Vols Roll Tide 86-62

Tennessee avenged last Sunday’s loss to the Crimson Tide in fine fashion with a 86-62 rout. The Vols showed they were ready to play tonight from the opening tip by jumping out to a big lead early and they never let Alabama back into the game.  

The more I watch college athletics the more I am reminded of the fact that these are young men who have so much more in their lives than just basketball. They are dealing with school work, basketball games, girlfriends, family, and social activities. Sometimes they bring their a-game, and sometimes they don’t. 

I have been openly critical of this team’s apparent lack of effort and focus at times during this season, but I can’t accuse them of that tonight.  Tennessee brought their best to the arena this evening. The Vols played tough defense and consequently forced many turnovers. Those turnovers led to a bushel of easy layups and dunks. Nothing that happened tonight remotely looked like the team I watched last Sunday at Thompson Boling Arena. 

J.P Prince earned his first career double-double by posting 14 points and grabbing ten rebounds. Tyler Smith played a much smarter game than last week; he scored 22 points and pulled down six rebounds. He didn’t force any shots, and let the game come to him. 

Tonight, Tennessee was the focused team, and Alabama never looked like they never really got into the flow of the game. They looked a little lethargic and sometimes downright un-interested. Several times the Vols drove right down the middle of the lane for an easy basket.  I guess that is just the nature of the game.

As for tomorrow, as a fan I believe I’d rather see the Vols play Auburn than Florida. Although I believe Florida has a difficult time matching up with Tennessee’s size and athleticism, it is hard to beat a team three times in the same season.  

If the Vols play Auburn I would expect that the Vols show up tomorrow with the same intensity that they did tonight. If Florida is the opponent, I fear that this team could show the same complacency that they have exhibited all season long.  

The Good:
The Vols hammered the Tide in the paint. Tennessee time and time again capitalized on second chance opportunities.

Tennessee played tonight's game with the intensity and focus that they displayed in wins over Florida and South Carolina last week.

Free throw shooting was a huge plus for the Vols tonight if you can believe that. 

Unselfish play by the Vols tonight, as Bruce Pearl has often said:"Tennessee plays much better when everyone contributes."

The Bad:
Poor three point shooting, but tonight it didn't matter. Alabama was never in the ballgame.