Tennessee @ Ole Miss: A Game Recap Written Before the Game Was Over

by Chris Pendley on Feb 18, 2009 10:02 PM EST

Um, ouch. Let's not talk about this any more. Look, the first hafl wasn't too bad, but by all rights and standards the second half was completely terrible. Want a recap? Go find the post I wrote about the Baby Vols a couple days ago. Find it? Run a find-replace; convert "Baby Vols" to "the men's team" and "Duke" to "Ole Miss." The difference is we've come to expect more from this team, but hey, these things happen.

We'd like to thank Mississippi State, Georgia, and Vanderbilt for making sure that this trainwreck of a game we just laid up there doesn't actually hurt us in the standings. Without y'all, we wouldn't be where we are today ....which was exactly where we were last week. Awesome. This isn't going to do anyone any favors when they talk about the quality of SEC basketball (why yes, that is two teams from the even-more-down-than-normal SEC West and the 5th and 6th teams from the SEC East beating the top 4 teams in the East in succession).

Yeah, it might seem I'm giving this game short shrift, but you'd do the same thing if you saw the game. Don't believe me? Check the game thread. Trust me, it's better if nobody mentions this one agan. Reluctant game balls to Tyler Smith and Wayne Chism. The guard that destroyed us this time? Terrico White. The more things change, huh?

So this Saturday, we go into Rupp Arena needing a key win against Kentucky ... and you know what? We'll do better then. Lord knows it can't be much worse.

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Good one!

I concur…..

by sddbaker on Feb 18, 2009 10:32 PM EST reply actions

Bingo.

Those two games were eerily similar, and unfortunately so.

BTW, since we’re on the subject, there will be a game thread Thursday night for the Lady Vols game (UT @ Kentucky). If this fad of similar play holds up, then Thursday’s game might be a bellwether.

by David Hooper on Feb 18, 2009 10:46 PM EST reply actions

Well said!

Cannons... fire them.

www.BucEm.com - SBNation's home for discussion of all things regarding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

by Craig T on Feb 18, 2009 11:35 PM EST reply actions

So, a question

I was only able to watch the game here and there. I know everyone is bummed and disappointed. I know this was a bad game, but what is yall’s take on the season as a whole? I’m seeing a lot of message board meltdowns about how this time lacks discipline, that Bruce Pearl was only riding on the talent of his previous basketball players, etc, etc. People here tend to be a bit more level-headed, so I’d like to hear your thoughts.

by rblakeh on Feb 19, 2009 10:01 AM EST reply actions

25 games in

And we still have so many questions about this team. At our best, I think we’re capable of playing with anyone. And at our worst, we’re capable of getting blown out on the road by lesser opponents. I trust Pearl, and I know Tyler and Chism are very talented. Right now I’d view making the tournament as a success, and we’re not there yet. And I hope they play free from the weight of expectations that may or may not have been fulfilled, and just go play with focus.

If Tyler and Wayne both leave after this season, as had been hinted at in the past, then I think you’ll really find out a lot about Bruce Pearl next season. Not as in “it’s a make or break year for him”, come on – I trust the guy completely. But can he make Tennessee Basketball relevant over the long term, and not the 4-5 year bump that every program in the SEC that’s not Kentucky and Florida seem to enjoy once a decade.

Making the tournament will ease some of this pain. But right now we just need to focus on Kentucky, and realize that none of these teams that we have left are that much better than us. I hope we still have good basketball in front of us.

by Will Shelton on Feb 19, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions