NASHVILLE - Tennessee suffered a Music City Meltdown on Saturday afternoon in Bridgestone Arena.
The Vols lost their offensive continuity and composure against No. 2-ranked Kentucky, suffering an inglorious end in the semifinals of the SEC tournament.
Kentucky handed UT the most lopsided loss of coach Bruce Pearl's five-year Knoxville era, scoring a 74-45 victory before a Big Blue-dominated crowd of 20,207.
The 15th-ranked Vols (25-8) now await tonight's NCAA tournament selection show. UT entered the SEC tournament projected as a No. 4 seed and isn't expected to fall lower than a No. 5 seed, if it slips at all.
The Vols had won five straight heading into Saturday's game and split the regular-season series with the Wildcats (31-2).
Tennessee never led in this one, and Scotty Hopson was the only UT player to score in double figures with 11 points.
Kentucky freshman post DeMarcus Cousins dominated the lane from the outset, posting game-highs with 19 points, 15 rebounds and three steals.
With Cousins controlling the paint and All-SEC guard John Wall (14 points) slicing to the rim, the Wildcats closed the first half on a 9-0 run to build a 32-19 halftime advantage.
"We had to exert a lot of energy against LSU and Ole Miss, and we needed to be fresher and more furious to compete with Kentucky,'' Pearl said. "Playing a third game in three days is a real factor when you're playing a physical team like Kentucky.''
The Vols rallied in the second half when J.P. Prince scored on a three-point play to spark a 9-1 run that drew UT to 44-39 with 9:24 left.
Kentucky's Patrick Patterson answered with a dunk, igniting the Wildcats' raucous crowd, and Eric Bledsoe (17 points) buried a 3-pointer the next trip down.
"When we hit that three,'' Cousins said, "the beatdown was on.''
The Vols made one of 12 shots the rest of the game as the action grew more physical by the minute, climaxing with the ejection of UT point guard Melvin Goins at the 3:33 mark.
Goins and Cousins were whistled for double technicals, and Goins was ejected, after officials ruled the diminutive guard was too physical fighting through a screen set by the 6-foot-11, 270-pound Cousins.
"It wasn't above and beyond the physicality of that game,'' said Goins, whose ejection was a result of the flagrant foul. "It wasn't intentional.''
Cousins, largely held in check in the teams' first two meetings, disagreed: "That wasn't accidental.''
Big men Wayne Chism of UT and Daniel Orton of Kentucky were whistled for double technicals earlier after exchanging words.
"They were letting them play jail ball out there,'' said UT post Brian Williams, who suffered a strained back when he took a shove from behind in the first half. "We lost our composure and tried to do the same thing as them, and we got whistled for technicals and flagrants.''
Both coaches said their teams could have handled the intensity of the game better.
"We got good kids . . . they react to things wrong,'' Wildcats coach John Calipari said. "We've had things happen and guys say stuff, and you just shake your head.''
Pearl said the game was chippy from the opening tip.
"There was too much jawing out there,'' he said. "Both teams lost their composure.''
And the Wildcats found their shooting touch from the perimeter, enabling them to turn the game into a runaway.
Kentucky connected on eight of 22 attempts beyond the 3-point arc against the Vols after making just one of 13 against Alabama on Friday.
The Wildcats also held a commanding 44-29 advantage in rebounds and forced 15 turnovers that led to 16 points.
"It was their second shots and ability to dominate us inside, and then obviously the guard play with Wall and Bledsoe both playing well,'' Pearl said. "Their ball screens against the zone were also more effective this time.
"But this team has accomplished a lot, and I've been very proud of them. We just have to regroup.''
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Comments » 156
CoverOrange writes:
Goins should learn that when games are televised nationally, millions will know that that chicken wing flying out was not accidental. Great acting by Cousins to flop over from being hit AT the belt line, not below it.
Kentucky played great defense. Every shot was contested. Very few open looks.
