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Vols can't get over Hill in time, 92-91

Will Vols earn a No. 1 seed?

By Mike Griffith (Contact)
Originally published 08:05 p.m., March 15, 2008
Updated 12:27 a.m., March 15, 2008

ATLANTA — Tennessee's run for an SEC tournament championship in men's basketball came down to two shots.

Arkansas' shot came from 7-foot Steven Hill, who averages 2.9 points per game and missed his only previous attempt of the game.

The No. 4 Vols countered with the greatest 3-point shooter in SEC history, Chris Lofton, who had made 7-of-11 shots.

Hill swished his 6-foot turnaround attempt with 5.3 seconds left, Lofton missed his 19-footer at the buzzer, and the Razorbacks won 92-91 Saturday in Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

The SEC tournament was moved to the Georgia Tech campus Saturday after a tornado damaged the Georgia Dome Friday night.

The smaller arena and crowd (approximately 2,000 fans) did nothing to sap the teams' electricity.

UT (29-4) shot .552 percent from the floor with Lofton scoring a game-high 25 points, Tyler Smith pouring in 24 and JaJuan Smith adding 18.

Arkansas (22-10) shot .545 with 6-foot-9 power forward Charles Thomas leading the way with 24 points.

As big as Thomas played, also grabbing 10 rebounds, it was Hill's shot that will go down in Razorbacks folklore.

"I obviously did not expect to take that shot, or any other shot at the end of the game,'' Hill said. "A blind dog finds a bone now and then.''

And an eagle-eye misses a shot.

"I got a great look at the end; it was a perfect setting,'' said Lofton, who hit the game-winning shot in UT's win over South Carolina in the second round on Friday. "It just didn't go down for me.

"Of course we're disappointed right now; we had our heart set on making history.''

The Vols advanced to the semifinals of the SEC tournament for the first time since 1991, but they couldn't match the feat they also accomplished that year of making it to the title game.

While Arkansas advances to play Georgia in today's championship game, UT's focus shifts to the NCAA tournament selection show (TV: WVLT, 6 p.m.).

UT coach Bruce Pearl and his players said after the loss they are deserving of one of the tournament's four No. 1 seeds.

"Over the last 15 years, 1999 Duke had the highest RPI,'' Pearl said, referring to the ratings system commonly used in the NCAA tournament seeding process which takes into account strength of schedule, record and where games were played. "Tennessee is the second-highest RPI in the last 15 years.

"We're certainly under consideration. Wherever they'll seed us, we'll go play.''

UT was looking to take any doubt out of the seeding process when it completed a 9-0 run to go up 73-64 with 8:55 left on a Tyler Smith 3-pointer.

Arkansas coach John Pelphrey had seen enough and called timeout with 8:50 left.

"I told the guys, 'you don't have it tonight,' '' Pelphrey said. "I told them, 'You need to congratulate Tennessee. You can't guard them. Chris Lofton is beating you right now, not with his threes, but with his driving.' ''

Pelphrey's tactic worked. The Vols didn't score a field goal over the next three minutes.

In the meantime, Arkansas went on a 12-3 run, tying the game at 76-76 on Gary Ervin's jumper with 6:03 left.

UT forged back ahead 81-77 on a Tyler Smith turnaround and a Lofton trey, but the Hogs stayed red-hot, tying the game at 83-83 on a spectacular Sonny Weems alley-oop dunk with 3:31 left.

There were seven ties or lead changes from that point on, Hill providing the final one.

"You can't win championships getting beating on the boards like we did,'' Pearl said, referring to Arkansas' 34-22 rebounding advantage and 14-6 edge in second-chance points. "Right now, they (UT players) are disappointed. They came here to win the championship. They carried the banner for the SEC all season long.

"We have time to get them focused and turned around. Part of it is remembering this feeling.''

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

       377 Comments

Posted by yemmusdarb on March 15, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Arkansas fans owned our fans, no surprise there.

I can't wait until we get a new PG. Ramar and Jordan cost us the game with t/o's and missed FG's.

Posted by kesterja on March 15, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And, as usual, missed FT's

Posted by invisiblekid on March 15, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great game by two excellent teams. Agree with I believe it was Hammond, the Hogs are coming together at the right time. The Vols HAVE to stop giving up so many open looks, at least get a hand in the shooter's face.

Posted by 88volgrad on March 15, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's what lousy defense will get you. I don't like this team's chances in the NCAA at all. Other teams have stepped up their game for post season while UT has not. This team has the potential to reach the Final Four, but they also have the potential to be the first one-seed to lose to a sixteen-seed.

Posted by Basketball_Jones on March 15, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ya know this was a tough game against a good team, there is nothing wrong with them losing. The one thing if I were Pearl I would do, is make Howell hand out towels during the NCAA tourney. He brings nothing to the floor when he plays. He can't shoot, can't break down the D, can't play "d" and he can't get to the line cause he's so slow he can't penetrate.

Tough loss but may be just the thing this team needs going into the tourney. We won't be in the UNC bracket cause we'll be the #1 2 seed, we'll be with Texas or Kansas

Posted by invisiblekid on March 15, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Be interesting to see how the mighty Tigers fare after they get finished beating up on high school teams and have to go to a D I schedule on Thursday.

Posted by 55Vol on March 15, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The god( Foolmore) turned into the great pumpkin.

Tough loss Vols. We , of late, cannot seem to finish a team off when we get a decent lead. Ramar still plays out of control even at the end of his sophmore year. Chris and JaJuan are still ridiculous and Tyler Smith is sick. Great job by those 3 guys. Hate to see the tourney end for them. Maybe it will be good for the big dance however. Hold your heads up team....let's go get 'em next weekend.

Posted by bricker865 on March 15, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yeah grizcheese you have a lot to be proud of in that armpit corner of the state, or whichever state you all claim to be in. A great game and could have gone either way at the end. I would say at least #2 seed. Mempiss good luck when you realize you're not playing UTEP or Tulsa in the NCAA's.

