BTO’s Mississippi State Postgame Report

[bleedingTNorange]

1. What a gut check win…coming off a disappointing L, on the road, MSU is struggling and much like Kentucky really needed a season changing W, find out we are down 2 starters and for much of the first half it looked like how that sounds, a 2 game losing streak and feeling down. Instead Tennessee has a blistering second half putting up 47 points against State and finds themselves crushing to victory, what a performance that was much needed.

2. I typically don’t gush about a singular player in these reports but I’m going to tonight, Zeigler was an absolute monster and while he didn’t play perfect it was an amazing game. Not sure if early on he felt the pressure of knowing he needed to do a lot and thus forced some things, but he cleaned it up and it’s no coincidence that when he did we came back and tied things up going into half. And then he had a 2nd half for the ages, played every second, puts up 16pts 3ast 0to 2stl, great performance from him that was much needed. I’m not sure what Barnes will do moving forward when Key/Santi come back, but I would put some consideration into moving Zeigler back into the starting spot…then again he’s been playing starter minutes so if that works whatever.

3. On a night we were short handed maybe I’m feeling more giving, but gonna shout out Julian Phillips tonight as well, he had his best game possibly all season if not in a long time and we can only hope it’s a lightbulb coming on. 18pts 11rbd while playing 38mins and 50%fg and 50%3ptfg was big time. He showed much more aggression tonight and a competitive edge that has been missing, need to continue to see that from him as the season moves on.

4. Was great to see James able to play 34 mins tonight, hold our breath and hope the knee holds strong, if it does then have to think we might be in the clear on his knee issues and he’s full go the rest of the way which would obviously be huge for this team. Also thought Nkamhoua played a good game, had some frustrating moments but for a guy who’s rebounding has been criticized he came out and from the tip showed an aggressive rebounding attitude we’ve not seen from him, ended up with 9 rebounds in 27mins and while he didn’t score a bunch did hit a big 3 late. Finished with 7pts 9rbs in 27mins, he can do more offensively and clean some things up, but if he’d just bring that effort every night he’d really help this team.

5. That was the first of 2 road games this week, next up is LSU at their place…should have Key back, not sure about Santi. In any regard it’s another game you need to find a way to win, they are not a good team as far as SEC rankings go and it’s another opportunity for a road win before heading back to Knoxville for 2 at home, the second of being the big Texas matchup.


GBO!!!

 

[SN-A-C Orange]

Nothing more to say!

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Impressive win tonight. I said it in the game thread, but I truly think considering the circumstances that might be the most important win of the season so far. I would like to think the light bulb has come on for Julian as outside of the Kentucky game he has been on a recent tear.

Considering how Kentucky is playing right now against Georgia at home, that game on Saturday feels more and more baffling. Let’s keep momentum rolling on Saturday and feast on another bad team and hope that Vescovi can heal up soon. Let’s go 3-0 the rest of January.

 

[TNVOLFN]

Nice write-up, well done.

I was a little confused with Coach’s rotation tonight, felt like CRB was trying to find something that could light a spark. I felt like we had a spark with ZZ, Julian, JJJ, Tobe, and Aidoo, then he subbed again... I was ready to see Olivier’s minutes cut to nothing, until he turned it on with 10 minutes left in the game - he needed that, I just wish he would establish some consistency.

Anyway, GREAT win by the VOLS on a night when they had every excuse not to get it done.

Go Big Orange!

 

[walkenvol]

Good post BTO. ZZZ’s early turn overs were a head scratcher as much as all the missed layups Saturday. Great for him to settle down and bring it the rest of the game!

Agree on Phillips and JJJ. If those 2 can find their groove consistently then we’re a much better team!

I wasn’t impressed with ON tonight. Kept losing his man on D leading to easy baskets and CRB kept sitting him down. When we were struggling early for points ON kept passing up good looks? For a senior he still makes some of the most head scratching mistakes and disappears for long stretches.

 

[cncchris33]

1. What a gut check win…coming off a disappointing L, on the road, MSU is struggling and much like Kentucky really needed a season changing W, find out we are down 2 starters and for much of the first half it looked like how that sounds, a 2 game losing streak and feeling down. Instead Tennessee has a blistering second half putting up 47 points against State and finds themselves crushing to victory, what a performance that was much needed.



