SEC Basketball Thread

[bcthomas]

and it may as well be at Rupp Arena. It sounds like a UK home game.

[volniac]

Goddamn Appalachain State is fucking shooting the lights out against us...they're like 70% from 3 pnt range.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Goddamn Appalachain State is fucking shooting the lights out against us...they're like 70% from 3 pnt range.

I know this is ridiculous. We should start to pull away here soon. 70-67 w/ 9:40 left.

[bcthomas]

I can't believe you have a Bruce Pearl avatar.

Believe me, that guy hates you. And he is terrbily crooked, terribly.

I am gonna have this thread title changed to SEC Basketball. that way we have somewhere to talk smack this season.

[volniac]

I'm going ahead and saying it. Major Wingate is a large twat on the boards.

[volniac]

Believe me, that guy hates you. And he is terrbily crooked, terribly.


Who does he hate?

[bcthomas]

I'm going ahead and saying it. Major Wingate is a large twat on the boards.

hey at least you do not have three 7 footers who can't rebound.

[volniac]

hey at least you do not have three 7 footers who can't rebound.

No, but we have a 6'4" power foward who can. [laugh]

[bcthomas]

Who does he hate?

Basically anyone from the South.

No, Pearl just made some very unsavory comments about Southerners last year, which kind of turned me off to him.

[volniac]

Basically anyone from the South.

No, Pearl just made some very unsavory comments about Southerners last year, which kind of turned me off to him.

Oh ok. Well he's said all the "right" things since he's been here, so as long as he can change his attitude towards us southerners since he's living here now, things will be kosher. Personally, I like the guy and I like the job he's done so far and the gestures he's made towards the fans. After our first game against ETSU, he and the team went immediately after the buzzer into the stands and the concourse to thank the fans for coming. Very nice gesture, imo.

[smeth]

Same old LSU this season...which is not a good thing. Brady must go.

[volniac]

Jesus...Appy State won't go away. Had them down by 10 and they fucking cut it 4 on another 3 pointer and a 2+1. Shit.

[volniac]

These refs blow.

[bcthomas]

These refs blow.

what's the score?

[volniac]

what's the score?

88-81 UT with 30 sec left. ASU is in fouling mode.

[OCCoug]

88-81 UT with 30 sec left. ASU is in fouling mode.

At least you guys didn't lose to Indiana State like *cough* Indiana.

[volniac]

89-81 UT, Final.

It comforts me that we can win these kind of games where we don't particularly play well, and the other team plays lights out.

Texas is a different monster though. :(

[bcthomas]

At least you guys didn't lose to Indiana State like *cough* Indiana.

you can never sleep on teams from the Valley...

this week is Valley 2 Big 10 0.

The University of Evansville beat Purdue Sautrday and ISU beat IU today.

I don't know what the Northern Iowa-Iowa score is but I bet it is damn close.

[uga477]

Any predictions on the Georgia/GT game tommorow (FSN). Georgia is an improved team from last year (they couldnt get any worse), and is led by some really good freshman. I think Georgia might keep this game close for a while.

[Wufpack]

NC State plays App State at the historic Reynolds Coliseum on Saturday afternoon. Hopefully they got their good shooting out of their system.

[uobrock]

Very, very weird. LSU signed a recruit this year, Ben Voogd, who I played against in middle school and freshman year in high school in Oregon. He played at Siuslaw High, a small school where he had to do everything for the team. I mostly played against him in summer ball, and he was very good in every game I can remember seeing him playing. He wasn't very high recruited, but an LSU coach saw him play in an AAU tournament and he ended up getting a scholarship. He's getting some minutes as a true freshman, pretty cool. I'll probably go to at least a few games to see him play. What are the odds? I may have scored on him a few times, too...by him I mean against his team. :p

[LikeWhoa20]

At least you guys didn't lose to Indiana State like *cough* Indiana.
Indiana was overrated. They're terribly coached and their guards are definitely not as good as everyone here thinks they are. The worst part is they play zero defense. But this is an SEC thread, so I'll vent my frustrations elsewhere haha.

[fried rice]

Very, very weird. LSU signed a recruit this year, Ben Voogd, who I played against in middle school and freshman year in high school in Oregon. He played at Siuslaw High, a small school where he had to do everything for the team. I mostly played against him in summer ball, and he was very good in every game I can remember seeing him playing. He wasn't very high recruited, but an LSU coach saw him play in an AAU tournament and he ended up getting a scholarship. He's getting some minutes as a true freshman, pretty cool. I'll probably go to at least a few games to see him play. What are the odds? I may have scored on him a few times, too...by him I mean against his team. :p

i used to watch perry stevenson (4-star 6'9" PF) dunk at recess as a 6'6" middle schooler on these short motherfuckers who didn't even have a chance. guy was/is a manchild. too bad he ended up at kentucky.

[GatorTD8to10]

Florida beats Providence to start 8-0 baby!

[LikeWhoa20]

Florida beats Providence to start 8-0 baby!
I love their lineup. Much like UNC, everyone on that team understands their role. They already have great chemistry and are definitely now the favorite to win the SEC.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Bruce Pearl will have Tennessee consistently in the NCAA tourney in the coming years. We may not get in this year (unless we pull a few big wins), but with this years signing class, UT is gonna be a major force in the SEC. Also, the fact that UT football is blowing ass is gonna help with fan support. They want to see a well-coached team that actually wins.

[LikeWhoa20]

Bruce Pearl will have Tennessee consistently in the NCAA tourney in the coming years. We may not get in this year (unless we pull a few big wins), but with this years signing class, UT is gonna be a major force in the SEC. Also, the fact that UT football is blowing ass is gonna help with fan support. They want to see a well-coached team that actually wins.
I was telling a friend of mine today that I wish they had fired Mike Davis here last year and then made a run at Bruce Pearl. Pearl is a hell of a coach, and maybe an even better recruiter. I don't see the Vols making the Dance in the next two years, but that's all according to Pearl's plan. I agree with him that by the 3rd year they will have the talent and system in place to make the Tourney.

[BigOrangeCountry]

I was telling a friend of mine today that I wish they had fired Mike Davis here last year and then made a run at Bruce Pearl. Pearl is a hell of a coach, and maybe an even better recruiter. I don't see the Vols making the Dance in the next two years, but that's all according to Pearl's plan. I agree with him that by the 3rd year they will have the talent and system in place to make the Tourney.

I agree 100%. Next year, UT will be returning a very solid big man in Major Wingate (who I fully expect to be dominant at this time next year), an All-SEC shooting guard in Chris Lofton, and an experienced player in Dane Bradshaw that is thriving under Pearl. Then throw in a top 10 recruiting class and I could see us making the NCAA tourney in 2007. But if that isn't the year, the next year will be sick.

Also, you are right about Bruce Pearl the recruiter. He pulled in a haul this year while only being here a few months. The man is a winner.

[OCCoug]

Wow how did we win @ Alabama. Aren't they supposed to be good?

[NDstud21]

Wow how did we win @ Alabama. Aren't they supposed to be good?

They're alright, but everyone knows how pre-season polls are. Everything should get sorted out in upcoming weeks.

Nice shooting by Colin Falls with six first half 3-pointers. BTW Richard Hendrix is going to be a beast in the next few years for the Tide.

[uga477]

Georgia just finished a dominating game against Georgia Tech. The Dawgs won 91-75. Watch out for freshman shooting guard Billy Humphrey on Georgia. He dropped 19 points including 3/5 from 3 point range in the game.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Georgia just finished a dominating game against Georgia Tech. The Dawgs won 91-75. Watch out for freshman shooting guard Billy Humphrey on Georgia. He dropped 19 points including 3/5 from 3 point range in the game.

Big win for the Dogs. GT is suprisingly shitty this year.

[Wufpack]

I'm happy ND won, but this makes our matchup @Alabama less respectable now. Whatever, it doesn't have much effect.

[bcthomas]

Pearl is a hell of a coach, and maybe an even better recruiter.

Yeah, well, promising a kids Mom that if he goes to her school, he will see she gets a new car is a great way to recruit. [evil] [evil]

Bruce Pearl is a walking pile of feces and do not let anyone try to convince you otherwise.

People used to call him "the Tark of D1AA".

Maybe he has changed, but I doubt it. He was paying players at USI (University of Southern Indiana" and on top of that he publicly said he hated the South and people in the South. Then he gets a job at Tennessee and people from Tennessee act like he is the greatest thing on earth. He said there were too many "hicks and yokels" in Southern Indiana, what the hell does he think he is going to run into in Knoxville?