Posted by mdvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Free throws and defense, boys. No more games in Knoxville.

Posted by mparker on March 15, 2008 at 8:33 p.m.

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Posted by BIGEJ on March 15, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Blame it on Fulmer....

Posted by CatScratchFever on March 15, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To the vol fans...it happens to the best of us. Congrats on a great effort today under some really difficult circumstances.

We have all enjoyed the banter back and forth this year but now our conference season is over so lets go out there and show the rest of the country just how good the SEC is.

From here on out, I am an SEC fan. I will be pulling for Tennessee as loud as I can---except if we meet you down the road somewhere :-).

Good luck in the Dance....Go Vols, Go Dores, Go Hogs, Go Bulldogs and hopefully....Go CATS!!

Lets take the ACC down first.

Posted by Retiredvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

grizcheese you Moron UT will get NO less than a #2 seed.

Posted by ClockworkOrange on March 15, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thats cool, wouldn't we rather be a #2 seed and play our games in NC rather than a #1 out west somewhere. Hey memphis fan, what team was it that kiced your all's cans in your own crib this year...can't seem to remember. Please reply and say "______ is the team that gave us a spanking on national TV on our own court."

Posted by bshell12 on March 15, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lay of Jordan please people, he is doing everything else well except shooting the ball, i can't wait till he hits a big shot so yall will shut the hell up

Posted by volfan73120 on March 15, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our defense has played terrible in this tournment. We can't blame anybody but ourselves. As close as we let inferior teams play, it was no wonder we would get burnt. Let's learn from this and focus on the NCAA. GO VOLS

Posted by injunvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dang --- choked on a hog bone --- good season shot down - arky may very well be the s.e.c champion now

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Howell couldn't buy a bucket even if he went to KFC. I agree Ramar was way out of control at times.

Posted by bricker865 on March 15, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks AF1. No one can argue that this was an unbelievable game. Maybe this will light a fire under us and could make the difference in a later game.

Posted by kesterja on March 15, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man...what happened when we went up by 9 there toward the end. We immediately started fouling like there was no tomorrow. Arkansas was unconscious from the free throw line, which is where they beat us.

Posted by ClockworkOrange on March 15, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thats cool, wouldn't we rather be a #2 seed and play our games in NC rather than a #1 out west somewhere. Hey memphis fan, what team was it that kiced your all's cans in your own crib this year...can't seem to remember. Please reply and say "______ is the team that gave us a spanking on national TV and took our #1 ranking from us on our own court." Let's see if youre man enough to do that.

Posted by skroutyboy on March 15, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Tigers?!? Check out that 1 beside your record. You got slapped in your own building. What a loser--play in a real conference. Isn't Conference USA #10 in the RPI? You are pathetic and you know it. You had a chance to put your money where your mouth is and you gagged. You were Tiger High yesterday, you're Tiger High today and you'll be Tiger High tomorrow. To add insult to injury, you're in Memphis, the armpit of the world. That being said, as much as I like CBP, he did not have us ready to play in the tourney. We easily could have lost yesterday and deserved what we got today. Horrible preparation and execution. We could not defend a middle school team. If our defense does not improve, it will be a short run in the tourney. To be quite honest, a pathetic representation by our coaching staff and our team. Totally inexcusable. And Griz, again, 66-62, but you do have us beat on murders per capita.

Posted by 55Vol on March 15, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

grizcheese1... Tenn beat Memphis head up in YOUR house...smack down!!! your irrelevant

Posted by mparker on March 15, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

trey Johnson:
I really, really wish you and I were face to face right now.

Posted by UTByrd on March 15, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think CBP was saving his team's endurance for the championship game by not having them use their patented full-court press the last couple of games. If they made it to Sunday, they would have pulled out all the stops. Alas, we are sent home to rest up for the Big Dance.
GO VOLS!!!!!

Posted by ratkins589 on March 15, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i wish howell would'nt shoot but gotta take the bad with the good

Posted by mdvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thoght we owned Arky after shutting down McFadden and then winning by 20 in Knoxville. I guess the fat hog is singing.

Posted by ClockworkOrange on March 15, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No I agree about Howell, he's just logging minutes and the whole bit about "doing everything but scoring" doesn't cut it when you are a run-n-gun team like UT. Its like playing 4 on 5 when he's out there.

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well griz you got pimp smacked in your own house by....wannabes?? I didn't know Memphis was spelled UNC? Fool!

Posted by cdonsbach on March 15, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

grizcheese1 we beat you on your home floor. Please STFU until you beat a ranked team.

Posted by grvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just another SEC tournament embarassment for the Vols. We are all used to it. This team thinks they are way too good and cute to play defense. Too much substituting with Div. II level crap coming off the bench. No continuity because of the foolish wholesale substituting. This team is 1-2 and done in the big dance. Oh well. At least we don't completely suk anymore. Still this is TN. Don't get your hopes up for any knid of national title.

Posted by 55Vol on March 15, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cdonsbach.... he is not worth the energy to ...his team and him have been smackdowned by the Vols already...in HIS house

Posted by lempga on March 15, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Too much Hot Doggin! Poor free throw shooting and point guard play was awful. You don't let a 7 footer that has no points all night get the shot off. No way he makes two free throws. Then OT!

This team is very over rated. Too many weak links. Chism shooting three's???? I would have started Crews in the 2nd half also.

Everyone said that sooner or later free throws would cost us big time.

If Vols get to Elite 8, they will be doing good. All said and done, still a fun season.

Posted by yemmusdarb on March 15, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

grizcheese1: you realize we beat Memphis right? I mean, maybe we'd win our conference tourney if we were in the Conf-USA where the avg RPI is somewhere around 3,408. Also, you like to call East TN people hillbillies, but you live in the same state we do. If anything, I'd rather live around hillbillies than thugs and wanksters.