2. I typically don’t gush about a singular player in these reports but I’m going to tonight, Zeigler was an absolute monster and while he didn’t play perfect it was an amazing game. Not sure if early on he felt the pressure of knowing he needed to do a lot and thus forced some things, but he cleaned it up and it’s no coincidence that when he did we came back and tied things up going into half. And then he had a 2nd half for the ages, played every second, puts up 16pts 3ast 0to 2stl, great performance from him that was much needed. I’m not sure what Barnes will do moving forward when Key/Santi come back, but I would put some consideration into moving Zeigler back into the starting spot…then again he’s been playing starter minutes so if that works whatever.



3. On a night we were short handed maybe I’m feeling more giving, but gonna shout out Julian Phillips tonight as well, he had his best game possibly all season if not in a long time and we can only hope it’s a lightbulb coming on. 18pts 11rbd while playing 38mins and 50%fg and 50%3ptfg was big time. He showed much more aggression tonight and a competitive edge that has been missing, need to continue to see that from him as the season moves on.



4. Was great to see James able to play 34 mins tonight, hold our breath and hope the knee holds strong, if it does then have to think we might be in the clear on his knee issues and he’s full go the rest of the way which would obviously be huge for this team. Also thought Nkamhoua played a good game, had some frustrating moments but for a guy who’s rebounding has been criticized he came out and from the tip showed an aggressive rebounding attitude we’ve not seen from him, ended up with 9 rebounds in 27mins and while he didn’t score a bunch did hit a big 3 late. Finished with 7pts 9rbs in 27mins, he can do more offensively and clean some things up, but if he’d just bring that effort every night he’d really help this team.



5. That was the first of 2 road games this week, next up is LSU at their place…should have Key back, not sure about Santi. In any regard it’s another game you need to find a way to win, they are not a good team as far as SEC rankings go and it’s another opportunity for a road win before heading back to Knoxville for 2 at home, the second of being the big Texas matchup.





GBO!!!

With Zeigler, Barnes is trying to protect him from a silly foul by bringing him in off the bench. I'm not sure his play tonight changes that theory when all things are equal, again. He knows he needs him in the end, not necessarily the beginning, and like you said, he's playing starter minutes anyway, so itvisnt like he's not getting less playing time by not starting.

 

[cncchris33]

Nice write-up, well done.



I was a little confused with Coach’s rotation tonight, felt like CRB was trying to find something that could light a spark. I felt like we had a spark with ZZ, Julian, JJJ, Tobe, and Aidoo, then he subbed again... I was ready to see Olivier’s minutes cut to nothing, until he turned it on with 10 minutes left in the game - he needed that, I just wish he would establish some consistency.



Anyway, GREAT win by the VOLS on a night when they had every excuse not to get it done.



Go Big Orange!

Nkamhoua just is what he is, at this point. An enigma wrapped up in a riddle. He makes some great plays, and then does two or three things in a five minute stretch that would get a freshman benched. Barnes loves him, though. I can't hardly stand the inconsistencies and haven't been a fan since the day we offered him, to be honest, but I recognize that he is currently our most versatile and scoring-able big man. We are worse without him, no doubt, but man he is frustrating.

 

[The Dog]

Barnes told Bob and Bert, he asked ZZZ to dial it down just a little on defense, early in the game

 

[TNVOLFN]

Nkamhoua just is what he is, at this point. An enigma wrapped up in a riddle. He makes some great plays, and then does two or three things in a five minute stretch that would get a freshman benched. Barnes loves him, though. I can't hardly stand the inconsistencies and haven't been a fan since the day we offered him, to be honest, but I recognize that he is currently our most versatile and scoring-able big man. We are worse without him, no doubt, but man he is frustrating.

I’m at a point where I prefer his minutes to be split with Urosa and Jonas, or even Tobe. If it’s a physical type of ball game, forget about it, he disappears; if it’s a team that’s more athletic and less physical, then he’s a solid option… Again, he was a different player the last ten minutes, but I don’t know if he made up for the mistakes he made on offense and defense th first 30 minutes of the game.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Nkamhoua just is what he is, at this point. An enigma wrapped up in a riddle. He makes some great plays, and then does two or three things in a five minute stretch that would get a freshman benched. Barnes loves him, though. I can't hardly stand the inconsistencies and haven't been a fan since the day we offered him, to be honest, but I recognize that he is currently our most versatile and scoring-able big man. We are worse without him, no doubt, but man he is frustrating.

This is why I am not at all upset that it is looking like he will not be using his COVID year after this season concludes. I’m ready to give some of the younger bigs minutes in the hopes they can be something special. ORN has peaked. There is no extra gear for him to hit. He is never going to be an ALL-SEC type player. Let’s give Estrella, Awaka, and Aidoo major minutes at the 4/5 next season, get a portal player, and see what happens.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

With Zeigler, Barnes is trying to protect him from a silly foul by bringing him in off the bench. I'm not sure his play tonight changes that theory when all things are equal, again. He knows he needs him in the end, not necessarily the beginning, and like you said, he's playing starter minutes anyway, so itvisnt like he's not getting less playing time by not starting.