RoadTrip writes:
Kentucky outplayed us. They also had some convenient help from the refs, particularly Sirmons. Decided to check him out on StatSheet.com. Turns out he sticks it to us all of the time. The highest rate of fouls per game in the SEC are the Vols when he is on the floor. This year we had 3 more fouls per game than any other SEC school with him. Coincidence - nah!
james#216392 writes:
How can you say it wasn't accidental? i played a lot of play and have started back up the floor when someone is in front of me. The automatic thing is to put your arms up. I didn't see anything that should call for an ejection. Cousins has done much much worse and hasn't been ejcted.
james#216392 writes:
5 vs 8 all day long. At half the fouls were 12-6. TN couldn't possibly win today.
jryevols#222657 writes:
As fans we should be totally embarassed about the number that showed for this game. We had 2780 more that Rupp.Our Vols as well as the head coach should be embarrased as well. I realize that they are beat up and it is tough having to play three in a row , but the play and coaching were not even close to standard.The three loosing factors. A. Had to be the worst first half officiating that I have seen all year. I guess the same " pot" load of money that purchased all the Kentucky tickets paid off the officiating as well. Don't respond that it was called equal , because all of you that stayed home to watch saw it as well. It was as if the officials were afraid to make a call on Kentucky. Bet that mail box will be stuffed tomorrow. 2. Bruce coached his worst game , and he know it. You don't play Kentucky with Steven.I like many of you love the enthusiam that Steven brings to the game , but at a critical time he threw the ball aways twice. Guess it's ok however and there will be happy vibes at the dinner table. 3. The players were ready to go home after breakfast this morning. We missed 14 easy lay-ups ( give-me's ) translates to 24 points. You can't let Chism take any more three point shots. Did Pearl actually think that Kentucky wasn't smart enough to figure out how they were beaten at Tennessee. Here is how you beat a zone , let Steven guard the basket. " Wow" now we get a chance at the show............ do not be surprized Vols fans at a one and done. I love my Vols better than any of you , but today was a pathetic show form the fans , players and coach. We should all be .............. does it really matter
jryevols#222657 writes:
I agree 1000%. Had to be the worst half of officiating that I have seen this year. I do not disagree that Kentucky came to play , but will not agree that they are a better team. Maybe they will draw a team at the dance that isn't intimidated by their size and will just stand and watch them slam all day. These officials today will not have to call for some time , due to the amount of money their mailboxes will be stuffed with tomorrow.
gillblog writes:
When they play like they are capable of playing and Cousins 'feels' strong inside, UK is a near-NBA team.
The Vols lost this one on explosiveness and height.
The reverse of which gave them a win in Knoxville.
Well, yes and also on a lot of defensive breakdowns probably due to the frustration that comes from fatigue.
Some rest will be more important to them in moving thru the brackets than a win against UK would have today.
RoadTrip writes:
Followed up on the other two refs - turns out Tony Greene sticks it to us the most in the SEC as well. Jordon does not call enough games to get on the top 100 list. So the Cats get two refs that hate us with one that's a throw-in.
Checked out another all time favorite - Valentine. Same story - more fouls called on us than other SEC schools. They all must have formed a hate Bruce club or something.
eduardo writes:
I wish Goins had nailed the dude in the chops!!! Cousins is a goon!!! I agree with Williams that was a rook job with the officiating!!!
eduardo writes:
Can Doug Sirmons...I never want to see that guy ref one of our games!!!!
budd#207344 writes:
To Coach Bruce Pearl;
Please pass along my thanks to the coaches and players for a great season. Given the loss of players and other distractions during the year the performance was beyond belief. I screamed watching us beat Kansas and was jumping up and down as we beat ky in TBA. The entire group showed the heart and drive that made me proud to be able to say I am a VOL. You gave us more than our money's worth and I thank you. Go to the dance, have fun and win a couple more
SEC1 writes:
Tennessee, the name volun "TEARS" fits you guys perfectly because we can still hear the whining in Nashville.
Southland writes:
Please guys even if its true dont blame the refs. The last thing a UT fan should want to do is sound like a UK fan. They are saying the same thing and they won by 29. We got our heads handed to us and we can move on and try to do something in the tournament. I, because of my job, have to live in Ky, and I listen to their whining and moaning all the time. I dont want UT fans to sound like them, ever.
wildcatbasketball writes:
This article was posted at 8:07 pm...I am betting the "over" we get more than 30 posts blaming the refs on the 29 point loss!!
Any takers?
osbymartin#581730 writes:
Wow! Why you have you got to be on UT like that? Is it because we have dominated the Gators the last 5 years in BB or is it the fact that the Gators were the ONLY one of the big 4 to lose to the West before today. Is it because the Gators lost in the Quarters? Is it the fact that the Gators MAY get lucky and slide into the tournament as a low seed? Is it because they could go to the NIT for a 3rd straight year? Well I am sorry that you have to project your disappointment in your Gators on UT!
osbymartin#581730 writes:
wow is all I can say..how does 14 easy layups equal 24 points??
wildcatbasketball writes:
Well said!!
