ST. LOUIS - Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl has said many times throughout his five years with the Vols that he prefers to be consistent with his game-day demeanor.
But with an opportunity to make history via a first trip to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, Pearl threw a change-up at his team in the half-time locker room with Ohio State leading 42-39.
It worked, as the sixth-seeded Vols (28-8) rallied for a 76-73 win over the second-seeded Buckeyes (29-8) Friday night at the Edward Jones Dome.
"I get the question asked a lot of times if we're down at halftime, 'what did you say?' " said Pearl, whose team is 19-1 when leading at the half and now 7-6 when trailing. "Normally, I'm very positive.''
But the Vols don't usually allow an opponent to shoot 55.6 percent from the floor and make 6 of 11 shots beyond the 3-point arc, as Ohio State did through the first 20 minutes.
"I got after them really hard,'' Pearl said. "Fifty-six percent shooting. Ohio State doesn't lose when they out-shoot their opponent. If we're going to do that, we might as well go home, because it's done.
"I challenged their toughness. I said I thought they were intimidated early in that game, and we were not the more physical team in the first half.''
UT senior Wayne Chism heard Pearl loud and clear, knifing to the basket to score 10 of the Vols' first 17 points of the second half en route to 18 points over the final 20 minutes.
"The difference in the second half was I started to put the ball higher off the glass,'' said Chism, who was 1-of-4 shooting through the first half before making 8 of 12 in the second half. "I had to adjust the way I shot in the second half, and I did a great job of finishing.''
Great Start: The Vols struggled to score at the start of the game and were trailing 13-7 when sophomore Cameron Tatum came off the bench and scored five straight points to ignite a 10-0 run.
Tatum scored all 11 of his points in the first half.
"Cameron did a wonderful job in the first half and really picked us up offensively,'' Pearl said. "Cameron's got a level of toughness to him.''
Record Breaker: Chism became UT's all-time leading scorer in NCAA tournament history, now with 138 points in 10 games. Chism passed Chris Lofton (130 points, eight games) and Dale Ellis (116 points, eight games).
Chism had 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Vols improved to 8-0 this season when he records a double-double.
More Trends: J.P. Prince scored 14 points as UT won its 10th-straight game in which Prince has scored in double figures. The Vols are 17-2 on the season when he gets 10 points or more.
Tennessee improved to 27-0 when leading with five minutes left, 26-0 when it out-shoots its opponent, and 16-0 it out-rebounds the opponent.
Hopson Contributes: Scotty Hopson didn't help on the offensive end but he said it wasn't a totally wasted night.
"I didn't have a good shooting game,'' Hopson said after going 1-for-5, "but defense was what was going win us this game. My man didn't shoot the ball any better than I did.''
He was referring to Jon Diebler, who was 1-of-8, including 1-of-7 from 3-point range. Diebler averaged 21.5 points in Ohio State's first two NCAA games and is the school's all-time 3-point leader.
Seed Record: Knocking off No. 2 seed Ohio State was the first time in eight tries Tennessee had beaten a top three seed. The Vols had lost to a No. 1 seed five times, a No. 2 once and a No. 3 once.
Faces In the Crowd: SEC commissioner Mike Slive joined UT athletic director Mike Hamilton for a seat behind the Vols' bench ... UT's Emmanuel Negedu, whose season was cut short by a heart condition, congratulated his teammates in the locker room after the game.
Mike Strange contributed to this report.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
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Comments » 38
miatatom writes:
It's a wonderful time to be a Volunteer basketball fan. GO VOLS!!!
bugman (Inactive) writes:
word up
KptDBVol writes:
Hopson..."my guy didn't shoot any better than i did" Thats classic! Way to go Vols!
