Tennessee Men's Basketball
NASHVILLE - Ole Miss was on fire, knocking down its first six shots beyond the 3-point line and looking very much like a team headed for a fifth-straight victory and an NCAA tournament at-large berth.
But Tennessee wasn't ready to go home.
The 15th-ranked Vols withstood the Rebels' furious charge en route to a 76-65 victory before a crowd of 19,123 in the second round of the SEC tournament Friday at Bridgestone Arena.
"Our guys don't want this to end,'' said UT coach Bruce Pearl, whose team has won five straight. "They are playing hard so it can continue. They want a championship, and they want to keep playing.''
Tennessee (25-7) advances to play No. 2-ranked Kentucky (30-2) today (TV: WATE, 1 p.m.) with a trip to the championship game on the line.
The Vols' trio of seniors and sophomore sharpshooter Cameron Tatum keyed Friday's victory.
Wayne Chism scored 16 points and pulled down 15 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the season, J.P. Prince scored 17 points, Tatum poured in 15 and Bobby Maze had 13 points.
"I knew we were all right when J.P. hit that first 3-pointer,'' said Maze, who scored 10 of his 13 in the second half. "We knew Ole Miss couldn't hit those 3-point shots forever. We were playing team defense.''
Maze was correct; after the 6-of-6 start from beyond the arc, the Rebels made 3 of 19 the rest of the game.
In the meantime, Prince was 2-of-2 shooting the 3-pointer and Tatum was 4-of-4 from beyond the arc through the first 20 minutes, forcing Ole Miss (21-10) to settle for a slim 35-34 halftime lead.
"When they leave you open, you're supposed to be able to make those shots,'' Prince said. "Coach (Pearl) tells me 'if you make plays early, everyone will follow.' ''
Pearl has also sold the Vols on playing defense. The Rebels shot .386 from the floor and committed 14 turnovers - nine by All-SEC guard Chris Warren (16 points).
"Defense is really what's put Tennessee in the position they are in,'' Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy said. "The thing that's a constant from them, they don't turn it over very much and they really guard you.
"Their bigs are mobile enough they can switch those high ball screens ... and a couple of times today it led to turnovers.''
The game was tied 44-44 with 15 minutes left when the Vols took control, Chism scoring inside to spark a 9-0 run capped by a Tatum drive that made it 53-44 with 13:15 left.
The Rebels aided the UT run by missing all four free throws they attempted during the Vols' rally.
Terrico White pulled Ole Miss within 57-54 on a drive to the basket with 8:19 remaining, but the Rebels never regained the lead.
As they have many times this season, the Vols clamped down on defense down the stretch.
The Rebels missed their next six shots and turned the ball over three times, enabling UT to build a 68-58 lead when Chism split a pair of free throws at the 3:42 mark.
White, who scored 14 points, ended the dry spell with a putback at the 3:25 mark to get Ole Miss within single digits, but UT turned back any comeback hopes by hitting 8 of 12 free throws to close out the win.
Woolridge Appears: UT sophomore Renaldo Woolridge came off the bench with 16:49 left when Steven Pearl left the game with an apparent wrist injury. Two minutes later, Woolridge was in the scoring mix, burying his first 3-pointer since a Jan. 31 win over Florida in Knoxville. Woolridge blocked a shot on Ole Miss' ensuing drive down the floor.
First For Pearl: Bruce Pearl can say he has a winning record in SEC tournament games for the first time in his 5-year tenure with the Vols. UT improved to 5-4 with the win over Ole Miss.
Scotty Not Too Hotty: Scotty Hopson was 2-of-11 shooting and 0 of 5 beyond the arc, bringing the sophomore's four-game shooting total to 3 of 29 from the floor and 0 of 15 from beyond the 3-point arc in Bridgestone Arena.
"He clearly doesn't have confidence shooting the ball in this building, and that's something he's going to have another opportunity to overcome tomorrow,'' Pearl said.
Trends Continue: The Vols are now 24-0 when they out-shoot their opponent, 22-0 when their opponent scores 69 points or less, 19-0 when their opponent shoots less than 40 percent from the floor and 7-0 when Chism records a double-double.