Maybe I am overreacting a bit, because I seriously want Tennessee to do well, the better they are, the more games they win and the more teams the SEC puts into the NCAA tournament. Plus it would be nice for someone to step up and give the Cats a kick in the ass every once in a while to keep them on their toes.

But I honestly have a pretty nasty hatred for Bruce Pearl, because he is a smoke and mirrors guy.

[LikeWhoa20]

Yeah, well, promising a kids Mom that if he goes to her school, he will see she gets a new car is a great way to recruit. [evil] [evil]

Bruce Pearl is a walking pile of feces and do not let anyone try to convince you otherwise.

People used to call him "the Tark of D1AA".

Maybe he has changed, but I doubt it. He was paying players at USI (University of Southern Indiana" and on top of that he publicly said he hated the South and people in the South. Then he gets a job at Tennessee and people from Tennessee act like he is the greatest thing on earth. He said there were too many "hicks and yokels" in Southern Indiana, what the hell does he think he is going to run into in Knoxville?

Maybe I am overreacting a bit, because I seriously want Tennessee to do well, the better they are, the more games they win and the more teams the SEC puts into the NCAA tournament. Plus it would be nice for someone to step up and give the Cats a kick in the ass every once in a while to keep them on their toes.

But I honestly have a pretty nasty hatred for Bruce Pearl, because he is a smoke and mirrors guy.
Me personally, I think the guy has served his dues with the whole Iowa/Illinois recruiting scandal back in the 80s. He could've gotten a D-1 job more than a decade ago if not for that. So he goes to USI, wins a national title there, and then finally gets a job at UW-M. I didn't know about all that stuff you mentioned, and I bet it's true. But it doesn't bother me too much. If he really feels that way, then it'll come back to bite him at some point in time there. Until then, let the guy coach.

[LikeWhoa20]

Wow, Kentucky looks awful. I knew it was bad after watching the UNC game, but the game today just confirmed it even further. Rondo is the only one producing, and even he gets a lot of his numbers during garbage time.

[aucarson1]

I know it's a bit off topic but after today I think that our Conference, even with Kentucky, sucks.

[LikeWhoa20]

I know it's a bit off topic but after today I think that our Conference, even with Kentucky, sucks.
That's for sure. The preseason picks to win the SEC East and West (UK and Bama) look extremely overrated. UK can use the loss of Morris as their excuse, but the rest of those guys were still supposed to have an impact too. Florida is head and shoulders above the rest of the league. But don't lose all faith in the SEC aucarson, you've got some sleepers in there too. Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Arkansas, and LSU will all sneak up and surprise some people this year before the season is over.

[uga477]

Georgia is going to be a good basketball team in a few years. Sundiata Gaines has figured out how to be a pretty good point guard and we've discovered a gem in freshman Billy Humphrey. I bet they pull off some big wins this season too. NIT, here we come!

[shinsational]

Big win for the Dogs. GT is suprisingly ty this year.


GT is a donut with no point. That's why they suck. They are the Knicks of the NCAA.

[bcthomas]

Ya know, minus myself, I think I hate all UK fans.

They are so ridiculous.

If they would look at our friggin team they woudl see we have NO inside presence.

So we have to be a perimeter team. UK was flat out cold against IU, they were getting good, open looks against IU, they just could not get hem to drop.

Had UK shot their average 40% from the Arc they probably would have beaten Indiana. However they were cold, like what happens to all perimeter teams and every UK messageboard is lighting up with "we can't do this" and :we don't have that"

they were just off. had they shot as well as they normally did the game would have been much closer and UK could have won. For Gods sake, chill out. I love UK sports as much as the next guy but some people are flat out idiots.

I guess I do not mind the IU loss that much anyway. I really secretly cheer for IU when they are not playing UK. Plus to UK fans, IU is not as big a rival now as Florida and Louisville. However if IU stays on the winning track the rivalry could get back to what it was a few years back.

Also a side note on Marco Killingsworth. That guy is a beast. What a fantastic player. He hustles, he rebounds and he can score. I really like him, but damn he gets the "Shaq treatment" You would have to be blind and never watched a basketball game in your life not to see it, and really he is a star and star's get teh good treatment, but this guy gets away with murder.

He hooks constantly, he lowers his shoulder and flat out runs guys over and he throws elbows like Dikembe Mutumbo is in the crowd and he is trying to impress him. Don't get me wrong, he is fantastic and force to be reckonde with, however I have a feeling I will not be the only fan saying this by the end of the year.

[WhoUTestin]

It sucks that we don't have Killingsworth anymore.

I agree with your comments on UK's play and the type of team they have. I would like to see them with more of an inside presence. UK is my favorite college hoops team (I am loyal to Auburn, but I know they don't hold a candle to UK in basketball traditionally).

[LikeWhoa20]

Yeah Marco has become a god on campus here even after the first preseason game this season. As for UK, you are right bcthomas about UK being off on Saturday. They do have some major issues and Tubby will have to do one hell of a coaching job to get that team to make a run in conference play and the Big Dance. But IU is definitely not a good enough team to blow out an opponent like that by 26 points without a lot of help from the opposing team. What were the final numbers, 2 of 21 from 3's or something? That's ridiculous.

[bcthomas]

Unbelievable, on UK's scout.com message board, there is a poll titled "Who will be UK's next Coach" as if Tubby is going to get fired or something.

Idiots, hillbilly, slackjawed, uneducated, Brother-Uncle IDIOTS. Fucking clowns.

UK lost Kellena, Chuck Hayes and Randolph Morriss, and these people cannot see the forest for the trees.

These douchebags are tossing names around like Tubby will be gone after this season.

Seriously, when someone says "Best college basketball coaches" the same 4 names always, always are mentioned. It is always the same 4 guys, Calhoun, Izzo, Coach K and Tubby. With guys like Jim B. and Roy W. right behind them.

If UK fans could look at what Tubby has done and not look at the fact that he did not win the NCAA last year they would be amazed.

Best overall record the past 10 years. Tubby.
Highest win percentage the past 10 years. Tubby.

Also add to the fact that he has done more with less than anyone in the country.

Jamal Magloire was the last real Pro player they had, and honestly he blossomed more in his rookie season than he did at UK.

Tubby has never had any stars, minus 98' and he still wins 25-28 games a year and gets blasted by the fans for not winning a NCAA title every friggin season.

Anyway to close my rant, I would love it if Tubby coached at UK until the day he died. He knows what he is doing, he teaches the kids good lessons, and he teaches them how to play as a team. And if other UK fans cannot see this and appreciate what he does for the team then they are fucking ignorant.

[uga477]

I for one will never doubt Tubby Smith. Anyone who can take Georgia to the Sweet Sixteen is good enough in my book.

[jgully]

Yeah Kentucky will come around. Tubby Smith is too good of a coach for them not to contend for the SEC.

[uga477]

Tubby has never had any stars, minus 98' and he still wins 25-28 games a year and gets blasted by the fans for not winning a NCAA title every friggin season.


I dont know man, Tayshaun Prince was pretty damn good in college.

[uga477]

Yeah Kentucky will come around. Tubby Smith is too good of a coach for them not to contend for the SEC.

The SEC is too weak for them not to contend for the SEC.

[bcthomas]

I dont know man, Tayshaun Prince was pretty damn good in college.

I agree, but Tubby has not had the Rip Hamilton's or the Allen Iverson's or even like a Mike Dunleavy Jr. type of player. (College player, obviously Tayshaun is way better than Dunleavy Jr. in the NBA)

[uga477]

Georgia guard Billy Humphrey just got his second Freshman of the Week (SEC) award in three weeks. I sense the beginning of a very special player.

[volniac]

I'm cautiously optimistic about UTs chances against Texas this weekend. If C.J. Watson and Chris Lofton can exploit Texas's apparent weakness on the perimeter (Duke - 12-22 from 3pt land), we'll be in the ball game.

[BigOrangeCountry]

I'm cautiously optimistic about UTs chances against Texas this weekend. If C.J. Watson and Chris Lofton can exploit Texas's apparent weakness on the perimeter (Duke - 12-22 from 3pt land), we'll be in the ball game.

Shhhh.... we're trying to play the sleeper team. No one knows what's being built in k-town.

[bcthomas]

Shhhh.... we're trying to play the sleeper team. No one knows what's being built in k-town.

a Rick Clausen shrine?

[volniac]

a Rick Clausen shrine?

We're building a life size replica of Neyland Stadium out of popcicle sticks.

