Hulk smash 'Cats! Tennessee Volunteers v. Kentucky Wildcats open game thread

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 6:15 PM EST in Tennessee Volunteer Basketball

	January 22, 2008, 9:00 EST TV: ESPN Radio: Vol Network XM Radio: 200 Phone Broadcast: TeamLine Live Stats: UKAthletics
16-1 (overall) 3-0 (SEC) No. 3 (AP) No. 5 (USA Today)		7-9 (overall) 1-2 (~~Big Ten~~ SEC) NR (AP) NR (USA Today)

Tennessee		Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	PPG	RPG	APG
F	1 Tyler Smith	6-7	215	So.	13.3	5.9	3.4
F	4 Wayne Chism	6-9	242	So.	8.8	5.9	1.1
G	5 Chris Lofton	6-2	200	Sr.	13.4	3.3	2.2
G	2 JaJuan Smith	6-2	195	Sr.	14.8	3.3	2.6
G	15 Jordan Howell	6-2	200	So.	6.9	1.3	2.9
Kentucky		Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	PPG	RPG	APG
F	34 Ramon Harris	6-6	213	So.	3.8	3.7	0.8
F	42 Mark Coury	6-8	238	So.	3.3	2.8	0.9
C	54 Patrick Patterson	6-8	232	Fr.	16.6	8.0	1.7
G	3 Ramel Bradley	6-2	191	Sr.	16.1	3.8	3.2
G	32 Joe Crawford	6-5	207	Sr.	16.4	3.6	2.7

Orange Jacket game, y'all!

Everything you ever wanted to know about this game is right here and right here. Mad props (wink!) to Tru at A Sea of Blue, who I am going to attempt to ruthlessly plagiarize beginning with the next game. That would be the "after" shot. Here's the "before."

Do not be fooled by that 7-9 record or by Tru's pessimistic view of this game. It will be close. But that doesn't mean that we're not looking for a magical evening, the ingredients of which would include:

yet another win against the esteemed Kentucky Wildcats
the best start to a Tennessee men's basketball season since . . . ever
coach Pearl putting Duke Crews on the floor for a minute or two. Good to have you back, Duke!
Chris Lofton hitting exactly five three pointers to break the SEC record in his home state against the team that didn't even bother to recruit him.

Yes, now that would be an evening to remember.

Go Vols! Hulk smash 'Cats!

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Comments

Tru...

...if you hop on here this evening, MUCH THANKS for the pregame write-ups! You shouldn't look so much into the numbers to determine the winner of tonight's game! As you know, it's a Rivalry Game, so it'll be dreadfully close. I look for this one to come down to the last shot: Vols win by a single point.

Good luck!

by Aerobab on Jan 22, 2008 7:17 PM EST reply actions

Thanks, Aerobab ...

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. I enjoy doing them, and sometimes I get way too technical, but that's just my personality I guess.

Your prediction was very close, obviously. And thanks for the well-wishes, they are appreciated.

Good luck to the Vols until March 2nd, when we get to do it all again in T-B. That place will be rocking for sure, now.

A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan.

by Glenn Logan on Jan 23, 2008 9:55 AM EST up reply actions

Even as a non-basketball fan

I'll be keeping an eye on this one. This team is a lot of fun, and has a lot of the characteristics that NBA teams lack (teamwork, hustle, etc.) that might otherwise endear me to basketball. Additionally, the UT-UK rivalry is incredibly classy, and a lot of fun to be a part of. While I won't be in a position to watch the game, I'll be watching the score online and try to follow the comments as best as I can. So keep 'em coming!

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 8:13 PM EST reply actions

Cats

Go to hell Kentucky!

by Smitty @ Rocky Top Talk on Jan 22, 2008 8:41 PM EST reply actions

See?

Aren't rivalries great?!

by Aerobab on Jan 22, 2008 8:54 PM EST up reply actions

Bummer

Just caught the end of Wisky-Michigan and I'm already saddened...

Erin Andrews, you chose Madison, WI over the glorius Lexington, KY?! I'm crushed!

So we'll get...Holly Rowe?

by Aerobab on Jan 22, 2008 8:56 PM EST reply actions

Still better than

Dick Vitale's voice.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 9:00 PM EST up reply actions

Oh Lord!

