The Official Tennessee vs. #6 Alabama Game Thread, 1:00 PM ET, ESPN

[Vol49er]

They have been calling blocks on everything all season long. That didn't start in this game.

Am I misunderstanding something here? I was complaining about the excessive amount of charge calls that either should've been blocks or no calls (flops). Offensive fouls have not been called like they were today all season long, no way. Even the announcers remarked on it

 

[VOLinAL]

Huge scoring droughts are the reasons we are losing these games. Should not be giving up 10-0+ runs.

 

[VOLnVANDYland]

I’m sorry that we are arguing about something that worked. Pretty sad actually. It was just a tough break that they called a foul.

Y’all just argue about everything when the end result was what we wanted.

The end result is that he missed 2 free throws in crunch time. It did not work

 

[ColinS]

They have been calling blocks on everything all season long. That didn't start in this game.

You have to attack and get the ball to the goal. We did a great job of this in the first half but not in the second half. Alabama turned up the defense firing there run and we didn't have an answer.

 

[aWhiteLoftonChism]

Vescovi has no guts. Shoulda taken the shot. Instead he panicked and didn't want the responsibility.

Yeah the guy who has ice in his veins at FT line in late game situations. Plus went to another country only to start in his first game days later and lead the team in scoring is scared to shoot. It all adds up...

 

[mr.checkerboards]

I’m sorry that we are arguing about something that worked. Pretty sad actually. It was just a tough break that they called a foul.

Y’all just argue about everything when the end result was what we wanted.

I'm sorry that you don't understand logic.

 

[EZE]

Of course vescovi couldn’t guard Jones, but I still don’t like inserting Gaines in that situation... ice cold... off the bench. Santi was getting abused on d all day, and you finally move him off Jones for the final possession?

It was the defensive end of the floor. Coaches do that all the time.

And it worked. Vescovi was getting abused in there. Gaines played great defense and got the stop. As others pointed out, if the obvious travel had been called, it’s Tennessee ball with the last shot for the win.

It actually was a great tactical move.

 

[VolGee4]

The end result is that he missed 2 free throws in crunch time. It did not work

For what he was put in the game for, it did.

 

[VOLnVANDYland]

For what he was put in the game for, it did.

Was he in the game when he missed the free throws?

 

[BreatheUT]

How did he get the nickname "Ticket"

Maybe a fake ticket you got from a scalper...

What's worse is posters using the nickname on this board look ridiculous. His offense is so bad.

 

[VolGee4]

I'm sorry that you don't understand logic.

Just argue to argue when the end result was what we wanted. Logic about what? Lol. Nice retort.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

How did he get the nickname "Ticket"

Maybe a fake ticket you got from a scalper...

I think when he came in one a TV announcer called him that. I think it was his nickname in high school.

 

[VOLnVANDYland]

It was the defensive end of the floor. Coaches do that all the time.

And it worked. Vescovi was getting abused in there. Gaines played great defense and got the stop. As others pointed out, if the obvious travel had been called, it’s Tennessee ball with the last shot for the win.

It actually was a great tactical move.

Hmmm seems like it backfired to me

 

[Chris4Vols22]

I wish Barnes didn’t hone in on him. It’s not his fault he wasn’t ready for that situation

Yeah, I don't agree with that call either. I still believe the play should have been dead before the foul occurred, and Gaines/Barnes could have just as easily been the heroes imo. But I agree 100%, extremely risky and ultimately unfruitful gamble.

 

[EZE]

I’m sorry that we are arguing about something that worked. Pretty sad actually. It was just a tough break that they called a foul.

Y’all just argue about everything when the end result was what we wanted.

We see it the same way. It actually was a great tactical move...as I explained above.

 

[djohnnyg]

I wish Barnes didn’t hone in on him. It’s not his fault he wasn’t ready for that situation

How can it not be his fault he wasn't "ready" for that situation? Barnes shares blame for that meltdown but Gaines looked like a 6th grader just learning the game.

 

[vavolfan6]

Yes, officiating sucks these days but there isn't some grand conspiracy against your team.

I never said there was a conspiracy directly against Tennessee, but as predictable as ever Refs try to even up the foul count after half time. It always happens and the timing of it gave Bama momentum and pit us in a run without Fulky and having to bench JJJ. They played a large role in the loss.

 

[EZE]

Hmmm seems like it backfired to me

In hindsight, yes. But it was a good tactical coaching move.

 

[KPT_VFL]

We in on anymore good recruits? Springer and Keon are gone. Chandler Bailey and Josiah (if he actually plays aggressive) will be our only solid pieces next year. We have 0 posts worth a crap.

 

[VOLnVANDYland]

Yeah, I don't agree with that call either. I still believe the play should have been dead before the foul occurred, and Gaines/Barnes could have just as easily been the heroes imo. But I agree 100%, extremely risky and ultimately unfruitful gamble.

Agree it was a walk. But you can’t always insert a dude just for defense and assume he won’t be put in an offensive situation

 

[VOLnVANDYland]

In hindsight, yes. But it was a good tactical coaching move.

Ultimately it was not

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Vols played Their hearts out today. No shame at All in that loss. Looking forward to the NCAAT.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

Just argue to argue when the end result was what we wanted. Logic about what? Lol. Nice retort.

The logic of not putting a complete liability on the floor because you don't know what's going to happen. Especially when your best defender is available

 

[orange_glory]

B

Another under performing team. Nothing new here. Happens every year.

And one final game in the NCAA and the season will be over.

Tennessee is pathetic in athletics. Worst I have ever seen in my years.

Be careful. I said this after the first Alabama loss and got roasted.

 

[ColinS]

I thought Alabama did a good job of getting us in defensive mismatches in the second half. That's where we missed Fulky the most. We were forced to play at least one weak defender and often two at a time. This was made worse by JJJs foul trouble.