Men's Bracket
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Tennessee shattered one glass slipper and slipped into another Saturday afternoon in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
The sixth-seeded Vols eliminated Cinderella 14th-seed Ohio 83-68 in the Dunkin' Donuts Center to advance to their third Sweet 16 in the past four years.
UT (27-8) will play the winner of today's Georgia Tech-Ohio State game on Friday night in the Midwest Regional in St. Louis with an opportunity to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history.
"Our top five guys aren't necessarily going to win in this tournament, but our 10 can,'' said UT coach Bruce Pearl, whose bench held a 28-0 advantage over the Bobcats (22-15). "This is a team with many dimensions, and when we defend and rebound we've got a chance to win.''
The defense started and ended with the No. 15-ranked Vols focused on shutting down Ohio's talented backcourt of D.J. Cooper (16 points on 5-of-15 shooting and five turnovers) and Armon Bassett (seven points, 2-of-10 shooting, seven turnovers).
UT utilized its "Ice" defense to prevent Ohio's guards from reaching the ball screen.
"The plan from the jump was to stop those guards,'' UT junior center Brian Williams said, "and then dominate underneath and on the boards.''
The Vols out-scored the Bobcats 58-12 in the paint with Bobby Maze dishing out nine assists and held a 41-33 rebounding advantage.
J.P. Prince led the Vols with 18 points and Scotty Hopson added 17. Wayne Chism scored nine points and had 12 rebounds and Williams scored eight with 12 rebounds.
"J.P. Prince was the best player in this regional,'' Pearl said. "He played as well as any player in the tournament this weekend.''
It took the best Prince had to offer and more for the Vols to turn back Ohio, which had won six straight, including Thursday's 97-83 first-round upset over third-seeded Georgetown.
The lead changed hands seven times Saturday before Chism scored on a three-point play at the 11:52 mark to put Tennessee up 19-18 and trigger a 10-0 run capped by a Hopson finger-roll at the 8:04 mark.
The Vols rode the momentum into intermission, taking a 38-27 lead into the halftime locker room.
The Bobcats rallied with an 8-2 run that Tommy Freeman (23 points) capped with a 3-pointer that pulled Ohio to 45-40 with 12:57 remaining.
Pearl had substituted frequently throughout the game to keep UT fresh and said he wasn't overly concerned at that point.
"I didn't feel we lost control,'' Pearl said. "It didn't get to the point where I was too terribly concerned that we were going to blow it.''
The Bobcats were within six points, 55-49, with 10:17 left when DeVaughn Washington scored inside for two of his 16 points.
The drama quickly faded: Steven Pearl scored on a drive on the ensuing possession, then blocked a shot leading to a Hopson dunk.
Prince took over from there, scoring on a three-point play and another drive to the basket to make it 64-49 and cap the 9-0 run with 7:03 left.
Ohio failed to chop the lead into single digits the rest of the game.
"I don't know if this is the year,'' Prince said. "We've got more games to play, and we know every one can be our last.''
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 74
HHUUMMBBLLEE writes:
final 4 baby
mmhartz writes:
Great job for the Vols. Bring on Ohio State so we can knock them out this time and not have a repeat of a couple of years ago.
jandjhome#228397 writes:
It may not be Ohio State mmhartz
the58vol writes:
JP has really stepped up his game in the tourney.. Scotty still struggles, even though his shooting improved, his body language and expression shows how fragile he is between the ears. Until he truly believes in himself and "mans up 24/7" he's going to deliver us Vol fans some painful moments.
Great game today, Kansas goes down!!! Rock Chalk this, Jayhawk......Big Orange has a great, great opportunity to get to the Final Four!!
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Wheres that Florida fan that said tonight he would be reading about BOTH bball teams losing today????????
How was it supposed to go again zz??