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Comments » 50
rockytopatl writes:
I'm afraid we'll be badly outnumbered fan-wise in our own state. Vol fans need to roll out and get those tickets from fans of losing teams to generate some noise and support tomorrow.
rootin4volz writes:
I like those trends...Let's keep that up against the Kitties tomorrow!!!
richvol writes:
The two shots that Hopson hit were from two feet...that should tell him to go to the basket instead of shooting threes. How about showing some energy tomorrow.
mdvol writes:
Showdown Saturday! Bruce versus Slime Ball Calipari. Similar to Pat versus Slime Ball Auriemma. Similar to Kiffin versus Slime Ball Meyer. Wait...not sure about that last one.
OwensboroVol writes:
I just saw Mike Slive on TV (Don't know if it was a Kentucky only feed) and he declared the Kentucky Wildcats the "DOMINANT" program in SEC Basketball. He gave no credit whatsoever to Florida's back to back Championships or Tennessee's entrance to the national scene. Did anyone happen to sense the change in the Officials attitudes and the fouls they were calling in todays UK/Alabama game at halftime. I believe Mr. Slive got the word to the officials that they had better start ensuring that Kentucky would be around for the finals. This guy has got to go from the SEC.
flatrock writes:
Vols will need Softty Hopson to play at same level
as Chism, Prince, Maze, Tatum and Williams if they
are to make a run at 'Cats.
BIVOLAR_BEAR writes:
Very funny!!
CoverOrange writes:
What's the difference between Steven and Scotty? Steven knows he can't shoot and doesn't.
No, that's not a knock on Steven Pearl.
BIVOLAR_BEAR writes:
Goin's will need to play well also, remember the first game with UK, Goins held the team together and was very impressive in Lexington..the fact that this is UT's third game should make Goin's a valuble relief to Maze for much needed rest..GBO!!!
stevefrommemphis writes:
My contempt for Slive continues to grow.
Good catch, Owensboro Vol. Your post is going straight to my friends at LSU who are still furious over the professional wrestling approach toward the LSU-Alabama football game at Tuscaloosa.
Alabama football was not called for holding in any of their last SEVEN SEC games of the 2009 season.
fpcoach writes:
Most Vol fans are not going to shell out the crazy dollars that cat fans are spending on tickets. I live in Nashville and it is insane what they are paying for tickets. Win tomorrow and there will be plenty available for sundays game.
Bogytrain writes:
Speaking of the officiating, how about the call on UT when the two Ole Miss players ran INTO EACH OTHER and fell down. Granted, the ref was a solid 5 feet away, so it must have been real difficult to figure out......
Maybe I'm biased, but I just don't see the refs blowing easy calls in our favor.
BigHornBuckShot writes:
Well it definitely looks like 3 SEC teams in the big dance now. Unless Miss. St. wins it all. Florida is gone. Ole Miss is gone. Kentucky a 1 seed, Vandy a 3 seed, and Tenn. a 4 seed. That is it.
bjohns23 writes:
Scotty Hopson's confidence will not be helped if he continues to shoot the three all of the time - he has way too much talent driving the ball to the basket - even if he doesn't score on those drives, he gets the defense moving and leaves another open shooter to dish to or has the lay up option - he is not going to shoot himself out of this slump and we NEED him to score to have a chance against UK - come on Scotty, I have seen you do it and know you can let your talent take over!
On another note, I almost wish Woolridge would not have made that 3 point shot because he shoots the 3 way too much especially for a player that is also strong when he drives to the basket - he would still be a strong contributor in the Pearl 10 man rotation if he would just trust his skills. It's great when you make three point baskets but 1 for 10 doesn't help the team. Go VOLS! It's been a great year but let's make it even better.
BIVOLAR_BEAR writes:
I have empathy for you, I thought the Bridgestone Ctr had a dental plan for the EVS employees???
crimsonviper writes:
Maze looked like he found another gear at 9 mins. left yesterday.
IMO, game of the week is today....GBO!
ArealVolFan writes:
Says the guy who drives a Prius.
BIVOLAR_BEAR writes:
No doubt CV, he was playing inspired BB, and the play of Wheezy was vital..I think he only had one foul as well?? That would be a record low for him in games over 30 min. played..HBTV!!!
BIVOLAR_BEAR writes:
Hey BOK, since we Tennesseans have no jobs and can't attend..Could you be a dear and gather us some plastic logo cups while you are cleaning the arena tonight???
