ROCHESTER, Mich. — It was another Grizzly finish for Tennessee against mid-major power Oakland University.
The venue changed but the result was the same for the Vols, as they fell to the two-time defending Summit League champion Golden Grizzlies, 89-81, on Monday night at the O'rena. Oakland beat then-No. 7 Tennessee 89-82 in Knoxville last season.
A standing-room-only crowd of 3,755 made up largely of a fired-up student body greeted UT (3-3) as the Golden Grizzlies made the program's first national appearance on an ESPN network.
Oakland (4-2) led from the opening jump, and for the first time this season the Vols failed to hold a lead at any point in the game.
“There was a lot of energy in the building, and they made shots early and got a lot of confidence,'' UT coach Cuonzo Martin said. “I felt like we were on our heels early.''
Oakland senior Reggie Hamilton did most of the damage, scoring a career-high 35 points — including 15 of 15 from the free-throw line. The Vols' guards struggled to stay in front of Hamilton throughout the action.
Martin recruited Hamilton when he was coach at Missouri State and warned his players about the dangerous guard from Chicago.
“I told the guys, if we don't stay on him, this is a guy that can beat you,'' Martin said. “I thought he played great tonight. You try to make him work, but he was still running his team. They weren't forcing shots.''
Jordan McRae led the Vols with 25 points, Cam Tatum had 19 and Trae Golden added 12.
“Jordan did a good job on offense, being aggressive and attacking the lane,'' Martin said. “He did a good job on defense as well.''
The Golden Grizzlies (4-2) led by as many as 14 points in the first half before UT closed the half on a 9-2 run to pull to 39-32 at intermission.
The Vols pulled within four when Golden hit a trey to open second half, but the Grizzlies built the lead back up to 10, going up 61-51 on a Travis Bader (13 points) 3-pointer at the 10:08 mark.
UT rallied when a McRae 3-pointer sparked an 8-1 run that Kenny Hall capped with a put-back basket to make it 62-59 with 8:28 left.
That was as close as the Vols could get, as Oakland went 14 for 14 from the free-throw line over the final 2:20.
“This game was about our program; that crowd wasn't going to let us lose,'' said Grizzlies coach Greg Kampe, who ditched his trademark sweater vest to wear a suit he had tailored specially for the ESPNU game. “I know we expected to win, too, because I don't think we should ever lose in our building.''
Oakland, which has won 41 of its past 43 home games, out-rebounded the Vols 41-37. UT power forward Jeronne Maymon was held to eight points and six rebounds while making two of seven free throws.
Maymon suffered a lightly sprained ankle in the Vols' 99-97 double-overtime loss to Memphis on Tuesday, and only played two minutes in UT's win over Chaminade on Wednesday before sitting out Saturday's practice.
“I thought Jeronne was fine,'' Martin said. “I didn't think we did a very good job with our boxouts.''
The Vols return to action at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena against No. 17 Pittsburgh (5-1).
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 175
kantanuuv writes:
As a free service to Vole fans everywhere, I'm providing a list of excuses you can use when you post. (NOTE: You may select more than one.)
o The floor was too shiny.
o Their shoes were too squeaky.
o The ball experienced overinflation caused by administration economic policies.
o Key players attending BBQ at Bruce Pearl's house (no photos this time).
o We're young and inexperienced.
o Our quarterback was injured.
o We're the only team that has to travel for road games.
o Celebration hangover after moral victory against Duke.
o Concerned about being stuck in the ribs with a knife (thought they were the Oakland Raiders).
o This is a huge rivalry dating all the way back to 2010. ANYTHING can happen.
o Another hour and we'd a had 'em!
o Distracted by residual Kiffen man-love.
w4tey#282182 writes:
Not enough talent and not enough guts tonight ! Tired of seeing other teams shoot the lights out against the Vols. Tired of other teams wanting it more. Tired of seeing the Vols on the other team's highlight reel. Tired of pulling for the Vols [ no not really ] but tired nonetheless.
westknoxrepub writes:
How many years until we can hire Pearl back? Just think, at the rate recruiting's going it's just going to get worse.
westknoxrepub writes:
This is as talented as we get. . .the recruiting class for next year is a joke.
Volborn writes:
The misery continues.