TNPilgrim writes:
We are definitely a Basketball school now, so let's get behind these guys! They've got a legitimate chance to go to the Big Dance.
boonhower writes:
I think I'm gonna have to go back now and watch that game to see if Diebler's poor shooting night was attributable to Scotty's defense. I didn't really notice that to be the case during the game, but maybe I'll end up giving Scotty some credit for his defense effort and capability. Then again, maybe not. Oh heck, who cares? WE'RE IN THE ELITE 8 BABY!
urbansitstopee writes:
This isn't meant to be disrepectful to Ray Mears, but now, Bruce Pearl is the greatest men's basketball coach in Tennessee history.
urbansitstopee writes:
No, the guy missed wide open shots. Hopson is the only lazy guy on the team.
Colliervol writes:
Couldn't be prouder of any Volunteer team that I've watched in 50 years of being a fan. Just a great effort by the ENTIRE team with contributions from everybody. And they appear to be playing every game with purpose now. I really liked the look in Wayne's and JP's eyes the last 10 minutes. They were flat out ballin'. Turner was just outstanding for OSU but we pretty much shut off his help and he couldn't finish us by himself.
Again, no predictions one way or the other for Sunday. Just going to enjoy the ride for as long as it will last.
And for you last few stragglers, if you still think Bruce Pearl can't coach basketball, well, nobody should pay the slightest bit of attention to anything you ever say on that subject again. Because it is now quite obvious that you flat out know nothing about basketball and your worthless opinion no longer merits a response.
vol_4_fan writes:
You are a class young man Scotty, nice answer! Go Vols
wayoutwill writes:
First things first,you have a great posting handle and it's true,also it's a fact that Bruce pearl is the greatest oach in our storied history and that includes ray mears,Don Devoe,and Wade Houston,Peterson,Houston Green and anyone else that I didn't name that Coached here at the greatest school in the history of college sports programs!The Vols will soon have the National Title in basketball,there can be little if any doubt that we are the best team left in the NCAA tourney,and that will be proven very shortly,as soon as we step up and knock off the next three opponents that all are three are peeing their britches at the thought of having to face a very fresh,ten deep squad,who have the greatest Coach in the history of college basketball leading them thry this dance.GO VOLS!
Orangeblood13 writes:
Scotty
Get your head out of your arse and play ball. Being Kentucky player of the year used to mean something.......
Here is a new formula for you, get some pep in your step, drive and take a couple layups and short jumpers before you miss wide open three's and walk back down court with your lip draggin
We need you to get to the final four
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Great post wayoutwill. I said basically the same thing after the first two wins. Nobody out there wants to play Tennessee, they are scared shiateless, even KY!
Happy to see Coach Bruce Pearl join Coach Pat Summitt. The two best ever in NCAA! However, Pat does have more cred as she is the greatest coach in the history of basketball, men and women. She has taught CBP a lot since his arrival to UT and its paying off BIG TIME! ITS GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL! GBO!!!
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
Im home now from downtown.........DVR'd the game. Going to watch it in a minute. Wow. Dang.
Bigger_Al writes:
Go Vols! Watched every minute in Australia via CBSSports.Com. Let's get after the Spartans!
matt0812 writes:
This is difficult to write as a kid growing up in Lexington and a graduate of Alabama. However, I have to congratulate the Vols for their impressive performance, not only in the NCAA's, but for the entire season. With every well documented situation this team has been through; they have risen above. The players and coaching staff should be celebrated for their accomplishments. So, as hard as it is, I offer a sincere and enthusiastic round of applause. Maybe the Cats can play a 4th game in Indy with the Vols; they have earned it. Good luck the rest of the way.
tensie2004 writes:
If your a true VOLUNTEER fan, you have to be proud of the job these young men did last night. Pearl is the coach of the year with all the junk that has went on with Smith.
GO VOLS!!!! The Vol Nation is proud of you.
77VolFS writes:
No doubt in my mind that this has been CBP's best season of coaching during his Rocky Top tenure. He should've been SEC Coach of the year. When Weezy lost the headband you could see it in his eyes - he would not be denied. He and JP have put this team on their backs at tourney time. If Scotty Hop can get his head together and we continue to play lockdown D... look out ! GBO !!
dvhill100 writes:
Got up at 0300 to watch the last half in Africa. Made sweeter to have an OSU fan talking smack in front of me. Gave a "Go Vols!" as he walked by with his head down. It really is the little things in life...
