The Alabama Postgame Report

[zjcvols]

1. I don't know how you would quantify the win just yet, but let's just put it this way. This win gives you hope. A loss probably would have crushed everything.

2. Watching the game, the one thing I noticed about UT's D that is just impossible to beat is their length. Moore, Richardson, and McRae affect so many shots with their length that it gives you an extra defender almost.

3. The thing I loved about Jarnell today was the defense first. He was talking more, he moved his feet more, he used his length. He did a great job defensively. Secondly, he kept the ball high and that's how he was able to get 15 points.

4. Jordan McRae did a really nice job today with the press. He had one really bad turnover today, but that was it. His dribbling is getting better and he's doing a much better job keeping his head up when he dribbles.

5. Bernard King Player of the Game: Jarnell Stokes. No surprise considering Jarnell played the best game of his career. He did great defensively, and even though I wouldn't say he was lazy, it was the first time I've seen him go after the ball for 40 minutes. He was quicker with his moves and he FINALLY went to his go to move three times today, the running baby hook. That gave him confidence. He made the biggest play of the game getting that offensive rebound with 1:20 to go and that was all because of his hustle. Fantastic performance by him.

6. The Vols did a better job spacing, but they have to make more of an effort to get the ball to Stokes. He did very well tonight and only got 11 shots. He needs 15. Also, when he does get the ball, the offense has to keep moving. There isn't enough cutting. We complain about his handling of double teams. A good portion of the time it isn't Jarnell's fault. The players don't cut or reset their positioning around the arc.

7. Also, they have to do a better job of avoiding traps. I was off by 1 or 2 I think, but I counted nine Alabama traps today, and I'm not counting post traps on Stokes. That can't happen. Need better ball movement.

8. I liked Martin's decision to put Richardson on the main ball handler and put pressure on their offense. In the first half, Bama had too many easy dribble penetrations inside the paint and was able to kick out for open jump shots. Richardson's ball pressure expanded Bama's offense out and it created less alleys for Bama to drive. I hope Coach Martin continues to use Richardson for that ball pressure. I think UT can create more turnovers and be more aggressive in the passing lanes with that.

9. If you want to know where the game was won, look at one stat: +15 (37-22)....that was UT's rebounding margin and rebounding number compared to Bama's. That was the kicker right there because UT got twelve more second chance points than Bama today.

10. I said it earlier, but this was a confidence builder. UT needed this win badly and they got it. They beat a solid team today and they closed out a close game, something they've only done once this year. UT's next five games are very winnable. They have momentum and they need to use this game as a launching pad to better consistency, especially if Stokes plays like that every night. Nice win, it's great to be a Tennessee Volunteer, and let's kick Vandy's pompous asses on Tuesday.

Go Vols! :hi:

 

[Freak]

Better late than never.

Seriously though, thanks for the write up zjc.:good!:

Stokes effort down the stretch was huge. Let's hope it continues.

I've not gotten to see this team as much as I would like, but I was very impressed with Richardson's ball defense. Apparently it made an impression on you as well.

 

[zjcvols]

Better late than never.

Seriously though, thanks for the write up zjc.:good!:

Stokes effort down the stretch was huge. Let's hope it continues.

I've not gotten to see this team as much as I would like, but I was very impressed with Richardson's ball defense. Apparently it made an impression on you as well.

I didn't watch the game live. I hate work.

Stokes' rebounding was the main factor in this game.

Richardson is a really underrated defender. At times last year, he shut down Jeremy Lamb and Brad Beal, two lottery picks. He's a fantastic defender and his mid-range jumper gives you something that is really important, but rarely seen (kind of like a shutdown left handed reliever).

 

[gwgvol]

Enjoyed the write up. It is good to see more guys getting involved in the game.

 

[Fullfillmer]

1. I don't know how you would quantify the win just yet, but let's just put it this way. This win gives you hope. A loss probably would have crushed everything.

2. Watching the game, the one thing I noticed about UT's D that is just impossible to beat is their length. Moore, Richardson, and McRae affect so many shots with their length that it gives you an extra defender almost.

We are remarkably better with Moore in the lineup imo - he is long, plays good defense, has exceptional timing and instincts for rebounding, is handling the ball better, for the most part passes the ball well-particularly entry passes to Stokes, and doesn't take bad shots. He has improved dramatically since his first game or two. He might be a catalyst for turning the season around - he has really played well the last three games imo.

 

[omghulkhands]

I think the production that we got out of Jarnell had a lot to do with the fact he actually got to play a good amount of minutes. Jarnell was able to get into a nice game rhythm and never had to alter defense to avoid fouling.

Always nice to get a win even though Trae did mostly nothing in that stat sheet (although he didn't turn the ball over a critical points which is good enough lol)

Moore had 7 boards and while he didn't manage any blocks this time he altered his fair share of shots.