LEXKYVOLS writes:
No matter who we play Friday or Sunday if we win Friday, the spread will only be 1-2 points either way. It is the VOLS to lose - Final Four!
fpcoach writes:
It really doesn't matter who we play. If the Vols execute Coach Pearl's gameplan and hit a good percentage of OPEN shots, they will win. CBP and staff had the guys prepared today, used his bench and Ohio was done at the end of the game. GBO..........Survive and Advance
fpcoach writes:
When big blue is hitting outside shots, they are almost unbeatable. Your guys were ready tonight. Wake never knew what hit them. GBO
johnlg00 writes:
True, but their back-court is very shaky, they turn it over a lot, and they don't usually shoot free throws well. I have seen them play about a dozen times this year. I would call them dangerous but streaky. They have some good talent but I would pick the Vols over them 3 out of 4 times. Their first five is pretty good but they really only have one good front-court sub and one good back-court sub. Evan Turner and Thad Matta's post-season experience make OSU more dangerous to the Vols than GT, IMHO.
cmajor24 writes:
First time poster, long time reader. Very happy with our performance today. The coaching staff truly had our team ready to play. Where are the naysayers that CBP is not a good coach and that we would be one and done. Truly a grea job by the staff. The team gets too comfortable at times and makes dumb plays but overall, the team has overachieved. This team has a chance to make history by reaching the Elite 8. GBO!
vol_4_fan writes:
Enjoy this till Monday, then it is back to practice and listening to CBP and put the game plan on whoever we play. Right now let's keep playing like this and who cares who we play. Making history! Go Vols
globadoc writes:
One of the first articles that I thought accurately reflected the Vols. On/Off/On/Sleep/Awake/Aggressive/Passive/Hit/Miss....just maddening. But I'm loving every minute of it for now!
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
What pizzes me off is with a little over 6 minutes to go in the game, TN had poss, threw in bounds to Chism who sunk a 3, and Verne Lundquist said "NO! Oh No! They can't let that happen". Now, I don't know about you guys, but sounds like the announcers were pulling for the Bobcats. I hope this team goes far and becomes the team everyone hates and pulls against.
Go Vols
vol_4_fan writes:
A whole lot of truth in this article! Keep on working and stay focused. Go Vols
texasvol73 writes:
That is a great article and I believe dead on. So true, many times when watching their games, I will be mesmerized at the Vols play, then 5 minutes later will be screaming at the TV for how dumb they play. But, excited and happy that we are back in the sweet 16. Program is in great shape right now. Go Vols!
ClutchHop32 writes:
Vols are #1!
rootin4volz writes:
Wow...dead-on article. Let's hope they find the key this week, because the path to the final four suddenly looks very realistic. Go Big Orange!
tennrich1 writes:
I agree and really all of CBP's teams seem that way...but when you look back on the games, you are kinda impressed with the whole body of work..but some individual plays during the game just drive me nuts...Its starting to be fun....What a great job of holding this team together and not just survive the Jan. 1 incident but actually thrive with it...incredible...
johnlg00 writes:
Thanks for the link! A very perceptive article. No question the Vols can either be scary good...or just plain scary! There is no one player of whom it can be said, "If we can just shut down that guy, we can take them." It must drive opponents nuts trying to prepare for them, which just may be the best thing they have going for them in a tournament like this.
BubbaJ writes:
JP Prince is one heck of a basketball player! Yes, JP at times leaves you scratching your head, but he has come up big for this team more often than not.
BubbaJ writes:
Great coaching job by Pearl to get this team to were it is now. For now, you know Pearl will stress that this next one is huge, and no matter the opponent, very winable. Can't look past it, or the run will be over.
ThugTillIDie writes:
"Our top five guys aren't necessarily going to win in this tournament, but our 10 can,'' said UT coach Bruce Pearl. NOT IF YOU KEEP PLAYING YOUR KID! HE IS A LEAD KILLER. WHY IS HE IN THERE ALL THE TIME?
ThugTillIDie writes:
Or Tyler Smith. Still don't understand why unlicensed guns are worse than drugs.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
I've been very impressed the way JP has stepped it up. He gave that interview and talked that talk and since then, he has played like a different person. I'm so proud of you JP! Keep up the great work!
This team wants is bad and I think they just might get it! Great team play with outstanding defense and the offense was much better too!
CBP SHOULD be Coach of the Year and we all know that! A great day for all Vol fans! Thanks guys and girls and CBP and CPS! Tennessee Rules!
VOLS....TCB....KOKO.....GBO!!!!!!!!!!
UTByrd writes:
I had to skip reading the article because I was watching College Gameday on ESPN and they spent about 30 seconds on UT's victory and 3 minutes on Villnova's loss. How's that for no respect?