Posted by rebyank2 on March 15, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did Tennessee forget how to play defense?

Posted by mparker on March 15, 2008 at 8:40 p.m.

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Posted by Mr_Brownstone on March 15, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i was a student in 91 when we went to the finals. i don't think we will ever win the sec tourney. this hurts as much as the dwight clark catch against the cowboys.

Posted by splinterdand on March 15, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mempiss. I like that. Hey,dorkcheese. How many championships does elite Mempiss have? Can't really call yourself elite if all you can beat is junior varsity teams and NEVER win any titles. In any sport.

Posted by tenuscvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IMHO.....outplayed emotionally...outplayed (outcoached?) strategically and the hogs made the shots when they needed and we did not...life goes on and this to shall pass....If the big orange was going to loose then better to the hogs then to Vandy even though I think we would have matched up better with them. Once you start getting in foul trouble sending the big guys to the line rather than let then own the inside becomes more problematic...Govols..sure wish I was wathcing them play tomorrow... :-(

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

before people get too cranked up UNC almost lost to Va Tech playing for a berth in the dance, Duke lost to Clemson same deal, and then Ark was playing for its life today. Another great game from Tyler

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I really hope that this is a wake up call and that they realize you have to play 40 minutes of ball. I'm not sure if it is 2 and out in the big dance that's why you play the game.

Posted by skroutyboy on March 15, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We do not have a point guard. Ramar is out of control so many times and is horrible at the line. Jordan Howell couldn't hit a bull in the a** with a bass fiddle. When is the last time he actually made a shot? One of the worst shooters I have ever seen. Wait!! Ramar just threw the ball away again. I sincerely hope the kid from Michigan can come in and play immediately. He could play for us now.

Posted by bshell12 on March 15, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good lord people its not the end of the world we will still play next week, and who knows this loss may be just what we needed, 29-4 and we are complaining about losing in the sec tournament is there not something more important, thats what i thought so shut up if your just going to down the team go cheer for Kentucky or Florida we don't need you

Posted by injunvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

still got the lady vols they will always be the best - and its baseball time in tennessee

Posted by Volalumnus on March 15, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TN #2 seed
Vandy 5 seed
Miss St 8 seed
Ark 9 seed
No other SEC teams

TN won't make it out of the second weekend, especially if officiating goes like it did in the second half.
No level of defense can stop another team if they call a foul when you breath on them at one end and they can knock you down the final 8 mins and nothing will be called.

Defense is always much better when things are called the same at both ends.

Posted by 55Vol on March 15, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Memphis sucks grizcheese1. THey couldn't beat UCLA years ago, couldn't win with Penny Hardaway and they will suck again in this year's big dance. They are a paper Tiger.

Posted by vol4good on March 15, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree about the FT's! But, I also believe the team relaxed and expected Lofton to sink the big 3 at the end. This game should never have come to a last second shot! Hope the fellas realize the task they have and the hopes they carry. Lets go Vols--the tourny is at hand and poise is required. Never Quit and never stop playing D!!! Go VOLS!!!!

Posted by pjhaddix on March 15, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The stats look really even until you get down to the rebounds, and we were out-rebounded tonight, 22/34. The shocker is that we usually win in the bench point category, but they had 38 to our 6. Hopefully they'll figure that out before next week. http://livestats.secsports.com/mbb/ga...
Go Vols!! pj

Posted by Volalumnus on March 15, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

More would have thought this was a great effort if that final 3 went down.

Posted by rebyank2 on March 15, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm a Tennessee fan living in Connecticut, and didn't get to see the game. They must have looked bad. Is there any hope of doing well in NCAA?
It sure doesn't look good from where I'm at.

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We still have a lot to play for. Sure, I'm dissapointed that we lost the game by one point but good grief people we have the opportunity to make a run in the big dance. Defense has to get better and we have to suck it up and get bettr PG play form Ramar/Howell.

Posted by kdub on March 15, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

reason we lost the game was missed FT's plus absolutely horrible PG play. Ramar has regressed from last year & neither he nor Jordan can shoot a lick. Pearl has got to get a true PG for next year along with Hopson.

Posted by 55Vol on March 15, 2008 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Shucks... it is over for this week. Let's go down to the local shop and eat a fritter. It takes one great pumpkin to know another. and one fritter deserves another.

Suck it up team... start the season over next weekend. Just win....

Posted by mparker on March 15, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rebyank2:
you can watch on yahoo broadcast or espn350.com

to wit: we are not good enough to make mistakes at the end. We made several. the most critical where the missed FT's by Ramar and Chris. That's 3 HUGE points in the clutch. Also, Wayne was out of postion againtst Hill.

Posted by walvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Howell needs to keep dishing the ball. We don't need any shots from anyone that questions weather they can make it or not.

Posted by overatedvols on March 15, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ha ha... i can't stop laughing. You guys haven't beaten anybody decisively in a long time. You struggle and even lose to mediocre teams. You have struggled against LSU, Georgia, Alabama and now South Carolina and Arkansas and i'm just mentioning the lower tier of the SEC.
You are not a top 10 team and never were. You played in a conference that was weak this year.
You do not look good..not impressive and that was
a horrible loss ..horrible two games to send you off to the tournament. If you were going to be a 1 seed you certainly aren't now. I just hope you end up in the region with Memphis now. Everybodies mouths are watering to have a game with Tenn. again when the Tigers are playing well again and they are now. As the season came to an end they have started clicking on all cylinders. They are going to be impressive in the tournament. We want you... You guys can hold your end of the bargain and keep winning so that we can play you again right.... wrong..... I'm not sure you'll see the sweet 16. Face it.. you were like North Carolina this year.. totally overrated. At least they got better near the end of the season.
Whew.i'm embarrassed for Tenn. and i'm not a fan. You showed what you really were all about in the last 2 days.

