I don’t know what new strategy Coach Pearl has employed lately, but it has certainly been effective. Tennessee beat Florida on Sunday with an impressive offensive performance, and they followed that up tonight with an even better one.
Tennessee carved up South Carolina to the tune of 86 points. The Vols repeatedly used their athleticism to their advantage in the paint and in transition.
This one was never really a game once the Vols established their physical dominance early in the second half. A rowdy crowd by then had turned quiet and the Vol players celebrated every made basket on the floor and on the bench. The Carolina fans made more noise booing the officials than they did for their team.
As each minute passed you could see that Tennessee was on a mission. The look in the eyes of the Vol players was one of intensity, determination, and pride. Oh, you can also add confidence. The Vols were very relaxed during pre-game warm ups and they looked every bit as confident once the ball was tipped up to open the game. This performance by the Vols was definitely their best of the season.
I have to admit this one was sweet. Of course I love wins over Florida, Vanderbilt, and other long time SEC foes, but I personally enjoy these wins over South Carolina as much as any. I guess it’s a product of living in South Carolina for six years. Inevitably the fans focus in Columbia following each loss no matter what the sport, turns to the officials and how terrible they are. No doubt it will be the same this time as well.
In any event, I felt the officials were desperately trying to keep control of a fast paced game that included unbelievable athleticism all over the floor. This one was fun to watch, very entertaining, and intense.
The Good:
The Tennessee offense was unstoppable tonight, no matter what the Gamecocks tried, they got burned. South Carolina had no answer for Tyler Smith, J.P. Prince or the Vol power game in the paint.
Tyler Smith was a beast tonight. He really has come to play the last three games, and he has played smart basketball. Excellent passing, good court awareness, and the willingness to take a leadership role by Smith have made Tennessee a much better team of late. Tonight, Tyler led the Tennessee team in scoring with 22 points.
The Vols absolutely mauled the Gamecocks on the boards. Tennessee out-rebounded South Carolina 44-22. A very physical game was to Tennessee’s advantage especially after Coach Pearl informed the officials of the Gamecocks plan to flop to the floor immediately following any contact. No doubt this focus by South Carolina has helped them become one of the best teams in the league at taking charges.
J.P. Prince played a heck of a game on the glass. Recently Prince has been crashing the boards instead of leaking out for transition baskets, and he has certainly turned many opportunities into points. J.P. finished the evening with 20 points.
The Vol Defense although not great in my opinion was solid. The Vols showed that this one mattered. The Vols were flying around, switching off screens and hustling for every loose ball. Makes you wonder how good this team can be.
The Bad:
I can’t think of anything bad to say tonight. The Vols went on the road in a hostile environment and walked out like they owned the joint. Great win by the Vols, and a brilliant coaching job by Coach Bruce Pearl.
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