Bruce Pearl costed us this game

[Atreus21]

Lotsa upsets tonight. Duke, Texas, and you guys. Just one of those nights, I suppose.

 

[TennesseeTuba68]

Oh bring on the firebrucepearl.com thingy...jeez give the man a break.

i know why we lost..pick me pick me....WE DIDNT PLAY DEFENSE!!! Rondo and a few others just walked down the lane....just didnt play d....thats all it was...if we played D we would have won...hands down.

 

[Vol67]

That's the spirit. :thumbsup:

This team has hit the wall and they lost their intensity. Smoke and Mirrors will only take you so far and Wingate is a liability that everyone is exploiting.

 

[Vol67]

I'll take that as a NO. No one can say Pearl did a better job, so my argument is in fact a valid one... Therefore, I am declaring myself a GENIOUS!

just kidding, but seriously I am right on this one.

nope your wrong, this game boiled down to failure to execute the game plan by the players!

 

[WA_Vol]

I think it would be a mistake to count this team out already.

Pearl is a very good tournament coach, just look what he did last year. This team is very hungry, considering how many games they have lost the last 2-3 seasons.

When the tournament starts they will be very hungry and will play very hard. Pearl is a very good motivator as well, and has won some big games already at UT, i.e., Texas, Florida, Kentucky at Rupp, etc.

 

[OrangeUAVol?]

Yes, they shot almost 80% in the 2nd half. The reason is because they were all layups and dunks.

Of the MANY absurd statements you've made so far, this is one you've repeated that I can't let go uncontested any longer, so here's a test to see if you're any more knowledgeable in Math, than you are in English or Basketball...

KY scored 42 points in the 2nd half. If they sinked 6 free throws, and shooted 15 of 19 field goals, how many of their 'layups and dunks' came from behind the 3 point line?

Here's a hint: 6

What that means English boy, is that exactly HALF of their non-free throw points came from behind the arc; therefore, NO, Tubbykins did not mastermind the perfect 2nd half game plan you so emphatically want to give him credit for. They simply got hot - just like we've done several times this year to win a few of our games.

Next time you repeatedly argue a point, you might want to try being right. :moon2:

 

[checkerboard_charly]

plain and simple. we lost because our defense SUCKS.

 

[rockydoc]

Of the MANY absurd statements you've made so far, this is one you've repeated that I can't let go uncontested any longer, so here's a test to see if you're any more knowledgeable in Math, than you are in English or Basketball...

KY scored 42 points in the 2nd half. If they sinked 6 free throws, and shooted 15 of 19 field goals, how many of their 'layups and dunks' came from behind the 3 point line?

Here's a hint: 6

What that means English boy, is that exactly HALF of their non-free throw points came from behind the arc; therefore, NO, Tubbykins did not mastermind the perfect 2nd half game plan you so emphatically want to give him credit for. They simply got hot - just like we've done several times this year to win a few of our games.

Next time you repeatedly argue a point, you might want to try being right. :moon2:

No need to be meanspirited. While nobody can argue with the math, UK did have to many easy shots in the second half, especially when Rondo reeled off 8-10 points off barely contested inside layups in a row.

 

[cd12]

I have thought all year that this team can beat anybody and anybody can beat this team. If you think about it, Texas was one of our easiest games! Most have been battles no matter the opponent! What worries me is the Jerry Green syndrome! (building big leads, only to watch them slip away). I was highly upset with Jujuan last night! Not the missed free throw, I knew that was coming or the drive where he lost the ball, he was trying to make up for the missed free throw! I have seen him play since grade school and wasn't surprised. I have stated on here before that he plays out of control and Pearl has done a great job controling him. What upset me was his defense! He made some plays but Rondo schooled him! I guess I'll have to call his momma!

 

[volmanbill]

Costed?

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

 

[OWB]

Here's what I think hurt us the most in the last minute of so. When Rondo was dribbling and lost control and Jujuan picked it up and headed to the other end, then Rondo fouls him and the ref doesn't call it intentional when it obviously was.

Then to top it off, Jujuan missed the free throw. :banghead: This team needs to work on defense and free throws the remainder of the season.

 

[TennFan]

The way I see it, we should be thanking our lucky stars for Bruce Pearl.

We have 20 wins with a tough RPI.

We broke the top 10 twice this season with a team that didn't even make it to the NIT last year.

We won the SEC East.

Our guys are ALL heart and they leave everything on the court.

We're going to the tournament.

We've swept UF, SC and UGA this season with a possible Vandy sweep.

We won AT Kentucky and Florida and Texas.

Pearl has been nothing but a publicity machine for the Vols and is doing a great job at getting the tradition back.

He's up for coach of the year.

Every player on the team has improved their game.

We have a top 10 recruiting class next year with some solid players..

I'm sure that there was a reason that Pearl didn't call that timeout. He's not an idiot. Kentucky just played a great game in the second half and that's the way the ball rolls sometimes.

I agree with the above. :thumbsup: The game wasn't televised in our area - DC metro. I see more Lady Vol games than UT men's. We get plenty of coverage in the area in football-most of the time. The men's basketball team was probably not even pre-season ranked in the top 50. I didn't even look though. Hey, 20 wins, an SEC East Championship and NCAA tourney selection - a possible #3 seed-can't beat that. There are some teams that would like to be in our shoes and one of them is probably Maryland. Very good season for both basketball teams at Vol land. :thumbsup:
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!

 

[orange+white=heaven]

I did not read all of this thread. Didn't have the stomach for it. The quote below did catch my attention though. Thanks for offering sanity in the midst of this OWB. I'm certain others had similar thoughts, I just didn't catch 'em. Look folks, the sky is not falling. This is year one of what is going to be a heckuva ride. And year one isn't even over yet. We're headed for the show, and I for one am planning to enjoy every second of it! So buck up folks, this is an amazing season.
Don't go hyper-negative here at the end!!

Pearl and the Vols fought Kentucky with all they had. UK shot 78% in the second half and only won by 2. I think that speaks VOLUMES about what kind of coach that Pearl is.

Tubby knows he got away with one tonight and you can bet that he's not too happy about having to compete with Pearl on the court or in recruiting. That is, if he remains at UK.

You just look at what Pearl has done with his talent compared to what Tubby has done with his this year.

Give me a break.

 

[VolBeef88]

It shouldn't surprise you, this is how Vol fans are. Listen to sports talk in Knoxville, thankfully I don't have to. We could go 12-1 in football and that one loss fans would be calling in calling for Fulmer to be fired. As much as I don't like to agree with the opposing trolls on these message boards, I truely think most Vol fans are idiots.

I wouldn't say idiots. I would go with spoiled. BIG TIME!

 

[utvolpj]

I did not read all of this thread. Didn't have the stomach for it. The quote below did catch my attention though. Thanks for offering sanity in the midst of this OWB. I'm certain others had similar thoughts, I just didn't catch 'em. Look folks, the sky is not falling. This is year one of what is going to be a heckuva ride. And year one isn't even over yet. We're headed for the show, and I for one am planning to enjoy every second of it! So buck up folks, this is an amazing season.
Don't go hyper-negative here at the end!!

Yeah this thread could make you sick.

I was just glad to see UT bball seems to be where it should be. We are competing on a high level, have a coach that believes in the orange and our traditions, filling the arena and we are supporting these young men putting it on the line for the name on the front of the jersey. I mean they apologized for letting US down! Haven't we been complaining about the football players playing for the name on the back? These guys really do appreciate the fact they are building UT bball into something we can be proud of. No one thinks they are quite there yet, but they are beyond where they should be (or at least where the experts thought they should be). Of course I'd rather get the win, but they have at least earned my repect by the way the season has gone. The point of the season is to get to the dance. We have done that and now all bets are off.

 

[davidmorris17]

Different sport, same old fans. National Championship or fire the head coach. I'd like to throw my name in the positive column. Personally, I think they're tired. Who wouldn't be. Pearl works their fingers to the bones. Then again,...he has to. This team doesn't have near the talent that a Kentucky, Florida, Texas, or Memphis has. But, guess what...they've beaten 3 out 4 of those teams and gave the other all they could handle. Now, some idiot wants to get on here and be that "typical Vol fan" and bash the head coach. If any of you "bashers" could do any better then you would probably be coaching your own division 1 team instead of flipping burgers, typing on computers, working construction or like myself, working in sales. LOOK AT WHAT PEARL HAS DONE THIS YEAR AND CUT HIM SOME FREAK'N SLACK! Also, go to UTSports.com adn look at his resume. I feel very comfortable with Bruce Pearl leading MY Tennessee Vol BB team.

After the Vandy game on Sat, Tenn gets 6 days to rest and regroup before the SEC Championship begins. Keep that in mind.

Now then, take a deep breath and relaxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

PEACE!

 

[volmanjr]

I am so glad I didn't log on last night to read this puke! We lost by 2 friggin pts with no inside game (Wingate at least had more points than fouls this game). Pearl has done more with less than anybody could have ever hoped for this season. The only thing he costed us was not a blowout which is what we would have had if Buzz was still here.

 

[patrick]

I'll take that as a NO. No one can say Pearl did a better job, so my argument is in fact a valid one... Therefore, I am declaring myself a GENIOUS!

just kidding, but seriously I am right on this one.

You are freakin crazy!!!!!!!!! Tubby and the Cats should have won that game. They should have won against the Vols at Kentucky. They have better players (3 high school all americans). Kentucky should have been competing for the SEC championship. But they are not!!!!!!!

