Tennessee had a seven-point halftime lead and a sold-out home arena rocking on Sunday afternoon.
A win over rival Kentucky and the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Division was in sight.
It proved to be a case of so close, but yet, so far.
The 20th-ranked Wildcats (22-8, 10-6 SEC) hit their first five 3-point shots of the second half en route to a 64-58 win over UT (18-13, 8-8) in front of a sold-out crowd of 21,678 at Thompson-Boling Arena.
“We’re close enough to almost finish second in the league,’’ Vols coach Bruce Pearl said. “But yet, we’re far enough away to finish fifth.’’
With the No. 5 seed in the SEC Eastern Division, Tennessee will play West No. 4 seed Arkansas (18-12, 7-9) in the first round of the SEC tournament at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
The Razorbacks defeated the Vols, 68-65, in both teams’ SEC opener in Fayetteville on Jan. 8.
Kentucky, the No. 2 seed in the East, receives a first-round bye before opening the SEC tournament at 3:30 p.m. Friday against the winner of Thursday’s game between Ole Miss (19-12, 7-9) and South Carolina (14-15, 5-11).
UT freshman Tobias Harris, who led the Vols with 18 points and six rebounds on Sunday, said it was an emotional locker room, especially for the six seniors who were making their final home appearance.
“It was down, and it was sad,’’ Harris said. “Such a close game, it was especially hard on our seniors.
“It was tough to send all those fans home like that.’’
Kentucky has beaten UT in six of the teams’ past seven meetings, and the loss dropped the Vols to 10-8 at home this season.
The eight home losses are the most since the 1994-1995 season, when a Kevin O’Neill-coached UT team went 7-8.
The orange-clad fans had plenty to cheer about early in Sunday’s game.
Tennessee raced to a 7-0 lead despite playing without 6-foot-10, 272-pound senior center Brian Williams, who has not practiced or played since injuring his back in a loss to Mississippi State on Feb. 26.
Scotty Hopson drove to the rim for two of his 13 points to give the Vols their largest lead of the game at 22-12 with 6:28 remaining in the half.
It was one of only two field goals in the game for Hopson, who scored nine of his points from the free-throw line as two Kentucky defenders assigned to cover him fouled out.
The Vols coasted into the half with a 29-22 lead, holding the Wildcats to their fewest first-half points of the season.
Kentucky coach John Calipari said his halftime adjustments were as much about attitude as strategy.
“I wasn’t friendly, let me say that,’’ Calipari said. “It wasn’t about executing; it was about competitive spirit.’’
The Wildcats got the message and didn’t waste time erasing the deficit. Kentucky took its first lead in the game at the 16:57 mark, when Doron Lamb hit a 3-pointer to give the Wildcats a 32-31 lead.
The lead swelled to 43-37 when Darius Miller (15 points) buried Kentucky’s fifth consecutive 3-point attempt of the second half.
Moments later, Brandon Knight (19 points) drove for two of his 17 second-half points to give the Wildcats their largest lead at 47-39 with 11:18 remaining.
The Vols rallied, going back on top, 52-51, on Kenny Hall’s hook shot at the 5:53 mark.
Kentucky answered with a 5-0 run sparked by a Terrence Jones put-back.
UT failed to draw even the remainder of the game.
Jones scored 15 points and had 12 rebounds — six off the offensive glass — as the Wildcats enjoyed a 16-7 advantage on second-chance points and a 38-31 rebounding edge.
“I’m not going to use (Williams’ absence) as an excuse,’’ Pearl said. “We’ve got enough guys out here that can rebound the ball with two hands or get on the floor.’’
Perhaps, but Kentucky’s ability to win the rebounding battles and loose-ball scrambles in the closing minutes decided the outcome.
“They played more aggressive in the second half, played a lot tougher, got to the 50-50 balls,’’ Hopson said. “They outplayed us, they out-toughed us. It’s very hard to swallow.
