BTO’s Postgame Report

[bleedingTNorange]

1. Always sucks losing when you led for much of the game, especially emotionally invested type of games where you think we aren’t likely to win and then control the game and still lose, those hurt the most. Was always going to be a tough game obviously but the fashion in which it happened made it more painful, but hell we are Vol fans, what else would you expect.

2. I’m not sure how many thought we’d be better without ZZ, I can think of 1 person specifically that thought we’d be better defensively, that poster should come eat his crow in front of everyone. We could not stop Auburn off the dribble and they absolutely exposed it in the 2nd half to the tune of 49 points, that is gross. We have nobody quick enough to stay with a quick guard, that is a major disadvantage for a defense, simply put.

3. Vescovi played his ass off and it sucks we wasted that outing from him, maybe he can duplicate it and carry this hot streak he’s on. We are absolutely going to need it from him, I liked the aggression we saw from Key, but goodness we’ve got to get something from JJJ and Phillips as well.

4. Didn’t finish the regular season how we wanted, likely looking at a 5 seed in SECT and a 3 seed maybe 4 in the NCAAT. I think this team is very draw dependent meaning I could see them making a run or I could see them losing early on. Obviously would’ve prefer we won this game but hopefully it refocus’ the guys and they realize how close to the end they are. Our defensive intensity can still absolutely disrupt teams who have never seen it, of course you can also take on a lucky team shooting above their average much like today. We currently rank near dead last in KenPoms luck ranking, meaning we are losing games we shouldn’t and teams are hitting some shots they shouldn’t, maybe all of that pays off and evens out come the tournament.



GBO!!!

 

[ursaminotaur]

Now it's all about getting hot and going on a little run. That's all that matters.

 

[berryvol]

Another reason our perimeter D sucked is Mashack and JJJ being in foul trouble early. Since the TAMU game we have been far better with Mashack on the floor and you saw that big time today. We desperately need him and SV to stay out of foul trouble and play 36+ in March.

Overall, probably more good than bad from this one in the post-ZZ world - that said, the discouraging thing is that we lost for the same reasons we have been the last 1.5 months (FTs, sh** offense). I still believe in these guys, just frustrating knowing we can beat anyone and also lose to anyone.

 

[walkenvol]

Concerning #3 - JJJ & Phillips combined for 20. Our 4 post guys combined for 14. Not sure Jjj & JP are the problem although I understand with their talent you’re hoping for more than 10 apiece.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Barnes didn’t sound real upset in his post game radio interview. He probably knew that beating Barn was highly unlikely and he might be looking ahead to the post season. I doubt that he was holding back on the game planning, but it was going to take 4 or 5 players having really good games to steal a win down there. Not likely to happen in that environment versus a highly competent coach when they had so much to play for and TN has only had 3 days to work on a new mix of players.

 

[CNeagleVolFan]

Mashack and JJJ have to stay out of foul trouble plain and simple

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Another reason our perimeter D sucked is Mashack and JJJ being in foul trouble early. Since the TAMU game we have been far better with Mashack on the floor and you saw that big time today. We desperately need him and SV to stay out of foul trouble and play 36+ in March.

Overall, probably more good than bad from this one in the post-ZZ world - that said, the discouraging thing is that we lost for the same reasons we have been the last 1.5 months (FTs, sh** offense). I still believe in these guys, just frustrating knowing we can beat anyone and also lose to anyone.

It is ridiculous how often refs let so many obvious fouls go uncalled while we end up with a couple of essential players in foul trouble. Refs are so inconsistent and it’s worse for the game than NIL and immediate transfers.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

@CAVPUT still think the defense is better without ZZZ?

 

[VOLfrombama]

They shot the three ball well in the 2nd half.

Id love to see what all our losses 3pt percentage is in the last few losses. Its gotta be pretty far above the average

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

And yet another buzzer beater. That 3 at the end of the first half that took TN’s lead from 7 to 4 was devastating.

 

[ColinS]

@CAVPUT still think the defense is better without ZZZ?

I'm afraid we are gonna draw some low major or mid major with a quick lead guard that eats us alive

 

[Volfan1000]

1. Always sucks losing when you led for much of the game, especially emotionally invested type of games where you think we aren’t likely to win and then control the game and still lose, those hurt the most. Was always going to be a tough game obviously but the fashion in which it happened made it more painful, but hell we are Vol fans, what else would you expect.

2. I’m not sure how many thought we’d be better without ZZ, I can think of 1 person specifically that thought we’d be better defensively, that poster should come eat his crow in front of everyone. We could not stop Auburn off the dribble and they absolutely exposed it in the 2nd half to the tune of 49 points, that is gross. We have nobody quick enough to stay with a quick guard, that is a major disadvantage for a defense, simply put.

3. Vescovi played his ass off and it sucks we wasted that outing from him, maybe he can duplicate it and carry this hot streak he’s on. We are absolutely going to need it from him, I liked the aggression we saw from Key, but goodness we’ve got to get something from JJJ and Phillips as well.

4. Didn’t finish the regular season how we wanted, likely looking at a 5 seed in SECT and a 3 seed maybe 4 in the NCAAT. I think this team is very draw dependent meaning I could see them making a run or I could see them losing early on. Obviously would’ve prefer we won this game but hopefully it refocus’ the guys and they realize how close to the end they are. Our defensive intensity can still absolutely disrupt teams who have never seen it, of course you can also take on a lucky team shooting above their average much like today. We currently rank near dead last in KenPoms luck ranking, meaning we are losing games we shouldn’t and teams are hitting some shots they shouldn’t, maybe all of that pays off and evens out come the tournament.



GBO!!!

