BTO’s Mississippi State Postgame Report

[The Dog]

Let me begin with, I'm irate about this loss. Tolu Smith made the , his b!tch and to a lesser extent, Awaka, too, last night. Hubbard can shoot/play, but we left him wide open, at least 3 times and he drilled 'em. Jeffries and Matthews made huge plays, too.

ZZZ and Knecht balled out. JJJ, Mashack, Santi and Gainey gave us 5 points on 2-19 shooting. That can't happen. At least, James and Mashack had 6 boards and 2 steals, apiece. Plus,Santi did have 4 assists and 3 steals. But, Gainey did jacksh!t.

MSU are better than I thought they were, but if this Vols team is who I think they are, they should have won this game. Great comeback, but you just can't sleepwalk for half the 1st half on the road and fall behind by 15 points. At least, I didn't break my TV, I guess. See you all, Saturday. I need a cooling down period

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Let me begin with, I'm irate about this loss. Tolu Smith made the , his b!tch and to a lesser extent, Awaka, too, last night. Hubbard can shoot/play, but we left him wide open, at least 3 times and he drilled 'em. Jeffries and Matthews made huge plays, too.

ZZZ and Knecht balled out. JJJ, Mashack, Santi and Gainey gave us 5 points on 2-19 shooting. That can't happen. At least, James and Mashack had 6 boards and 2 steals, apiece. Plus,Santi did have 4 assists and 3 steals. But, Gainey did jacksh!t.

MSU are better than I thought they were, but if this Vols team is who I think they are, they should have won this game. Great comeback, but you just can't sleepwalk for half the 1st half on the road and fall behind by 15 points. At least, I didn't break my TV, I guess. See you all, Saturday. I need a cooling down period

Smith was a beast. We did double him on the low post and he fought through it and scored. We can"t forget that everyone has good players. Sometimes our opponents will play well against our tough defense. It's a marathon season.

 

[VOLtaism]

I'm not sure how badly they were missing them. I counted several that were halfway down and came out. Even the announcers commented on it a couple times wondering how a shot didn't go down.

Good point, sometimes it just seems like they are missing badly due to 1 or 2 shots.....double check. Clang means off the rim no chance.
1st half 3's
01. Zeigler swish
02. Knecht clang
03. Ziegler swish
04. Ziegler miss in & out
05. Vescovi blocked
06. JJJ. clang
07. Mashack miss in & out
08. Gainey. clang
09. Gainey. clang
10. Knecht. clang
11. JJJ clang
12. Gainey. clang
13. Knecht. clang
So, 2 of 13, of the 11 misses 2 were in and out with 9 clangs. I am not sure I got them all but its close.

These guys are all good shooters, we know that for sure.

 

[VOLnMiami]

MSU is tough, We had several chances and just couldn't take control...We are a good team and MSU is highly underrated IMO...We are in serious need of a dominating big man...Every team we have lost to had big tall strong guys around he basket..MSU's center ate us up last night.

 

[Namorto1]

Good point, sometimes it just seems like they are missing badly due to 1 or 2 shots.....double check. Clang means off the rim no chance.
1st half 3's
01. Zeigler swish
02. Knecht clang
03. Ziegler swish
04. Ziegler miss in & out
05. Vescovi blocked
06. JJJ. clang
07. Mashack miss in & out
08. Gainey. clang
09. Gainey. clang
10. Knecht. clang
11. JJJ clang
12. Gainey. clang
13. Knecht. clang
So, 2 of 13, of the 11 misses 2 were in and out with 9 clangs. I am not sure I got them all but its close.

These guys are all good shooters, we know that for sure.

This team really should be a better, more efficient shooting team from the 3 pt line. Currently only shooting 33.6% from 3-pt line, which is average at best.

 

[DowntownVol]

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm just gonna say it: this team would have beat MSU and perhaps have one fewer loss if we had another year of Uros, playing about 10-12 minutes a game.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Barnes is such a good coach and has forgotten more basketball than all of us ever knew. He also has certain principles he lives by. The biggest one is man to man defense. That means he is very stubborn about double teaming anybody (except in the press obviously). That means his post players have to handle their man. That means deny the ball deep in the post don’t let them drive by you. Last night was the perfect example of a team with a big guy that we had no answer for one on one. Obviously, you couldn’t help off Hubbard, but they didn’t have anyone else that hurt us and they could double down and force him to give it up or beat 2. It would also stop him from dribbling all over the place like he did last night. Just look at what they did when we threw it inside. 3 guys slapping and grabbing and Aidoo ends up on the floor. We’ll learn from it and have a different plan for a team like that next time.