VOLsince68 writes:
Oh, another 1D10T...............ignore it and maybe it will go away.
GO VOLS!!!!!!!
BubbaJ writes:
Good point BOK! Wish that more Vol fans were on board in Nashville, thousands live there. That said, it's also sad that Vandy fans have also failed to show in their own town. I can't stand the Dores, but they have a very good basketball team, and quitely they may steal the whole show.
jawbreaker writes:
"Trends Continue: The Vols are now 24-0 when they out-shoot their opponent, 22-0 when their opponent scores 69 points or less, 19-0 when their opponent shoots less than 40 percent from the floor and 7-0 when Chism records a double-double."
Are stats like these not somewhat self-evident, or am I missing something?
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
I think KY and UT aren't h#ll bent to win this tourney..Both are strong seeds and just want to go home and regroup for the big dance..But this is still a bitter rivalry and both will play hard!!It was nice to watch the vols rip out Kennedy's heart!! It would be extremely smart on Bruce's part to bench Hopson for Tatum..Starters should be Maze;Tatum;Prince;Williams and Wayne with Scotty off the bench at the 14 minute mark..I don't know if anybody else noticed but when Brian got his third foul Bruce pulled him and sent in Pearl;Hall and McBee..WE had momentum and a 9 point lead which evaporated in less than 3 minutes..Right away Hall had 2 turnovers that lead to a 5 point swing..It really was scary knowing that our bench players couldn't even execute simple passes and run the offense..I don't want to be negative after a good win but 1 month ago all 3 were playing pretty solid but after those 4 minutes; we went from almost blowing the game open to a mere 2 point lead..Does anybody have a solution for this???
BIVOLAR_BEAR writes:
So should UT have tanked both of those games??
I can't say I feel sorry for MSU or Ole Miss because UT kicked their azz..Maybe it's just me, but it appears you are whining that UT won those games...UT is trying to improve it's seeding and win the SEC tourney, if they beat UK again and finally beat Vandy, they could go as high as a #2 seed..Just a thought.
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
If we win the tourney;which would be a tall order; we will earn a 2 seed..Anyway you slice it as long as we get a 4 seed or better our first 2 games become very winnable..A lot of brackets show us playing in the far west;something we don't need..I find it amusing how MISS ST always plays their best basketball in the SEC tourney..Vandy vs State will be another great game.
BIVOLAR_BEAR writes:
Agreed, that west seed is a joke..Either way UT will get the toughest bracket..It's like UT can get no love..lol
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Your right it was Goins and not McBee..What is your take on Halls regression?? It seems to be a lot more than just getting stronger.
Carlitovol writes:
off-topic.. just saw on ESPN where Jeremiah Masoli (Oregon stud QB) is suspended for the entire season next year - he pled guilty to burglary.. Also, LaMichael James (RB) is suspended for 1 game, so I'm guessing he'll be suiting up against the Vols (assuming we are their second game of the season)...
Masoli was a potential heisman frontrunner, so I'm sure this will give us a much better shot of taking them down come September... GBO!!
ArkyVol73 writes:
No there isn't a solution. They have to play, and I agree with you that they had a bad game all of the bench on the same day. We had 3 runs in the game and 2 were answered when our bench was playing. It was just one of those days. When Ole Miss was in the zone I was hoping to see Mcbee in the game. He certainly couldn't shot any worse than Hopson from 3. (0-5) They were able to rest guys legs though without terrible damage. One thing I did notice, there maybe something to the "basketball", because our sure handed and most pure ballhandlers were having problems. We'll need the whole team today though! GBO! BEAT KENTUCKY BLUE!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
The brand-new shiny balls used in tourney play are a problem everywhere. Brand-new balls are hard and slippery, but far be it from any tourney officials to use a slightly-worn one with the whole country watching on HD-TV! Actually, this is not a new issue. I remember years ago, Bill Russell complained about the same thing in the NBA playoffs. He said that during the regular season, the home team basically chose the game balls with the concurrence of the visitors, and they mostly used balls that had a little game time on them. Then in the playoffs the league insisted on using brand-new balls and the players fumbled them all over the place until they got a little wear on them. This was way before the controversy another poster mentioned about the new balls the NBA introduced a few years ago with NO input from players at all. If you look at all the tourneys around the country, you will see low shooting percentages and high turnover totals. Some of this could be fatigue, familiarity with opponents leading to better defense, tourney pressure, and all kinds of other factors, but the common denominator is those darned new balls!
