Tennessee Volunteers v. Vanderbilt Commodores open game thread

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 6:32 PM EST in Tennessee Volunteer Basketball

	February 26, 2008, 9:00 EST TV: ESPN Radio: Vol Network XM Radio: 199 Phone Broadcast: TeamLine Live Stats: CSTV
25-2 (overall) 11-1 (SEC) No. 1 (AP) No. 1 (USA Today)		23-4 (overall) 8-4 (SEC) 18 (AP) 14 (USA Today)

Tennessee		Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	PPG	RPG	APG
F	1 Tyler Smith	6-7	215	So.	13.5	6.5	3.7
F	4 Wayne Chism	6-9	242	So.	9.3	6.1	1.2
G	5 Chris Lofton	6-2	200	Sr.	15.1	3.3	2.0
G	2 JaJuan Smith	6-2	195	Sr.	14.1	2.4	3.5
G	15 Ramar Smith	6-2	200	So.	8.2	2.4	3.1
Vanderbilt		Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	PPG	RPG	APG
F	32 Shan Foster	6-6	205	Sr.	19.3	5.0	1.8
F	41 Ross Neltner	6-9	240	Sr.	8.4	5.4	1.9
C	4 A.J. Ogilvy	6-10	250	Fr.	17.1	6.9	1.2
G	0 Jermaine Beal	6-3	210	So.	7.7	2.1	4.7
G	3 Alex Gordon	6-0	170	Sr.	11.0	2.6	3.0

The Orange Jacket is ready for its third night out on town for the season. Last year, Joel wrote a defining piece on Pearl before that Vandy game - an analogy that still rings true. This year's editions of both teams are improved over last year's; UT has their first view as King of the Mountain, but Vanderbilt is no slouch, and at home is as tough as anybody in the country.

Be sure to leave your game comments here as UT embarks upon its first-ever defense of a #1 ranking in men's basketball.

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Jackson the Mule

is vacationing with Joel. He'll be back when Joel returns. He says hello.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 6:40 PM EST reply actions

I just spoke with the brilliant mule

He says "Don't question me. I know my basketball. Now, excuse me while I finish my alfalfa."

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 7:31 PM EST up reply actions

ESPN

I don't know if any of yall were watching, but in the pre-game of the indiana and ohio state game, they showed indiana fans and one of them had a big sign with bruce pearl's face on a superman body and it said "Only su-pearl-man can save us now!" I thought that was interesting and yall could have fun with that one.

Dustin

by volfan5216 on Feb 26, 2008 8:11 PM EST reply actions

Indiana worries me a bit.

If there's a school that would have a chance at stealing Pearl, Indiana would seem to be one. They have a lot of tradition and none of that "football-school" baggage to worry about.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 8:49 PM EST up reply actions

White Out?

Laaaaaame!

Memorial Gymnasium doesn't look nearly as rowdy as FedEx. We'll see though.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:05 PM EST reply actions

Keep up with the visual updates.

I've only got the radio to go by.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:07 PM EST up reply actions

Here we go

Tennessee gets the opening tipoff.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions

Lofton!

Woo!

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions

Money!

C-Lo lights it up!

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions

And then follows up with...

...a clank off the side of the backboard?

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:10 PM EST up reply actions

Rough start

How do they look?

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:12 PM EST reply actions

Ok

Good looks at the bucket; just not falling. Appear to be calm.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

More Ogilvy fouls, please!

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:13 PM EST reply actions

Grrrr

Horrid defensive set allows an easy bucket. 12-5, Doores.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:16 PM EST reply actions

Wow.

That sub-20% shooting will get you.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:18 PM EST reply actions

Vandy's at 80%

from 3-point land. Yikes.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:19 PM EST reply actions

Make that 67%

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:20 PM EST up reply actions

Oy Vie!

Why must I make such dumb predictions?!?!

18-7 now.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:20 PM EST reply actions

Maybe Pearl oughta call a timeout

As much as he hates calling them, it might be worth the effort.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions

I don't understand

I don't think we've driven to the bucket yet. We've had GREAT success down low in the last 3 games. Everything tonight has been from behind the arc and the shot's aren't falling.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:23 PM EST reply actions

Egad

18.8% FG 12.5% 3-Point land

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:23 PM EST reply actions

Radio guys say the whiteout backfired.

With a lot of UT fans in their Orange, they claim it looks like an Orange-White montage. Is that about right?

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:25 PM EST reply actions

Ehh

Looks like white icing with orange sprinkles!

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:33 PM EST up reply actions

Mmmm...

Halloween donut...

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:35 PM EST up reply actions

Fouls

6-1 against us

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:28 PM EST reply actions

ANGRY HULK

Ref's are calling some BS. 2 in a row have T'd up HULK! Coat is still on; however.