I will now go back and finish the article.
Go VOLS!!!!!
JACK8254 writes:
This team has mucho heart and toughness. I think is our time to crack the elite 8, but even if that doesnt happen, this has been a great year.
Volumnus writes:
Good game, I am proud of the boys! They played a solid game tip off to buzzer. Good job!
UTByrd writes:
The thing that had me giddy was the defense. I don't know if I've ever seen anything like it. It appears to me to be some kind of hybrid zone/man on man. I don't think it will work as well against a team with a powerful low post game.
But that's Bruce Pearl for you. Not only do you have to worry about what offense to prepare for, CBP has enough depth (out of necessity) to keep teams guessing about what defense they are going to face. It must be nice to be able to scheme different defenses effectively. I love it!
Go VOLS!!!!!
johnlg00 writes:
I just hope we show up in the Final Four and all the talking heads have to say, "Dang! Where did THESE guys come from?" As far as ESPN is concerned, any loss by a Big East team is a tragedy and any win by any SEC team besides Kentucky is a fluke!
volscantball writes:
Don't beat that chest just yet. To let a team that finished eighth in their conference be within six points with ten minutes left is horrible. The Vols and CBP have gotten as far as they can. The Buckeyes will roll. Guess you better be pulling for GT, huh?
Guess it is time to break out the pig skin... what is your coach's name again? I just can't seem to remember...
osbymartin#581730 writes:
Its a good day to be a Vol when the best that you can come up with is UT let them within 6 points LOL! LAME! It is the same team that took Big East tourney runner up to the wood shed!! What was the final score in the UT WIN??? I just can't seem to remember...OH yeah it was a 15 pt win!
manoffewwords writes:
Silly
Madkels writes:
If you linked to the CBS article by Freeman, S. Pearl is the, epitome of it. He blocks a shot, makes a lay up, steals, and turns around and makes a dump shot, or turns the ball over on the inbounds play. Hot/cold, smart/dumb. Kind of like Freeman says, "This, however, will be his biggest challenge because these Volunteers are frightening and frustrating, brilliant and uninspiring ... sometimes all in the same game. Sometimes in the same quarter."
ut98champs#251675 writes:
GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!!
tennrich1 writes:
JP is just a great athlete...he was really strong soccer player as well as basketball...so even though he gets out of control sometimes we are going to really miss him next year...he poses such a match up issue for the other team...
bobbarbilly writes:
I think I saw Verne Lundquist in the movie " Fargo".
Vol737 writes:
Okay, taking an informal poll here. Whose brackets got demolished with Kansas getting beat along with St. Mary's being one of the Cinderella stories? And to think, I switched my Champion pick from KY to Kansas!
BubbaJ writes:
You know, this team just has a good collection of athletic basketball players, not great talent
though. As much as any thing, at the Guard position, Maze, Goins, and Tatum. Then you look at what Chism and Williams offer, it truely can be a tough team at times. Defensively, this team is tough at times, I am not seeing many better at this time. Syracuse is very good, Kentucky can be.
As for OSU or Georgia Tech, both are playing good basketball at this point, but if Pearl and the Vols bring their "A" game, I will not be surprised to see Tennessee make the Elite Eight, it's almost a team of destiny at this point. Pearl will have these guys ready Friday.
KSargent writes:
Totally agree .... Kentucky looked great .. Our Vols are ready to male a run .....
Let's get both to Indy ...
Go Big Blue ......
Go Big Orange ......
How fun would it be to have the final dance in Orange and Blue????????
VolunteerLifer writes:
Really. On Sports Center after the games were over, they featured UT's win last among the eight games, and gave it no analyses or comment other than the short film clips. For all the other games, they gave analyses and comments after they showed the game film.
It seems the only thing the national sports media is interested in are the upsets. If you upset someone, then you are worth commenting upon. But if you defeat a lower seed or one of their darling cinderellas, they don't have much to say about you. We've now beaten two of their most darling cinderellas, so they don't like us much, I guess. If we face and beat OSU, then everyone at ESPN will be mad at us, even though it would be an 'upset." because everyone at ESPN is in love with the Buckeyes. We can't win with these people, so I hope we keep winning and really irritate them.