[uga477]

We're building a life size replica of Neyland Stadium out of popcicle sticks.
:D :D

[GatorTD8to10]

I dont like going from bottom feeder of the SEC to top of the SEC class in the span of 9 games.

[BigOrangeCountry]

I dont like going from bottom feeder of the SEC to top of the SEC class in the span of 9 games.

That's what happens when the SEC blows ass.

[penn_state_xc]

Looks like Bruce Pearl inherited a hell of a team, they seem to fit his up-tempo style perfectly. A dream situation for any new coach. It seems Vols fans won't have such a long offseason after all.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Coaching has made the difference with Tennessee. When Pearl brings in next years class, it will be the beginning of something special in Knoxville I believe.

I hope the coaching changes for football can make this noticeable of a difference.

[volniac]

Yeah, how about those Vols. 6 and motherfucking 0.

[uobrock]

Coaching has made the difference with Tennessee. When Pearl brings in next years class, it will be the beginning of something special in Knoxville I believe.

I hope the coaching changes for football can make this noticeable of a difference.
Geez...settle down. It's one game. Let's see some consistency first.

[Mr. Tennessee]

I think it was UTC.
Still embarrassing. [down]

[LikeWhoa20]

Yeah, how about those Vols. 6 and motherfucking 0.
I gotta say I was even more surprised with how Kentucky beat the shit out of Louisville. That made a statement for them to say that they're still a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, and also showed how overrated Louisville is right now.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Geez...settle down. It's one game. Let's see some consistency first.

NO. I will not settle down. The man is the best coach in Knoxville since Ray Mears. Pearl has won everywhere, on every level. Since he has gotten to Knoxville, fan support is the best in years, every player on the team has improved dramatically, and recruiting is going ridiculously well. If Pearl is not the man to win in basketball in Knoxville, then there might not be one who is.

EDIT: BTW, I'll add that it is sad that you even responded to my post. All I said was that I believe something "special" is going to happen in Knoxville regarding the men's basketball team. For Tennessee basketball, "special" could be considered making the NCAA tournament. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, your dislike for me shows in your posts.

[bcthomas]

I gotta say I was even more surprised with how Kentucky beat the shit out of Louisville. That made a statement for them to say that they're still a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, and also showed how overrated Louisville is right now.


truest part of your entire post.

however UK did look good, they shot 48% from the field, because basiclly every shot was withn 6 feet.

They got Padgett in foul trouble earlier and just started pounding the ball inside, whether off the dribble or through a set up plan on the blocks. All in all I was pretty happy with the game, and it makes me even more excited about what this team can do with Randolph Morris back.

Also it was good to see Rajon Rondo create shots for himself. He proved today what I have been saying for a while, noone in the NCAA, noone, can guard him one on one, he is too fast and can jump too well.

[Spurs&Feathers]

nice thread... i think the sec is better than some people are giving it credit for right now. the sec started out slow and took some ooc losses, but they are starting to show up now.

south carolina has a couple of big non-conference games coming up at temple and vs pitt. as crazy as this sounds, the temple game scares me more than the pitt game.

we have the athleticism to stay with pitt, but against temple they zone you up and make you shoot and move the ball... two things we can't do. we can defend though. neither of us may make it out of single digits by half.

the east looks absolutely wide open... neither florida or kentucky look invincible. tennessee is playing well... georgia is a completely different team from last year. i don't know much about vandy... south carolina is a complete nknown right now.

[LikeWhoa20]

nice thread... i think the sec is better than some people are giving it credit for right now. the sec started out slow and took some ooc losses, but they are starting to show up now.

south carolina has a couple of big non-conference games coming up at temple and vs pitt. as crazy as this sounds, the temple game scares me more than the pitt game.

we have the athleticism to stay with pitt, but against temple they zone you up and make you shoot and move the ball... two things we can't do. we can defend though. neither of us may make it out of single digits by half.

the east looks absolutely wide open... neither florida or kentucky look invincible. tennessee is playing well... georgia is a completely different team from last year. i don't know much about vandy... south carolina is a complete nknown right now.
The Temple game should scare you more than Pitt. Pitt isn't that good anymore since Ben Howland is gone and they lost so many guys to graduation. Plus you're playing on the road against Temple.

As for Vandy, they should have a shot at making the Dance. They've already won at Oregon and against Georgetown.

[swlpack]

How scared should I be of Bama? State plays there on Thursday night, so just wondering what I should expect.

[volniac]

Top 25 (AP) SEC teams for the week of Dec. 19...

5. Florida
19. Kentucky
23. Tennessee :D

This is the first time UT has been ranked since Feb. 2001. Note: Even I have the feeling that this is too fast, too soon and am fully prepared to come crashing back to the floor against Okie State on Thursday night. It is hard not to be giddy over something like this though. I mean we just absolutely lambasted a former top 10 team on their own floor by damn near 20 pts.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Top 25 (AP) SEC teams for the week of Dec. 19...

5. Florida
19. Kentucky
23. Tennessee :D

This is the first time UT has been ranked since Feb. 2001. Note: Even I have the feeling that this is too fast, too soon and am fully prepared to come crashing back to the floor against Okie State on Thursday night. It is hard not to be giddy over something like this though. I mean we just absolutely lambasted a former top 10 team on their own floor by damn near 20 pts.

I agree. I don't think we should be ranked yet. If we beat Oklahoma State, then probably, but we beat a Texas team that was missing two key players. Even if we lose to OSU, we should be 9-1 heading into Columbia for the SEC opener and should be ranked by then. We need to play OSU competitive either way.

[uobrock]

As for Vandy, they should have a shot at making the Dance. They've already won against Oregon and at Georgetown.
Fixed.

[WarEagle75]

Auburn has more wins than losses in basketball right now (5-2)...there's something to be said for that considering that we're talking about Auburn...[down]

[LikeWhoa20]

Fixed.
My bad. I knew you'd be the one to fix that for me. Either way, it was Vandy that won that 3 team round robin.

[Mudcat]

Coaching has made the difference with Tennessee. When Pearl brings in next years class, it will be the beginning of something special in Knoxville I believe.

I hope the coaching changes for football can make this noticeable of a difference.

What, has the Great Pumpkin secretly retired?

[volniac]

Tennessee is going to lose their first game tonight. We don't look sharp at all 5 minutes in against Oklahoma State.

[tab10]

Mississippi State sucks something hard this year. We all ready have three terrible losses.

[volniac]

These refs fucking blow.

[volniac]

How The Fuck Was That A Charge????

[volniac]

Fuckign 42-26 at the fucking half, goddamn Cowboys.

And these refs suck more penis than Elton John.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Let me do the math.... Best two players combine for 2 first half points + turning the ball over + bad 3PT and FT shooting + bad refs = losing by 16 at half. [down]

[Mr. Tennessee]

These refs fucking blow.
It's why I am not surprised we will lose this game. Minus the typical letdown when the media starts talking about you all over the nation.

[volniac]

It's why I am not surprised we will lose this game. Minus the typical letdown when the media starts talking about you all over the nation.

I wouldn't be suprised to lose it either. Hell, I was expecting it. However, we were down 16...we cut it to 3 within 7 minutes. If this team's going down, it's going down swinging.

[volniac]

LMFAO..OK State is already in the one-and-one 9 minutes into the half. [glare]

[volniac]

JamesOn Curry is a player. I'll give him that much.

[Mr. Tennessee]

I wouldn't be suprised to lose it either. Hell, I was expecting it. However, we were down 16...we cut it to 3 within 7 minutes. If this team's going down, it's going down swinging.
That we did. We went down with us clawing and fighting tillthe finish. I bet if Buzz was still coaching this team we would prolly lost by 80. Hopefully we have a couple of "easy" games coming up next so maybe we can get some more W's before heading into SEC play.

6-1, can our basketball team get a bowl invite? :(

[swlpack]

All I have to say about the SEC officiating after watching State-Bama is summed up in this stat line:

Alabama: 16/23 free throw shooting
NC State: 3/4 free throw shooting in the last 19.4 seconds of the game

Horrrrrrrrrrible calls. A free throw bounced off the top of the backboard and went in and they let the basket stand. Unbelievable.

[OCCoug]

What happened to good journalism? I go to the Florida site to see who won their game today and I see the headline: Gators Whip Canes, Improve To 11-0.