Yea I remember Barnes saying that, but 40 minutes tonight and just 3 fouls, 1 of which was very late…just seems like maybe Zeigler is smart enough/capable of avoiding those early calls, but again not a huge deal if he’s still gonna get 32+mpg.

 

[walkenvol]

Nkamhoua just is what he is, at this point. An enigma wrapped up in a riddle. He makes some great plays, and then does two or three things in a five minute stretch that would get a freshman benched. Barnes loves him, though. I can't hardly stand the inconsistencies and haven't been a fan since the day we offered him, to be honest, but I recognize that he is currently our most versatile and scoring-able big man. We are worse without him, no doubt, but man he is frustrating.

I think what bugs me most about him is his lack of hustle. Seems like I see him walking up the court way too often. Your a college athlete - at least you could beat your 7’-1” teammate down the court!

 

[VOLtaism]

Ziegler played the entire game with the ball in his hands 50% of the time. Thats amazing! 4 clutch 3's sent them spinning off into oblivion. SEC road win without starters is awesome, especially after that first half. I think they had 10 points at the 15 minute mark.

 

[cwbytruckers]

I think i would try a lineup where ON comes off the bench.

 

[the_great_pumpkin]

The 8 minute delay for the net worked to our advantage. It seemed like after that we seemed more fresh and focused.

 

[RAVOL]

Great last 25mns of game. Down your starting backcourt State hits 6 3s in 2nd half ZZ having to grind out 40mns with how hard he plays. I would say it was like a late night in NYC after all day on the court and you dig deep. Julian great tonight and inside guys rebounded and protected the Rim. Great Road Win. In CHRIST Alone

 

[The Dog]

The 8 minute delay for the net worked to our advantage. It seemed like after that we seemed more fresh and focused.

Barnes said that after the game, also

 

[Volfan1000]

1. What a gut check win…coming off a disappointing L, on the road, MSU is struggling and much like Kentucky really needed a season changing W, find out we are down 2 starters and for much of the first half it looked like how that sounds, a 2 game losing streak and feeling down. Instead Tennessee has a blistering second half putting up 47 points against State and finds themselves crushing to victory, what a performance that was much needed.

2. I typically don’t gush about a singular player in these reports but I’m going to tonight, Zeigler was an absolute monster and while he didn’t play perfect it was an amazing game. Not sure if early on he felt the pressure of knowing he needed to do a lot and thus forced some things, but he cleaned it up and it’s no coincidence that when he did we came back and tied things up going into half. And then he had a 2nd half for the ages, played every second, puts up 16pts 3ast 0to 2stl, great performance from him that was much needed. I’m not sure what Barnes will do moving forward when Key/Santi come back, but I would put some consideration into moving Zeigler back into the starting spot…then again he’s been playing starter minutes so if that works whatever.

3. On a night we were short handed maybe I’m feeling more giving, but gonna shout out Julian Phillips tonight as well, he had his best game possibly all season if not in a long time and we can only hope it’s a lightbulb coming on. 18pts 11rbd while playing 38mins and 50%fg and 50%3ptfg was big time. He showed much more aggression tonight and a competitive edge that has been missing, need to continue to see that from him as the season moves on.

4. Was great to see James able to play 34 mins tonight, hold our breath and hope the knee holds strong, if it does then have to think we might be in the clear on his knee issues and he’s full go the rest of the way which would obviously be huge for this team. Also thought Nkamhoua played a good game, had some frustrating moments but for a guy who’s rebounding has been criticized he came out and from the tip showed an aggressive rebounding attitude we’ve not seen from him, ended up with 9 rebounds in 27mins and while he didn’t score a bunch did hit a big 3 late. Finished with 7pts 9rbs in 27mins, he can do more offensively and clean some things up, but if he’d just bring that effort every night he’d really help this team.

5. That was the first of 2 road games this week, next up is LSU at their place…should have Key back, not sure about Santi. In any regard it’s another game you need to find a way to win, they are not a good team as far as SEC rankings go and it’s another opportunity for a road win before heading back to Knoxville for 2 at home, the second of being the big Texas matchup.


GBO!!!

We shot 8 of 9 from trifecta land in the second half after shooting 2 of 15 in the first.

Seigler was the first player to play 40 minutes since Jordan Bowden did that in 2020 and he still looked like he had fresh legs at the end of the game.

