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1. You take top 25 wins all day, every day. For a team that was down in the dumps and spirits weren't good, this is a big win. This wasn't a must win, but it was a very necessary win.
2. Yemi Makanjoula played his ass off today. Without his contributions, UT would have lost tonight. His performance deserves some serious playing time and I would think about starting him on Tuesday. His defense was solid, he was aggressive on the boards, and just hit the layups he needed to hit.
3. The key thing? UT went to the line 36 times and shot 80% from the line. UT only shot 10 three's, and realized they weren't going in. When you attack the basket, good things always happen. If UT just continues to attack the basket, especially like Golden and McRae did, UT will have good offensive performances.
4. I can't believe that UT actually outrebounded Wichita State at the end, but the last ten minutes they were much better at the boards. However, 14 offensive rebounds for WSU were inexcusable tonight.
5. So why was the offense better? They took the ball to the basket, but I thought the on-ball screens were better tonight. That was nice to see from the big men. I also thought UT was just overall quicker in their moves. They got the ball and made their move. They didn't just wait and let something develop.
6. Bernard King Player of the Game: A lot of good candidates tonight. But we are going with Trae Golden for sealing the game tonight. 25 points, over 50% shooting, had 16 free throw attempts! Too many turnovers with four, but did a much better job protecting the ball in the second half. I believe he only had one TO in the second half. He really did a great job leading the team tonight.
7. You got to give a shout out to Jordan McRae tonight. 17 points off the bench tonight, had eight free throw attempts, and I felt all of his shots were in rhythm. Also, he had two huge monster rebounds that helped sealed the game. Loved his energy tonight.
8. I like Quinton Chievous. He's going to be a solid player at UT. However, I think D'Montre Edwards need to get the minutes at the 3/4. His ability to hit the three, plus his size/length helps UT out defensively. Also, I like Brandon Lopez' energy and hustle, but Armani Moore needs to get the backup PG minutes. He's too talented to put on the bench IMO.
9. I thought Cuonzo should have taken Jarnell out after his third foul. I know Yemi had some foul trouble, and Kenny wasn't 100%, but I would have rotated Yemi/Kenny at the 5 and gone small (which worked well tonight BTW). Jarnell could have come in after the 8 minute break with three fouls. However, Jarnell picked up silly fouls tonight. As the supposed #1 player on the team right now, that can't happen.
10. So overall, a very nice win. This team is ugly as hell on the road, but can take care of business at home. Wichita State will be an NCAA tourney team IMO, and you always take wins like that. Tennessee should win the next two games, go to 7-3, and have a couple tough games against Xavier and Memphis. If UT continues to attack the basket like they did tonight, good things will happen.
Go Vols! :hi:
2. Yemi Makanjoula played his ass off today. Without his contributions, UT would have lost tonight. His performance deserves some serious playing time and I would think about starting him on Tuesday. His defense was solid, he was aggressive on the boards, and just hit the layups he needed to hit.
3. The key thing? UT went to the line 36 times and shot 80% from the line. UT only shot 10 three's, and realized they weren't going in. When you attack the basket, good things always happen. If UT just continues to attack the basket, especially like Golden and McRae did, UT will have good offensive performances.
4. I can't believe that UT actually outrebounded Wichita State at the end, but the last ten minutes they were much better at the boards. However, 14 offensive rebounds for WSU were inexcusable tonight.
5. So why was the offense better? They took the ball to the basket, but I thought the on-ball screens were better tonight. That was nice to see from the big men. I also thought UT was just overall quicker in their moves. They got the ball and made their move. They didn't just wait and let something develop.
6. Bernard King Player of the Game: A lot of good candidates tonight. But we are going with Trae Golden for sealing the game tonight. 25 points, over 50% shooting, had 16 free throw attempts! Too many turnovers with four, but did a much better job protecting the ball in the second half. I believe he only had one TO in the second half. He really did a great job leading the team tonight.
7. You got to give a shout out to Jordan McRae tonight. 17 points off the bench tonight, had eight free throw attempts, and I felt all of his shots were in rhythm. Also, he had two huge monster rebounds that helped sealed the game. Loved his energy tonight.
8. I like Quinton Chievous. He's going to be a solid player at UT. However, I think D'Montre Edwards need to get the minutes at the 3/4. His ability to hit the three, plus his size/length helps UT out defensively. Also, I like Brandon Lopez' energy and hustle, but Armani Moore needs to get the backup PG minutes. He's too talented to put on the bench IMO.
9. I thought Cuonzo should have taken Jarnell out after his third foul. I know Yemi had some foul trouble, and Kenny wasn't 100%, but I would have rotated Yemi/Kenny at the 5 and gone small (which worked well tonight BTW). Jarnell could have come in after the 8 minute break with three fouls. However, Jarnell picked up silly fouls tonight. As the supposed #1 player on the team right now, that can't happen.
10. So overall, a very nice win. This team is ugly as hell on the road, but can take care of business at home. Wichita State will be an NCAA tourney team IMO, and you always take wins like that. Tennessee should win the next two games, go to 7-3, and have a couple tough games against Xavier and Memphis. If UT continues to attack the basket like they did tonight, good things will happen.
Go Vols! :hi:
