The Official #1 Tennessee @ Illinois Game Thread, 5:30 PM ET, FOX

[orbs son]

I don’t expect Gainey to be that guy every night, but if he can give up a pop off the bench, we will be very good all year.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

Was I the only one screaming for a time out? Just checking

Why?

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

Two absolutely horrible calls on their drives late. Homer level bad. Karma win for us maybe.

The non call for a flagrant on their driver’s elbow and ZZ’s back getting pushed and being the ONLY CONTACT were both clear as day on the replays.

Gutsy win after the HUGE foul disparity in the second half with ZZ and friend being called for contact allowed on the other end.

 

[I4Vols]

Normally I have a really good Victory beer after a win like this, but... I'll think this time we'll have Champagne!!!

 

[patrick]

What a great win given the foul call disparity - Lanier and ZZ off the floor for a lot of minutes - several players made great plays - Team Team Team win. Phillips played so well - he should be starting.

Go Vols.

Everyone should savor this win.

 

[Vols All Day]

I believe Cade Phillips and Dubar are really going to be good off the bench. Maybe even start one over Okpara.

It would be nice if Dubar can figure things out. The team really could use another guy that can shoot from three consistently.

 

[utvolpj]

Why?

To set up the last 5 sec. Once we got running it looked like they were well prepared for that situation though.

 

[Big Orange Rock]

I didn't miss it. I said the same thing. Dang refs

My wife HATES basketball with a passion. My mom was here so she was in here watching with myself and my mom. She even said how did he get called for a foul when the guy pushed him down. Lol can’t make how bad those refs were when a woman who hates it calls it out immediately.

 

[alwaysvol]

Was I the only one screaming for a time out? Just checking

I was screaming, but I don't think I was actually saying words.

 

[Delmar]

What an absolute game with the exception of the last 5 seconds. Lots of stuff to learn from and improve after this. That being said, the boys fought hard for 40 minutes and earned the win with strength and will.

Huge shutout to Milicic for getting that steal & dunk just earlier - that really put us in position to win on the last shot.

Sometimes you have to win the ugly ones.

 

[Anti-shunshinepumper]

His rebounding was huge and he made the play of the game

I've been talking a lot about as rebounding but man his 3 point shooting.....yikes.
Hope it's just s shooters slump and he catches fire come SEC play

 

[Lukusw]

Normally I have a really good Victory beer after a win like this, but... I'll think this time we'll have Champagne!!!

I think I need a Scotch. Phew.

 

[Just a VolinTears]

That type of win makes me giddy for March

 

[vol94]

Be thankful, take the Dub, and get back to Knoxville!

Go Vols!

 

[Ernest T. Vol]

Dubar, Boswell and Philips with good minutes.

 

[patrick]

I was screaming, but I don't think I was actually saying words.

I jumped out of my chair - got a head rush and almost passed out when Gainey made that shot!!!

 

[Chris4Vols22]

Tennessee against the world. Pathetic officiating, didn’t matter, won anyway. Huge, huge, hugeeeeeeee minutes by Boswell and Dubar!!!

Boswell looked poised, and Dubar continues to impress imo.

 

[patrick]

Dubar, Boswell and Philips with good minutes.

Excellent minutes - grew up a lot.

 

[VOLED]

Don’t expect Gainey to be that guy every night, but if he can give up a pop off the bench, we will be very good all year.

Gainey is confident, talented, and ultra competitive. We are so fortunate to have him.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

His rebounding was huge and he made the play of the game

It's looking like I've severely underestimated his rebounding ability. He was very impressive in that regard tonight.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Boswell looked poised, and Dubar continues to impress imo.

Dubar’s block on Ivisic and then 3 on the other end of the court to cut the lead to 52-49 was absolutely massive. Stopped a 6-0 run.

 

[nalliszing]

It's a pro Big10 crew here for fox lol

I’m sitting at the Tennessee theater and everyone must have been watching on their phone (me included) because the crowd cheered when Gainey hit that shot. lol.


I’ll post the game video later tonight when I get home for those interested.

Tennessee 66, Illinois 64 Postgame

Welcome to the postgame thread

www.illinoisloyalty.com

From the Illinois board:

“Rebounding, free throws, inbounds plays, making layups. To beat number 1 you gotta do these things. Another lost opportunity. Officials didn't help but it is all on our guys to do the little things at a lot higher clip.”

The Officials didn’t help? What are you smoking?

 

[Christian Lowe]

This game was the end result of two of the most physical teams in the country having to play a game officiated by NBA refs. Was hard to watch.

 

[Lukusw]

I was screaming, but I don't think I was actually saying words.

My screams were a little sparse on discernable content....

 

[Dadof2volfans]

I’m happy to win right in front of Robbie Hummel