice skyrocketed as he directed wrath toward the officials with 14:34 left.
The coach didn’t like the charging call on Cameron Tatum, and despite a 51-47 lead, he was far from satisfied with the way UT (22-7, 10-5 SEC) was playing.
So the 16th-ranked Vols and most of the crowd of 20,139 did something about it en route to an 80-73 victory over Arkansas.
“It fired us up, and we got in the huddle and said, ‘Coach just got a technical foul fighting for us,’ ’’ UT senior Bobby Maze said. “We gotta fight for him.’’
Courtney Fortson (21 points) split a pair of free throws after Pearl’s technical to pull the Razorbacks (14-16, 7-8) within three, but Pearl’s tantrum served to ignite everyone in orange.
The Vols went on a 10-0 run, accentuated with a J.P. Prince dunk that made it 61-48 at the 11:22 mark, and Arkansas didn’t get closer than six points the rest of the night.
“We may have picked up our energy ... but that’s not what should have happened from the beginning,’’ said Pearl, who has three technicals this season. “We shouldn’t have to jump start them like that.’’
Tennessee clinched the No. 3 seed in the East Division and opens the SEC tournament in Nashville next Thursday at 3:15 p.m. against LSU (10-18, 1-13).
Pearl saw to it there were no celebrations after the win over Arkansas, however, stating the Vols didn’t play sharp enough to win any significant games in March.
Tennessee committed 17 turnovers and surrendered numerous easy baskets to the Razorbacks, getting out-scored 17-4 on second-chance points.
The Vols’ saving grace was a strong shooting night (.545 from the floor, .778 from the free throw line) and balanced scoring.
Scotty Hopson led the way with 15 points, Wayne Chism had 14 points, and Maze, Prince and Tatum scored 12 points apiece.
It’s the first time since UT’s SEC-opening win over Auburn that the Vols had five players score in double figures; that was also the only other league game Tennessee scored 80 points (81-55).
The three seniors — Chism, Prince and Maze — said they were relieved to finish their careers in Thompson-Boling Arena with a victory.
“Last year we got beat on a buzzer-beater by Alabama,’’ Chism said. “After the buzzer went off tonight, I said to myself, ‘This is the last time I shoot on these rims.’ ’’
Prince, who took some blame for Pearl’s post-game locker room rant, having committed six turnovers, said it had been a tough day leading up to the tipoff.
“You’re thinking about it all day, that this is going to be your last home game,’’ Prince said. “We’re just happy to get this over and get a win.’’
Maze said the crowd left him with a memory.
“After that technical, that was as loud as I’ve heard our crowd for consecutive defensive plays,’’ Maze said. “When the crowd gets behind you like that, it gives you that extra strength and confidence.
“I understand we can play better basketball.’’
UT senior walk-on Quinn Cannington got into the game in the final minute. Cannington, from Fulton High School, missed a 3-pointer, but had the honor of dribbling out the clock as the final seconds ticked off the clock.
The Vols close the regular season at 6 p.m. at Mississippi State on Saturday.
The Bulldogs (21-9, 9-6) are on the proverbial NCAA tournament field “bubble” after dropping an 89-80 decision at Auburn Wednesday night.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 137
stayingorange writes:
Nice win. Close it out Saturday at MSU.
Mule_Days_King writes:
Way to send the seniors off with a big win. Gonna miss these guys.
chucka writes:
Just win baby! Don't care how we got it, just mark one in the left hand collum and move on! Go Vols!
tnbud62#231266 (Inactive) writes:
great to send the vols out with a win
keepitreal4vols writes:
I HATE DIRECTV...NO CSS.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Didn't see much, but liked what I saw! Good luck in Starkville Sat!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
yeah, same deal here... Did you try espn360?
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
A little inconsistent, but a much needed win. Hope we stay with the big lineup for MSU, we'll need it for a tough opponent. Can't take this one for granted.
ClutchHop32 writes:
good job guys, Prince,Maze,and Chism played great!!! Hopson is going to be an absolute STAR!!! Might be the best ever when he leaves!!!
tapeworm writes:
Regrettably, this was not a nice win, or even a big win, or a way to send the seniors off. It was only a win - and a suspect win at that. We DON'T close.
We had a great excuse - the KY game. What's the excuse in the SEC or NCAA Tournament?
We can't play great one game and street ball in the next like we did tonite or in the Dance.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Hopson looked good tonight, that's for sure!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
I agree they kind of let Arkansas hang around, but give me break, they won the game!
I don't think they need an excuse when they win, do they?
As far as the dance, only one team can go on a 6-game win streak against the best teams in the country... they'll be ready; I'm not worried.