V_O_L_S_GO_VOLS_GO writes:
You guys are starting to sound like Florida fans on our site now... Keep talking, because everyone knows that UK is a basketball school--ONLY. We'll keep winning in both sports, taking a few from UK every now and then, but we'll always dominate you in football. I love my koolaid, so back off. :)
flatrock writes:
Kats won the boards and the loose ball contests
all day. When Vols would make a run, they would
miss a one-footer or easy tip and the momentum flipped.
Officiating had nothing to do with the outcome.
Kentucky looked fresher, more focused and played
at a higher level all day. It looked like a
future NBA team playing a future European
team. Only a New York Times Investigation
Team could have slowed the Wildcats today!
wildcatbasketball writes:
I do not mean any disrespect. really.
There were lot of posters on here, prior to the game, predicting a UT win. In basketball, Don't think this article mentioned anything about football. At least we are man enough to claim you have a better football program. Man up and say the same about basketball.
Sorry you are upset.
osbymartin#581730 writes:
I will not get on here and blame the refs at all..Refs can influence/determine close games with calls but not blow outs. All fans look for excuses UK fans included. When UT beat UK..there were UK fans that came on here and blamed the refs. The Goins "shot" was what it was... The refs determined it was flagrant and he was gone. If it had been Wall or Cousins UK fans would be defending them and UT fans would be saying it was intentional. The perception of that play depends on which player and fanbase it occurred to..Not trying to start anything just stating an opinion....
tnaseevol writes:
2 wows! to two different posts. And I thought you wanted to come to this board to talk sports.
Your attempt to be so condenscending is just not making it.
Try to get back to your better self.
GBO
Boll_WeeVol writes:
Can anyone clarify this ruling for me? I've never seen play continue and then have free throws awarded for a foul found on the replay. Why did Cousins get to shoot free throws for the Melvin Goins elbow? I realize they asessed a flagrant 2 an ejected him but Cousins got a tech. Do those not offset? We got are ___ beat though. Not the refs fault. When you shoot under 30% from the floor its tough to win.
DaddyVol writes:
20,000 people dressed in blue...and a sum total of only 10 teeth in the entire arena...
KptDBVol writes:
ill agree with all but out coached....that'll NEVER happen as long as he is there. Until his cheating catches up, he doesnt have to coach...talent level is too high. But just as with his last two stops, it will catch up to him. (no final four record, all stripped away)
murrayvol writes:
A blessing very much in disguise I'd say Doc. We'll see.
tomkats3242 writes:
Goins is and will always be a loser. Why did Bruce keep him on the team. He will make Tennessee a laughing matter if Goins and others are not controled or dismissed. He had one chance and now what will happen. We need class people playing ball at UT not trash.
DaddyVol writes:
Hey Wildcat(s)...
You will either be on probation and/or the Godfather will leave you high and dry within 3 years. Mark your calendar.
wildcatbasketball writes:
Do you live in Tennessee? I do and there are more teethless folks here than any state??
Please don't categorize the perception of the state. Have you been to Neyland on a Saturday during a football game? A dentist would have a field day. Please don't go there?
wildcatbasketball writes:
CatScratch--No big deal!! We are playing tomorrow right? No disrepect to Vol Fans because I really do have respect for them but some are ...well...enough said
osbymartin#581730 writes:
LOL! I agree with you on the one hand but I have spent time in KY and NEITHER TN nor KY can say much about the other being toothless. When it comes to that subject we are pretty much equal.
osbymartin#581730 writes:
Okay, one of the two posts was about sports. UTs dominance over FL in BB. Are you just following me around to point out my posts to me? And I have made no attempts at being condescending at all. I have in no way tried to be superior to anyone. Sorry if the math didn't add up.
blue_mist writes:
"They were letting them play jail ball out there,'' said UT post Brian Williams. If anyone should know, it would be him, Tatum, and Goins. I'm surprised Goins didn't try to "shank" Cousins.
DebKY writes:
Throughout the season, Kentucky's players have gotten away with several flagrant vowels!!
Calipari who will do anything to win, obviously told them to go after Chism today.
He once again showed his arrogant ignorance in not being able to control his players. (Orton)
At least Henry's parents were smart and sent him to a school with a coach who has class!
