HARTFORD, Conn. — Tennessee contained Connecticut star Kemba Walker on Saturday afternoon, but the Vols couldn’t overcome their own offensive inconsistencies.
The No.8-ranked Huskies scored a 72-61 men’s basketball victory over Tennessee before a sellout crowd of 16,294 at the XL Center, with Walker scoring a season-low 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting.
UConn improved to 16-2 this season and 7-0 in the downtown Hartford arena, spoiling Bruce Pearl’s return to the UT bench.
“I’ve had four nightmare situations, and I have four more coming up,’’ said Pearl, who has served four games of his eight-game suspension from coaching in SEC games. “It was good to get back, and it was fun to be in the game for a while and have some affect on the game.’’
Melvin Goins starred for the Vols, leading UT (12-7) with 15 points while pulling down six rebounds and dishing out five assists.
Goins also served as the primary defender on Walker, who entered the game second in the nation in scoring averaging 25.5 points per game.
“Walker is a guy who likes to play in space,’’ Goins said. “I tried to crowd him and make him uncomfortable, and I think that bothered him.’’
Goins also annoyed UConn with his offense; his drive at the 9:27 mark of the first half capped a 7-0 UT run and gave the Vols their largest lead of the game at 19-11.
“Coming out I thought we looked like ourselves, like the team that beat Villanova and Pitt,’’ Pearl said. “We carried the momentum of our wins over Vanderbilt and Georgia into the first half.’’
But not through the first half.
The Huskies went on a 7-0 run that started when Walker scored his first point of the game from the foul line at the 5:23 mark.
UConn center Alex Oriakhi, who finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and three steals, capped the run with a tip-in that tied the game at 24-24 with 3:32 left in the half.
Whatever momentum the Vols had remaining vanished at the end of the half when Walker buried a 3-pointer just before the buzzer to give the Huskies a 32-31 halftime edge.
“That was a big shot for them,’’ Goins said, “but we battled back.’’
The Vols, however, never reclaimed the lead.
The Huskies scored the first five points of the second half, and the closest UT could get after that came when Goins hit a jumper with 8:33 left to cut UConn’s lead to 52-51.
The Huskies went on a 7-0 tear from there, capped by another Oriakhi basket inside after Hopson let a rebound slip through his fingers.
It was that kind of day for Hopson, who had five of the Vols’ 12 turnovers while struggling to guard Huskies freshman Jeremy Lamb (16 points, five rebounds).
“We’re inconsistent because our best player, Scotty Hopson, is inconsistent,’’ Pearl said. “It’s not about his effort, his attitude or ability. He’s a great kid, but he’s just had some tough performances.’’
Hopson, 5-of-13 shooting, wasn’t alone in his struggles: Cameron Tatum was 2-of-7 shooting and Trae Golden and Skylar McBee were a combined 0-for-5 from the field in 18 minutes.
Tobias Harris, who was 4-of-10 shooting with five rebounds, was visibly upset after the loss.
“We let this game slip away from us,’’ Harris said. “We’re probably the best 12-7 team in the nation . . . we’ve lost a lot of games we shouldn’t have lost.’’
Pearl let the Vols know he was upset with them in the post-game locker room.
“He just said we got out-rebounded and out-hustled, and those are things we can control,’’ Harris said. “A lot of our turnovers were unforced.’’
Pearl pointed out UConn scored 24 points off UT’s 12 turnovers, while the Vols got 14 off the Huskies’ 12 turnovers.
“That’s 10 points, and then you look at the score,’’ Pearl said. “We could be 3-0 against the Big East if not for some careless turnovers, offensive rebounds and inconsistent play.’’
UConn coach Jim Calhoun said his team had something to do with the Tennessee’s performance.
“Out of the 18 games we’ve played, it was far and away the best team effort against a quality opponent,’’ said Calhoun, whose Huskies also have non-conference wins over Michigan State, Texas and Kentucky. “I don’t think it’s even close.’’
UT played without reserve wings Renaldo Woolridge and Jordan McRae.
Woolridge re-aggravated an ankle injury and didn’t dress, and McRae was suspended indefinitely for what Pearl called a “violation of team conduct.’’
The Vols (2-2 in the SEC) return to action at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Thompson-Boling Arena when they play host to LSU (10-9, 2-2).
“I’m confident we’ll stay in the SEC race and be competitive,’’ said Pearl, whose first game back coaching in an SEC game is Feb. 8 at Kentucky.