Josh had 2 blocks.

I will leave my McRae comments for your other thread

I am surprised Zach that you didn't talk about the two terrible no calls at the end of the game that ended up winning for us. I thought Golden pushed off and Stokes most certainly pumped into Lacy (I think it was Lacy)

 

[zjcvols]

I think the production that we got out of Jarnell had a lot to do with the fact he actually got to play a good amount of minutes. Jarnell was able to get into a nice game rhythm and never had to alter defense to avoid fouling.

Always nice to get a win even though Trae did mostly nothing in that stat sheet (although he didn't turn the ball over a critical points which is good enough lol)

Moore had 7 boards and while he didn't manage any blocks this time he altered his fair share of shots.

Josh had 2 blocks.

I will leave my McRae comments for your other thread

I am surprised Zach that you didn't talk about the two terrible no calls at the end of the game that ended up winning for us. I thought Golden pushed off and Stokes most certainly pumped into Lacy (I think it was Lacy)

Golden did push off...however, Josh Richardson got that offensive rebound and was then fouled, so that evened out.

From what I saw, Stokes did jump, but came back down to his feet before Lacey made contact. So to me, no foul. Had Lacey started the shot earlier, he probably gets it. Also, Lacey did something to. Instead of actually trying to get a shot up, he just wanted a bailout and the ref probably didn't like that. You could Lacey made no attempt at a legitimate shot.

 

[UT IE 95]

I didn't watch the game live. I hate work.

Stokes' rebounding was the main factor in this game.

Richardson is a really underrated defender. At times last year, he shut down Jeremy Lamb and Brad Beal, two lottery picks. He's a fantastic defender and his mid-range jumper gives you something that is really important, but rarely seen (kind of like a shutdown left handed reliever).

I rarely see any games live anymore due to the kids activities. Yesterday it was baseball practice. The DVR is my best friend and I have mastered the art of avoiding any scores.

 

[UT IE 95]

Golden did push off...however, Josh Richardson got that offensive rebound and was then fouled, so that evened out.

From what I saw, Stokes did jump, but came back down to his feet before Lacey made contact. So to me, no foul. Had Lacey started the shot earlier, he probably gets it. Also, Lacey did something to. Instead of actually trying to get a shot up, he just wanted a bailout and the ref probably didn't like that. You could Lacey made no attempt at a legitimate shot.

It was just questionable enough that the ref couldn't make the call. Any good ref wants to swallow the whistle the last 10 seconds of a close game unless it's an obvious foul. It was a great no call. :whistling:

 

[omghulkhands]

Golden did push off...however, Josh Richardson got that offensive rebound and was then fouled, so that evened out.

From what I saw, Stokes did jump, but came back down to his feet before Lacey made contact. So to me, no foul. Had Lacey started the shot earlier, he probably gets it. Also, Lacey did something to. Instead of actually trying to get a shot up, he just wanted a bailout and the ref probably didn't like that. You could Lacey made no attempt at a legitimate shot.

From my experience a ref is almost never gonna call a foul on a last second shot like that unless it is just super obvious, but watching it live at full speed it looked like a foul. I could not tell Lacy was trying to draw a foul until seeing it close up in slow-mo.

 

[tim]

First off, great win. Ive been down on this team, but they did NOT quit and that means a lot.

I think Stokes avoiding early fouls is critical to this teams success. Hopefully CCM's efforts to handle the referees in a professional manner is working. I am one of the guys dogging him for his emotionless demeanor on the sidelines...hopefully he's right and Im not.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I thought the decision to go with a lot of 4 guard stuff down the stretch was also big. Helps bringing the ball up because your have 4 that are capable, just look for who's drawn their weakest on ball defender. Movement also seemed much better with that lineup, along with spacing.

 

[omghulkhands]

I thought the decision to go with a lot of 4 guard stuff down the stretch was also big. Helps bringing the ball up because your have 4 that are capable, just look for who's drawn their weakest on ball defender. Movement also seemed much better with that lineup, along with spacing.

Lane really clears up when you don't have 2 forwards just standing down low like knots on a log.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Lane really clears up when you don't have 2 forwards just standing down low like knots on a log.

I was gonna add that. Not having Kenny out there probably helps too.

 

[SJAVol32]

I still personally want to see Reese get more minutes. He should split them with Kenny. He makes good cuts to the basket and actually attempts to play defense and get rebounds the full 35 seconds.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I still personally want to see Reese get more minutes. He should split them with Kenny. He makes good cuts to the basket and actually attempts to play defense and get rebounds the full 35 seconds.