Rockytop98 writes:
BOK go back under the porch or you Mom's basement! You are pathetic!! GBO!!
elbtenn#502977 writes:
S(R3W Mike Slime!
John_10065 writes:
Unfortunately Hopson has an miserable perimeter shooting history in Nashville. We really need him to get the monkey off his back. One more perimeter threat is going to be important in the post season. We're starting to get a reputation to be unable to hit from the outside. That makes us very threatened by a good zone defense...like 'Cuse if we get that far.
On the other hand at least we're starting to hit FT's, not at 80% or better but it is starting to happen. There was a time in Pearl's tenure I would have started fouling 5 minutes before the end of the first half and about 8 minutes before the end of the second. I don't think that is true anymore.
rockytopatl writes:
Great point about FT shooting. Hope we aren't jinxing them by pointing it out.
HtownVol writes:
THIS IS CRAZY!!!
UK gets EVERY CALL!!!!!!!
HtownVol writes:
Steven Pearl just made a lay up, but he is getting beat up in the paint. And he is not even trying to get rebounds. Tennessee plays good for moments, but there have been a lot of very lazy plays.
We all know UT dont have a chance ONLKY because the refs will not allow Tenn to win this game. What is the foul situation? 7 on UT, 2-3 on UK?
eduardo writes:
TOTAL CONSPIRACY.....Every Call to Kenlucky and it is not even close...If we dont get calls in second half we will get beat by 50!!!
HtownVol writes:
I know, I have already seen many times a UT player got hammered by a UK player and no call. This is so obvious that it is pre-determined that UK will win this game.
It does not help that coach Pearl has played his kid over half of the first half. I say this because UK is the biggest team in the country and Steven Pearl (6'6) has no rebounds so far. Why can Bruce not see that he can not be keeping Steven in the game?
Please tell me that you all agree that this game is not one that Steven Pearl should be playing 15-20 minutes.
HtownVol writes:
The calls will be more fair until Tennessee gets close then they will make sure UK gets to the line. BOOK IT!
HtownVol writes:
Perfect example just now! Chism just got fouled on his lay up...NO CALL! 1 minute into the 2nd half.
HtownVol writes:
More of the same in the 2nd hald. Cousins just ran over SP ...NO CALL, then Hopson touches Wall..FOUL. How can these refs make these calls?
HtownVol writes:
Can you all believe they called a offensive foul on UK?? Really it happened.
HtownVol writes:
OMG!!! another offensive foul on UK!!! I guess Slive let them know it was becoming obvious that they were giving UK the game.
HtownVol writes:
Well Tennessee has gave up. They have played no defense on 3 point shots. When Chism missed a lay up with no one near him that killed us. UT is taking horrible shots. 58-41 UK.
UT better take this as a lesson
VolFaninDC writes:
Time for Hamilton to fire up the "moving in the right direction, wait 'til next year" cheer. It works so well for all his other sports at UT.
HtownVol writes:
I am embarressed for this team. 74-45. The 2nd half was the worst I have seen UT play in years. Even worse than the USC game.
I wouldnt be surprised if they drop to a 5 seed after this no show. They dont deserve a 4 seed. Bruce did not get his team ready to play, and I will never understand why he played his kid most of the 1st half. Chism had 2 fouls, I know but split some minutes. I only say it because Steven had no chance3 against the bigs of UK and you all have to agree.
I really hope the team learns from this embarressment.
GO VOLS
HtownVol writes:
The refs gave UKL the game in the 1st half and didnt have to make the calls in the 2nd. I really wish something can be done about how bad this game was called, I know it wont though. Thank god we dont have to play the "pre-determined SEC champs again". Thats exactly what they are. They didnt earn this win, Yes the 2nd hald they killed UT, but the refs gave them the 1st half because of the name on their jersey.
eduardo writes:
Someone in the press asked JP if it was tough down inside since the refs were letting both teams play...Is that guy serious??? Both teams play...try letting one team play!!!
BIVOLAR_BEAR writes:
Agree 100%, bad day but a good overall performance the last week especially..GBO!!!
dave_9131#218260 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
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