And after seeing the highlights on ESPN, that seems to be the opposite of what happened. Oh well. [laugh]

[LikeWhoa20]

All I have to say about the SEC officiating after watching State-Bama is summed up in this stat line:

Alabama: 16/23 free throw shooting
NC State: 3/4 free throw shooting in the last 19.4 seconds of the game

Horrrrrrrrrrible calls. A free throw bounced off the top of the backboard and went in and they let the basket stand. Unbelievable.
A shot can hit the top of the backboard so long as it doesn't touch the shot clock. Nice win by State though, and another crippling loss to Bama.

As for the so-called terrible refs in the OSU-Tenn game, the Vols were more or less flat for the majority of that game and didn't deserve to win. But that's to be expected after he beat a top 10 team by 20 points at their place.

[Classix]

I've been following South Carolina this year, for the sole reason that I'm doing a March Madness dynasty with them. And, they lost 63-50 at Temple last night. I didn't see the game but in the news article it says they were only down 48-46 with 6 minutes left in the game. That's a pretty damn impressive drive by Temple to close out the game if you ask me.

[volniac]

As for the so-called terrible refs in the OSU-Tenn game, the Vols were more or less flat for the majority of that game and didn't deserve to win. But that's to be expected after he beat a top 10 team by 20 points at their place.

No, we didn't play very well at all at times in that game. I agree with you on that much, but some of the charging calls they made in the first half had a significant impact on the way things were going for us. I mean OSU players wouldn't have their feet set, fall down, and get the charge...and it's not like our guys were playing out of control. OSU was obviously going to get some home cookin', but, damn, they got a lot. It's not the reason we lost, but it certainly didn't help.

OK State is very good, and JamesOn Curry is a hell of a player. I was very impressed with him. I was pleased with the way we stormed back against them in the second half. I wish we hadn't of started playing stupid when we got close to the lead, but we did and that is what cost us this game. I have no doubt that Coach Pearl will correct the things that went wrong and get us back on the winning track headed into SEC play.

[Spurs&Feathers]

I've been following South Carolina this year, for the sole reason that I'm doing a March Madness dynasty with them. And, they lost 63-50 at Temple last night. I didn't see the game but in the news article it says they were only down 48-46 with 6 minutes left in the game. That's a pretty damn impressive drive by Temple to close out the game if you ask me.
you have a nice dynasty going, but unfortunately the real gamecocks are pathetic. i'm going to the pitt game tomorrow and the sc state game next week, but i'm not expecting much in either contest. (though we better take care of sc state)

i've had about enough of dave odom. these past two years have been terrific opportunities for him to put our program into a good position in the sec because of the sec east teams being down, and we've done nothing. we don't have any shooters. we don't have any go-to scorers. we play stupid basketball... disorganized. we don't have any stars... odom's recruiting sucks. i'm not asking for mcd all-americans, because i know where our program is... but it'd be nice to have a few top 50 guys at least. we also have only 1 player from the state of sc on the team. his in-state recruiting is non-existant.

i'm ready to go after a hot-shot younger coach like tennessee and georga did. so far it's working out for those schools. there are 3 sports i really care about. in football we have one of the best coaches in america in steve spurrier. in baseball we have one of the top coaches in america in ray tanner. in basketball we have dave freaking odom.

[volniac]

Tennessee - 93
Alabama A&M - 68

Chris Lofton - 19 pts, 5-9 3 pt
C.J. Watson - 16 pts, 4 assists
Andre Patterson - 9 pts, 14 rebounds

Great rebound from a tough loss against Oklahoma State. Coach Pearl laid out some thing for the team to get better at before the game, namely opponent field goal percentage, and they did it, holding A&M to less than 40% shooting. Well played game by the Vols.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Voniac we had 15,767 at Thompson Boiling for the Bam A&M game. I cant believe it, were actually having fan support at the game.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Well 15,697 showed up to watch Tennessee win 69-58 over Lipscomb

[LikeWhoa20]

Well 15,697 showed up to watch Tennessee win 69-58 over Lipscomb
It's good to hear the fans are showing up for Pearl. That's an amazing number, especially for over the holiday break.

[volniac]

It's good to hear the fans are showing up for Pearl. That's an amazing number, especially for over the holiday break.

Sad part about it is it still looks kind of bad because our arena is so damn big. It was probably only 60-70% full last night. Attendence will be awesome in SEC games during the spring. I know I can't wait. :)

Our fans appreciate a team that might not be the most talented in the world but plays their asses off and is very well-coached. We've been waiting a long time for a coach like this to build our program.

Tennessee - 69
Lipscomb - 58

We didn't play well at all in this game. Chris Lofton never got on track last night and only ended up with 5 points. C.J. Watson had 18 with 13 coming from the free throw line. We shot 38% as a team. This is a game we would have lost last year under Peterson. No doubt about it.

[fried rice]

woe is LSU basketball.

[Famous_Amos]

woe is LSU basketball.

LSU's basketball program is exactly like my highschools..

The Mens team, is dissappointing at best [down]

While the Womens team straight pwns everyone and everything in their path (Southwood Lady Cowboys, 358325x State Champs)

[LikeWhoa20]

They've got a great trio in Davis, Thomas, and Mitchell in the frontcourt. But until LSU gets a decent guard that isn't out of control and knows how to protect a lead, these kinds of losses will continue to occur.

[OCCoug]

How does Alabama look?

[bcthomas]

How does Alabama look?

Like a typical Alabama team. They can beat Duke one day and lose to Quinnipac the next.

Alabama is the biggest enigma in the SEC. You absolutely have no clue what Alabama team is going to show up any day of the week.

[hoopsjr23]

Well Kentucky looked good last night against UCF.

[bcthomas]

Well Kentucky looked good last night against UCF.


it's typical UK basketball. They play to the level of their opponents. You will never see a boring UK game, because if the team they are playing is not very good, they will play like crap. (UCF, Ohio, Iona)

However if the team they are playing is good, they will play way better (Louisville, West Virginia).

Saturday will be interesting, because we play Kansas. UK will either walk away with it, or lose by 15. I really do not think it will be close. I think whoever has the momentum coming out of the halftime break will breeze to a win.

[uga477]

Georgia plays Florida AKA "the most constantly overated team in the nation" this Saturday. I wouldnt be suprised to see Georgia come away with the win.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Tennessee 87 South Alabama 69

OMG were 9-1!!!!!!!!!!!! [wow]

[volniac]

Tennessee 87 South Alabama 69

OMG were 9-1!!!!!!!!!!!! [wow]

I didn't get to see that game because of the epic Rose Bowl, but South Alabama is no slouch. They upset a (at the time) #25 team, Houston, and had an outstanding record coming in. An 18 point victory over them is nice.

That being said, SEC play starts Saturday against South Carolina. We need to start off with a W. If we get 9 wins in SEC play, I think we make the tournament.

[Mr. Tennessee]

I didn't get to see that game because of the epic Rose Bowl, but South Alabama is no slouch. They upset a (at the time) #25 team, Houston, and had an outstanding record coming in. An 18 point victory over them is nice.

That being said, SEC play starts Saturday against South Carolina. We need to start off with a W. If we get 9 wins in SEC play, I think we make the tournament.
Not bad but i watched the ending of the Vol game before i watched the Rose Bowl.

FYI We had over 11K at the game. Do you know if the SC game is televised?

[volniac]

Not bad but i watched the ending of the Vol game before i watched the Rose Bowl.

FYI We had over 11K at the game. Do you know if the SC game is televised?

JP Sports, 1:30 EST, I believe.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Damn Kentucky got owned against Kansas. [wow]

[fried rice]

yep, LSU falling apart as usual. just another undisciplined LSU program.

[volniac]

Damn Kentucky got owned against Kansas. [wow]

Not owned. wtfpWn3d. Jesus. 73-46 to unranked Kansas.

[tab10]

Miss. State opens SEC play against Arky tonight in Starkville.

Their season is offically about to go down the crapper now that SEC play is here. I bet they wont beat anyone in east this year.

Conference record prediction: 5-11 or 6-10.. if that....

[fried rice]

damn, we really need him to make all three free throws. only 9 secs left.

[fried rice]

heartbreaking. 1 point away from taking down the #2 team. [down]

[tab10]

I forgot Miss. State recruited the Delk twins. I think they are Tony Delk's nephews I believe.

[tab10]

Exciting finish in Starkville!

We hit a reverse layup with about 8 seconds left, then Arkansas got a great look for a 3 at the top of the key. The ball was half down before coming back out. Amazing

[Mr. Tennessee]

Not owned. wtfpWn3d. Jesus. 73-46 to unranked Kansas.
For some odd reason i thought it was a less score than that. Geez.

*cue BCthomas fire tubby smith chant* :o

[volniac]

Anyways, I'm postponing going back to Knoxville until after the ballgame tomorrow. I've got all my shit packed (pretty much), but I follow my Vols religiously and will wait til after the game to leave.

[volniac]

SEC officials suck so much fucking cock (pun intended) it's fucking rediculous. I can't count the number of times our players have been mauled in this game with no foul called, yet we're called for rediculous touch fouls. Fuck you SEC officials.

[Mr. Tennessee]

SEC officials suck so much fucking cock (pun intended) it's fucking rediculous. I can't count the number of times our players have been mauled in this game with no foul called, yet we're called for rediculous touch fouls. Fuck you SEC officials.
Its bullshit, they dont want Tennessee to win today. Fuck them [evil]

[Mr. Tennessee]

Oh that was bullshit, he wasnt fouled! FUCK YOU REFS!

[volniac]

We're not helping ourselves with the missed free throws and the missed easy looks, but the home cookin' USC has gotten is just stupid.

Holy fuck, a foul on USC.

[Mr. Tennessee]

How the hell wasn't that a foul on that dude that decked Lofton?!?!?!? [evil] The guy nearly took his head off.

[kyleec]

all i want to say is that our women will beat your women, whoever you may be.

and that our men suck at finishing off upsets.

[volniac]

Typical. We play good defense and the motherfucker throws up a desperation 3 and nails it with the shot clock at 1. Fuck.

As bad as the refs have been, it's our own fault we are down in this game. Too many missed free throws. Too many missed shots in the paint.

[volniac]

So many bullshit ticky-tack fouls. Just rediculous.

[volniac]

Wow. Holy shit. Chris Lofton is a manimal.

Tennessee - 76
S. Carolina - 69

[Mr. Tennessee]

nice my new tactic is to miss the first 10 mins of the 2nd half now! I caught the when we took the 59-57 lead and saw us win the game woooooooooooooo

I *heart* Pearl

You know if Buzz was coaching this team would of folded at halftime.

Its great to be 10-1. :D (damn maybe our hoops team will live up to our football team's preseason rankings :o)

[BigOrangeCountry]

Wow. I was there at the Colonial Center. That is a tough atmosphere to win in. Terrible first half shooting both from the field and the charity stripe. Great 2nd half shooting, and great all around games by Bradshaw and Jujuan Smith. I absolutely hate the fact that we give up so many mismatches on defense both from our lack of height and our constant man switchage off of screens. Anyway, huge win for UT to start SEC play. I'm quite happy.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Tennessee was 0-4 at Columbia during the Buzz Peterson era, losing by an average margin of 16 points. From Scout.

There's a monkey off our backs!

[Spurs&Feathers]

From Scout.

There's a monkey off our backs!
i wouldn't be too happy. we fucking suck.

i am pissed at our bball team... i don't expect greatness, but we need a better coach than dave odom. from what i've seen of him, i like dave personally, but he is not the right basketball coach for the south carolina gamecocks. we can do better.

[uga477]

I think (I may be wrong) that Georgia plays Tennessee this week. Any predictions for that? Georgia has a roster full of young, talented, and extremely inexpirienced players. When a couple of them get hot, we can play with the best teams in the SEC East. ;)

[BigOrangeCountry]

I think (I may be wrong) that Georgia plays Tennessee this week. Any predictions for that? Georgia has a roster full of young, talented, and extremely inexpirienced players. When a couple of them get hot, we can play with the best teams in the SEC East. ;)

Vols by 15 on Wednesday at home.

[uga477]

Vols by 15 on Wednesday at home.

Ill say Vols by 10 but in a close game.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Ill say Vols by 10 but in a close game.

Yeah, it will be a close one, but UT pulls away late because of better guard play and better overall talent.

[uga477]

Yeah, it will be a close one, but UT pulls away late because of better guard play and better overall talent.

Dont underestimate Georgia's talent. We have plenty of talent, just no experience. I think you'll be impressed after the game by Georgia's improvement. (win or lose).

[BigOrangeCountry]

Dont underestimate Georgia's talent. We have plenty of talent, just no experience. I think you'll be impressed after the game by Georgia's improvement. (win or lose).

What makes you think I underestimated it? UT easily has the SEC's best backcourt. We force a ridiculous amount of turnovers and our assist / turnover ratio is really good as well. Georgia will eventually break under the pressure IMO.

[uga477]

What makes you think I underestimated it? UT easily has the SEC's best backcourt. We force a ridiculous amount of turnovers and our assist / turnover ratio is really good as well. Georgia will eventually break under the pressure IMO.

I guess I just assumed.

[Mr. Tennessee]

What makes you think I underestimated it? UT easily has the SEC's best backcourt. We force a ridiculous amount of turnovers and our assist / turnover ratio is really good as well. Georgia will eventually break under the pressure IMO.
If we lose im gonna have your head! [evil]

[volniac]

If we lose im gonna have your head! [evil]

I'm gonna be there in person and against Florida a week and a half later. Fuckin right.

[Mr. Tennessee]

i hear that Thompson is sold out for the uga game as well. :o

[volniac]

i hear that Thompson is sold out for the uga game as well. :o

I'm sure it is. Fuck. I'm going to have to get there an hour before tip. I didn't have to do that shit when we sucked.

The game isn't even televised...and its sold out.

[Mr. Tennessee]

I'm sure it is. Fuck. I'm going to have to get there an hour before tip. I didn't have to do that shit when we sucked.

The game isn't even televised...and its sold out.
It happens when the AD hires a guy that has an 80% winning percentage. [smile]

Also we have 16 games left to play, so we gotta win 10-15 games to have a legit shot at teh tourney.

[volniac]

It happens when the AD hires a guy that has an 80% winning percentage. [smile]

Also we have 16 games left to play, so we gotta win 10-15 games to have a legit shot at teh tourney.

Legit shot? Naw. I say nine more wins at most...8 would probably get us in with that win over Tejas.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Legit shot? Naw. I say nine more wins at most...8 would probably get us in with that win over Tejas.
The media hates everything Tennessee. Thus the 10-15 comment.

[ncope45]

i wouldn't be too happy. we fucking suck.

i am pissed at our bball team... i don't expect greatness, but we need a better coach than dave odom. from what i've seen of him, i like dave personally, but he is not the right basketball coach for the south carolina gamecocks. we can do better.

South Carolina basketball perplexes me. It shouldn't be that hard to field a good team down there, but the Cocks have managed to destroy two very good coaches (Eddie Fogler and Dave Odom). Both of those guys were successful at much tougher places.

Prior to this season, Odom consistly got more out of his team than their talent indicated. For some reason, he just can't bring the players in. Although, as Bruce Pearl has shown, you don't need great players to win.

[ncope45]

The media hates everything Tennessee. Thus the 10-15 comment.

I think UT probably needs to finish 8-8 in conference, with one or two tournament wins, depending on the strength of the field at the time. A 9-7 conference mark with one tourney win, combined with the UTx win, would definitely do it.

I guess in that I'm conceding a loss to Memphis, but the way Memphis has played lately, that's not really fair.

[Mr. Tennessee]

God I hope we pound Memphis High School. Even though they are ranked in the top 10.

[lexlucid]

Wow, Vandy is up BY 10 AT UK. How bad does UK suck this year. I thought they were supposed to be good.

[tab10]

God I hope we pound Memphis High School. Even though they are ranked in the top 10.

The moniker is Tiger High around here. :)

And hopefully Memphis wins, I despise UT :)

[Mr. Tennessee]

The moniker is Tiger High around here. :)

And hopefully Memphis wins, I despise anything associated with UT :)
And I have soft spot for Miss ST because i despise everything Ole Piss. Oh well can't win them all.

[tab10]

And I have soft spot for Miss ST because i despise everything Ole Piss. Oh well can't win them all.

At least that is something we agree on... hahaha.. Screw Ole Miss

[ncope45]

Wow, Vandy is up BY 10 AT UK. How bad does UK suck this year. I thought they were supposed to be good.

Kentucky isn't as good as usual, but I think you may be underestimating Vanderbilt a little.

[Mr. Tennessee]

So did Vandy win?

[tab10]

So did Vandy win?

Yes, by 5.

57-52

[Spurs&Feathers]

South Carolina basketball perplexes me. It shouldn't be that hard to field a good team down there, but the Cocks have managed to destroy two very good coaches (Eddie Fogler and Dave Odom). Both of those guys were successful at much tougher places.

