Tennessee Volunteers v. Ole Miss Rebels: open game thread

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 6:28 PM EST in Tennessee Volunteer Basketball

Update [2008-1-9 22:18:38 by Joel]: Vols win, 85-83 in a roller coaster of a game on a extraordinary game-winning move by JaMyler Smith (the Tyler portion). Woo! It was just me and Aerobab in the game thread, but we had a blast. Be sure to join us next time!

	January 9, 2008, 8:00 EST TV: Raycom Sports Radio:Vol Network Phone Broadcast: TeamLine Live Stats: UTSports
12-1 (overall) 0-0 (SEC) No. 8 (AP) No. 9 (USA Today)		13-0 (overall) 0-0 (SEC) 16 (AP) 15 (USA Today)

Tennessee		Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	PPG	RPG	APG
F	1 Tyler Smith	6-7	215	So.	12.9	5.5	3.5
F	4 Wayne Chism	6-9	242	So.	8.2	4.9	1.0
G	5 Chris Lofton	6-2	200	Sr.	14.5	3.5	2.7
G	2 JaJuan Smith	6-2	195	Sr.	14.4	2.3	2.8
G	15 Jordan Howell	6-2	200	So.	7.4	1.5	3.2
Ole Miss		Ht.	Wt.	Yr.	PPG	RPG	APG
F	50 Kenny Williams	6-8	240	Sr.	8.5	8.0	0.9
C	44 Dwayne Curtis	6-8	262	Sr.	15.2	8.2	0.9
G	12 Chris Warren	5-10	170	Fr.	15.2	2.2	5.7
G	14 Eniel Polynice	6-5	216	So.	12.1	5.3	4.2
G	33 David Huertas	6-5	197	So.	10.6	3.5	2.2

Who's Raycom, you ask? Raycom is the network formerly known as Lincoln Financial Sports, formerly known as Jefferson Pilot Sports, and soon to be known as On the Market Sports.

According to Bruce Pearl, we were "absolutely manhandled" by Ole Miss last year. The score was only 83-69 and we were without Chris Lofton, but, yeah, who's to argue with coach Hulk?

Tonight's theme is Rebounding. Or, as you will undoubtedly be able to hear from the sidelines or read from coach's quivering lips if out of earshot, REBOUND!!! The team apparently had to run after practice earlier this week when the scout team out-rebounded the stars.

In a more candid moment, you might hear an explanation for Tennessee's rebounding woes from coach Pearl. We turn the ball over, see, and forcing turnovers means we get more shots, right? So . . . we give the other team more opportunities to rebound the ball. Makes sense, right? Still, Pearl's psyched about getting his players to at least improve its defensive rebounding. Watch Pearl's expression tonight if Ole Miss goes crazy on the offensive boards. That could be the highlight of the evening.

Oh, and watch out for 5'10" freshman Chris Warren for the Rebs. He's good, especially at threes and assists.

One more thing, the more recent tests on Duke Crews are a bit more encouraging, meaning that he "might ultimately resume" his basketball career. That actually makes it sound more serious than I thought it was. In any event, best wishes, Duke.

Leave your pre-, in-, and post-game comments below, and, as always, Go Vols!

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Confession

Ok...confession time for me:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me, as it's been over 9 months since I last payed any meaningful attention to the Vols Basketball Program. I know that I have sinned in focusing on a single sport (football) for the last 5 months, and for that my heart is filled with regret. (However, I do appreciate the answering of multiple prayers over that timeframe! YOU DA GOD!!) I ask that you guide me in removing the "no0b" status affixed to my name as this "basketball" thing kicks into high-gear. Please protect our men from injury and please protect our HULK of a coach from Technical Fouls for wondering outside of the total B.S. coaches box. I am greatful for all that you do.

Respectully and lovingly yours,
Aerobab

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 8:00 PM EST reply actions

Nice

Go and sin no more.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:13 PM EST up reply actions

No Pennance?

