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
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12-1 (overall)
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13-0 (overall)
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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!