No, Pearl did not get out coached!!!!!! Tennessee got outplayed!!!!!!! Tennessee is a rag tag bunch with a few "pearls". Pearl has done an amazing coaching job this year!!!! Just about every Vol fan thought that Tennessee would be lucky to go .500 this year. However, the Vols have won the SEC east which is a testament to Pearl's coaching ability. Tennesse dominated the 1st half but Kentucky dominated the 2nd half.

Uk was more intense the 2nd half but I guess you would blame that on coaching not on the players. Bottom line: Tennessee lost for a number of reasons which did not include being out coached. Pearl is quite possibly the best coach in the SEC!!!!!!!!

 

[texas_vol]

a big slice of humble pie might do the Vols some good going into tourney time. records are out the door. it's time for the nitty gritty.

go vols!

 

[DowntownVol]

Another thing I would like to point out here is this: This game was an absolute must-win for Kentucky. I've seen the Kitties play several times this year, and this was by far the best they've played, especially once they regrouped after falling behind early. Yes, UT's defense sucked - but hey, it's sucked all year! This fact has been, to some extent, masked by the high-octane offense. With these players, and this system, UT wins games by outscoring their opponents, plain and simple. But you can't outscore a team shooting 79% for a half (similar to the first half of the Alabama game), no matter how good your offense is. Wingate and Patterson combined are not as good as Randolph Morris is, and he had a big game against as at Rupp as well; we couldn't stop him there, either, but we found a way to win.

Eternal optimist that I am, I think the fire and intensity will travel to Nashville on Saturday, and we'll come out of there with a win. It won't be easy, either; Vandy is still harboring a faint glimmer of hope for a trip to the Dance if they beat UT and win 2 or 3 games in the SEC tournament.

And as far as Pearl getting "outcoached" by Tubby: whatever. Buzz Peterson is a better coach than Tubby (yeah, that's right, I said it.) Nobody does less with more than Tub does. And, at least for this season, nobody in the country has done more with less than Bruce Pearl. He's taking a team with borderline NIT talent to the Big Dance, and we are the SEC East champs. What more do you people want?

 

[rwemyss]

Another thing I would like to point out here is this: This game was an absolute must-win for Kentucky. I've seen the Kitties play several times this year, and this was by far the best they've played, especially once they regrouped after falling behind early. Yes, UT's defense sucked - but hey, it's sucked all year! This fact has been, to some extent, masked by the high-octane offense. With these players, and this system, UT wins games by outscoring their opponents, plain and simple. But you can't outscore a team shooting 79% for a half (similar to the first half of the Alabama game), no matter how good your offense is. Wingate and Patterson combined are not as good as Randolph Morris is, and he had a big game against as at Rupp as well; we couldn't stop him there, either, but we found a way to win.

Eternal optimist that I am, I think the fire and intensity will travel to Nashville on Saturday, and we'll come out of there with a win. It won't be easy, either; Vandy is still harboring a faint glimmer of hope for a trip to the Dance if they beat UT and win 2 or 3 games in the SEC tournament.

And as far as Pearl getting "outcoached" by Tubby: whatever. Buzz Peterson is a better coach than Tubby (yeah, that's right, I said it.) Nobody does less with more than Tub does. And, at least for this season, nobody in the country has done more with less than Bruce Pearl. He's taking a team with borderline NIT talent to the Big Dance, and we are the SEC East champs. What more do you people want?

Just to elaborate on the shot %... If you put UK out there in practice to try and make the exact same shots they made in the second half last night... they wouldn't shoot 78%. It is a PRIME case of getting HOT against nonexistent D.

 

[hatvol96]

Another thing I would like to point out here is this: This game was an absolute must-win for Kentucky. I've seen the Kitties play several times this year, and this was by far the best they've played, especially once they regrouped after falling behind early. Yes, UT's defense sucked - but hey, it's sucked all year! This fact has been, to some extent, masked by the high-octane offense. With these players, and this system, UT wins games by outscoring their opponents, plain and simple. But you can't outscore a team shooting 79% for a half (similar to the first half of the Alabama game), no matter how good your offense is. Wingate and Patterson combined are not as good as Randolph Morris is, and he had a big game against as at Rupp as well; we couldn't stop him there, either, but we found a way to win.

Eternal optimist that I am, I think the fire and intensity will travel to Nashville on Saturday, and we'll come out of there with a win. It won't be easy, either; Vandy is still harboring a faint glimmer of hope for a trip to the Dance if they beat UT and win 2 or 3 games in the SEC tournament.