Thank you, Father Joel.

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 8:36 PM EST up reply actions

Okay

So UTSports says it's on FSN South in the Tri Cities and Directv says that's 630. Not there.

Anybody from the Tri Cities w/ Directv?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:14 PM EST reply actions

15 minutes later . . .

. . . Channel 635. "Sports Programming." On SUN.

Okay, then.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:29 PM EST up reply actions

JaJuan

JaJuan's got a pretty shot. Smooth.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:31 PM EST reply actions

Yikes

Seven offensive rebounds for the Rebs already?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:32 PM EST reply actions

Back

Had to put the baby to bed, and I jump in to a 27-27 ball game? 'Sup with that?

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 8:37 PM EST reply actions

Boards

They are big. Very big, and they can board.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:41 PM EST up reply actions

Nice little run there

by the Vols. Prince is fantastic. And isn't it good to see Chism bank in a three?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:40 PM EST reply actions

And CL

Lofton, too, but w/out the bank.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:43 PM EST up reply actions

J

And JaJuan, too!

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:44 PM EST up reply actions

JP

JP is good. Like, SCARY GOOD! A bit ambitious with the charge, but good nonetheless.

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions

No doubt

Maybe the best on the team. Tyler and JaJuan and Chris are in a bunch after him, I think.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 8:45 PM EST up reply actions

Air Assault

Lots of 3-balls being tossed up (and made) by both teams.

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 8:51 PM EST reply actions

Ball Game

We've got a ball game at the half, 45-44 UT leads. A few quick observations:

Tennessee is struggling inside; holding their own from the outside.
I'm seeing lots of silly turnovers by the Vols. Not sure where it's coming from.
I'm not seeing pressure on Ole Miss to cause turnovers.
Not familiar with the "Raycom" announcers, but they're not awful.
Officiating seems to be clean and fair.

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 8:58 PM EST reply actions

Halftime stats

Ole Miss		Tennessee
44	Points	45
16/36 - 44%	Field Goals	18/35 - 51%
6/15 - 40%	3-Point FGs	7/11 - 64%
6/8 - 75%	Free Throws	2/2 - 100%
21 (11/10)	Rebounds (Off-Def)	18 (7/11)
5	Total Fouls	9
2	Steals	3
3	Blocks	1
11	Assists	16
6	Turnovers	6
11 / 6	Assist/Turnover	16 / 6
8	Bench Points	13
15	Second Chance Points	10
7	Points Off Turnovers	9
	Points In the Paint
	Fastbreak Points

Agreed, especially on point two above. The Raycom announcers, I think, are the same guys who did it when it was LF . . . and JP.

Go Vols!

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

Chism just got mauled

Need to see a replay, but certainly looked like he got fouled. Arms to arms. Replay still looks like a foul.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 9:17 PM EST reply actions

Yep

Ref needs to come out like the commercial...

"My bad. I totally blew that call. I'll make it up by calling an unnecessary foul on the other team later in the game."

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 9:19 PM EST up reply actions

Did you notice

how, immediately after that, the guys started driving to the basket furiously? I wonder if that's a taught or instinctual thing. When it's obvious the ref's made a mistake, try to milk it for all it's worth. You could come out ahead.

Go Vols!

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

Wow

That Warren guy is really, really good.

Go Vols!

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

Yeah but...

...not JP Prince good!

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 9:25 PM EST up reply actions

Hmm

Guess that time it was Gaskins. He's good, too.

Go Vols!

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

The madder Hulk gets . . .

. . . the stronger Hulk gets.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 9:29 PM EST reply actions

Yup

So much for my prayer...TF on the Hulk.

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 9:31 PM EST up reply actions

What in the world?

Are those orange and white striped warm up suits? That may be the only orange and white thing I've ever thought wasn't cool.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 9:31 PM EST reply actions

Nice

Send the kids out to clean up the blood. Whose idea was that?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions

Man, I LOVE this team

Any guy at any time can hit a three or throw it down with feeling. Wooo!!!