You're so right! I LOVE YOU, HOLLY!

by Aerobab on Jan 22, 2008 9:01 PM EST up reply actions

FTW

(or at least for a very early commanding lead)

good stuff there

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 9:03 PM EST up reply actions

Lets do this

Former Kentucky Mr. Basketball baby!

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 9:04 PM EST reply actions

16-1

If this is only the 2nd time that we've been 16-1, when was the first? W/ Jerry Green, circa. 1999?

by Aerobab on Jan 22, 2008 9:04 PM EST reply actions

I wanna say

2001 for some reason. Failing memory, probably.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:06 PM EST up reply actions

Man

You guys are getting an early start.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:05 PM EST reply actions

Ooh

We're a "Tennessee Dragon." Don't know where that came from, but . . . .

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:06 PM EST reply actions

Money!

Weezy Wayne!

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions

Followed by

...taking a charge! WAYYYYYYNE!

by Aerobab on Jan 22, 2008 9:08 PM EST up reply actions

Chism!

A three and takes a charge. Let's hear a Wayne Woo!

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions

Missed Dunk

Lol

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 9:08 PM EST reply actions

Jason Shay said . . .

. . . on the radio this evening that he didn't expect Crews to play. Apparently, Jimmy Dikes doesn't listen to Knoxville radio. Go figure.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:09 PM EST reply actions

THAT'S ONE

Four more for Lofton for the SEC record.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:09 PM EST reply actions

Do we usually play zone defense?

I don't recall seeing it, but maybe I've just never noticed.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:12 PM EST reply actions

Changes

We change it on the fly...usually.

by Aerobab on Jan 22, 2008 9:20 PM EST up reply actions

Tabb

I would almost think about throwing Tabb in there to get in Bradley's grill a bit. I always considered him one of our best most aggressive ball defenders.

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 9:13 PM EST reply actions

Love that blazer

And that press!

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:15 PM EST reply actions

OOB TO #1

With a foul to boot.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:16 PM EST reply actions

Math

1 of 2 does equal 50% thanks for that

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 9:17 PM EST reply actions

It must be going well for UT

The RTT board is far more active than the ASoB board.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 9:17 PM EST reply actions

I think

they're all at the game. Big Orange looks good against of background of blue shirts sitting down.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:20 PM EST up reply actions

Good point

Hadn't thought of that. Oops.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 9:22 PM EST up reply actions

You have to admit

that they know how to color coordinate.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:25 PM EST up reply actions

HD

This is what High Def is all about.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:27 PM EST up reply actions

Pretty hectic so far

Teams looking about even. Wonder if the pace will eventually get to them. Another thing I heard from Gillispie this afternoon was that he thought fatigue was purely mental.

We'll find out.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:24 PM EST reply actions

Joel

UK is listed at 1-2 in the Big Ten at the top of this post. We all know they'd be undefeated if they played in the Big Ten.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:24 PM EST reply actions

LOL

Ah, the hazards of beginning with a template. I'll fix it. Thanks.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:25 PM EST up reply actions

No worries

You won't have to change it for a while (2/23/2008). :)

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

It seems

C Lo has been more willing to put the ball on the floor in this game, he just looks more comfortable than he has in recent games.

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 9:28 PM EST reply actions

Chism is tearing it up

Looks fast, active.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:30 PM EST reply actions

Great pass

Jordan knew there was only one way to get the ball Chism.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:30 PM EST reply actions

Err

ball to Chism.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:32 PM EST up reply actions

Air Balls?

Is it just me, or are we missing a lot of Net/Iron this evening?

by Aerobab on Jan 22, 2008 9:30 PM EST reply actions

Fouls

This is most I've seen called on an opponent all year.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:31 PM EST reply actions

OOooohhh!!!

Somebody took a picture of Tom Brady!

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:36 PM EST reply actions

A walk?

Didn't see that.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:40 PM EST reply actions

Intensity

...Is not here tonight. Yet. Not sure why. We're out there sleepwalking and quite fortunate not to be down a dozen.