Prior to this season, Odom consistly got more out of his team than their talent indicated. For some reason, he just can't bring the players in. Although, as Bruce Pearl has shown, you don't need great players to win.
i honestly believe that odom is a little burned out and i think our team is a little burned out on odom. that's big... the main reason i think we're losing games is that we don't have anyone who can shoot, or who wants to shoot. i think we lead the sec in points allowed per game, but we don't win because we can't score... we also turn the ball over a lot. actually come to think of it we have a lot of problems. [laugh]

[Mr. Tennessee]

Yes, by 5.

57-52
So BCThomas wont be seen for a while. This is getting pathetic for UK. Then again juggernaut TN struggled this year in football. So the basketball juggernaut UK might be having the same trouble.

[bcthomas]

So BCThomas wont be seen for a while. This is getting pathetic for UK. Then again juggernaut TN struggled this year in football. So the basketball juggernaut UK might be having the same trouble.

it's a down year, take away Rondo and now Morriss and our takent level is equal to, or less than the upper SEC teams this season.

Something is wrong as well. I don't know what it is, but something is up with this team.

You cannot say that the UK team on the floor tonight is the same team who kicked West Virginia's ass, yeah that same West Virginia that just went into Villanova and won.

I don't know what's up, but honestly I don't get too riled up when we have a down season in basketball. I mean, 6 out of 7 years they win 25 games and make at least the Sweet Sixteen. That is nothing to be ashamed of.

Other UK fans are probably pointing guns at their skulls and screaming for the head of Tubby, but every team has down years every once in a while.

You just got to suck it up and realize that UK is the winningest program in College basketball, and that they won't be down long, in fact it would not surprise me to see them back in good form by February. By the time Morriss gets some court time, they will be in fine shape.

On to one more note, I still hate most other UK fans. They are for the most part stupid and think if we don't win a NC every year the season has veen a disgrace.

Say what you want, but you cannot judge a teams entire season by 6 games in March.

That is the equivalent to saying USC had a bad season in football because they lost a bowl game.

[bcthomas]

Wow, Vandy is up BY 10 AT UK. How bad does UK suck this year. I thought they were supposed to be good.


Vandy is a damn good squad. They are probably flat out better than UK this year. As a matter of fact, I think right now, Vandy is better than Florida. They could be the team out of the SEC that makes the most noise in the tourney.

[Mr. Tennessee]

I swear BC, you are one of the few level-headed UK fan's i've seen since this down year began. Others are "KILL TUBBY!" "FIRE TUBBY HE'S A DUMBASS"

Bad seasons happen to the best of us.

[ncope45]

I'm just glad Vanderbilt could capitilize on UK and UT's down years and end a couple of streaks.

If UK can come together, they can still end this season on a good note. Morris looked pretty good last night. Step 1 may be start Ravi Moss over The Hunchback of KentuckyDame. Reports of Rando's improved shooting touch appear to have been over-stated. There does appear to be a chemistry problem with that squad though.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Vols lead UGA 40-36 at the half, and our leading scorer, Chris Lofton has zero points. Vols pull away and win by 10-15 in the 2nd half.

Vols win 89-76. Lofton scores 16 2nd half points and equals his season average. Watson was big with 20, former walkon Jujuan Smith with 16, Major Wingate with 14, and Andre Patterson with 11. Pretty solid effort for the Vols it seems. I'm interested to see what the attendance was tonight.

P.S. I nailed this one

[uga477]

Georgia down by 6 with 13:00 left in the half. Billy Humphrey either isnt playing, or isnt doing shit on offense because hes not even listed in the box score.

EDIT: Nevermind, he has 2 fouls. Hes really disappeared lately.

EDIT2: Right on cue, Humphrey nails a 3 pointer.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Vols lead UGA 40-36 at the half, and our leading scorer, Chris Lofton has zero points. Vols pull away and win by 10-15 in the 2nd half.
We better not lose! [evil]

[uga477]

We better not lose! [evil]


Tennessee 72, Georgia 59. 8:00 remaining. We are just too young to consistantly compete. Next year we should be decent (we'll be in some tourney after the season).

[Mr. Tennessee]

Hell yeah we didnt lose! We won 89-76. I am proud of the Tennessee Vols basketball team this year. 11-1!!!!

This is our 600th win in the history of our basketball program.

Hopefully Volniac will comeback and say we had the place packed. [cool]

[BigOrangeCountry]

Hell yeah we didnt lose! We won 89-76. I am proud of the Tennessee Vols basketball team this year. 11-1!!!!

This is our 600th win in the history of our basketball program.

Hopefully Volniac will comeback and say we had the place packed. [cool]

I pretty much nailed this one. I am also interested to see the attendance for the game tonight.

[volniac]

Over 21,000 in attendance tonight. The place was pretty packed out. Students were still filing in 10 minutes after tip.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Over 21,000 in attendance tonight. The place was pretty packed out. Students were still filing in 10 minutes after tip.
Awesome, I wish I was there to experience the eletric atmosphere. :(

[Spurs&Feathers]

well, we lost again... we're now 0-2 in the conference and 9-6 overall. it's getting ridiculous. i have a feeling dave odom's days in columbia are numbered. i also get the feeling that he would almost welcome the axe right now.

[ncope45]

well, we lost again... we're now 0-2 in the conference and 9-6 overall. it's getting ridiculous. i have a feeling dave odom's days in columbia are numbered. i also get the feeling that he would almost welcome the axe right now.

Honestly, this has surprised me this year. Is it just me or has Renaldo Balkman not developed since his freshman year?

[Spurs&Feathers]

Honestly, this has surprised me this year. Is it just me or has Renaldo Balkman not developed since his freshman year?
yeah, balkman basically has hit his ceiling... when he actually comes to play he is a solid sec player. some nights though he just sleepwalks out there. on a good team balkman would be the 7th or 8th man in the rotation and be coming off the bench but on our team he is depended on to start and do so many things. it really is not fair to him. i think he would be so much better if he was just allowed to be a spark off the bench or a defensive stopper/rebounder kind of like a college dennis rodman. that's basically all he did as a freshman and it worked really well. i believe odom thought that he could work with him and make him a competent scorer... not a "good" scorer, but at least passable so we could keep him out there and not have him be a total liability on offense. obviously that hasn't worked out.

to top it off he makes some horrible decisions with the basketball in his hands. then again we have a few players who like to make bad choices with the basketball. the only player we have playing like he has any business being in the sec is tarence kinsey. he has really been a pleasant surprise this season. he's the only guy we have who can do anything on offense though. we're pretty bad. we just don't have any scorers.

one thing about carlos powell from last year, is that we could always go to him in the post if the shot clock was ticking down and he would either make the basket or get a decent offensive rebounding opportunity for somebody. he bailed us out so many times on offense last year. not only that but he was a leader as well.

oh well, there's always baseball season, right?

[volniac]

Alabama - 68
Kentucky - 64

[laugh]

I wish both could lose, but UK's loss helps us in the East.

[uga477]

Georgia gets their first SEC win against South Carolina. Levi Stukes hit a 3-pointer as time expired in overtime for the win. Its great to see him stepping up as a leader.

[volniac]

Well, LSU is drilling us...sort of.

They are just too big, shot very well, and we shot so poorly to win. Disappointing effort by us tonight because we are better than this. Oh well, Tyrus Thomas is a beast. Good win for LSU.

[uga477]

The SEC is really bad this year. I dont see any team making it into the Sweet Sixteen (minus Florida).

[Mr. Tennessee]

Well, LSU is drilling us...sort of.

They are just too big, shot very well, and we shot so poorly to win. Disappointing effort by us tonight because we are better than this. Oh well, Tyrus Thomas is a beast. Good win for LSU.
Can't win them all. Maybe we will go on an other what 5 or 6 game win streak again. [cool]

[Spurs&Feathers]

The SEC is really bad this year. I dont see any team making it into the Sweet Sixteen (minus Florida).
lsu, tennessee, miss state, vandy, and even ole miss are decent this year. this is sort of a down year though. at least it looks like that right now. anytime kentucky is not a dominant team it pretty much means the sec is down, and kentucky isn't even in the top half of the sec east right now.

[uga477]

lsu, tennessee, miss state, vandy, and even ole miss are decent this year. this is sort of a down year though. at least it looks like that right now. anytime kentucky is not a dominant team it pretty much means the sec is down, and kentucky isn't even in the top half of the sec east right now.

They might actually be in last. Who have they beaten?

[Mr. Tennessee]

Damn it ole piss won tonight! [evil]

[uga477]

Its on ESPNHD at 9:00 Tuesday. Heres a preview from the Georgia Sports Blog.