Announcers are blaming "energy loss from Memphis". I call crap. Vandy's a great team and they're playing like it. We just haven't found our touch yet.

23-9 now.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:28 PM EST reply actions

Forgot about the Lofton 3 watch.

Oops.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:31 PM EST reply actions

Lofton 3 Watch

3 made - 405 total - 409 to become #4 all-time.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:37 PM EST reply actions

Howell hasn't made a FG

since the Georgia game.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:42 PM EST reply actions

Not necessarilly a bad thing

He's this year's Dane. Not much in point production, but he does a great job at distributing the ball.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

For Serious?!

JuJuan from about 45 ft. is good!

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:43 PM EST reply actions

They're calling that hand-check very tightly.

Wow.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:43 PM EST reply actions

Who's the ref for this game?

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:47 PM EST reply actions

3 NBA wannabe's

Terribly officiated so far. I think they might be Donaghy's understudies.

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 9:54 PM EST up reply actions

Any chance they're thinking about

being on national TV? Possibly feeling the pressure of everybody watching?

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:55 PM EST up reply actions

WAKE UP, JP!

Chism popped JP in the mouth on a pass under the hoop. JP was clueless that the ball was coming to him. Bleh.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:48 PM EST reply actions

4 for Lofton.

What a day for him to get hot!

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Within 3, again

Lofton hits #4 to close within 3 for about the 3rd or 4th time! 31-28, Vandy, with just over a min. to go in the 1/2.

Back in the game!

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 9:56 PM EST reply actions

No team with more heart

Battling this goofy ass gym, these morons in stripes, and the glare off Stalling's dome, they just won't back down.

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 9:56 PM EST reply actions

How's is that not a flagrant foul?

He got nothing but the side of Jajuan's head?

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 9:58 PM EST reply actions

No idea...

...but it could have been MUCH worse with Duke jumping off the bench. That's an immediate ejection and suspension for at least a game if that gets called.

VERY shady of that VU guy though. He went for Jujuan's head...nowhere near the ball.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

Lots of TOs called.

Fortunately, Pearl hates using TOs in general.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:00 PM EST reply actions

Hideously poor halftime stats

Vanderbilt                 Tennessee
31     Points 28
9-22 (40.9%)      Field Goals    8-33 (24.2%)
5-12 (417%)     3-Point Field Goals 5-16 (31.3%)
8-13 (61.5%) Free Throws    7-8 (87.5)
18         Rebounds 21
9        Total Fouls      11

I can't find anybody with actual up-to-date stats. These are the only ones I think are reliable. If you find any more, feel free to pile on.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:08 PM EST reply actions

FG Percentage

Yep, it looked that bad on TV too. This would be a UT blowout if a few more shots would have fallen.

11 more shot attempts and 1 less FG. Shameful. Only 3 buckes from inside the arc. More shameful.

Are we a "2nd half team"?

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 10:13 PM EST up reply actions

Quite possibly

If we calm down and allow our depth to tire out our opponents, that'd make a lot of sense.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:14 PM EST up reply actions

Addendum

We were 8-34 for 23.5% for field goals.

FWIW.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:18 PM EST up reply actions

Shades of Memphis

Getting behind early and struggling to catch up even though it doesn't feel like we should be that close.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:09 PM EST reply actions

Lofton!

5 now!

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:20 PM EST reply actions

Someone check that floor

Looks like a live spot there at shoulder on our end.

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 10:22 PM EST reply actions

Great eyes, there.

Could you expound a bit? Teach me a little more about this roundball thingy?

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:23 PM EST up reply actions

Ball bounced weird when Ramar was driving

I can't believe he forgot how to dribble. Probably a live spot under the floor. Most old gyms have them.

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 10:30 PM EST up reply actions

Ah, got it.

Thanks!

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:31 PM EST up reply actions

What in the world is going on?

Crazy start to the second half.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:23 PM EST reply actions

Congrats Chris!

2000 career points!

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 10:23 PM EST reply actions

Killer instict time

They're discombobulated. Score like crazy and put this one away now.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:27 PM EST reply actions

4th on Ogilvy

JP takes it to the hoop and is the victim of an Ogilvy blocking foul for #4!

See ya in a while!

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 10:28 PM EST reply actions

Sounds like

UT decided to drive to the basket a lot more. A lot of inside action seems to be bringing a lot of fouls.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:31 PM EST reply actions

Duhh

Why wait till the 2nd half though? Hopefully, Bruce knows more than me!

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 10:33 PM EST up reply actions

Vince has his good V neck T shirt on

Givin Vandy a bad name.

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 10:32 PM EST reply actions

The 3 Stooges found their whistle

2nd half was going pretty well, I guess they needed to catch their breath from blowing it all first half.