Posted by invisiblekid on March 15, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Howell couldn't buy a bucket even if he went to KFC." Can't argue with that et_vol_fan, Howell went 0 for the SEC tournament.

Posted by ClockworkOrange on March 15, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey PJ...what was the foul shot ratio for the vols and Rbacks

Posted by kceatherly on March 15, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, I think I would've rather had Josh Tabb guarding Thomas than Duke or Brian Williams. Josh is about the only one who seems to care about defense more than 50% of the time.

Wonder if Pelphrey glared at JaJuan after the game? I love JaJuan's passion but he needs to just play ball.

Posted by kceatherly on March 15, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, I think I would've rather had Josh Tabb guarding Thomas than Duke or Brian Williams. Josh is about the only one who seems to care about defense more than 50% of the time.

Wonder if Pelphrey glared at JaJuan after the game? I love JaJuan's passion but he needs to just play ball.

Posted by invisiblekid on March 15, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Howell couldn't buy a bucket even if he went to KFC." Can't argue with that et_vol_fan, Howell went 0 for the SEC tournament.

Posted by walvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bruce will have them ready!!!!!!

Posted by ballewville6 on March 15, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

freethrows loften missed 1 and ramar missed2 in last 75 seconds,we should have won free throws will get you beat everytime plus they were letting thomas push people out of way to get to basket,in 2 sec tourny games ut was called for 52 fouls the opponents 37 fouls,should have been more we can still get to final four as long as the foul situation isnt called the same.and we have to play better defense

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We got murdered in the paint. I don't want to see a physical team in the tourney. We can finnese all we want until we run into good low-post play.

Posted by jcvet on March 15, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If they think they are too good looking to play defense stick the head bands up their rears and run them til they defecate blood. Defense is nothing but desire. I wish the SEC would stop allowing TN to play in the SEC tournament so they will stop humiliating the state, school, and the long suffering fans. Gators are right, we are too stupid to be ranked # 1. I for one am not looking forward to the NCAA tournament humiliation.

Posted by bshell12 on March 15, 2008 at 8:53 p.m.

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Posted by pearlman on March 15, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Alright Bruce, light a fire under these boys and get something done. Bring back that team we were watching 3 weeks ago.

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why don't we just quit right now jcvet? Go watch the Gators in the NIT then. I don't like the fact that we lost in the tourney but I'm not ready to abandon ship as of yet?

Posted by mattucket on March 15, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey GrizzChz... there's only 2 things that come out of Memphis... Crime and I40. WE saw how Memphis fairs when the games on the line, they tense up like a newbie's bottom on his 1st day in the California penitentiary. Memphis High will properly lose in the sweet 16.

Posted by trl_x on March 15, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There goes the #1 seed. Oh well. It could end up being a good thing for some of the reasons mentioned.

I've thought all year Arkansas was very talented just underachieving. So that helps some. But I agree about our D, it's been lacking lately. And if we can't win the SEC Tourney this year with this team...

IMO I think it will be easier to win 3 games in the NCAA tournament than 2 in the SEC tourney. SEC teams know our tendencies and style very well by tournament time. We'll be a somewhat of an unknown quantity in the NCAA.

Go Vols!

Posted by 55Vol on March 15, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bshell12... in some ways jcvet has a point. We have stopped playing stifling defense since we beat Memphis, or other coaches have figured out how to beat it.

Posted by splinterdand on March 15, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course Mempiss is playing well. It's easy when you're basically playing against air.

Posted by mparker on March 15, 2008 at 8:56 p.m.

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Posted by chrisw2967 on March 15, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bshell12 as soon as Howell hits a shot I guess we all will shut the hell up but I dont think we have to worry about that now do we ? when is the last time he hit one , do you know

grillcheese , Memphis wont be playing anymore high school teams after the 1st round if they make it past it.you seen what happens when you play a real Div I team , you lose.

Posted by pjhaddix on March 15, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rebyank2, we didn't look bad, it's just that Arkansas didn't either. 92-91 is a high scoring game, so there wasn't a lot of defense going on. Yet, it was a pretty physical game. The hogs just got one lucky shot that we didn't. Hopefully, this will renew their focus on rebounding and defense for next week. I'm sorry you didn't know to watch it online on Yahoo.sports.
Go Vols! pj

Posted by orangeinmississippi on March 15, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Damn that sucked(losing)!!!!! How in the hell does Howe get a scholarship?

Posted by invisiblekid on March 15, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can't complain about the officiating, Vols and Hogs were both 20-29 from the charity stripe. Actually, SEC officiating is the worst in the country by far but there wasn't a bias for either team, terrible calls on both ends.

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by mattucket on March 15, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey GrizzChz... there's only 2 things that come out of Memphis... Crime and I40. WE saw how Memphis fairs when the games on the line, they tense up like a newbie's bottom on his 1st day in the California penitentiary. Memphis High will properly lose in the sweet 16.

Freaking Hilarious!!!

Posted by ksteelescvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You guys are starting to sound alot like our football fans. We have lost four games this year and this is the same arky team that beat candy yesterday. Lighten up, would have loved to have won this thing, but don't forget we just dropped a banner on sunday.

Jordan is in a shooting slump, but he did drive and dish well tonight, and he is good on the ball defender... Good luck in the big dance boys, some of us are still with you all the way.

Posted by gruntworks on March 15, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like the Vols are getting warmed up for another pre-Sweet 16 exit!

Posted by walvol on March 15, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ramar should have driven to the basket. Oh well, get ready for the Big Dance. That's all folk's.

Posted by bricker865 on March 15, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bshell12, agreed. Don't get me wrong I would rather have a #1 seed but is there a huge difference between 1 and 2? You still go against Prairie View A & M or somebody like that in the first game. The only thing that really disappoints me about this team right now (like many concur) is the point guard play. Ramar looks spectacular at times but clumsy other times, and I think a point guard should be able to shoot better from outside.