Phillips is the X factor on this team and if he can score 12-20 every night, the offense will be at another level.

LSU'S Pete Maravich Center has historically been a very tough place for Tennessee to get a victory along with Coleman Coliseum and Rupp Arena and Bud Walton Arena in conference play over the years.

 

[southgatevol]

Nkamhoua just is what he is, at this point. An enigma wrapped up in a riddle. He makes some great plays, and then does two or three things in a five minute stretch that would get a freshman benched. Barnes loves him, though. I can't hardly stand the inconsistencies and haven't been a fan since the day we offered him, to be honest, but I recognize that he is currently our most versatile and scoring-able big man. We are worse without him, no doubt, but man he is frustrating.

The most frustrating player since Jordan Bowden. Will give you a glimpse of what he could be and then it all just disappears.

 

[BruisedOrange]

In the post-game radio interview, Barnes said that starting lineup had never played together, even in practice. Easy to appreciate why it took so long for them to start clicking on offense.

As for Ziegler's stamina, the test will be 2nd half at Baton Rouge. But however his body holds out, no doubt his mind and heart are willing...

 

[OrngeJuiceJones]

1. What a gut check win…coming off a disappointing L, on the road, MSU is struggling and much like Kentucky really needed a season changing W, find out we are down 2 starters and for much of the first half it looked like how that sounds, a 2 game losing streak and feeling down. Instead Tennessee has a blistering second half putting up 47 points against State and finds themselves crushing to victory, what a performance that was much needed.

2. I typically don’t gush about a singular player in these reports but I’m going to tonight, Zeigler was an absolute monster and while he didn’t play perfect it was an amazing game. Not sure if early on he felt the pressure of knowing he needed to do a lot and thus forced some things, but he cleaned it up and it’s no coincidence that when he did we came back and tied things up going into half. And then he had a 2nd half for the ages, played every second, puts up 16pts 3ast 0to 2stl, great performance from him that was much needed. I’m not sure what Barnes will do moving forward when Key/Santi come back, but I would put some consideration into moving Zeigler back into the starting spot…then again he’s been playing starter minutes so if that works whatever.

3. On a night we were short handed maybe I’m feeling more giving, but gonna shout out Julian Phillips tonight as well, he had his best game possibly all season if not in a long time and we can only hope it’s a lightbulb coming on. 18pts 11rbd while playing 38mins and 50%fg and 50%3ptfg was big time. He showed much more aggression tonight and a competitive edge that has been missing, need to continue to see that from him as the season moves on.

4. Was great to see James able to play 34 mins tonight, hold our breath and hope the knee holds strong, if it does then have to think we might be in the clear on his knee issues and he’s full go the rest of the way which would obviously be huge for this team. Also thought Nkamhoua played a good game, had some frustrating moments but for a guy who’s rebounding has been criticized he came out and from the tip showed an aggressive rebounding attitude we’ve not seen from him, ended up with 9 rebounds in 27mins and while he didn’t score a bunch did hit a big 3 late. Finished with 7pts 9rbs in 27mins, he can do more offensively and clean some things up, but if he’d just bring that effort every night he’d really help this team.

5. That was the first of 2 road games this week, next up is LSU at their place…should have Key back, not sure about Santi. In any regard it’s another game you need to find a way to win, they are not a good team as far as SEC rankings go and it’s another opportunity for a road win before heading back to Knoxville for 2 at home, the second of being the big Texas matchup.


GBO!!!

Agree on all points. Nice write up.

 

[NighthawkVol]

Phillips absolutely had his best game. Now we need this kind of performance to start becoming a consistent norm, which will open things up for SV, Key, and others. Having Phillips able to create his own points the way he showed last night (as well as getting 2nd chance points off rebounds) is exactly what we need to avoid the long scoring slumps that has been the bane of this team the past few years.

The fact that he shot the ball well at the FT line and hit a 3 was really encouraging too.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Chris Jans did a fantastic job. Keep up the good work coach!

 

[Stoked]

Barnes told Bob and Bert, he asked ZZZ to dial it down just a little on defense, early in the game

This is a wild statement that you'll probably never hear CRB to say to any other player. It just goes to show you how hard ZZ plays on defense. Barnes preaches defense first and to tell a player to dial it down really is telling. ZZ is a menace on defense and I can't imagine being a pg and having to be guarded by him for 30+ min a game.

 

[1974Vol]

Is it just me or do all our opponents of late get to the free throw line way more than us and then despite shooting 65% for the season drop a 85% night on us? smh