Look for the switch to get flipped to "on" in the 2nd half.

by Aerobab on Jan 22, 2008 9:43 PM EST reply actions

The team has struggled most

when playing after a short turnaround. (The Texas loss was on one night's rest.) They did have 3 nights after OSU, as opposed to 2 nights after Vandy, but it's still a quicker pace than during the early parts of the season. It could be that their high pace of play does wear on them a bit in extended runs.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 9:45 PM EST up reply actions

Hope so

I'll have to keep a watch on this, but I'm thinking that KY can hang as long as most of their starters are in. The bench may be the key.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:45 PM EST up reply actions

Bench points

are 13-9, Tennessee, right now.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:51 PM EST up reply actions

Hmm

Looking at the halftime stats, I must have had this backwards at the time. Not a good sign.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:05 PM EST up reply actions

What did Chill do wrong?

Pearl's in his face and hot.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:44 PM EST reply actions

Jujuan

doesn't have a headband on. Why?

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:47 PM EST reply actions

3

Mun-nay

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 9:47 PM EST reply actions

THAT'S TWO

Three more for Lofton for the SEC record.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:48 PM EST reply actions

Intentional foul

Woo!

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:49 PM EST reply actions

Maaaybe . . .

... not the best call.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:49 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

Shhh

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 9:50 PM EST up reply actions

Ramar's

heatin' up, like the Microwave Vinnie Johnson

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:50 PM EST up reply actions

Rhodes Scholar

Brad Nessler can do math real good. "Lead down to 5, they cut that 10 point lead in half."

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 9:55 PM EST reply actions

What?

Foul on JaJuan? He had his back to the guy. How does that work?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:55 PM EST reply actions

YEAH!!! THAT'S THREE

Two more for Lofton.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 9:57 PM EST reply actions

Crowd Silencer

Atta boy Chris

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 9:57 PM EST reply actions

Halftime stats

Tennessee		Kentucky
36	Points	30
13/32 - 41%	Field Goals	10/21 - 48%
4/12 - 33%	3-Point FGs	2/7 - 29%
6/7 - 86%	Free Throws	8/11 - 73%
15 (6/9)	Rebounds (Off-Def)	17 (3/14)
11	Total Fouls	8
4	Steals	1
2	Blocks	7
5	Assists	8
4	Turnovers	7
5 / 4	Assist/Turnover	8 / 7
9	Bench Points	15
6	Second Chance Points	6
7	Points Off Turnovers	4
18	Points In the Paint	12
2	Fastbreak Points	2

All right. So what do you see?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:03 PM EST reply actions

Assists

An interesting point made by the crew and shown in the numbers is that our assists our down. UK is doing a decent job of not letting guys slip open.

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

Blocks

Or closing once the pass is made. I think a bunch of potential assists were negated by those 7 blocks.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:16 PM EST up reply actions

UK leads in bench points.

That goes against the conventional wisdom leading into the game.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 10:08 PM EST up reply actions

I can't see the game,

but the numbers appear to indicate a slower tempo than UT would like. The fastbreak points aren't there, and the shots are being taken at a rate of about 1 shot every 25 seconds. If we can get that closer to 1 shot per 20 seconds, it'd really help.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 10:12 PM EST reply actions

Oh, and

Lofton leads all scorers with 14, including 3 3-pointers. Will it continue?

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 10:13 PM EST up reply actions

He is a man

That Chism. Woo for Wayne's dunk.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:19 PM EST reply actions

I think there's something wrong with the stats

gizmo. Looking at the player stats, KY's bench only has five points.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:23 PM EST reply actions

Oh, no

Has somebody figured out how to defeat the OOB TO? That would not be good.

The guy inbounding the ball simply backs up. Shh. Keep that secret.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:29 PM EST reply actions

Interesting

Its not a bad way to approach, I'm curious to see if that means they start throwing up more lobs as well.

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 10:32 PM EST up reply actions

Hmm

I wonder if you're only allowed to do that when you can run around. What's the rule otherwise? You can't jump? You can't move a pivot foot? Anybody know?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:41 PM EST up reply actions

ARgh

Tie game. 11:00 to go.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:35 PM EST reply actions

Ramar Smith

attacks, gets the bucket and the foul. Key.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:36 PM EST up reply actions

On a side note

all our starters are at 2 fouls or less.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 10:38 PM EST up reply actions

FG shooting percentage

they're killing us on field goals.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions

And rebounding

I haven't look at the figures, but it seems every time we shoot and miss, they're getting the rebound.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:43 PM EST up reply actions

KY by 10

27-17 in boards. Not good.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:44 PM EST up reply actions

The two are related

Rebounds are easier to get on the defensive end, and they're not missing as many shots.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 10:46 PM EST up reply actions

Yikes

KY up by two. Luckily, they just committed an offensive foul.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions

Patterson and Crawford both have four fouls

They've combined for 26 points.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:51 PM EST reply actions

Does UK have enough fouls

to give UT a bonus? Vice versa?