Phillips needs to be more aggressive on the offensive end as he was 6 for 6 from the free throw line today and threw down a sick dunk on one possession.

I liked that driving layup by JJJ and he shoots too many three point shots instead of settling for more mid range looks which could be his bread and butter move overseas or in the NBA.

Vescovi kept Tennessee in the game today and will be the option that opposing defenses try to take away in the future.

Onward to the SEC Tournament in Nashville as a 5 seed.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I'm afraid we are gonna draw some low major or mid major with a quick lead guard that eats us alive

Only if the officiating style gives them an assist.

 

[Mr. Lofton]

Awaka is a beast on the boards

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I think that Uros is the worst free throw shooter that I’ve ever seen play at TN.

 

[JMSqb11]

1. Always sucks losing when you led for much of the game, especially emotionally invested type of games where you think we aren’t likely to win and then control the game and still lose, those hurt the most. Was always going to be a tough game obviously but the fashion in which it happened made it more painful, but hell we are Vol fans, what else would you expect.

2. I’m not sure how many thought we’d be better without ZZ, I can think of 1 person specifically that thought we’d be better defensively, that poster should come eat his crow in front of everyone. We could not stop Auburn off the dribble and they absolutely exposed it in the 2nd half to the tune of 49 points, that is gross. We have nobody quick enough to stay with a quick guard, that is a major disadvantage for a defense, simply put.

3. Vescovi played his ass off and it sucks we wasted that outing from him, maybe he can duplicate it and carry this hot streak he’s on. We are absolutely going to need it from him, I liked the aggression we saw from Key, but goodness we’ve got to get something from JJJ and Phillips as well.

4. Didn’t finish the regular season how we wanted, likely looking at a 5 seed in SECT and a 3 seed maybe 4 in the NCAAT. I think this team is very draw dependent meaning I could see them making a run or I could see them losing early on. Obviously would’ve prefer we won this game but hopefully it refocus’ the guys and they realize how close to the end they are. Our defensive intensity can still absolutely disrupt teams who have never seen it, of course you can also take on a lucky team shooting above their average much like today. We currently rank near dead last in KenPoms luck ranking, meaning we are losing games we shouldn’t and teams are hitting some shots they shouldn’t, maybe all of that pays off and evens out come the tournament.



GBO!!!

Point 3- I love this new offense for Vescovi. He’s much more methodical. Extra game in Nashville as 5 seed should be helpful

 

[BruisedOrange]

The double whammy of losing ZZ is not having that small, quick guard to practice defending against. Might need to bring in Squirrel White and let him run with the ball without dribbling, just to get the effect.

 

[The Dog]

Awaka is a beast on the boards

If he gets 20 minutes a game, he will average about 10 rebounds a game, next year. Hell, this year, too. But, he probably won't get that many minutes. 10 boards in 18 minutes, today. Gotta work on his free throw %, tho

 

[cncchris33]

Overall, probably more good than bad from this one in the post-ZZ world - that said, the discouraging thing is that we lost for the same reasons we have been the last 1.5 months (FTs, sh** offense). I still believe in these guys, just frustrating knowing we can beat anyone and also lose to anyone.

Add to it some really uncharacteristic, sloppy, foolish TOs. I think back to the Vescovi TO in Auburn's side of the floor making a lazy pass to JJJ that Wendell Green turned into 2 pts from the FT line, Vescovi's travel in the lane when he dribbled himself into trouble, JJJ passing the ball right to an AU player. We just are usually on the right side of the foolish TOs, and today we weren't. AU played cleaner basketball from that perspective, which is not what you'd expect from these two teams.

 

[SmokeyLives]

Time for a matchup zone defense ?

 

[LibertyVol]

I think that Uros is the worst free throw shooter that I’ve ever seen play at TN.

Worse than Awaka?

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Worse than Awaka?

Plav is shooting 38% FT this year, and Awaka 48%. Each special. Plav moreso this year.

 

[OrangeInKy]

It is ridiculous how often refs let so many obvious fouls go uncalled while we end up with a couple of essential players in foul trouble. Refs are so inconsistent and it’s worse for the game than NIL and immediate transfers.

I was watching UK/Arkansas at the same time, and that one was even worse. Oscar is a dirty player and I hope his UK career ends in embarrassment.

 

[beachvol23]

Concerning #3 - JJJ & Phillips combined for 20. Our 4 post guys combined for 14. Not sure Jjj & JP are the problem although I understand with their talent you’re hoping for more than 10 apiece.

Jp was aggressive, JJJ his usual self as was .Com wha jeez the posts are so soft!

 

[berryvol]

Add to it some really uncharacteristic, sloppy, foolish TOs. I think back to the Vescovi TO in Auburn's side of the floor making a lazy pass to JJJ that Wendell Green turned into 2 pts from the FT line, Vescovi's travel in the lane when he dribbled himself into trouble, JJJ passing the ball right to an AU player. We just are usually on the right side of the foolish TOs, and today we weren't. AU played cleaner basketball from that perspective, which is not what you'd expect from these two teams.

Agreed. A few thoughts on this - AU definitely had more to lose with a loss today. We are still firmly a 3 seed with 1 SECT win and are at worst a 4. Auburn was playing for their tourney lives. Couple that with being on the road. (Side note - this is the reason I’m stunned so many of our fans are apocalyptic about the loss today. Who Tf thought we were walking out of there with a win, considering all the context to this game?) Second thought, SV and JJJ are not accustomed to taking the ball up the court in these situations. I 1000% expect our seniors to be prepared in these situations and am annoyed as anyone at the lazy turnovers like this, but ZZ is typically the one handling the ball in times like that TO happened. As annoying as it is that it happened, it probably boils down to something as simple as that.