Looking to Kentucky:
- Tickets are still available for this 9:00 pm Tuesday ESPN tip=off.

- The Wildcats are reeling. This is as good a chance at beating them as we've seen lately. If memory serves, the Dawgs are 4 of 9 vs. UK in our recent matchups. I don't remember another time when the Dawgs entered this game with a better overall and conference record than the Wildcats. I haven't seen the line, but I doubt we're favored.


- Key matchups to watch. We don't have an inside answer for Randolph Morris. He put up 19 points in 32 minutes in the Wildcat's loss to Bama. It will be interesting to see how we defend him. Also interesting will be watching how we defend Rajon Rondo and Patrick Sparks. Sparks played for Felton at WKU, and this game seems to bring out his best work. We can't let Rondo and Sparks control the tempo. Gaines, Mercer and Stukes will have their hands full defensively with these two.

- Key Stats: If we keep our turnovers under 15 and shoot 70% from the Free Throw line, I love our chances. We're shooting 65% from the line for the season, so this isn't an unreasonable goal. If we piss away opportunities at the line and cough up the ball, we lose.

This game is critical to Georgia's very limited NCAA Tourney chances. We MUST go 8-8 in the SEC to make the tourney. Realistically, I think that means we need to go 5-3 or better at home and 3-5 or better on the road. A win vs. UK on Tuesday puts us at 2-2 in the SEC overall. The momentum from back to back UK and SC wins would fuel us nicely as our next SEC games are:
- Ole Miss (home)
- LSU (road)
- Auburn (road)
- Bama (home)

As of Monday pre-dawn, the Georgia Bulldogs have an RPI of 63 while UK is at 52 according to KenPom.com. WarrenNolan.com has us at 62. It's still early.

Come out to the Game on Tuesday if you get a chance. This team is making progress, and Tuesday is enormous for the program.

http://webpages.charter.net/tigerdawg/dawgs/jarvisvsuk.jpg
Jarvis Hayes enjoys our first big win at Rupp. If anyone can find a loophole to get that year of eligibility back, please email Damon Evans.

[jeremy7679]

Youve got to be impressed with the job Felton has done. That program was inabsolute shambles whe he got there. UGA and Ole Miss are definitely the surprises of the conference this year. There really arent any pushovers in the SEC right now. Even tho South Carolina is struggling, it' not like they're a gimme win.

[uga477]

Youve got to be impressed with the job Felton has done. That program was inabsolute shambles whe he got there. UGA and Ole Miss are definitely the surprises of the conference this year. There really arent any pushovers in the SEC right now. Even tho South Carolina is struggling, it' not like they're a gimme win.

Oh Im definately impressed. Not only has he put a respectable team out on the court but he's improved the image of the basketball program. Last year we had more walk-ons than scholarship players. This year we have competed in every game we have played. Next year Georgia and the SEC as a whole will be a very good basketball conference.

[uga477]

So whos going to watch the Kentucky/UGA game tonight? Its in ESPN HD so it should look pretty good. I read somewhere that Georgia is a 1.5 point favorite. Amazing. This is the first game this year that Im really looking foward to seeing. Its not at the level of waiting for kickoff but its about halfway there.

Just typing that last sentence makes me wish for more college football.

[swlpack]

Maybe I'm wrong about this, but outside of Kentucky, how many SEC fans actually care about basketball. I know watching the NC State/Bama game earlier this season, the arena had quite a few empty seats and the crowd wasn't really into it until the end fo the game. Is it like this all over the SEC or was Bama the exception rather than the rule?

[uga477]

Maybe I'm wrong about this, but outside of Kentucky, how many SEC fans actually care about basketball. I know watching the NC State/Bama game earlier this season, the arena had quite a few empty seats and the crowd wasn't really into it until the end fo the game. Is it like this all over the SEC or was Bama the exception rather than the rule?

For many it depends on how the season is going but for me I'm a diehard Georgia basketball fan as well as for football.

[swlpack]

Just wondering. It just reminds me of how most of the basketball schools in the ACC used to treat football in the '80s and '90s, and even how some of them still do.

[Spurs&Feathers]

Maybe I'm wrong about this, but outside of Kentucky, how many SEC fans actually care about basketball. I know watching the NC State/Bama game earlier this season, the arena had quite a few empty seats and the crowd wasn't really into it until the end fo the game. Is it like this all over the SEC or was Bama the exception rather than the rule?
sec basketball fans care... some... but there aren't the same atmospheres you see in the acc or big ten. if football is still in season, you have trouble getting sec fans out for much basketball. once it gets into late january they start to come around though. there are some good atmosphers here, but you have to be in the right place at the right time. it isn't the same as the acc for sure.

[bcthomas]

Maybe I'm wrong about this, but outside of Kentucky, how many SEC fans actually care about basketball. I know watching the NC State/Bama game earlier this season, the arena had quite a few empty seats and the crowd wasn't really into it until the end fo the game. Is it like this all over the SEC or was Bama the exception rather than the rule?


Tennessee generally is pretty close to sold out, LSU has a pretty good fan base, as does Mississippi State. When Arkansas was on top of the world thye may have had the best homecourt advantage in the country.

Florida has some pretty insane basketball fans, and of course Kentucky, who is near the top of the NCAA in attendance every season.

[volniac]

Tennessee generally is pretty close to sold out

Well, now that we have a coach that isn't a talentless putz...

[bcthomas]

Well, now that we have a coach that isn't a talentless putz...

yeah, I should have pre-faced that with "this year, Tennessee has been....."

[volniac]

Thanks you fucking dickwad referees!!! Screw us all night you fucking cocksuckers.

Fuck you.

[tab10]

Thanks you fucking dickwad referees!!! Screw us all night you fucking cocksuckers.

Fuck you.

Whatever dude. This was even both ways all game long.

[Mr. Tennessee]

UF game is SOLD OUT. Now I expect TBA to be a fierce place to play Saturday night. GO VOLS

I hope the Gators dont come out alive from The Summitt

[bcthomas]

UK 80-USC 78

What a game. Anyone that was lucky enough to see this got to witenss a bran burner.

Sparks three from the Mid-Court logo was insane. He just pulled up and popped it like there was no time left on the clock. Unbelievable.

[Mr. Tennessee]

very nice, looks like i missed a good game.

[Mr. Tennessee]

FUCK YOU YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT WHITE-HEADED REF you must fucking sucked the cock of a gator fan to call that bullshit on tennessee. BURN YOU FUCKING PIECE OF WORTHLESS SHIT! [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil] [evil]

[I OU a Beatn]

Jesus Christ, what a horrible, horrible day. [down]

[swlpack]

Wow. Tennessee knocks off the last unbeaten UF 80-76. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see this game because instead FSN was showing Carolina Hurricanes hockey. Great.

[fried rice]

Jesus Christ, what a horrible, horrible day. [down]

what a beautiful day! LSU knocks off bama, duke and florida lose, it's great! :)

[Mr. Tennessee]

Holy ST. Francis! WE BEAT undefeated #2 FLORIDA HOLY SHIT! [wow] [wow] [wow] [wow] [wow] [wow] [wow] [wow]


Good game though, that was a classic.

[volniac]

It's a celebration, bitches!

http://applebees.com/menu/images/drinks_bottle_bud_light.jpg

Go Vols!

[Mr. Tennessee]

I hope they get a picture of everyone running on the court and the gator being killed!

Vol did you get to go to the game?

[volniac]

I hope they get a picture of everyone running on the court and the gator being killed!

Vol did you get to go to the game?

I'll upload a pic I took with my phone later, so, yes, I was there. Live and in person.

When Chris Lofton is on, he is one of the best players in the country, bar none. UF did not play bad in this game. UT just played better when it mattered the most.

[Mr. Tennessee]

I'll upload a pic I took with my phone later, so, yes, I was there. Live and in person.

When Chris Lofton is on, he is one of the best players in the country, bar none. UF did not play bad in this game. UT just played better when it mattered the most.
Haha, so you were out there when Pearl said "THIS IS YOUR TEAM!" ?I am jealous that you were there. ;) I heard people were tailgaiting before the game as well. Oh yeah who won the full tuition for a semester?

[volniac]

Haha, so you were out there when Pearl said "THIS IS YOUR TEAM!" ?I am jealous that you were there. ;) I heard people were tailgaiting before the game as well. Oh yeah who won the full tuition for a semester?

I don't remember who won it. It wasn't me, so I don't care.