VolunteerLifer writes:
Yeah, too bad he wasn't the one fed to the wood chipper.
VolunteerLifer writes:
Those who say Tennessee's road to the sweet sixteen has been easy are nuts. None of this is easy. These teams are hard to compete with, and harder to put away. That was not a fluke win for Ohio over Georgetown. We are where we are because this teamed earned it. I for one cannot be more pleased at all of this. Win or lose this next game, this team will go down as one of my favorites. If they win, they'll make history. Another big step for our program is about to be taken. Go Volunteers!!!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Bruce had a great game plan and the players carried it out to a tee..Freeman was the only one we didn't account for but it didn't matter..At midseason most fans were calling for Prince's head..Ive always said he has the most basketball smarts than anyone on the team and know it's paying off..
johnlg00 writes:
Well, it surely wasn't set up that way! The Vols can only play who shows up next. Not every path to an NCAA championship is Murderer's Row. Lots of NCAA champs never faced a single-digit seed until the the Final Four; in fact, the NCAA virtually sets it up that way.
I remember early in Reagan's first term, he was asked why he hadn't met personally with the leader of the USSR. He said, "Well, I've tried, but they keep dying on me." It is hardly the Vols' fault Georgetown and Kansas couldn't take care of THEIR business as well the Vols took care of theirs.
You should be glad I answered your post as if you were just another fan. Most of your posts have an air of trollishness about them.
johnlg00 writes:
This is not a 2d Amendment issue, it is a crime-related issue. The gun had an altered serial number; that was the only legal issue. Criminals often alter serial numbers on guns so they can't be linked to crimes. I believe that Tyler didn't know the serial number had been altered and may not have known it was a serious issue if it was. I surely don't believe he had any criminal intent in possessing it in the first place.
There was no need for the political speech on this issue. Some day we will see how the Supreme Court rules on registration per se, but I don't believe there will ever be a time when guns are MADE without serial numbers, or that altering one won't be a crime.
the58vol writes:
Buckeyes are nuts.....enough said....
johnlg00 writes:
Pretty sure darn near everybody's did! There is almost no likelihood that anybody gets a perfect bracket in any case, but I would bet all those "best bracket" contests will have some of the lowest winning scores ever!
Pompey writes:
Go to h--- Big Blue go to h---, Boom Boom!
HtownVol writes:
Great win UT!
It was a great all around team game. No one dominated, we had a lot of players play their best game in a while.
Williams got 12 rebounds and made his close shots.
J.P was playing very smart and did not make his usual mistakes.
Hopson had confidence for once, but he still can be more aggressive.
I wont start on the usual gripe that I bring up. If we win, I dont care.
What was up with the nerdy kid from Ohio (freeman) yesterday? Was he really trying to take a charge on EVERY play? Or is he just 150 pounds and can not take any contact. Man, that kid fell down to his arss about 12 times, I would think it was a recors for flops. I think he only got the call 1 time.
I think the refs actually let them play, and UT really needs that to keep winnming. UT has the best chance when they do not have foul trouble. For the 1st time in a long time Chism has not had 2 fouls in the 1st 5 minutes. Anyone think that the SEC had a conspiracy against UT?
In SEC play Chism had 2 quick fouls almost every game, and now in the tournament that has not been a issue.
Bruce watch the Tech/OSU game very close today, and please study film very hard! UT did a great job of knowing how to beat Ohio. Especially if we get OSU, Bruce will have to limit E. Turner. OSU is a average team without Turner.
GO VOLS!
I hope we get a lot of fan support in ST. Louis!
johnlg00 writes:
There is no doubt that either GT or OSU will be formidable opponents. As always, much will depend on officiating. IMHO, GT will suffer more if a key player or two get in early foul trouble because they don't have as long a bench. UT has proven they can win without major contributions from the likes of Chism, but I don't think GT has done as well when Favors or Lawal get in foul trouble. I am more concerned about OSU than GT in any case. Turner has proven to be one of the most dominant individuals in the country this year. On the other hand, UT has proven to be amazingly effective in minimizing the damage from any single opponent all year. We all know it is still a long shot for the Vols to make the Final Four, but I feel a lot better about their chances than I did going into the tourney.
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