They doubled Smith quite often in the low post.

 

[cardvolfan]

They doubled Smith quite often in the low post.

At this point against quality post guys, Vols are going to have to commit to the hard double and leave some threes open. Shut them down with no room to operate or maneuver. Even when we double, it’s more the hedge and hand picking and that is not working. The scout for these upcoming games will be for bigs, even those not as talented as we’ve seen, to push us around down low.

I do wish we would use some zone once in a while. If nothing else, it’s a change that might create confusion. Might even slow down these inside baskets that are hurting us.

 

[Volfan1000]

1. Tough loss, always sucks extra to fight back in a game and get all the way back and then not ultimately get the job done. Hopefully a lesson to the team about how hard you make things on yourself digging a hole like that, especially on the road in conference play, have to come out ready to play better than that. Big picture it’s not a hurting loss, but when you saw the rough first half it definitely hurts worse than it is in reality, still though, I don’t think it’s something worth freaking out over.

2. Continuing that thought, #1, #2, #3, #5 & #9 have all lost on the road to unranked teams in the last 2 days…this is college basketball, it happens, we aren’t any different than the other top teams in the country. Does it suck still, absolutely, especially when you consider those losses around us and how we could’ve benefited from not joining that group, but again that is college basketball…losses to unranked teams, especially on the road in conference play will happen. Add to that it was a Q1 game for us and we still are 1 of few teams that can say their only losses are of the Q1 variety.

3. As has been mentioned both on the board and from media members, and Barnes postgame as well, there’s an alarming trend in our losses…the opposing team has a very good big man and that causes us serious issues on both ends. Now I could make a case that we’ve likely played 4 of the top 10 big men in the country to this point so yes, they are very good players, but at the same time it worries you about potentially drawing a dominant big man in the dance, definitely something to watch imo. Now with that said you’d rather find these things out now and learn those lessons now than in March, so we’ve got a chance to correct some things. While obviously Aidoo & Awaka being better would help, something I would consider is some minutes for JJJ at the 5. Our uptempo and pressing was effective and could’ve been more so with that lineup, Tolu Smith was easily getting winded and him having to chase around JJJ on the opposing end would’ve only made it worse on him. Sure you’re giving up something on the defensive end but we were already getting killed there, couldn’t be much worse, double him with smaller guys on the catch and then rotate with your all guard lineup if he kicks out for 3. Again it’s not something you can probably do for 40 minutes, but I would’ve liked to see them try it and will be curious if it’s a move going forward…look at FDU against Purdue last year, super small and yea they gave up some Edey dunks, but they also caused him some major issues.

4. Great to see Dalton Knecht looking like the version of himself we all saw early in the year and at UNC. He’s struggled against physical play and hard to think tonight wasn’t the most physical game of the year, and he shined, great to see. He also once again wanted the ball in big moments for big shots as we were mounting our comeback and that’s great to see as well. Zeigler was also dominant, he looked even better than he has all year and continues to raise his game to a level I’m not sure we’ve ever seen from him, that’s obviously a great sign. Disappointing showing from your veterans in Vescovi & JJJ, those guys can’t disappear like they did…not sure what was up with Santi but his shot looked awful after having looked like it was trending up, he needs fixed and NOW.

5. Again big picture that loss isn’t an issue, it’s when you had to watch that first half and some of the trends coming out of it that cause some concern, but again it’s about what they do from here. Kenpom had Tennessee as less than a 50% chance of winning these 2 road games, so it’s not a surprise and doesn’t really change the narrative of the season at this point if you get the win Saturday against Georgia., then it’s home for a stretch and you hope you can hold serve at home. Barttorvik still projects 23-8(13-5) so they also don’t change based off that outcome, again go and get that win on the road Saturday. We talked about trying to go 7-2 or better in the first 9, they’re 1-1, win the next one and that is still very much on the table.



GBO!!!

A Golden State type lineup with JJJ at the 5 and being surrounded by 3 point shooters would open up the floor and cause the opposing big headaches on the defensive end of the floor.