Yea his minutes have gone down these last 2 games, not too sure why. Ole miss Martin said they were too physical inside for him basically. Bama wasn't though so I was a bit surprised he didn't get more minutes.

 

[SJAVol32]

Yea his minutes have gone down these last 2 games, not too sure why. Ole miss Martin said they were too physical inside for him basically. Bama wasn't though so I was a bit surprised he didn't get more minutes.

And that's fine if that's the case with the Ole Miss game but when I seen Kenny was guarding a quicker 4 I think that's when Reese should have came in or Edwards ( I don't think we see him the rest of the season). I think he may be pacing him right now also.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

And that's fine if that's the case with the Ole Miss game but when I seen Kenny was guarding a quicker 4 I think that's when Reese should have came in or Edwards ( I don't think we see him the rest of the season). I think he may be pacing him right now also.

Yea the cooper matchup seemed like itd have been a good chance for Reese to play...maybe CCM doesn't feel confident in his D idk. He did get torched by wiltjer.

 

[i2amavol]

Golden did push off...however, Josh Richardson got that offensive rebound and was then fouled, so that evened out.

I've noticed Golden doing that a lot lately. He is going to lose games late, if he keeps doing that. I know it is a battle out there sometimes. I just think you don't do that so obviously when you have the ball.

 

[zjcvols]

It was just questionable enough that the ref couldn't make the call. Any good ref wants to swallow the whistle the last 10 seconds of a close game unless it's an obvious foul. It was a great no call. :whistling:

From my experience a ref is almost never gonna call a foul on a last second shot like that unless it is just super obvious, but watching it live at full speed it looked like a foul. I could not tell Lacy was trying to draw a foul until seeing it close up in slow-mo.

That's the thing too. Sure, you want refs to call the game the same for 40 minutes, but you almost never see it.

Either way, it's Bama's fault for not running a good play and deciding to start a drive to the basket with 3.5 seconds to go. That was stupid.

 

[utfan72408]

It was just questionable enough that the ref couldn't make the call. Any good ref wants to swallow the whistle the last 10 seconds of a close game unless it's an obvious foul. It was a great no call. :whistling:

After watching the 2nd half (which I originally missed) on ESPN3, I have to say I'm not sure it was a foul. It looked like Stokes landed before the contact was made, and that said contact was obviously initiated by the offensive player.

Great point IE 95. Refs don't want to determine the outcome unless they are absolutely forced. This is further support of the no call.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

After watching the 2nd half (which I originally missed) on ESPN3, I have to say I'm not sure it was a foul. It looked like Stokes landed before the contact was made, and that said contact was obviously initiated by the offensive player.

Great point IE 95. Refs don't want to determine the outcome unless they are absolutely forced. This is further support of the no call.

You're correct. I rewatched and slowed it down, stokes had landed, both arms up before Lacey left his feet.

It was the correct no call, but one you've definitely seen called before.

 

[OrangeBalls]

I'd be willing to bet that the ref would've blown his whistle 10 times out of 10 times if that had been at Rupp.

 

[utfan72408]

I'd be willing to bet that the ref would've blown his whistle 10 times out of 10 times if that had been at Rupp.

Goodness. Tell me about it. You know it's true.

I watched the LSU @ UK game this past Saturday, and every 50/50 call (and then some) went to the home team. I chose to keep my mouth shut because I was watching with a UK buddy, but IT IS UNREAL. Missed fouls, phantom fouls, out of bounds calls, EVERYTHING. UK tried so hard to choke the game away, too, but benefited from a few calls down the stretch that largely helped to prevent that.

(UK was the vastly superior team. I will admit that.)

I know there were past threads about this, but I can't help myself. It angers me.

 

[cncchris33]

Jordan's TOs are largely excusable because he is being asked to do something that is obviously not natural.

Trae needs to remember how to shoot FTs, or he literally may not play more thank spot minutes, esp down the stretch. Even when he can't do anything else right, he's always been a reliable FT shooter. That has obviously changed. He can be an asset down the stretch in close games by being the 80%+ FT shooter he once was.

Jarnell really played well. Probably his best game as a Vol, and Jacobs and Mousse are both pretty good defenders and rebounders. He largely owned them.

Armani Moore...if the freshman jitters and youthful mistakes are ever worked out, what a steal he will be. He just makes plays on both ends. He is a capable defender who is improving his on-ball defense to match his help defense. He is also efficient as a shooter. He seems to recognize good shots from bad shots.

This team got the "late game" monkey off their back, even if it was with the help of a questionable call. We have had some go against. About time one went in our favor. I'd like to think Martin finally speaking up in defense of his team to the officials played a role in that.

The most amazing thing is, we beat a team with far superior guard play. Trevor Releford is a really good PG who doesn't have many glaring weaknesses. What would our team be like with him running the show?