Posted by dash727 on March 15, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It was the black shoes. Ugly.

Posted by bshell12 on March 15, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah actually i do he hit a three and a floater against Florida to help bring us back, how quickly everyone seems to forget the kid can shoot, his confidence is laking, seem like that happened to Chris early this year and he seems ok.

Posted by mparker on March 15, 2008 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no, you can't complain about the officials in either of our 2 games. we foulded, a lot!!!

some poor decisions, some poor execution, and bad ft shooting. Ball does NOT need to be in any one's hands at the end except Chris, Tyler, and JaJuan. Ramar and Jordan should juse deke.

Posted by jimr07 on March 15, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i still think we brought the annointing oil out too quick for Bruce. he did an incredible job but great coaching would not have let this happen. i do not think we will go beyond game one in the NCAA

Posted by edvol on March 15, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey grizzcheese1 -- were you at the game where we beat you on your on home court? i wasnt so i hope you enjoyed for me -- nice tough one against tulsa today ...you street ballers are a joke! played one quality team and lost -- on your own home floor!

Posted by ClockworkOrange on March 15, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

as a #2 you can actually end up playing an easier team in the second round if the 10 upsets the 7. and if we get 2 seed in the east, our fans can make it to the games which could help out. I am not terribly upset with this loss, it does show our need for some true post play and lack of depth at guard.

Posted by splinterdand on March 15, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on, how many of you before the season would've taken 29-4 and a #2 seed? Every darn one of you! Go Vols! Hey, how do you find Memphis? Go west until you smell it, then south until you step in it.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK everyone that jumped on the bandwagon in Feb is now jumping off.....it is so great to be a Tennessee VOL! Great 3 by #5 to tie it at 88....that guy is a legend and will be long remembered around here....Tyler is a legend in the making...Williams is a force inside...look out NCAAs next stop final four...keep shooting Chris L...we are going to San Antonio and UF is going to the NIT

Posted by ClockworkOrange on March 15, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't think we can keep defending Howell cause he's a nice white kid anymore. (im white by the way)

Posted by tapeworm on March 15, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If we don't learn how to get back on defense after a score, we'll lose to anybody in the Dance that recognizes that.

Having said that, it's quite a testament to what BP has done at UT to see that fans even care enough to post. It takes longer than 3 years to build a program, and we have been incredibly spoiled by how fast this has gone. I'm going to just enjoy the ride from here on out and try and not forget what this year has been like.

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll take 29-4 and an outright SEC championship any year. I guess that we are spoiled somewhat. I can remember Wade Houstons last year of 5-22. I didn't enjoy that year and the Buzz years much either. Oh, well let's see what we can do next week.

Posted by invisiblekid on March 15, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree mparker, keep it in the best players hands at the end of the game. T. Smith is the best passer on the team and has the ability to create his own shot if he gets in trouble, run the offense through him down the stretch.

Posted by kdub on March 15, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it's only one game & we'll get some needed rest plus Pearl will have them ready & motivated for the tourney. looks like we'll be a #2 seed now (UNC, UCLA, Tiger High, Kansas/Texas winner). we better start hitting FT's & somehow get something out of the PG position if we hope to go past the Sweet 16. The West kid from Michigan will start immediately next year as well as Hopson if he comes to UT.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on March 15, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Haven't read one word of above but my guess is this: most of us believe lack of defense (especially defensive boards) cost us this game. That's what I believe, at least.

This could cost us a no. 1 seed -- but actually help us by putting The Fear into us.

Now, as BP says, every game is a championship.

Posted by kceatherly on March 15, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Brought the anointing oil out too quick for Bruce"? You're kidding, right? We've got a flaw or two (like most every other team), but they are a very well-coached team. Did you see the play Bruce designed when Lofton hit the 3 to tie it late? You think it was Childress who drew that up using Gatorade cups and towels? There are maybe 5-8 coaches I would take over him right now, and I'm not sure there's any coach out there that's a better fit for our program right now.

Posted by splinterdand on March 15, 2008 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ClockworkOrange, thanks for letting us know that you're white......and how stupid you are.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

exactly kc that was a great play well executed

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 15, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

geezzzzzzz unbelievable how the fickle so called faithful turn on Bruce and this team over a 1 pt loss with a jcvet even calling it an humiliation---ride the crest when all is good and then jump ship and quit believing when theres even a blip------some of u just leave me shaking my head in disbelief

Posted by rebyank2 on March 15, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pjhaddix:

Thanks for the info.

They'll do better in the NCAA, you all just watch.

Posted by lilmoorevols on March 15, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no defense again, we won't get to far without some D....what about some zone BP?

we couldn't buy a foul....are the refs out to get us?

Posted by invisiblekid on March 15, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No need to bring race into it and start a firestorm ClockworkOrange. Howell went 0-7 in the tournament and was a liability on defense at times, having trouble fighting through screens and not offering much more than being an outlet on the in bounds. Nothing more needs to be added to it IMO.

Posted by jcvet on March 15, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bshell, A true fan doesn't like to lose because of loafing and you know what ball. Maybe you do enjoy it. Loser.

Posted by ClockworkOrange on March 15, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

not stupid, Im guite intelligent actually-just didn't want to get any racial crap going on...you can't say that Howell's play lately merits any playing time and if he weren't everybody's friend, we would be grilling him on these boards.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

how do you guys think the dukies feel tonight...let's just go get some rest team and get ready for next weekend's roll into the sweet 16

Posted by jh43 on March 15, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We have an exciting team, but we just do not have the killer instinct. When we get up, we ease up. We should have put them away when we went up 9. Instead, we turned it over and let up.
I hope we go a long way in the NCAA, but I am not really confident. If we do not have the intensity, we cannot win.