 

[Voljayton]

I would love for JJJ to just stick to driving to the elbow and shooting his 10 footer. He's so good at that. When he shoots 3s I just never feel confident it's going in. Gainey shouldn't be anywhere in there. Vescovi doesn't look fluid anymore at all and he needs to stop passing on some easy layups. It's like he's predetermined he's going to pass before he even drives the lane. The post position seems like a lost cause if we play against anyone with size and strength. JJJ being at the 5? I don't see it but I'd be willing to give it a shot if we're getting decimated down low like we have been. Really I'd like to see more of what Estrella can bring.

 

[Redheads]

They doubled Smith quite often in the low post.

I mean quick. How many times did we let him get the entry pass and dribble 4-5 times sometimes alt he way under the basket to the other side? Aidoo and Awaka had the ball stripped if it touched the floor once.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

I mean quick. How many times did we let him get the entry pass and dribble 4-5 times sometimes alt he way under the basket to the other side? Aidoo and Awaka had the ball stripped if it touched the floor once.

I know there's a difference and you're correct. Smith is impressive. We didn't see it, but he can shoot from the perimeter too. Move on. Make adjustments. Stick to the offense. Lastly, and most importantly, make more of the open looks we get. It really boils down to that more than anything

 

[Orangeslide]

I know there's a difference and you're correct. Smith is impressive. We didn't see it, but he can shoot from the perimeter too. Move on. Make adjustments. Stick to the offense. Lastly, and most importantly, make more of the open looks we get. It really boils down to that more than anything

Agree, if Vols make their open looks from 3 in the first half we win the game. Great comeback and all but our lack of not knocking down open shots led to our demise in the first half. I’m dumbfounded that Santi is not hitting those. Gainey is open for a reason, opponents know he has lost confidence in his shot. His technique Is off, it’s almost like he’s trying to shotput to the goal. This has to be really tough on this kid and the dad too. I’m really pulling for this guy to come out of his shooting woes. Maybe he will make a couple of shots in Athens Saturday. Go Vols!

 

[VolPack22]

I think it’s pretty clear that this offense needs to revolve around Knecht. The dude just knows how to get the ball in the basket. He is the “takeover” guy that we have been missing since Grant and Admiral left. We have had spurts with some of the 5 star freshmen that have come through since those guys but Knecht is on another level.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Gainey is a conundrum. He needs to play and contribute in different areas to offset his regressing threat to score. Rebounding. Assists. Defense. However if his quantity of shots taken are limited it will be difficult for him to emerge from the slump and make a good percentage. It’s frustrating to see him miss so many good looks, but if the team is to play up to it’s potential it probably has to be him contributing rather than one of the 3 freshmen guards. It’s getting late for DJ to become a factor. Carr likely isn’t physically mature enough this year. I think that Dilione is still not 100% AND he’s fallen behind missing time due to his injury/condition.

I think Gainey is going to have to get on track or else it’s going to be a 10-12 loss regular season.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I think it’s pretty clear that this offense needs to revolve around Knecht. The dude just knows how to get the ball in the basket. He is the “takeover” guy that we have been missing since Grant and Admiral left. We have had spurts with some of the 5 star freshmen that have come through since those guys but Knecht is on another level.

UT needs other options than just running everything through Knecht. Good coaches scheming him and lock down defenders that match up well can limit him at times. He has looked better of late at finding Santi. Now if Santi gets back to consistently knocking down most of the great looks he’s getting it will be a potent offense.

 

[The Dog]

Gainey is a conundrum. He needs to play and contribute in different areas to offset his regressing threat to score. Rebounding. Assists. Defense. However if his quantity of shots taken are limited it will be difficult for him to emerge from the slump and make a good percentage. It’s frustrating to see him miss so many good looks, but if the team is to play up to it’s potential it probably has to be him contributing rather than one of the 3 freshmen guards. It’s getting late for DJ to become a factor. Carr likely isn’t physically mature enough this year. I think that Dilione is still not 100% AND he’s fallen behind missing time due to his injury/condition.

I think Gainey is going to have to get on track or else it’s going to be a 10-12 loss regular season.

What ? So, if Gainey doesn't start to produce, we are going to lose 8 more games ? Man, I'm a little down on 'em, too. But, there is no way they are going to losing 6 to 8 more games, in the regular season.

 

[Johnnyreb#VFL]

Sounds so simple and I’ll be accused of being a JJJ apologist, but he’s the ONE guy whose nightly performance has the greatest impact on our win/loss record. If he’s anywhere near a double double, we win. Other players can disappear but if he’s on we win 9/10. Conversely other players can go nuts but if JJJ is 3 points 2 rebounds, we lose everytime.