TNORANGEDOGDAD writes:
Bad week for UT mens sports!
westknoxrepub writes:
Maybe we'll have a winning season in Baseball. . .
oldster writes:
I believe that Coach Martin promised a team that will work hard and play good defense. He lied. This group looks very much like the football team. They played almost no defense, got outrebounded and outhustled, and turned the ball over so much that they looked like the Lady Vols on a bad night. At one point (when Washpun missed a dunk and, our big star, Maymon dropped the ball out of bounds going in for a layup, they looked like the punt coverage team vs. Joe Adams (i.e. the Keystone Kops). However, if one keeps the right perspective, this team will be fun to watch. They are hilarious.
volfanz writes:
Was Dooley on the sideline? Talk about an uninspired, unmotivated team performance. Maybe I should stop looking to watch the Vols on TV when I get the opportunity. Every time I do, it's just more of the same and I'm left hanging my head.
tomkats3242 writes:
Thanks Mike Hamilton and Jimmy Cheek for running the Tennessee programs into the ground and bringing in high school coaches. We have completed the circle, football, Lady Vols and now the mens program all taking a beating because coaches cannot and will not make the players earn their benefits for playing for Tennessee. Why not recruit Tennessee players that would die for Tennessee instead of players who look and try to act like pro players with beards, tatooes and failure to hustle. I could name players from all teams mentioned but they would not care and so does the university as long as we fools give money, buy tickets and support these programs. I love the university but I have cut off all funds, ticket purchases and donations until someone on the hill gets control. MR. HART, you are suppose to be a honest, trustworthy person who will put the university back together. Start tomorrow by firing and running off the above mentions people and hire someone that cares.
kantanuuv writes:
LoL!!!
Coach "Quiznos"
Gotta steal that one, sorry dude.
jt45 writes:
Its been a bad week for UT sports I hope things turn around soon.This team has had some tough test so far and I think that will help once they get back into conference play.
primetimevol writes:
I'm wishing for 2012 to get here as soon as possible, but then reminded me we don't have much to look forward to except some "aestetically pleasing softball." When will this nightmare end?
TNORANGEDOGDAD writes:
2 breakaway lay up misses when we were 5 behind, really hurt bad. Defense looked absolutely terrible could not move their feet. Should have continually pounded ball inside where we had advantage.
westknoxrepub writes:
Uh, Alabama and Arkansas beat Oakland by double digits, we're going to be lucky to get 4 SEC wins.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
Speaking of Oakland making a living at the free throw line..........while watching and/or listening to the game from time to time.........
we did a good job of being brick masons
throwing bricks up there when we went to the line.
Don't know what the final stats were, but I assume the game was decided at the line. Not going to get over wrought with it however.
81volguy writes:
That's got to be the most inane, comment idiotic I've ever read. And that's saying something on this board.
samvol writes:
Pearl lost to this same team last year AT TBA....so give it a rest...i mean your expectations for this team is low anyway so why all the chatter...
VFL...GBO!!!
westknoxrepub writes:
Wow. . .let the excuses begin. Here, I'll start. . .we made a terrible hire in Coach Martin.
samvol writes:
oh and lost with 2 macdonald all americans...so please leave Pearl where he is.
kantanuuv writes:
Vole fans, there IS a silver lining to this devastating loss.
Even now...Coach Quiznos is hard at work...honing his prose...licking his #2 pencil...crafting a spiritual motivational speech to lift his team and their fans to a frenzy.
It will probably start with, "This is year minus 2, or maybe minus 3, depending on how many years I have on my contract. We start to dig our way out NOW!"
"Oh...and...OUR QUARTERBACK WAS INJURED!"
(Cue crowd applause from the 4,000 in attendance at the Bowling Arena.)
graphpro#231211 writes:
As a small business owner, can someone tell me how a 100 million dollar organization can be ran so poorly (UT Athletic Department)?
Fulmer - late on the firing. Should have been 2005. Was given a 6 mil buyout... 8 win rollover... TERRIBLE and WASTEFUL!
Hire CLK and not have a large 4 mil buyout... If so he would still be in K-town.
Let the BBall program and Pearl just do whatever.
Hire a nobody from the WAC and give him a 4 mil buyout. WHY?
Give the terrible AD a 1.5 mil buyout.
Do the powers that be just play rock, paper, scissors when there's decision to be made?
Literally there hasn't been a good decision made in 5 years... Maybe the new baseball coach will work out...
What's everyone's opinion? Do you think ultimately all of these problems and bad decisions have been the result of a lack of leadership from the position of President of the University? Hamilton had to have his superiors... didn't he?
westknoxrepub writes:
Cheek needs to go, Dooley needs to be fired now, Martin needs to be fired as soon as Pearl's show cause is up.
volaholic45 writes:
All things Vols are under a curse.
Fulmer's got a drawer full of voodoo dolls or something.
Down_The_Field writes:
i half expected this and am pizzed off i was right.
One_in_West_Knox writes:
I'm NOT for Coach Cuonzo to be fired, especially after he came into a mess that Hamilton and Pearl left (was he also deemed a desperation hire??), but I would like to make sure of one thing, especially after the Vols' effort against Duke and Memphis:
The Vols DO know that they are an NCAA Division ONE team, DO they??