“I think we can beat anyone in the country, but we’ve been inconsistent. It’s something we can still fix.’’
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Comments » 149
TopTenn writes:
We let this game slip (Fields and Hopson) through our hands. Great effort 1st half by the team. Goins was a beast in the BE.
volaboard writes:
We score 18 of our first 21 in the paint and then spend the rest of the game fogging it up from outside. What's up with that?
rockytopnation16 writes:
Vols played sloppily, but the refs put it out of reach. The officiating was downright disgusting
RoadTrip writes:
Same song, 7th verse. Why don't we substitute ourselves right out of another one Coach? Get a run going and go to the bench for 3 or 4 subs. We don't want to wear our little boys out do we?
75VOLinga writes:
You can put this loss on Hopson. How many times did he turn the ball over, 8 9? And did Williams ever get a call go his way? He played his heart out and I don't remember any calls going to him. Overall the rest of the team played good and this could very easily have been a win. McBee, you got to take those shots.
volaboard writes:
Does anyone on this team block out other than T. Harris? Hopson has the worst handle of any player of acclaim I have ever seen. Dribbled it out of bounds four more times today.
bUTchVFL writes:
Didn't get to see game. What did Hopson do?
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
This fan cannot argue with the effort. However, the 5 point play at the end of the first half really hurt. We're up 2, with the ball, lose a bucket underneath, then Walker did his thing at the buzzer.
Seemed to me in the first half, we had great ball movement, got things done in the paint, and played tight defense. In the second half, it seemed we were standing flat footed again with the only real movement with the guy we had holding the ball.
Still, it's just me, but IMO the real reason we are losing is because of shooting. We are seeing each team we have that has people who can drain the 3's.
We'd collapse in the paint when they went there today, and they'd kick it out on the wings and bury them.
I still loved the overall effort in this arena and if we carry it over to the SEC we'll be okay.
LSG410EC83 writes:
Rough game to lose seeing we had them a little on their heels most of the first half. If we could only dribble, catch passes, fight for rebound, etc, etc, 100 percent of the time, outcome of many of the games would be a lot different. Only consolation if there is one, at least UConn is ranked. Can handle a little easier loosing to a ranked team. Oh well, still behind the Big Orange. If we can just play a whole game consistantly. See ya Wednesday against LSU.
jandjhome#228397 writes:
Bring back Jones. Stay home Bruce.
volaboard writes:
Agree RT. Walker played 40 minutes for UConn.
TheFuj writes:
Worse ball handling team ever. Just cannot grip that thing. Tatum is in a funk. Mcbee had a good game last game, not due to hit another three for two weeks. When he hits 2-3 three's we win. Have to have Mcbee or Tatum hit some shots. That always frees up others.
TopTenn writes:
Hopson 5 TOs and Fields 3.
pauln500#205995 writes:
The CBS annoucers wasted no time talking about UT's NCAA problems and Pearl's suspension over and over. However,I don't believe they ever even mentioned UCONN and Calhoun's 8 major violations. Help me if I'm wrong !?!?
IBleedOrange444 writes:
The turnovers by Fields and Hopson killed us, and Tatum was an absolute no-show. What a meltdown! I'm so disgusted right now. I hate to sit here and call out players like this, but Fields has shown me nothing thus far. How is he starting with two broken paddles for hands?
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
Don't want to sit here and run the team or coaching down. The only complaint I had with Scotty though was the one play he tried to go coast to coast like a point guard and well..................
U Conn has some talented big guys under the basket and it made things tough for the Orange . Question?
Do we ever use Fields and Williams at the same time?
Kenny Hall? Is he still on the roster? There were games in the past where he'd step up on defense, at least.
Volunteerfan writes:
Why can the third leading rebounder and best post defender we have stay in the game longer than he does? Fields has bricks for hands, does not rebound well, and cannot defend in the post.
MintHillVOL writes:
Would loved to have seen the game. On Saturday's in Charlotte, NC, however, we get to watch not one, but TWO ACC games (and the lamentable St. Edwards (Texas) women's game on CBS Sports Channel). PS: Game blacked out in Charlotte on both DISH and Direct TV. Think "the SEC on CBS" is true? I call BS from Charlotte.