 

[VolPack22]

UT needs other options than just running everything through Knecht. Good coaches scheming him and lock down defenders that match up well can limit him at times. He has looked better of late at finding Santi. Now if Santi gets back to consistently knocking down most of the great looks he’s getting it will be a potent offense.

I wouldn’t hold out hope for Vescovi. He had some personal issues going on even before the season started and I think it is affecting him. Everyone is human, who wouldn’t it affect? It doesn’t matter if Knecht is limit at times. The offense needs to run through the best scorer, and that happens to be Dalton Knecht. Zakai and Knecht will lead this team and I think this loss will help the team in the long run. Zakai has always had that dog in him and everyone seems to respect Knecht’s game at this point. I’m not one of those idiots saying he needs to take every shot but I think it’s a pretty unanimous decision that we were on the verge of getting blown out without Knecht’s effort. He had a long spurt of the 2nd half where he was unguardable and everyone in the arena knew it. Those types of players don’t come along very often so we need to take advantage of it while we can.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

What ? So, if Gainey doesn't start to produce, we are going to lose 8 more games ? Man, I'm a little down on 'em, too. But, there is no way they are going to losing 6 to 8 more games, in the regular season.

Yes. If Gainey’s game doesn’t get on track I think we could lose 6, 7, or even 8 more games. 5 of them are KY, Bama, and Auburn 1x. Plus we go to Vandy, both Columbias, to A&M, and at Bud Walton. Sure better win tomorrow or we’re digging a deep hole. If Gainey doesn’t get on track that could mean relying on a freshman and none of them are named King, Grunfeld, or Houston.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Yes. If Gainey’s game doesn’t get on track I think we could lose 6, 7, or even 8 more games. 5 of them are KY, Bama, and Auburn 1x. Plus we go to Vandy, both Columbias, to A&M, and at Bud Walton. Sure better win tomorrow or we’re digging a deep hole. If Gainey doesn’t get on track that could mean relying on a freshman and none of them are named King, Grunfeld, or Houston.

Or it could just mean more minutes for Mashack & Knecht? I don’t think Gainey getting on track is the difference in this team being a 2/3 seed NCAAT team and being a fringe bubble team/missing the tourney, which is essentially what you just said.

 

[ColinS]

What ? So, if Gainey doesn't start to produce, we are going to lose 8 more games ? Man, I'm a little down on 'em, too. But, there is no way they are going to losing 6 to 8 more games, in the regular season.

You don't think this team could go 11-7 in this league? That's not even a bad result. What have you been watching? I would predict a game or two better than that but it could easily happen. This league is deep and we haven't exactly been lights out.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

You don't think this team could go 11-7 in this league? That's not even a bad result. What have you been watching? I would predict a game or two better than that but it could easily happen. This league is deep and we haven't exactly been lights out.

Well in fairness he also suggested 9-9, 11-7 was the high end of his hypothetical.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

What ? So, if Gainey doesn't start to produce, we are going to lose 8 more games ? Man, I'm a little down on 'em, too. But, there is no way they are going to losing 6 to 8 more games, in the regular season.

Yep. Gainey isn’t the key to our regular season. It’s our 5th year Seniors. Those two need to be more consistent. You can’t have your leaders on the court score 5 points combined in an SEC game and expect to win.

Gainey has already peaked. I don’t see him busting out of this slump in a meaningful way. He doesn’t need more opportunity he needs less.

 

[therickbol]

Let me begin with, I'm irate about this loss. Tolu Smith made the , his b!tch and to a lesser extent, Awaka, too, last night. Hubbard can shoot/play, but we left him wide open, at least 3 times and he drilled 'em. Jeffries and Matthews made huge plays, too.

ZZZ and Knecht balled out. JJJ, Mashack, Santi and Gainey gave us 5 points on 2-19 shooting. That can't happen. At least, James and Mashack had 6 boards and 2 steals, apiece. Plus,Santi did have 4 assists and 3 steals. But, Gainey did jacksh!t.

MSU are better than I thought they were, but if this Vols team is who I think they are, they should have won this game. Great comeback, but you just can't sleepwalk for half the 1st half on the road and fall behind by 15 points. At least, I didn't break my TV, I guess. See you all, Saturday. I need a cooling down period

So UT played a good team on the road in a Quad 1 game. Outside of 2 players, the entire team played very poorly offensively. And it was still a game that came down to the wire...... and you are irate!