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 10:54 PM EST reply actions

Both close

We have 7 fouls, they have 8. I believe the bonus is at 10. Confirm, anyone?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:57 PM EST up reply actions

Rebounds are killing us

Argh!

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:55 PM EST reply actions

Nice block, bad rebound

They get two after a great play by one of our guys.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 10:55 PM EST reply actions

No points

for Lofton in the second half

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 10:56 PM EST reply actions

Now

would be the time for a big steal. We really need to do a better job of getting loose balls.

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 10:57 PM EST reply actions

Yes!

Missed the second FT, but got the rebound and another foul.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:01 PM EST reply actions

OOB TO!

Woo!

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:02 PM EST reply actions

time out or turnover?

no tv for me

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 11:04 PM EST up reply actions

time out

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 11:05 PM EST reply actions

Oh, and they fouled Lofton

before the ball was even inbounded.

He hits the first and the second. Tie game. Press.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:06 PM EST reply actions

They miss

for hooper, the play by play.

Lofton launches, misses, they run two on one, we foul, they miss.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:07 PM EST reply actions

very kind of you

thanks

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 11:07 PM EST up reply actions

FTs

They hit the first and the second. 1:30 to go. KY up by 2.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:08 PM EST up reply actions

we keep fouling the wrong guy

best ft shooter in the conference

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 11:08 PM EST reply actions

Tyler Smith launches a 3

misses. They rebound. Go figure. We foul.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:08 PM EST reply actions

Looking like a lost cause tonight

KY up by four.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:09 PM EST reply actions

Lofton launches, misses

But . . . Pearl had called a time out.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:10 PM EST reply actions

I dont know if it's

our offense or their defense but we've end up with a desperation shot too many times tonight.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 11:10 PM EST reply actions

Sub-40 percent field goals tonight

not good

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 11:10 PM EST reply actions

Lofton again

Misses from three. We get the rebound, but lose it out of bounds.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:11 PM EST reply actions

My first open thread

I blame myself...

by Getoffmyvols on Jan 22, 2008 11:13 PM EST reply actions

Hey!

You can't just run into the guy like that, can you? Looked like an offensive chest bump. Not that it matters, but, wha?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:13 PM EST reply actions

Lofton hits his fourth three

He's tied for the SEC record.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:15 PM EST reply actions

Thank the schedule makers

The guys didn't play at all like the team they are. I think fatigue finally set in. Their half-court offense was offensive. No one was getting open and Ramar was left with trying to do something on his own. He did quite a few times or they'd have gotten blown out.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 11:16 PM EST reply actions

Lofton gets the record

in a losing effort. Good job, though, Chris. Congrats.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:18 PM EST reply actions

Could have used that about 10 minutes ago

Good for him though. He's earned it.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 11:18 PM EST reply actions

Look at them 'Cats

It's like they've won the national championship.

How things have changed, huh?

Congrats to the 'Cats.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 22, 2008 11:19 PM EST reply actions

Yep

I think this helps UK more than it hurts UT. The Vols just played a bad game, and UK played great. Just be glad it's not football where the regular season actually means something.

by wvvol on Jan 22, 2008 11:23 PM EST up reply actions

Shame, but a great game

by the sound of it.

by David Hooper on Jan 22, 2008 11:21 PM EST reply actions

Final stats

Tennessee		Kentucky
66	Points	72
22/57 - 39%	Field Goals	22/45 - 49%
7/26 - 27%	3-Point FGs	4/15 - 27%
15/21 - 71%	Free Throws	24/28 - 86%
27 (12/15)	Rebounds (Off-Def)	36 (9/27)
11	1st Half Fouls	8
13	2nd Half Fouls	11
24	Total Fouls	19
6	Steals	3
5	Blocks	9
8	Assists	16
9	Turnovers	12
8 / 9	Assist/Turnover	16 / 12
20	Bench Points	25
14	Second Chance Points	9
12	Points Off Turnovers	7
28	Points In the Paint	28
6	Fastbreak Points	2