Kansas won today and they will be the #1 overall seed!
wildcatbasketball writes:
Agree!! My point is that their are rednecks in every state. Not sure what this has to do with this article. He does not have a clue..
osbymartin#581730 writes:
Yeah the foul trouble on our bigs didn't help with rebounding and protecting the paint. UK defense did frustrate UT and some of the players made reference to that post game. Yeah this loss wasn't the end all for the Vols. They can regroup and try to make a run in the tourney.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Hey Wildcat and CatScratch! Congratulations! KY played OUTSTANDING today and really put it to our Vols. Good luck in the NCAA's (unless we play again)and if we don't, I hope KY wins the NC! Vol fan first and a KY BB fan second!
wildcatbasketball writes:
I really think that UT will advance to the sweet 16, with the right draw in the tourney, maybe the elite 8!! Anything can happen. Hell, the cats could down early. This is why they call it "March Madness:
Good Luck Vols in the NCAA tourney!!
cloudodust writes:
Won't sugar-coat this one. An embarrassment. Not just the score but the extra shoving, low blows, mouthing, questioning calls, etc will not win points with the Selection Committee for Tennessee. Wherever they send us it'll be a set up to get us knocked out ASAP. After watching the game today, we may deserve no better treatment.
tennrich1 writes:
FOR THE LAST FREAKIN TIME....WHO DO YOU PLAY IF NOT S.PEARL?????WHO?????I know its fun to run down Pearl and critize his lack of athletism...its easy to do that....BUT REMEMBER....WHO ELSE YOU GONNA THROW IT THERE....with the loss of Negedu and Tyler.....WE DONT HAVE ANY OTHER CHOICES AT THIS POINT......PLEASE TRY TO REMEMBER THAT....
osbymartin#581730 writes:
That is very true! It is all about the draw and match ups. I hope we can make a run. Good luck to the Cats. They have the potential for a Final 4 or better
cloudodust writes:
Just offering an olive branch here. Congrats to you and yours. Good luck with MS ST and beyond...
tennrich1 writes:
With all being equal....GIVE ME BRUCE PEARL ANY DAY OVER COACH CAL...I MEAN ANY DAY....We just dont have the talent level that he has...think about it....there are 4 at least first round picks on that team...SHAME ON YOU CAL FOR LOSING A GAME WITH THIS TALENT...
abnermc writes:
The problem w/ the one-sided officiating is not just the fouls but it causes the victim team to be hesitant..afraid to play . It's not just the point difference w/ the fouls . It sets a tone. 13 foul shots to 4 in the 1st half is inexcusable & should be an embarrassment to the officials & Ky.. Poor officiating is ruining college BB. We have come to expect it(all fans ,not just UT) & then brag about being the better team when we win w/ help. Ky. is clearly the better team & didn't need the huge assist they got. I think they are probably the best team in the country if they play even near their potential. Go Vols.BTW there is no way they should have lost to UT or S.C. on ANY court.
vol_tastic writes:
Actually, we have beaten you in the last tewnty-five years in basketball, in fact we beat you in the last twenty five days.... so we can at least claim it a little more than you guys. lol
DaddyVol writes:
3 years and he will be gone. Mark your calendar. John Calipari = Lane Kiffin of SEC Basketball
wildcatbasketball writes:
bigpapa---
Do you have kids? I would assume so based on your screen name. Do you realize that Cousins in still a kid? I know he may look like MAN but he is really young and has a LOT of growing up to do. I would be the 1st to agree with that. If he played for UT would you llike him?
Just asking, It is really easy to dislike someone when he plays for the other team!!
abnermc writes:
Also, is there a bigger idiot than Brad Nessler. He talks constantly about everything but the game.. never tells you who fouled, how many fouls, what the call was,etc. You have to guess what it is by following the camera man.
cloudodust writes:
Calipari has his baggage and may collect another suitcase or two at Kentucky but that's an issue for another day. Today we got whipped. I was surprised CBP kept trying to go inside and kept getting battered in the process. Kentucky played some good D. We did not...
jlf121584 writes:
There is something fundamentally wrong with UT. Explain how a team can beat the #1 and #2 ranked team in the country, then gets blown out by USC, Vandy, and Kentucky something is not right. I love Coach Pearl however, every since the players were reinstated the chemistry on this team has been much different. Then the players that helped keep the team together don't play or don't play nearly as much. Character matters and so does loyalty. I hope I am wrong but Tennessee will be lucky to win one game in the NCAA tournament. To much inconsistency and no consistent leader.
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