NYvolFan writes:
Is that the total they came up with for Hopson turnovers? 5? What a joke...I counted 13! Mr. Butterfingers cost us this game singlehandedly, but the refs sure didn't help on top. I would have yanked him. He was embarrassing today. Cost us 16 points easy with his sloppy handling of the basketball.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
I must have missed it...they pointed out the fact that Pearl has 4 games left on his suspension, but as far as all the stuff leading up to it, I didn't hear them cover it.. I could be wrong though.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
got it here in chesapeake, va...local tv station, too.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
At the risk of having a bunch of cyber-tomatoes thrown at me, I think it might be time to bench Hopson. just to see what happens. I don't think it would hurt. It just irks me seeing him mishandle the ball all the time. Thoughts??
volaboard writes:
Pearl quote after the game. "We are inconsistent because our best player, Scotty Hopson, is inconsistent". I agree we are inconsistent, but without question Tobias Harris is our best player. The offense should run through this guy ever time down the court.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
I agree...BTW, I didn't know Mr Vitale went by Richard! LOL... just love the KNS morality filter, don't you!!
Volunteerfan writes:
I agree completely - look at The Lady Vols schedule every year and look what happens come tournament time because of it.
Ironcity writes:
Hard team to watch. Even lay ups tend to be an adventure. As a whole, I don't think I have every seen a UT team with worse hands. The only guy I truly believe will catch the ball is Harris. Hopson just plays to soft (and has no hands). He loses the ball anytime someone touches him. Fields was plain awful today. Should have stayed on the bus. Tatum has just disappeared the last month. Terrible defense and offense? Goins played his best game and seems to play his best when a real challenge is put in front of him.
Going forward I think we have to see more of Josh Bone and less Tatum. Let Tatum come off the bench with an edict to shoot. If he is cold take him back out.
I was really disappointed in how we got abused on the boards. Other then Williams, the rest of the guys just watch the game instead of playing it. No box out no want from the bigs. This game was winnable but it was not to be today.
IBleedOrange444 writes:
They mentioned it at halftime and put up a graphic during the game (cutting away from live action I might add) with a time line of the Bruce Pearl infractions. Meanwhile, there was not a single mention of the UCONN infractions or that two guys on the UCONN staff were deemed to have provided false and misleading info to NCAA investigators. If you've listened to the talking heads over the last few months you would be lead to believe that CBP and Dez Bryant are the only two people in history to have lied to NCAA investigators.
Volunteerfan writes:
Jealousy Maybe?
jsmithnga#207674 writes:
You are wrong; they even posted it so you could read as them discussed it.
Colliervol writes:
Just another example of this team being able to go toe to toe with any team in the nation when they decide to play ball. Played pretty well against a good team on the road but it's amazing how one play can turn the momentum of a game. At the end of the first half and UT leading by two, they force a turnover with 28 seconds left. All you have to do is milk the clock and take the last shot. Make it and you lead by 4 or 5 at the half. But what do we do? Forget the clock and force the action. Fields muffs a pass and UConn brings it down and Walker drains a long three. Five point swing. Down one and UConn has the momentum.
Just as this game was an example of being able to play with any team in the country, that last series is also a good example of how this team goes brain dead at times. And Goins (a senior) is the one that forced the action.
And, once again, Hopson decides to leave his A game in Knoxville. Five key turnovers with several being at critical times. And that's not even counting the fumbled rebound near the end that put them up 8. And leaving Lamb wide open for a key 3 pointer near the end as well. One time when he was being extra lackadaisical, did anybody notice Pearl motion him off the floor at a time out and just said two words to him: "SIT DOWN!"
bsimpg3 writes:
As others have said, the effort was there but 12 turnovers led to 24 points...ball game! Looking forward to winning next 4 games. No excuses for anything less. GBO!
givehim6 writes:
Yes your wright.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
LMAO!!
Ironcity writes:
Hopson is not a bust, he just isn't a star on a team that needs him to be. I don't think coach has done a good job with Hopson. He needs to get him to handle the fundamentals, catch the ball with two hands, protect the ball going to the rim and using his body to shield off defenders.
I really worry about Tatum though he looks completing bored on the court. He has been one of my favorite players but I don't think you can have him and Hopson in the game at the same time. There weaknesses mirror each other. You put those two out there with Goins and there is no way UT ever gets the ball deep inside (none of them can pass).
The team has potential but they have to play with a lot more confidence.
The bright spots were Williams Pearl and Bone. Williams played hard and showed decent hands. Pearl and Bone seemed to always be in the right spot defensively and offensively. As much as it scares me, Pearl has to do what he did today and take the ball to the rim more to make teams pay for not cover him.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
That explains it... missed the halftime show, so that makes sense...
To be fair, though, this is I believe their first CBS game, so I'd give them the benefit of the doubt. Even Seth Davis seemed to behave pretty well in the studio. I think it's different when on every BSPN game, they feel compelled to give a detailed timeline of Bruce's transgressions.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Now as far as the refs go, I saw a couple missed calls, but not the disparity of fouls between the two teams that usually accompany UT games.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Just to clarify, I'm not talking about riding the pine the whole 40 minutes; I guess you're right, but seems like he's more of a liability in games lately.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Excellent post plastic and you're right about your other comment. Hopson does not like Harris, he is jealous of all the attention he has received this year. Harris is fed up with them not getting him the ball. I think I have seen Hopson throw to him one time all year!
Yes, Harris did throw up some 3's he shouldn't have, but he was frustrated because no one would give him the damn ball! I know he will be as happy as we are when Hopson leaves. I just hope that Harris stays all 4 years! He might get so disgusted that he might transfer or go ahead and leave earlier for the NBA. If he does either, we are dooomed!
I'm just going to try to forget this game and hope that the rest of the season improves. Go Big Orange, win or lose!
Basketvol writes:
If they commented on Calhoun's violations, then I didn't hear it. Of course, I was doing my best to block them out. I predicted that would happen. Too bad I was right. So much for balance.
Ironcity writes:
In years past UT converted other teams turnovers into points. This team converts turnovers into turnovers that lead to the other team scoring uncontested points. This is especially frustrating. I would just like to see UT get a few more easy baskets and not have an inexplicably unforced turnover on a fast break.
tennrich1 writes:
This isn't the official "Lets slam Scotty post" but he had 5 official turnovers and several that were turnovers to me (losing rebounds, loose balls, etc...) I think its too late in the game for him to fix that...he just has problems maintaining control of the ball more times than not...thought most played hard. Pearl played his best game to date..just out hustled on two or three plays to come up with the ball...just wish we could get our "stars" to play like that every night...Like CBP said "We are an inconsistent team because our best player is inconsistent". First time I've heard him admit it...Still, we played what may be the best team in the Big East to a very close game regardless of the final score...
Seth Davis REALLY went to bat for CBP on CBS today...What he said made real sense to me...but it must be said...Seth is NOT an admirer of Calipari...He is very open about that....
BigOSammO writes:
Lack of effort boxing out and rebounding and Hopson not playing up to par + UCONN shooting lights out = loss. Could have easily won. Good first half. Second half looked like no game-plan rec-ball. Still lot of potential, but can we find a way to consistently put it all together? Let's take these next 4 SEC games! GBO.
81volguy writes:
That is the most insightful post on here. Well said.
tennrich1 writes:
Yeah, I dont recall hearing them talk about Calhoun's stuff as well....actually I thought CBS laid off fairly well...the comment by Rafferty seemed out of line..."Coach Calhoun and UConn should have an easy day off from the Big East with Tennessee day"....not quoting exactly but close.
Basketvol writes:
I absolutely love the scheduling. I think it is a strong point for UT and should be continued. This is how teams improve. In the big picture, this loss today doesn't hurt TN too much, and at the same time, the wins over Nova and Pitt could be huge come tournament time.
mocsandvolsfan writes:
We will lose more than win if our point has few assists and most of the points....goins was playing well but not involving the team during the first half it worked ok and he even dished a few, but 2nd half we quit and the team wasn't even aware of it...What was all that trading the ball at the top of the key about??!! We were going in circles... and then one person either shot a 3 or drove to the basket and got blocked out...or fumbled as they went inside. I don't understand our offensive goal most the time!! I wouldn't be surpised to see Josh or Trae start next game...at least if they'd play some D. I was very high on Goins early in the year but I suspect that he's being either selfish with the ball or doesn't no how to involve people...Too bad either way because he has so much potential...yeh I know the radio guys picked him to be player of the game. I don't fault his 1st half, but if it stops working then the point needs to find other players to involve. Maybe he doesn't trust them to CATCH the ball!?
osbymartin#581730 writes:
UCONN will be at TBA next season along with another BE school in the SEC/BE challenge..they are having 12 games (6 home 6 away) next season. No more nuetral site games.
mogreer_tn#213464 writes:
NOTHING!
manoffewwords writes:
I think Conn. has better players and usually the best players win; however I think TN played
hard and I'm proud of the Vols.
mogreer_tn#213464 writes:
Not true, I live in Maryland/DC metro area for 18 years by way of Chatt, the Vols have been on CBS here at least three times this year along.
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