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 10:33 PM EST reply actions

Vandy's not going away.

But they can't handle this many fouls.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:34 PM EST reply actions

How was that technical called?

Did the free throw shooter delay the shot?

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:37 PM EST reply actions

No

Juanny got caught mouthing off.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 10:42 PM EST up reply actions

Gotcha.

Thanks.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:42 PM EST up reply actions

The SEC, The NCAA, Congress, Someone

has to look into this terrible officiating this year. These guys just keep getting worse.

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 10:39 PM EST reply actions

5 seconds!

Woo!

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions

6!

Woo!

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions

just to recap...

pointing at a vandy player: that's a foul.

tackling a UT player?: that's a talkin' to for Pearl

Get your Rub on!

by jon - fulmer's belly.com on Feb 26, 2008 10:49 PM EST reply actions

Ok

We're still in this thing, down 4 with just under 10:00 remaining. Vandy is in serious foul trouble, but we're not fully capitalizing.

Must. Make. Buckets!

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 10:50 PM EST reply actions

ref manual

charge on vandy?: that's a foul on UT

Get your Rub on!

by jon - fulmer's belly.com on Feb 26, 2008 10:52 PM EST reply actions

And another thing...

Remember,Pressure wins games. Jus'sayin.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 10:53 PM EST reply actions

I will pay $20 to the next man or woman

who dashes onto the court and kicks that red-headed ref in the place where his testicles should be. Just tell me where to send the money.

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 10:56 PM EST reply actions

A little home cookingon the shot clock?

Radio guys say they never reset it after Lofton's shot.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 10:59 PM EST reply actions

phantom shot clock violation?

that's a foul on tennessee.. probably

Get your Rub on!

by jon - fulmer's belly.com on Feb 26, 2008 10:59 PM EST reply actions

Smothering

Vandy is playing tremendous D. Just no good looks for us now. A lot of stuff is being tossed up. We still trail by 6 with 6:30 to go.

Nevermind, trail by 8.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 11:04 PM EST reply actions

Our offense is out of sync

what's goin' on?

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 11:05 PM EST reply actions

if lofton can just shoot free throws

for the rest of the game... it could be ok

Get your Rub on!

by jon - fulmer's belly.com on Feb 26, 2008 11:05 PM EST reply actions

Foster

Wow. You'd think that we'd learn to mirror that guy. Sinks another 3.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 11:07 PM EST reply actions

Shooting is hovering near 28%.

With that, they're lucky it's not worse.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 11:08 PM EST reply actions

vandy

has some ugly fans.. just saying

Get your Rub on!

by jon - fulmer's belly.com on Feb 26, 2008 11:08 PM EST reply actions

Breaks

ALL the breaks are in Vandy's favor...loose balls, rebounds...everything.

Somewhat impressed that we're only down 6, but time's running out.

Keep the faith, men!

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 11:10 PM EST reply actions

Vandy's letting them drive.

No sense fouling UT right now.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 11:14 PM EST reply actions

Gordon ejected.

It is too little, too late?

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 11:17 PM EST reply actions

that shot by ramar...

eerily reminiscent of the ohio state game in last year's tourney. not the guy you want taking that shot

Get your Rub on!

by jon - fulmer's belly.com on Feb 26, 2008 11:21 PM EST reply actions

when UT wants a foul?

that's not a foul... sorry

Get your Rub on!

by jon - fulmer's belly.com on Feb 26, 2008 11:24 PM EST reply actions

how does Vandy get 18 home games?

Out of 27

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 11:25 PM EST reply actions

13 home games

of the first 16.

The three roadies?

Toledo, Bradley, and DePaul

The last two were OT wins for them.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 11:29 PM EST up reply actions

With some help...

...just like in the officiating tonight.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 11:32 PM EST up reply actions

No quit in these guys

I love 'em.

by wvvol on Feb 26, 2008 11:27 PM EST reply actions

Good jog by Vandy

in an ugly, ugly game.

Postgame post to follow in a little while.

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 11:29 PM EST reply actions

Yeargh

job, not jog

by David Hooper on Feb 26, 2008 11:31 PM EST up reply actions

Tough Loss

It's tough to dig out from an early hole. Plain and simple. I didn't understand why we never drove to the hoop in the 1st half, but maybe there was a very specific reason.

Congrats to Vandy on a fantastic effort. Home court advantage worked to your favor. Hopefully we'll see you again in a few weeks in Atlanta.

by Aerobab on Feb 26, 2008 11:37 PM EST reply actions

you know...

the manufactured home court advantage vandy has with their messed up setup is something we should look into. we should set up our opponent's bench in a pool perhaps. or maybe behind a wall.

Get your Rub on!

by jon - fulmer's belly.com on Feb 27, 2008 12:01 AM EST up reply actions