“We’re very close; we’re right there at the brink of it. We just have to turn that corner.’’
The Vols’ RPI ranking slipped to 36 with the loss; it’s possible UT will need to defeat Arkansas on Thursday to avoid the possibility of not receiving an NCAA tournament at-large bid.
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Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 290
Volborn writes:
It's official...we suck!
punkin writes:
I wish this season would just end now.
The_Mayor writes:
watched every minute of the game. i have not one complaint, and i'm proud to be all vol today. let's get ready for post season. gbo
vols37 writes:
Hate to say it but Kentucky wanted it more. Same ole Tennessee. This team has lacked leadership all season and it all starts at the top with Pearl. Pearl and Hamilton should both go.
jephsteph writes:
If we lose the first game in the SEC tourney, we will be 18-14. Will that be good enough to put us in the tourney? I noticed our RPI is pretty good.
BigOSammO writes:
Why do I keep supporting these bursts and then lapses in effort, refusal to rebound at the end of games, and Scotty Hopson - "The Pouter"? This is so painful.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Simple--we didn't deserve to win this game. Kentucky wanted it more than we did.
I still can't believe that we don't know how to defend the high-perimeter screen on defense. The options are limited as to what the offense can do.
And I can't believe we don't know how to beat a 2-3 zone. We did it once in the 2nd half.
Hate to say it, but I really question whether we're worthy of an NCAA tourney bid this year. An 18-14 record is not a great one, particularly in light of how we lose games.
Only hope is to get on a roll in the SEC Tourney. Go Vols!
jsmithnga#207674 writes:
What else is new; missed enough fts to win the game. Maybe coach should practice nothing but fts between now and Thurs.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Rebounds. rebounds. rebounds. The last minute 2 KY guys got on the ground for the ball, and it seemed like our guys were just standing there. There's no excuse for this c-r-a-p. Love the Vols, but they've underachieved royally the 2nd half of this season. Hope they have something left for the tourney.
The_Mayor writes:
unless we completely flop in the opening game of the sec tourney, we'll be in the ncaa...no question.
BigVolinCarolina writes:
Yep, I'm with ya'!
Col26ca writes:
Just got back to see the last 3 seconds of the game. Then did the espn.com play by play. As much as I hate to say it. Good Night Coach Pearl it's over with. If you cannot get a team to hold a lead against your biggest rival at home with a 2 seed on the line instead of a 5 seed then you have lost it. While I really appreciate what you have done for our program, up to the lying to the Cops (NCAA). It has been proven that you are human, just like the rest of us and are not capiable of dealing with your and the schools by your commission, problems and coach at the level of the past or what is expected. Let's part ways as friends who both made mistakes - you by lying and us by not letting you go or suspending you at that time. Have a good life and God Bless.
.....
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
They're in...guarantee it, even w/ a first-round SEC loss. They have a good record against top-50 RPI teams, and that's the reason they're in. They may be a lower-half seed, but they're in.
buffvol1 writes:
im a avol fan thru and thru and bleed orange,I hate to say it but TBA isnt anymore intimidating then Neyland...we should hardly ever if any lose at home..if your away team what is there to be scared of when a team comes here..but BP i hope you can work your magic.
vol98champ writes:
When Hopson shot too early at the end of the 2nd half I was expecting a loss. Good teams don't miss the last shot and give up a layup at the other end as the buzzer sounds. This is not a good team.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Proud of the Vols today, even though we lost. Ky did seem to want it more, so they got it. The good thing about the game were the announcers!! Reggie and company were soooo much better than ESPN's POS announcers.
VFL! Good luck in the SEC tourney! GBO!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Anybody know the deal w/ Brian Williams. he going to be available for the tournament?