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 9:33 PM EST reply actions

What's Wheezy done with his headband?

Almost don't recognize him.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 9:37 PM EST reply actions

Bloodied?

Contact with Childress' busted chin?

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 9:39 PM EST up reply actions

Drought

Just like last year...feast or famine on the points. Just a little consistency would be nice for a change.

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 9:44 PM EST reply actions

Schmistency

Ah, consistency is boring, don'tcha know. What do you want -- NASCAR or roller coasters? Jerod Mayo likes roller coasters, I guess, by the way.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 9:52 PM EST up reply actions

Back to a one point game

Where's Prince?

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 9:54 PM EST reply actions

Game On...now?

4:42 left and the Vols have blown their double digit lead. Only up by 1. Can we play ball yet?

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 9:54 PM EST reply actions

That's a new one

Did he just call somebody Jamar Smith?

How about JaMyler? We could cover them all that way.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Smith

Hey, at least he remembered that it's a "Smith" on the floor!

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 10:00 PM EST up reply actions

Wow

Ole Miss up 83-79 on a flurry. Somebody stop that guy whose name sounds like a sauce!

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 10:02 PM EST reply actions

UGHHHHH

UGHHHHHHHHHH!

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 10:03 PM EST reply actions

1-13

1-13 from the floor over the last 9:00. Bad.

Time for a flurry of our own?

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 10:04 PM EST reply actions

Also

1-13 from the floor will loose ya ball games. (Duhh.)

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 10:05 PM EST up reply actions

Tied Up!

Just over a min to go! Locked up at 83! CRANK IT UP, MEN!

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 10:08 PM EST reply actions

Woo!

Tie game. One minute or so to go. We've got two baskets and two stops in a row. Their ball.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 10:08 PM EST reply actions

Funny!

Who are we telling this stuff to? We're the only ones here! Hey, Aerobab! We're tied!

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 10:09 PM EST up reply actions

Wow

We forced several bad shots, but they kept getting offensive rebounds. We finally fouled 'em. But a 50% shooter. He missed. Woo!

Thirty seconds. Our ball. Tied. No timeout. Almost stolen. Bueatiful move by Tyler -- good. Desperation shot by them at halfcourt, no bood. We win.

I can't spell and don't care!
I can spell WOOOO@!@@2

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 10:12 PM EST reply actions

WOOOO!!

Hey Joel, WE WON!!
WOOOOOOO!!

Later dude, had fun!

by Aerobab on Jan 9, 2008 10:15 PM EST reply actions

Me, too

Thanks for hanging out.

Until tomorrow.

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 10:16 PM EST up reply actions

Final stats

Ole Miss		Tennessee
83	Points	85
31/71 - 44%	Field Goals	32/68 - 47%
8/25 - 32%	3-Point FGs	12/26 - 46%
13/18 - 72%	Free Throws	9/13 - 69%
44 (20/24)	Rebounds (Off-Def)	39 (14/25)
5	1st Half Fouls	9
11	2nd Half Fouls	9
16	Total Fouls	18
3	Steals	4
5	Blocks	3
15	Assists	24
10	Turnovers	9
15 / 10	Assist/Turnover	24 / 9
17	Bench Points	21
23	Second Chance Points	19
9	Points Off Turnovers	15
	Points In the Paint
	Fastbreak Points

Go Vols!

by Joel Hollingsworth on Jan 9, 2008 10:15 PM EST reply actions

Work

Has been beyond hectic, and I haven't had time to visit or even blog at my own website as of late. The storm of this past week didn't help.

Been crazy. I'm remotely keeping some tabs on the basketball season (mostly via my Verizon Text updates) but I'm not a big basketball fan so I'm slow to rally :)

I'll try to be around more however!

"Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football." John Heisman

by Joseph Stanley on Jan 10, 2008 2:01 PM EST reply actions