Pompey writes:
Could be the next Adolf Rupp......
txvolsfan writes:
Hopson has played GREAT defense this year, Diebler missed a few open shots but Scotty gets his hands on a lot of balls.
Great Win!!!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
As a life long Vol fan Iam as happy as anyone this team has made HISTORY...But to say they are the best team left in the tourney is a pretty big stretch..Best team all around is probably Duke at this point..I watched all the KSU--Xavier game and saw both these teams do things the Vols have not done all season..Not to mention KY beat us badly twice and for sure are not going to be peeing themselves if they play again..We could certainly make the final four but after that it gets pretty dicey.
forkball writes:
Winning a game you are leading with 5 minutes left is indicative of well coached teams and is one of Bruce Pearl's trademarks.
VolJunkie writes:
Collier, always appreciate your posts, this one may be your best ... well said sir.
It's GREAT to be a Tennessee Vol!
Go Vols!
licknpromise777#651578 writes:
Ive seen Diebler play numerous times this season;He likes to set screens and float unnoticed to the side court where he ends up getting a lot of wide open shots because in a zone no one follows him..I would say it was a combination of Scotty staying on him and Turner's free lancing didn't allow Diebler to get many passes..Diebler also likes to make the occasional drive to the basket but he's to slow to make a play when Williams and Chism are waiting to block his shot into the seats
VolJunkie writes:
Williams is the poster child of why not to do drugs. Before being busted Brian's play was lethargic to say the least ... the most common word used to describe him was "soft". Since his return he has been focused, determined, and plays his heart out; it looks like he is enjoying the game again. He scored the Vols first basket by tipping in a Chism miss, the first basket of the second half doing the same thing, and of course that tip with 30 seconds left. Throughout the game he OWNED the paint, his rebounding numbers were beauty. I am so impressed to see this young man take such advantage of the second chance he has been given. Brian is one of the main reasons UT will beat MSU tomorrow and help UT reach the Final Four.
It's great to be a Tennessee Vol!
Go Vols!
FeelVol writes:
That was indeed the toughest game played by Wayne Chism I've seen yet, he played with so much heart.We need Mr.Hopson to follow his example.Go Vols!
newvolfan writes:
This is what Bruce Pearl has always done. He takes underdogs and makes them winners. Thats how he got this job and thats how he works. He can motivate young men like no one else.
It's great to be a Tennessee Vol, I said it's to be a Tennessee Vol!
tonyvick#213307 writes:
I was thinking the same thing. Hopson you must contribute offensively and continue to do the job on defense. The Vols are counting on you and still believe in you so Just Do It!
tonyvick#213307 writes:
You are absolutely right!
riverosa writes:
Scotty has got to step up his offense for msu or we will not see the final four. We have the weapons to win it all. WOULD THAT BE GREAT OR WHAT. GBO
lateknight writes:
Scotty does have to step up more but that one drive down the baseline and the dunk +1 was really nice. Also the ally oop from maize to jp was absolutely nasty. Tremendous ballgame all around that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Tellicovol writes:
I watched the vols when Mears was the coach, in a lot of ways they are a alike they could sale a freezer to an Eskimo but I have to agree with you.
Tellicovol writes:
Michigan St. VS Tennessee get ready for a dog fight. Go Vols
Stokes44yrs writes:
Minus Lucas. I wish we could play them at full strength.
osbymartin#581730 writes:
Come on now..this is a team not scotty hopson..the same thing was said after the Ohio win... if Hopson doesn't step up we don't beat OSU but guess what? He had 3 pts and we did what? We beat OSU..My point is everyone is putting so much on Hopson to step up or we can't win and we continue to win regardless!!
makelemonade writes:
I agree totally. I was kind of disappointed when they let him back on the team, but now I'm glad they did. We would not be where we are without him. It's amazing what a clear head will do for you, lol. GBO
sizeDD writes:
theres a voice of reason
bryanvolsfan writes:
Mears was great, but he never got us this far and Bruce has! Great thought
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