Posted by howdyfolks on March 15, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Absolutely pathetic defense by the Vols this weekend. Terrible rebounding. Williams is a foul-machine when he's on the court and Howell is a complete non-factor offensively. He doesn't drive to the basket and he can't shoot. When Howell is in the game the other team's defense can double up on one of our better players because they know Howell is not a threat. Tennessee is the only #1 seed from a major conference to not get the job done in their respective conference tournament thus far. Unless the Vols play better in the NCAA tournament, I do not see this team getting to the round of 16, much less past it.

Posted by invisiblekid on March 15, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"They'll do better in the NCAA, you all just watch". I agree rebyank, Pearl will get these kids to believe in defense and hustle again.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yabadaba nobody is going to jump except the people who were never on.....man UCLA got so much mention today on TV they seem to be the flavor of the minute...we're going deep into the NCAA for SURE

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wouldn't trade BP for any other coach in the land. He's taken this program that even Ray Mears couldn't? Remember people..Buzz, Jerry, Wade, Kevin. Four bad hires by Dickey and 20 wasted years in basketball. Life is good even if we did lose tonight. The tournament is right around the corner.

Posted by bricker865 on March 15, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My personal goal is 1 step more than they achieved last year, which would mean the final 8. I think anything after that is whatever happens, happens. What are your personal goals for the team? Some may say final 4, some: make it past the 1st round. Just curious.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

howdy I respectfully disagree and I think Williams keeps getting better

Posted by schymtz on March 15, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel sad for the guys. This was one tight game all the way. Others have already said anything I saw that might have turned it around, but the season is not over. I am sure looking forward to playing against teams outside the SEC for awhile: Teams that don't have file cabinets full of scouting on each other. I think we SEC teams will end up playing each other in the NCAA. For the fans, for the love of the team, don't turn so negative at this point. I still have hopes of a #1 seed and don't necessarily believe all the ACC hype. AF#1, it sucks just as bad to lose whenever. Arkansas played a fantastic game and had a whole lot to do with how this game turned out. Tennessee played a very very good if not great offensive game against seniors, taller and bigger. They are the kind of team that has beaten Tennessee before. Guard play could be improved. What Tennessee needs is Attitude and Focus. Hello-Georgia is leading Miss. St! What a suprise if they pull this off!

Posted by VOLS85 on March 15, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

PS people, tennessee is not out of contention for a #1 seed. Bracketologists take into account more than our ranking at the end of the year, we are no doubt the best 4 loss team in the country with a #1 sos and #1 rpi(which is the largest factor for the committee). Don't be surprised if you see us as a 1 seed in the midwest tomorrow...Kansas has 4 losses and has an sos of 83 with an rpi between 7-9.

Also, grizcheese looks eerily similar to gatornation...the "hahahahah" and third grade comments, just throwing that out there.

I always love how people give up on our tourney hopes when we lose in the SEC tourney. The truth is we didn't have a whole lot to play for in comparison to arkansas who was playing for their tourney lives.

Terrible effort from the point, and when are the refs going to allow us to play defense in the post? that part was painful to watch.

GO VOLS and remember, this team is better than beating a 15/16 and losing to a 7/8...

#1 seed tomorrow!

Posted by splinterdand on March 15, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can't run from the ridiculous "nice white kid remark". They all appear to be nice kids to me. Howell's gotten grilled on these boards much more than he deserves. He's been in a slump, but has done some very nice things for this team this year. Pearl is not going to play someone that he considers to be a non-contributor just because he's likes him personally. Pearl's problem is that right now he's dealing with two point guards that aren't playing up to par.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bricker turn it around and ask which 1 seeds would want to play us to get to SA, we're under the radar now. I am happy with CBP at the controls....if anyone is a liability Pearl will put in someone who can contribute...this team is deep and talented

Posted by chrisw2967 on March 15, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

maybe we needed this lost as much as I hate it to get the players minds off that cloud and bring them back down to earth.
Now the real season starts and Pearl said last week that they still havent played their best basketball , so now is the time to play it.

Posted by bricker865 on March 15, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jh43 I disagree. I think we have killer instinct. If you notice most of the close games we're in we win most of them. We somehow find a way at the end. It just didn't happen in this particular one is all.

Posted by ghc_16 on March 15, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all i have 2 say is im glad that jorden howell is gone after this year tenn. is much better off w/o him.

Posted by FatherVol on March 15, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All you Memphis fans are juveniles. While i congratulated the batch of them at Mass tonight for their cakewalk thru Conderence (?) USA tourney, the bunch on here only arouse the most belligerent spirit within me because they know how to neither win with grace nor lose with style. The temptation to respond more explicitly is very great but I would worry about losing my salvation while falling into the hell the call "Tigerland." They would do well to act like AirForceOne of Kentucky, but then that would be impossible because Kentuckians are thoroughbreds while Memphis fans are ... _____ ... You fill in the blank.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so I say right now when things don't look quite as great as they might have 2 weeks ago....final four is where we are going

Posted by hogan on March 15, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can someone please tell me WHY IN THE FU** jordon howell is on the floor for 18 mins. He brings nothing at all to the game. We have no half court D at all, 2nd round and done.

Posted by rebyank2 on March 15, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with you yabadabadoo1026. I'm new to this post and I see a lot of negative stuff and paranoia about everybody out to get us comin from Vol fans. Enjoy the fact that we won the regular season SEC which is a lot tougher than an ol' over rated tournament where these half A$$ teams play above their heads to try to getin the NCAA. So what if we're not going to be a No. 1 seed. At least we're in it. Besides we'll have time to rest up and get mentally geared up for the tournament that really matters.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ty VOLS85 for that post

Posted by BigOrange_supporter on March 15, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You bunch of crybabies, this is only one game, two weeks ago all I heard was praise for CB, this loss will help the team 1 or 2 seed it really doesnt matter, So grow up and support your team win or lose. I guess all you whiners that they looked good in that awesome 2 point win yesterday. Support of pull for UNC, babies.

