Tennessee struggles, beats Alabama 63-56 anyway

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 20, 2010 6:31 AM EST in Tennessee Volunteer Basketball

I was worried about this game. Sure, Alabama was only 11-6 and 1-2 in the SEC, but I thought that the Vols might have been riding emotion since the events of January 1 that every television announcer has to mention at least ten times every game. Honestly, I worried that the Kansas game was a bit of a fluke, a rally-the-troops type win, and I kept waiting for the let down, but the team kept waking up at the right times fueled in large part by the home crowd.

But I wondered what would happen when the guys were on their own, all alone in someone else's arena without the energy of the fans. Well, never mind, because as Jimmy Dykes said last night, every great team needs to win a few games on the road when they don't play their best, and we got ours last night, beating the Crimson Tide, 63-56.

Scotty Hopson led the team with an all-around game, scoring 17 points by slashing down the lane at times and hitting timely threes at others. Kenny Hall managed a double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Wayne Chism, after a slow start due to two early fouls, pretty much sealed the game with excellent play in the paint and an 11-point, 7-rebound effort. Tennessee shot only 39.3% but held Alabama to 37.9% and forced 14 turnovers.

The Vols, on a seven-game winning streak, improve to 15-2 overall and 3-0 in the SEC. Up next is a trip to Georgia to take on a Bulldog team that is 8-8 overall and 0-3 in the SEC.

P.S. Don't forget that you can watch highlights of the game right here on RTT using the SEC Digital Network widget on the right sidebar.

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Scotty Hopson really looked good

Last night, he looked like he did to start the year. Incredible versatility. He was able to hit the outside shot, and drive to the rim. Kenny Hall is still a little raw – but shows you what kind of talent he has. Jimmy Dykes made the remark last night that Kenny is more dangerous to have in there than Tyler, especially teamed up with Chism.

I’m really liking the dynamic between Bobby Maze and Josh Bone. Neither had a spectaular game, but they managed it well. I wonder how Pearl will ease Goins back into the rotation? I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see Goins or Tatum back until the Vandy game next week.

It was a sloppy win. Prince looked a little lackadaisical and Bobby Maze wasn’t on top of his game, but it’s great that we’ve got other players to take up the slack.

by golfballs03 on Jan 20, 2010 9:17 AM EST reply actions

Hopson is really good

I refuse to engage in any Tyler bashing because I think Tyler made a lot of positive contributions to our program. But I do think Hopson has taken advantage of the opportunity and stepped up his game.

...just apologize for not thanking me.

by kidbourbon on Jan 20, 2010 10:18 AM EST up reply actions

Sometimes...

it’s hard for me to tell when JP is slacking or not. He always looks so floppy or something. Every time he has the ball, I hold my breath, expecting something either ridiculously awful or sublimely spectacular.

BTW, here’s a great quote from after the game Saturday against Ole Miss, via Wes Rucker’s Twitter:

JP Prince: “I told Coach Pearl, ‘I know I had too many turnovers. Please don’t say anything.’ But he did.” 3:59 PM Jan 16th from TweetDeck

"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti

by sddbaker on Jan 20, 2010 10:28 AM EST up reply actions