JACK8254 writes:
This team is painful to watch at times. There is almost no evidence that these guys have played together for a whole season. Low BB IQs are the difference in a close game and the effort was lacking at times. This is not a team that is easy to love. I am worn out after games, even some that we win.
vol98champ writes:
Make that the 1st half. I'm a little frustrated.
jt45 writes:
Painfull to watch this team fall apart at times and it seems like we always get some bad calls by the refs. We really need a good 3 point shooter to give the team some balance. Not Rebounding and not getting those loose balls really hurt the team today. Could have used Williams inside today for sure. I hope they play better in the tournament.
huntined#565710 writes:
Been saying for a long time that this team is just not very good period. they are not a good shooting team and have trouble closing on going to the basket and rebounding = not a very good team.. but they are OUR TEAM!!
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Thanks CatScratch! Congrats and good luck to you....until we meet again! GBO!
DocWatson writes:
End of an era folks!
Last home game for Scotty, Tobias, and of course, BRUCE!
Thanks for the memories.
houvol#438636 writes:
I agree. This team will make you pull an Elvis and shoot the TV. One thing is for certain. We are consistent about being inconsistent.
midnite__VOL writes:
Just like football, no wait we lost today!
buffvol1 writes:
also if tennessee and the fans get rid of bruce,then so long to the ncaa tourney in the future..cause all the players will leave and i wont blame them..look at our history after mears and before bruce..do the fans really want UT to be the laughing stock again,i dont..so bruce i thank you for everything you have done and i will give you a bye this from the tourney and i hope by the bb gods you are next year
JACK8254 writes:
Exactly. He started his drive at 11 sec left- WHY? UT should have taken the shot with 3-4 secs - that way no harm can happen. It was interesting that in our last possesion of the game- we seemed to be running the clock out, even though we are down 5 pts. DUMB- this team is dumb. Sad , but true.
tennisvol writes:
I thought TN had a chance to win, but I realized they were playing at home.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
A very tough one to lose. Little things ( actually big things ) add up in a game like this. Up 9 for sure at the half and we made a stop but went for it all, missed and gave up the gimmee at the break........4 point play. Kentucky at the line prospered. Miller living all alone on the perimeter
knocking down 3's, something the Vols could not do.
Harrellson grabbed what seemed like every rebound, which proves how important losing Williams was. Tatum played well and looked great at the line. The tournament may hold some surprises but for now, it's Florida's to lose.
This was not the tournament however and hopefully we'll see them again. In the meantime, the Lady Vols really will be playing for the SEC tournament championship later today against...........................Kentucky.
We shall see about that one.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
That's right, it is what it is, but they are OUR TEAM! GBO! VFL!
Smokey91 writes:
there were two moments in the game that I thought was an indication that we were not going to be able to win this game. First was at the end of the first half when we were hoping for the last shot and Scottie missed on a drive with way too much time left and the Cats got away for a breakaway dunk. Thought that was a momentum changer. The other was when we had UK with the ball and only a few seconds on the shot clock. They threw it in to Knight up top and no one came up to pick him up. I was yelling at the the TV at Bone to pick him up but he just stood there. Can't really complaim about the overall effort. I saw good hustle. We just don't have enough playmakers. I thought this was going to be Tatum's year but he is in a funk. Nice try Vols. I think we have become the NCAA version of the Cubs. Are we cursed? Seems like it sometimes.
VolunteerLifer writes:
This team just doesn't have the right stuff. It's that simple.
Williams being out is no excuse. Our backup bigs should be able to handle the load.
We'll win a game in the SEC, then win a game or two in the ncaa, then we'll be home and looking to next year.
Next year will be a rebuilding year with a freshman at point, a glaring lack of a low post presence, and the loss of Hopson and probably Harris, and maybe even coach Pearl. We will be mediocre at best for at least a couple of years, maybe more. I hope I'm wrong about that, but I don't see how it could be any other way.
brokendownoldvol writes:
Thanks for not showing up today Scotty. NBA my A.
allenf1#223463 writes:
Dear Brian Williams, please get healthy soon! Could have been a totally different game with you in the middle.
VolsJoy writes:
I agree, his "pouting" and "drama" this season was the pits.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
I sorry that the sum of your existence is merely to try to pizz off a legion of fans. But, really, you need to find something else to do, if for no other reason that you'll eventually run out of screen names.
I'd never even consider going on a UFailure site to trash your fans, even when they have a bad season, b/c I at least have a little class.
If our team bores you so much, then why do you follow them. If this site isn't exciting enough for you, then go find something else to do. I hear blowup dolls are cheap on amazon.com. But really, leave those of us who just want to talk Bball in a civilized manner alone.
mocsandvolsfan writes:
good game! I believe we were outquicked!3-4 of our guys around the ball but they would deflect to their players? They were very quick at times for loose balls. But we were in position to win I think. The ball didn't bounce our way.
DTvols118 writes:
say goodbye to scotty, harris, and CBP
oskie_score writes:
No bench, glaring drop off between starting five and bench support...
Middle lacks size and athleticism...no blocking out.
At minimum...Tennessee needs two exceptional low posts (6'10" or better) and one point guard in 2012. IMO.
Orange_since_84 writes:
I can't think of a game this year in conference play where UT has come out after the half with any intensity. At the half, Bertelcamp commented that the first 5 minutes of the second half would be critical. Ky went on a 18-4 run to start the second half. I hope this team does well in the SEC tourney. I hope they get into the NCAA and if so, do well. I don't have much confidence.
Go Vols!
huntined#565710 writes:
All that % you brag about got you beat twice by this sorry team!!
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
Know the nice thing about being a 13 loss team? not one of them was to Vanderbilt.
buffvol1 writes:
where were you last year and the years the vols handed your asses to you..you swept us this year in how long and your going to talk trash..please..and you wonder why when we beat you florida chumps we love to throw it in your faces but enjoy it now cause it wont last
BankerVol writes:
Really look forward to the day I never have to watch Hopson play again. I am so sick of his inconsistent play.
He will ABSOLUTELY be a bust at the next level if he even gets a chance to go. I really don't care. I just want him to go away.
Smokey91 writes:
I hate to say this but I don't think the Vols deserve to make the NCAA tournament. 18-14 with some terrible home losses. Just don't see anything that resembles a championship caliber team. This team is maybe better than Buzz's Peterson's best team, and they never got a sniff at the big dance (usually lost early rounds of the NIT too). Maybe they can turn it around at the SEC Tourney but without Big Brian, I am not sure if they can. They missed him on the boards today, but I thought Hall played well. I like his hustle.
crmcm44#321757 writes:
When Coach Pearl came here he stated we would enjoy watching them play, I'm not enjoying what I'm watching. They are just not basketball smart and no one to count on at the end of the game.
midnite__VOL writes:
Spring football is just around the corner.
Orange_since_84 writes:
Hall showed some promise. He still needs to be more agressive going for the ball, but he made a couple baskets that Williams would never have made. I sure wish someone could consistently hit from the three, or even mid range.
tulelakevol writes:
Yuck
The_Mayor writes:
a few weeks ago i was the first to admit that this bunch had maximized their potential, but today and after watching the past couple of games, i am the first to admit that i stand corrected, and that i see signs of improvement on many levels and with several of the key personalities. hopson is what he is...in my opinion, a great athletic talent, who wants to be a leader, but it's just not in his makeup. the improvement i've seen in him lately is in taking the ball to the basket. harris is MUCH improved and seems to be gaining the confidence amongst his peers that it's ok for a freshman to step up and lead this team...be the mvp of this team. goins was a beast today. spearl is learning his physical limitations, and while he's a great floor general, he seems to realize it's not his role to try to force plays. williams will be back, and we need his size and presence, but i like our other bigs energy. overall, i sense a positive momentum swing, despite today's loss. i like our team and chances in the post season. maybe i'm just overly hopeful.
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