Ironcity writes:
Try to just enjoy a game instead of going Bobby Knight on us. Did they play there best? no! Was the game ever in doubt No! Go Vols
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Actually, in some sick way, I kind of miss seeing the folding chairs growing wings and flying onto the court.
lomas98 writes:
Would love to see your comments if they lost tonight. Would closing be going on a 9-0 run like against KY to win this game by 15. The only thing we are playing for right now is NCAA seeding and all I know is winning this game as opposed to losing it didn't hurt. Get a life and cheer up.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Yeah! Now do this in the tournament. Where was McBee tonight?
ccantrell#227456 writes:
Coach on post game show. And he isn't happy. He expects March play to be a lot more focused, and players to be spent in the locker room. He said no one isn't. JP had 1 assist and 6 T/O's. Play will have to pick up for this team to do any damage in post season play. He's coaching tonight in the post game interview. Go BP...
Go Vols...
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Good win! JP dunks! Hopson grows up just a little more tonight. Good numbers for 3 seniors and the 4th had a shot!
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Seriously though, this team will be 23-7 going into the SEC tourney, 24-8 going into the big dance. and finish this season 26-9 once again failing in the sweet16. But big things are shaping up for the future. Possible a #2 recruiting class if BP gets that big guy.
orangecountyvols writes:
This one was not a big surprise. After a big win over KY, senior night, all the emotion etc. Still, never too proud to take a win and we need to give Arkansas a little credit for hanging around and making the Vols work for what they got.
Prob a good "T" Bruce got. The mugging Kenny Hall got was obvious ( head lock ) but that's SEC basketball and it gets physical as we saw. Great scoring balance for the Vols.
zigvol writes:
Nice win! Going to be tough on the road at a must win for Miss. St. on senior night.. GO VOLS
virginiavolfan writes:
Tenn starters 132 minutes Arkansas starters 142 minutes. Steven Pearl plays 21 minutes with 2 ponits 2 rebounds 3 assists 1 block 2 turnovers and 3 fouls. Kenny Hall plays 8 minutes with 3 rebounds 1 block and two fouls. Melvin Goins plays 14 minutes with 9 points 1 rebound and 3 assists. Yeah SP had a great block but if this kid continues to play these minutes then we are going no where in either tournament. And for those of you that says he only gets alot of minutes when we have guys in foul trouble. I guess tonight proves you wrong.
pj_ladyvolnMI writes:
Pearl isn't sounding pleased with how they played, but so glad it was a win. BTW, I just saw this article about Calipari hurting his hand during the TN game punching a clipboard...haha...and here we were just hearing his positive spin. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/st...
tapeworm writes:
You're wrong about playing for an NCAA seeding. We were playing to prove that we're for real - all the time - not just occasionally.
Had we lost tonite, how would that look against a team that was 14-16, and had lost to just about everybody in the SEC?
I'm not big about winning by major margins - just winning by controlling the game. Which we didn't.
Down_The_Field writes:
go job guys. we can win the next one.
it is GREAT to be a Tennessee Volunteer!
BradleyJKinkaid writes:
These Vols have grit. GBO!
JACK8254 writes:
you see that often where the HC of the home team gets a T, either thru passion or by design, the crowd gets fired up and the team gains energy and focus. Bruce Pearl is a smart and intuitive coach, We could use one like him during FB season. Hail Bruce! Go orange!
lomas98 writes:
I have seen teams control the game for 38 minutes and choke in the end and lose. I will take a win over controlling anyday. We ARE playing for NCAA seeding by not losing to teams like Arkansas. At this point it doesn't matter how you win them, just win them. Winning against Ark doesn't make them a higher seed, but losing sure would lower them. I think when Arkansas had no more than a 2 point lead the whole game, that is controlling the game. I think you better re-examine your expectations of this team. If you are going to be one to want Pearl fired for not winning the national championship, you are delusional. I think they are capable of winning two in the SECT and a 50/50 chance of beating KY again. I think sweet 16 birth is about the furthest this team can go with the lack of consistent shooting away from TBA.
Cldvols1 writes:
Way to send the seniors out @ home with a win, now on to MSU to send em out winners of the reg season! GBO
carbonzip writes:
Off to the dance!
wildcatbasketball writes:
Congrats VOL Seniors on your last home game win!!!..
Looking forward to the SEC tourney!!
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
It was on ESPN 360 as well.
newportvol writes:
Dude I was at the game.. SP got one of the biggest ovations when he was in the game.. The guy is like Dane Bradsaw All heart makes smart plays.. He got robbed when that charge got called.. Steven Pearl has earned every minute of playing time he gets.. If he was not producing on the court he would be sittin beside of SwiperBoy
newportvol writes:
We could of won by more..But The refs were awful.. I thought the 20,000 fans were gonna storm the court..
jasonn1970 writes:
Wayne, you're one of my all-time favorite Vols. Only names like King and Lofton rank ahead of you. You're right there with Ron Slay in my book. You will be missed. J.P., you were always there for the big moments the past 3 seasons. Your clutch free throws will always be remembered. Bobby, you've been a calming influence and always had a knack for hitting a clutch basket - you will be missed. And nobody around here will ever forget how you outplayed Sharon Collins.