And as far as Pearl getting "outcoached" by Tubby: whatever. Buzz Peterson is a better coach than Tubby (yeah, that's right, I said it.) Nobody does less with more than Tub does. And, at least for this season, nobody in the country has done more with less than Bruce Pearl. He's taking a team with borderline NIT talent to the Big Dance, and we are the SEC East champs. What more do you people want?

I must revise my earlier statement. Any post that claims Buzz Peterson is a better coach than Tubby Smith is the single most ridiculous post in the history of the board. If Tubby always has this great cache of talent, where are all the Kentucky produced NBA All-Stars?

 

[lawgator1]

I flipped back and forth between your game and the FSU-Duke game. Sadly, for me both games ended the way I did not want them to end. I wanted you to beat UK so that Florida would get the #2 seed in the SECE and therefore a tournament first round bye and of course I loathe FSU just because and now I have to hear about them beating the #1 team for, oh I don't know, infinity.


As to the contention that Pearl cost your team the W, I just think that is plain ridiculous. I was rolling my eyes midway through the first half when you were up somethinglike 21-7 and there was Pearl, screaming his head off at your players. I really thought you had the game well in hand and it looked like a blowout and here's this lunatic looking like he's going to stroke out right there on the floor. Turns out, he knoew that the intensity for your team was waning. Its hard to get that back once a good team makes a run at you, which is what happened. I give Pearl tremendous credit for TRYING to keep your team from getting complacent at that point.

I believe the reason you lost is three-fold, and basically is a combination of what has been said by others before.

First, I do think that UK played very well in a must-win situation. Credit them for wanting it.

Second, I agree with those who point out that you just do not have a lot of size. When a team with size comes at you determined to win, well, unless you play way over your head with a ridiculous perimter shooting percentage, then you are in trouble. It is, as others have pointed out, a weakness inherent in your team. Yes, NCAA teams are going to take advantage of it. Guess what? Not much you can do about it. It is the way it is and if you want to advance you are going to have shoot a high percentage from the outside because you will get outrebounded.

Third, I also buy into the fatigue argument. But I think 80 percent of that is mental. Right now, I do believe your team is a little gassed upstairs. They will get it back together when they get into SEC tourney play and I am certain they will get it back for the NCAA's.

In short, the fatigue issue will take care of itself and you will be fine come tourney time. But there is simply nothing you can do about the size and depth issues. They are what they are. Pearl has done a masterful job of coaching around those problems. And when you get into the NCAAs you will face some teams that have the edge matching up to you in that regard and you'll either get that high percentage offensively or you will lose. No big deal. It happens to 64 of the 65 tournament teams at some point.

 

[vader]

15? is your real name Vince Young?

lol:

 

[mildcatjanie]

I must revise my earlier statement. Any post that claims Buzz Peterson is a better coach than Tubby Smith is the single most ridiculous post in the history of the board. If Tubby always has this great cache of talent, where are all the Kentucky produced NBA All-Stars?

I've been lurking on this board for quite a while, but I simply had to jump in here.

I'm a born Kentucky fan; Vol fan due to having lived in Knoxville for 6 years. Although I'm back in Lexington, I've really fallen in love with this group of UT kids. I was going to UT basketball games when nobody was even turning up for SEC games. The fan showing was pathetic. I'm absolutely thrilled for these guys, and it is 100% due to Bruce Pearl and his sytem of play.

I was as stricken by this loss as anyone else, however, I'm able to see this from both sides. Tubby is not a fantastic coach. He's not the best recruiter, and the title "McDonald's All-American" does not guarantee a great college career for a player. However, I am willing to bet that UK's showing in the NBA would be much more impressive if Tubby's players were the product of a more upbeat, highlight-reel-worthy style of play. Also, all those 10 loss seasons aren't exactly impressing the pants off the scouts. Tubbyball is bad for the players, bad for the school, the fans, and the SEC as a whole. Kentucky needs to do well. They're the flagship SEC program. Like it or not, Kentucky buys the SEC a lot of media attention and national TV audiences that the conference may not otherwise have. I'm 100% behind getting rid of Tubby. He's just not the great coach the hype would have you believe.

As for the loss last night, I honestly believe that it was the product of both offensive and defensive execution problems on the part of the Vols. UK isn't a great shooting team. They were simply going unopposed. The fact that the Cats only won by 2 is a real testament to what a fantastic coaching job Pearl did last night. It could have been much uglier. I would much rather deal with last night's loss and have them learn something than go into the SEC tourament making the same mistakes in executing their system. I think the kids really learned something last night, and we'll see an exclamation point on the end of this season next weekend. The kids really need a good showing in Nashville to pump them up for the Big Dance. The team we see in the SEC tournament is the team that's going to show up when it really counts.

My basketball motto has always been It Doesn't Count 'til March!

GO Vols (and cats, too. but not 'til we get rid of Tubby, mmmkay?)!