Posted by VolMama on March 15, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It was a tough loss. The team has had a great season, the best we have seen in a while. We as fans, if we are true Vol Fans we have got to be there for our team through the good times and the bad,and we know that the the good times have out weighed the bad times for sure this year. So now lets just get ready for the BIG DANCE! GO VOLS! Just remember once a Vol Fan always a Vol Fan!

Posted by splinterdand on March 15, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I actually enjoy going to the Kentucky boards occasionally. They really are much more knowledgeable than UT fans. Who can argue with me after some of the crap that's been written here tonight?

Posted by EDis4UT on March 15, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Watch out! Here comes the memphis THUG fans! You should see their board. They will be a little extra riots in the streets of Thugtown tonight! Must be nice to play 3 scabs and feel like you accomplish something. We did beat them in their own house. UT will ALWAYS be better than Thugtown in EVERYTHING. You would have to lived in thugtown to see first hand how really obsessed and ignorant they are.

Today's game - Arkansas played their butts off and deserved to win. I can come up with 1001 excuses on why we should have won. Bottom line, sometimes you just get beat. At least UT got beat by a NCAA Tourny bound team. We don't have to thump our chests after beating 3 c-usa sissies.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry Hogan we will definitely be there when Sunday is over

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on March 15, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Re Brian Williams, I was ready to praise him for his performance lately...until the last 10 minutes of this game. The good: he has some moves inside for a big man, he can be a good passer with good eyes, and he gets some big rebounds.

The bad: he gets out of control and does turn into a foul machine. He also seems extremely immature to be on a basketball court for an NCAA Div. 1 team.

To wit: anybody else read his lips when the cameras were focused on him when he fouled out? He said "F**&&$ng bull*&@$!" at least five times, by my count. Then threw in a "God*(*@$#!" for good measure.

Can't believe he didn't get whistled for a T.

Thanks for representing Tennessee with such class, Brian. GROW UP.

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Howell seems like a nice kid. I feel bad for him. He is in way over his head. He gets lost on screens and can't buy a three pointer. He hasn't hit more than one or two in the last 10 games.

Posted by volsfan92 on March 15, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mbumburu I was nervous then too! don't walk toward the bench then turn around and walk back toward the ref...you are halfway to getting a T there....but I still think he is maturing and growing into a role.

Posted by trl_x on March 15, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I still say we make the Elite 8. That’s what I’ve thought from the beginning. I don’t think our PG play is good enough nor our inside presence strong enough to go further.

Our style, depth and shear athleticism will win 3 NCAA tourney games.

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on March 15, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

as for howell, if you cant buy a 3 pointer you ought to be moving in and shooting 2 pointers instead to get confidence back-----that would seem to make sense

Posted by redneckerson on March 15, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

preach it hard, volfan92. The Neckerson clan still plans on riding the bandwagon to the final four.

Posted by GlennMaxwell on March 15, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Soooey! How 'bout them Hawgs?

Here's to hoping the No. 1 seed Tigers meet the No. 2 seed Vols in the tourney; it'll be payback time when it matters for that 4-point game that you like to pretend was a rout.

Posted by splinterdand on March 15, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

trl_x, the points that you made about point guard and post play is correct and only serves to illustrate the outstanding job that Pearl has done this year. As long as Pearl is here, the talent level will continue to improve and we've got some good ones coming in next year. I think we're still in on Scotty Hopson, too. Go watch that kid on youtube. He's incredible.

Posted by et_vol_fan on March 15, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I couldn't believe that Brian didn't get T'd up for his outburst? He was asking for it. He'll mature in time hopefully and realize that you have to handle yourself with dignity.

I loved JaJuan staring down Pelphrey in the first half though. Would of been better if we won? Pelphrey responded with a STFU. Real classy there Pelphrey.

Posted by middlegavol on March 15, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Kansas beats Texas for Big 12 title they get the fourth #1 and we get a #2. If Texas wins we get that #1. Either way we and Kansas will probably be in the same regional.
IMHO the guys basically had no motivation. They had worked so hard to get that regular season title that the tourney meant little or nothing. I trust Pearl to have them ready for the Big Dance.

Posted by RocketVol on March 15, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, Tennessee scored enough points to compete in the NBA the last two games - problem is, so did the other guy. What happened to the defense?

Posted by redneckerson on March 15, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

he can't get there yabby

Posted by kceatherly on March 15, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know about UK fans being more knowledgeable than UT fans. I live in Kentucky and hear quite a bit of silly talk from them. Case in point- after the SEC regular season was over they had people talking about UK as a 7 or 8 seed. Truth be told, UK, UT and every other university has knucklehead fans. They're too caught up in the Tubby v. Billy Clyde question to care much about anything else, anyway.

Posted by volfan865 on March 15, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The negativity among you so called Vol fans is really embarrassing. I really dont think you'll have to worry about Bruce Pearl being anointed prematurely, or being out coached and making bad decisions after this year. He has garnered enough national attention during his stay here that he doesnt need to stick around and endure all the criticism and negativity by the mass of fair weather fans in this area. He sees the way Coach Fulmer is treated and accepted first hand. If hes smart he will use his success story here and take it to a powerhouse program where the support of the community wins with the team, and loses with the team.

Posted by redneckerson on March 15, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

that place doesn't exist volfan92

Posted by splinterdand on March 15, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It' funny Maxwell, but that 66-62 UT win at Memphis sure seemed to matter a hell of a lot to Calipari and his band of streetballers.

Posted by EDis4UT on March 15, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If any UT fan that post on this board and is serious on blaming Coach Pearl for this loss - should be kicked off forever. What else should he have done?