BubbaJ writes:
Gosh Scottie, it sure didn't take you long after the game to find this chat room. Good game for you either way.
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
Great to see Steven produce the way he does. He will never have the greatest stats, but he does his job.
As far as the big dance goes, it depends on the seeding. I think if we could get a 3 or 4 seed, we could possibly make sweet 16. A 5 seed or higher and we get knocked out in second round.
wildcatbasketball writes:
Is there any game that the Vols play that someone does not complain about the refs? UT wins and loses and the refs are always brought up? why? GREAT WIN VOLS...
Bogytrain writes:
I rarely complain about the refs, but they were really bad tonight. Anyone that watched the game could see that!!
Scottie, you are awesome. Next year, this will be your team. Be a leader man, you'll have 5 top-notch freshmen to lead....
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
What is with the hating on S. Pearl? Who are you going to put in there that will do better?
He isn't the greatest player in UT history, but he isn't the worst. He has delivered some quality minutes, he understands his role, and he makes the "right" play more often than not.
richvol writes:
Yeah,he shouldn't be happy about the way we played. Six really stupid turnovers by Prince kept Arkansas in the game and brought back memories of his boneheaded plays over the course of the season.
UT just coasted to this win and I realize that we can't be as sharp all the time as we were against Kentucky in the first half Saturday but it was senior night. I and everyone else wants to see this team sustain quality play for 40 minutes...not in five minute stretches.
Pearl played his best game...he is becoming a glue type player.
Bogytrain writes:
Everyone focuses on Pearl Jr's bad plays (just a few of them) and forget the great plays he makes. He's playing because he has earned the playing time - period.
Just ask Fortson when he brought that weak c rap into Pearl Jr's house!! My favorite rejection of the year....
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
Call me a whiner, but I swear the refs do seem to bust on the Vols and Lady Vols at home. When it is really bad, CPS or CBP will throw a fit, get "T'd" up and suddenly the crazy calls go away.
Dude and Hall both got T'd Up, but no foul was called on the headlock dude put on Hall. It was beyond an intentional foul.
walt23tn writes:
Thank you SENIORS for choosing the University of Tennessee! We appreciate your commitment, your heart, and your effort. You guys, along with Bruce Pearl, have made the Tennessee Volunteers a basketball program to be proud of. Thank you for choosing us! You are and will always be Tennessee Volunteers no matter what happens after this year. Thank you Bruce for coming here, and making us what we are. I've never been more proud to be a fan, and this is the most emotional Senior Night in my 34 years. Thank you guys, really.
walt23tn writes:
Oh yeah, the coolest thing I've heard this year was when the announcers said LeBron James' name and Steven Pearl's name in the same sentence over a block. That's KICK A**!!!
dlobh writes:
You honestly think that Pearl's boy deserves the 2nd most minutes off the bench? More than Hall, who can actually dunk and is a strong physical presence, or McBee, who can shoot the three, or Goins, who can handle the ball and take it to the basket? One thing you can always count on is Pearl getting a shot just pathetically swatted away. Yes, he makes a few hustle plays. He'll probably make a good coach some day himself, but he shouldn't be getting 22 minutes a game.
tdvol1989 writes:
Yes, Yes, Yes. We should be somewhat positive, but let's just get down to it. This game was unimpressive. Some of the same "streetball" issues and keeping up with Fortson was tough. That is the postseason though. Guardplay wins tourney games.
We have had several 20 win seasons and NCAA Appearances. I am thankful for all of them. But, what is missing is an SEC Tourney Championship and something special in the NCAA's.
That means getting on a hot streak and just playing good basketball every game for almost the entire game. We cannot play down to any opponent and we have to blow out the weaker ones. Sorry, I don't buy the "every SEC win is tough" argument and neither does the Selection Committee. Remember when we were all suprised to be in an 8/9 matchup last year? This ain't football and SEC BBall is down in the eyes of everyone outside of the SEC.
Plus, I live in Arkansas and I am already hearing the "I though ya'll would blow us out" junk.
And, don't play the "they were fighting for the postseason" card because after Saturday, that is everyone we play. WE are the ones that need to play that way. This was supposed to be the year. We'll see on Saturday. Play like that game means something even though it doesn't. A road game with a bubble team is a good rehearsal for playing teams that have to win.
I will give props to the free throw shooting.
walt23tn writes:
Coach knows what's he's doing. When you win 20 games a year for 5 straight years, then we will let you have a say in reserve minutes. Don't second guess the best coach in the SEC, you just look stupid.
LadyVolsEighTimes writes:
You just gotta know that Daddy Pearl said,,,,"That's My Boy!", on that block!
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Mine too! The announcers even compared it to a LeBron-type play.....then they noted.."mark your DVR's because that is the only time you will ever hear Steven Pearl and LeBron in the same context"..or something like that. He DID play well and HAS earned his minutes for sure!!!
BTW, Fortson's legs looks just like a frogs when he jumps...guess he is croaking like one right now!!!!!
ribbit.............
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