BolivrBob writes:
We lost to a very good Oakland team tonight in their crackerebox gym in what Greg Kampe called "the biggest game in their history". Trae didn't play well with only one assist and Maymon wasn't sharp. But this team is growing up quickly and I think they will beat Pitt Saturday. Oakland is a very good and well coached team. They beat Houston at Houston, (Houston beat Arkansas). Not many will go into that little gym and beat them, especially when they shoot (about) 32-35 from the stripe. I'm very excited with how Zo is building this team of no names. You can just see Mcrae getting better each game. We WILL beat some folks.
TNORANGEDOGDAD writes:
Cheek probably has a bigger buy out than all of them. If he was in on approving the others.
kantanuuv writes:
You may be rid of me sooner than you think. I'm pretty sure the Vole Athletic Department is about to offer me a VERY handsome buyout.
BolivrBob writes:
The comments on this board are just plain sad. I'm proud to be a Vol but ashamed to even be associated with the likes of most on here who claim to be Vol fans.
nfdeng13 writes:
In other news our beer pong team is undefeated!! GBO!!
BolivrBob writes:
Their F/Ts were 28-31
samvol writes:
add that our point guard will NOT get the rest of the team involved
kantanuuv writes:
Well said, friend. I've been following the hysterical antics of the Vole athletic program for literally hours. After all, they are the Washington Generals of the SEC. CVDjr and Coach Cuomo (D-NY) deserve credit for providing laughter for nation in turmoil.
Stand and salute them, Vole fans! VFL = Hugs for Thugs!
kantanuuv writes:
Well said, friend. I am indeed a Kentucky fan (this week).
Volborn writes:
And Cam Tatum twice gets to within 2 inches of the rim and can't finish. Then he does something I've never seen when he was able to stop the ball on the neck of the rim. The VOL CURSE is at full steam.
holleyab writes:
This was a killer Oakland team that will undoubtedly make some noise in march. They would've won this game at home, but it's good to get tested. This is basketball and it isn't the end of the world you guys. Oakland just shot lights out tonight and killed us on the boards. This is still a new team, they will improve.
STLVOLS writes:
Pearl lost to Oakland in Knoxville last year. Also, Vols lost by 10 to Duke and Overtime to Memphis. You want Vols to be prepapring for season playing cupcakes????
Do your research WtKnox.
samvol writes:
are you just slow...get yo lips off Pearls butt or go find another team. Pearl is a LIAR and we dont want him back...get OVER IT or get lost...
BolivrBob writes:
You're not my friend sad, little man
STLVOLS writes:
You need to be fired because you make emotional posts without knowing about whom Vols have played so far.
You make all your posts with emotions rather than objectivity. Yes, Pittsburgh up next!! Would you prefer Carson Newman???
Your posts on about all sites show lack of clear thought. You are always in panic mode, West KNox. Pitiful!!!
STLVOLS writes:
Hey, WestKnox. Do you ever leave panic mode????????
ProfessionalHandicapper writes:
I like Bruce Pearl and the way he brought UT basketball back from the dark ages. But Im not going to pass judgement on Martin this early in the season. Many smart coaches toy with lineups early to find the right chemistry and get experience on the bench. Basketball is a Tourney Sport so a few losses dont matter along the way. And it's really unfair to lump he and Dooley in the same sentence. I do think UT would have been better served to hire Byrd from Belmont with over 600 wins and a UT grad. But I will wait before starting the fire Martin ceremony. I want to see the product he has ready in January when things really matter before I start bashing the guy.
One_in_West_Knox writes:
Yes, Pearl DID make this team get to the Elite Eight (and ALMOST to the Final Four, with J. P. Prince, Brian Williams, and Steven Pearl), but for those wanting him back, remember, it may again go back to just passing the ball around the perimeter for most of the shot clock, more treys made too early, relying too much on treys, and not having a true point guard, to name some.
kantanuuv writes:
I am compelled to disagree. Coach Cuomo (D-NY) should take a page from CVDjr's playbook: schedule several non-conference cream-puffs, win a few key SEC games, then head for the post-season.
Oh, wait...
givehim6 writes:
I made a commitment to support Dooley for two years, it has been the hardest thing to do. But I made no promise about Martin, I'v been Pearl guy all along. I think by seasons end people will see how they overreacted by fireing Pearl, but what is done is done, right? Think UT sports is living with the mistakes of bad judgment, and will be for several years.
One_in_West_Knox writes:
Maybe S.O.S.! S.O.S.! S.O.S! S.O.S! can help (Strength Of Schedule).
kantanuuv writes:
FIRE COACH QUIZNO! FIRE COACH QUIZNO!
Too early?
Ok.
kantanuuv writes:
mr mojo risin'
jim morrison
puff puff pass
djohnnyg writes:
Ha. Yeah. Bring Pearl back. Than you can enjoy even more humiliating 30 point first round losses in the tournament. If they even make it there.
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