Posted by chrisw2967 on March 15, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

another thing were going to be playing teams that has no clue about Tn style of play and unless they have played this team at least once then they are going to have their hands full.

overatedvols:Everybodies mouths are watering to have a game with Tenn. again when the Tigers are playing well again and they are now

well first of all your still playing high school teams at the end of the year just like you was playing at the start of the year , Memphis was undefeated when we came in your house and beat you but I guess that first game didnt count right ? second of all if your mouth is watering its not because you want another shot at Tenn , I would go have that checked out if I were you and find out whats dripping from your mouth , cause in reality you really dont want to play Tenn again and you know it.

Posted by bricker865 on March 15, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GlennMaxwell...your post brings up a valid point like I mentioned in my first post on here. Mempiss can't decide which state they want to be associated with. Arkansas can have you. Good luck when you actually play someone again in the 2nd round.

Posted by ghc_16 on March 15, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volfan865... i agree i mean just think if that last shot ark. made 2 win it didnt go in or chism blocked it or he airballed it ...we win by 1 and ever1 is happy still....if we make it 2 the final 4 u will all 4get about this game!

Posted by redneckerson on March 15, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

like to the tune of 29-4, right mcbrim?

Posted by DSmooth1977 on March 15, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jordan Howell has never set the world on fire, so I really don't understand why everyone is destroying the poor kid. I agree with mbumburu, what Williams did is embrassing, he and everyone else need to just keep their mouths shut and play DEFENSE. I love the black shoes and headbands, but we need to quit running our mouths, get down in defensive stance and guard people. Let the wins and 23-foot bombs speak for you, don't waste time talking sh*t with Opee Taylor's cousin on the sideline.

Posted by schymtz on March 15, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bricker865 my personal goal is the National Championship, but I will be proud of this team no matter what. Tennessee still has history to make and demons to excorcize. Witness the frustrated fan base that has had too many years of playing bridesmaids to Kentucky in Basketball and Alabama or Florida in Football. I am weary of that! The only way to exorcise a demon if to keep the faith and win the next game. Hell, Florida won the National Championship in Football and Basketball. In that accomplishment, they didn't waste time making Tennesse their THE game of the year. Their goals were higher, and when they lost or got beat by Tennessee or anybody else, they learned from it and moved on. GO VOLS!You,ve won six in a row before already this year.

Posted by GlennMaxwell on March 15, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL.

Well, first of all bricker, I don't live in Memphis; I live in Germantown, which is much closer demographically to where you probably live than to Memphis (no, I take that back -- there are no trailer parks in Germantown).

Secondly, whether you like it or not, Memphis is a part of Tennesee and isn't going anywhere. The UT medical school is here, so those who choose to follow Tennessee have as much business doing it from Memphis as from anywhere. Persaonlly, I just never cared for all that tacky orange. Anyone who ware that horrendous orange jacket that Pearl wears deserves to lose. Probably the only thing I've seen on a coach this season that was more ridiculous was that white "Colonel Sanders" suit that Rick Pitino from Louisville wore one night.

Posted by redneckerson on March 15, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

not even a factor in the loss, mcbrim

Posted by trl_x on March 15, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don’t know if we had a timeout left or not, but if we did, I wish we had called a set play there at the end. That’s the one thing I don’t agree with Coach Pearl about. Running down the court helter-skelter at the end is too risky. I know it puts pressure on the defense but not like a well-designed set play.

And the odd thing is that he’s really good at drawing those up.

Posted by beachvol1 on March 15, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, let's face it, the team that wanted it more, won it and Vol fans this team has slowly gotten worse since the Memphis game with exception of the home game against SC...and we all know how the rematch came out the other night...Brian Williams has no class whatsoever if you could read his lips after he fouled out...he needs to keep his mouth shut and learn to move his feet, toooo slow....If this ship doesn't turn around there will be no sweet 16 this yr....Bruce you do a terric job and I realize you can't shoot free throws for your players(guys these are "free" throws, nobody guarding you)

Posted by redneckerson on March 15, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

by the way, you haven't heard me whine mcbrim. Losses happen - good teams learn and move on - this Vols team will do that.

Posted by bbrown on March 15, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mc"dim",
Good luck in the Nobody Interested Tournament!

Posted by Bruce_Pearl_Fan on March 15, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I still say we are in good shape for the NCAA tourney. Teams in the SEC have seen have the press and OB plays we run. They're prepared for it. We'll make the Sweet 16 in a cake walk. And, best of all, come NCAA tourney time, we lose these terrible SEC officials.

Objective stats for all the Jordan Howell fans out there: 1 of 19 from 3 pt range last 8 games, 3-31 last 12, 25% for the year. And to think our great KNS wrote an article two weeks ago about Howell breaking out of his slump. Good call.

Posted by VolJunkie on March 15, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Damn ... it's been said, defensive rebounding and free throws cost UT this game. I had high expectations for a SECT championship and would have loved to see them cut the nets down in ATL ... this hurts.

That said, I always like to come away with a positive image of the game ... how about Tyler Smith with that monster dunk over Hill early in the first half, the man has springs for legs!

#1 seed or #2 seed, you still have to win 6 games for the NC. Keep the faith, this team is capable.

Go VOLS!!!

Posted by pearlific on March 15, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tiger High..you gotta luv em....their fans can't wait for somebody to beat Tennessee so they can enjoy...because God knows they can't beat Tennessee! Tn on a neutral court would whip Memphis. Whose Your daddy CAlipari???

Posted by bleed_orange on March 15, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Defense and Rebounding wins Championships. I have better seen defense from TN and a lot better Rebounding than today. Ark deserved to win. I think they will win the SEC Tourney. TN just rest up and wait and see where we are. Then come out like your life was on the line. GO VOLS! #1 OR #2 SEED DOESN'T MATTER -WIN 6 IN A ROW!