[OCCoug]

Haha, so you were out there when Pearl said "THIS IS YOUR TEAM!" ?I am jealous that you were there. ;) I heard people were tailgaiting before the game as well. Oh yeah who won the full tuition for a semester?

LOL did you see the guy behind him in the interview saying "I love this man... I love this man... I love this man... I love this man... [x35]"?

[laugh] [laugh]

[Mr. Tennessee]

LOL did you see the guy behind him in the interview saying "I love this man... I love this man... I love this man... I love this man... [x35]"?

[laugh] [laugh]
I'd have Pearl's child right now the way i feel

[volniac]

Holy fuckin' shit. I forgot to mention, but we got to the gate an hour before tip. We didn't get into the arena until 30 minutes until tip, and we only got seats in the upper ten rows.

Bruce Pearl is doing something special at Tennessee.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Holy fuckin' shit. I forgot to mention, but we got to the gate an hour before tip. We didn't get into the arena until 30 minutes until tip, and we only got seats in the upper ten rows.

Bruce Pearl is doing something special at Tennessee.
I bet we played Rocky Top 5000 times tonight like we normally do during a football game.

[volniac]

Oh yeah, our players entered the floor through the stands tonight.

[volniac]

http://communitylink.palmbeachpost.com/groups/329/FSLO-1068438794-862329.JPG

[Mr. Tennessee]

Oh yeah, our players entered the floor through the stands tonight.
Yeah after all Pearl said, "THIS IS YOUR TEAM" I love what he said during practice. "THIS IS TENNESSEE, SHOW ME YOUR PRIDE!"

[jeremy7679]

Awesome win for Tennessee. Lofton was unconcious. Also, Bruce Pearl has balls that clank saying they were gonna kick Florida's @$$.

[BigOrangeCountry]

Huge, absolutely huge win for the Tennessee program. We are pretty much a lock for the NCAA tourney in Pearls first year and Buzz couldn't make it in 4 years.

[LikeWhoa20]

That was the biggest crowd for a UT home game in the last 15 years. 24,011 in attendance!

Here's an article all you UT fans may like to read:
Tennessee blocks Gators' path to top spot (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2301387)

[Mr. Tennessee]

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/tenn/galleries/m-baskbl/05-06-season/florida/arena_0271-lg.jpg

What a beautiful sight!

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/tenn/galleries/m-baskbl/05-06-season/florida/students_1175-lg.jpg

Hell yeah!

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/tenn/galleries/m-baskbl/05-06-season/florida/team_0088-lg.jpg

[snafuchris]

I called UT beating UF about a week ago. Good win for them.

[volniac]

UT up to #19 and #20 in the polls.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Vol I want to see some of the pictures you took! :D

[volniac]

Vol I want to see some of the pictures you took! :D

Eh...you've already got pics better than the one I took with my phone.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Eh...you've already got pics better than the one I took with my phone.
:( yo udidnt get any while you were outside?

[jeremy7679]

Vols cruising at Mississippi State right now. They may be the SEC's only patsy this year. Besides them, it's a pretty competitive league.

[volniac]

With the win over MSU coupled with Florida's loss to USC, Tennessee has accended to 1st in the SEC East.

[kyleec]

LSU just ass-raped georgia. we were up 50-19 at the half, and the second and third stringers played most of the second half. 81-52 was the final, i believe.

LSU is now 5-0 in SEC play.

[fried rice]

LSU just ass-raped georgia. we were up 50-19 at the half, and the second and third stringers played most of the second half. 81-52 was the final, i believe.

LSU is now 5-0 in SEC play.

this is hella nice, but i'll wait to glorify brady when we advance past the first round of the big dance (assuming, of course, we make the big dance ;)). regardless, tyrus thomas is a hoss.

[volniac]

The world has gone visa versa. UT football has a losing season for the first time in many years, and UT basketball is on top of the East.

I'll be damned.

[volniac]

this is hella nice, but i'll wait to glorify brady when we advance past the first round of the big dance (assuming, of course, we make the big dance ;)). regardless, tyrus thomas is a hoss.

LSU is one of the top 10 teams in the nation. They have five losses by a combined 11 points. It has taken a while for them to gel, I guess, but now they are playing some spectacular ball.

[jeremy7679]

Maybe Florida wasn't the juggernaut people were beginning to think. They did play a pretty piss-poor non-conference schedule. Altho, USC can be a tough place to play, especially coming off of a tough loss.

I have always thought that Donovan was a little over-rated as a coach though. That one year he took them to the Final Four made everyone think he was a genius, but his teams have seemed to under-achieve.

[jgully]

I think you could say our team has overachieved this year so far, considering we were unranked at the beginning of the season. However, I do think that we probably weren't as good as our record. Playing another road game right after coming off an emotional loss, combined with Brewer ailing and also overall bad decision making (turnovers) is what did us in. I do think that Billy D will have them ready for Vandy next.

[jeremy7679]

I think you could say our team has overachieved this year so far, considering we were unranked at the beginning of the season. However, I do think that we probably weren't as good as our record. Playing another road game right after coming off an emotional loss, combined with Brewer ailing and also overall bad decision making (turnovers) is what did us in. I do think that Billy D will have them ready for Vandy next.I hope so, because I detest Vanderbilt.

[Mr. Tennessee]

Sitting at 13-3 with 11 games left. Man we gotta win 8 out of 11 of those games. And it continues Saturday with a sold out Thompson Boiling Arena against South Carolina. We need every win we can get.

[Spurs&Feathers]

fluke win by the gamecocks last night... florida played horribly and we took advantage of it. we made some wet shots down the stretch. i'll take it though. we needed a win BADLY. i think we're still in dead last in the sec-east though. woo!

[BigOrangeCountry]

fluke win by the gamecocks last night... florida played horribly and we took advantage of it. we made some wet shots down the stretch. i'll take it though. we needed a win BADLY. i think we're still in dead last in the sec-east though. woo!

I was at the USC game. We really don't have that bad of a team, they are just poorly coached. We had one of our better games offensively in a while because we actually passed the ball around and didn't get all of our scoring off of one-on-one plays. Kelly is a damn good PG and Kinsey is very good as well. If we can keep getting good play out of Balkman and Tisby (who played a great game BTW) we should be in good shape for at least an NIT birth.

Tenneessee on the other hand, is playing so well. Words really can't describe the coaching job that Pearl has done this year. There isn't a game left on our schedule that I don't think we have a very good shot of winning. Vols should finish w/ around 20 wins and top 1-2 in the SEC east. That is amazing especially considering the preseason projections for UT.

[jjt914]

What is everybody's(besides LSU fans) opinion of LSU?

They are playing great but they need to keep it up.

[LikeWhoa20]

What is everybody's(besides LSU fans) opinion of LSU?

They are playing great but they need to keep it up.
I think they're playing top 15 caliber ball right now. The Davis/Thomas/Mitchell trio is as tough to stop as any other in the country. My one gripe is that their guard play is too shaky. It's easy to say they lost those 5 heartbreakers by a total of 11 points, but there's a reason for that. Poor guard play lost the game for them down the stretch in at least 2 of those games. I'm just not sure if they can advance deep into the tourney, despite their frontcourt talent, if their guard play continues to be inconsistent, especially if they get a bad matchup in one of the first two rounds (like having to face UAB in the 8/9 matchup last year).

[jjt914]

yea if mitchellis off one night, then we are going to be hurting

[kyleec]

if we're such a top-15 talent, i'd at least like to see us crack the top 25. damn voters. [glare]

[volniac]

if we're such a top-15 talent, i'd at least like to see us crack the top 25. damn voters. [glare]

You are playing top 10 ball, right now. There is absolutely no reason you shouldn't be in the top 25...but I think voters see the 5 in the loss column and don't realize they were by a total of 11 points.

[LikeWhoa20]

You are playing top 10 ball, right now. There is absolutely no reason you shouldn't be in the top 25...but I think voters see the 5 in the loss column and don't realize they were by a total of 11 points.
No, everyone realizes by now that those losses were only by 11 points, because every writer that mentions LSU also mentions that 11 points/5 losses as well. The problem is poll voters don't drop teams nearly far enough after losing a couple games and playing obviously poor ball (best example: Louisville). But at least the ones making the brackets understand the true ratings of each team, and most projections I've seen in the past week have LSU rated as a 4 or 5 seed.

[kyleec]

You are playing top 10 ball, right now. There is absolutely no reason you shouldn't be in the top 25...but I think voters see the 5 in the loss column and don't realize they were by a total of 11 points.
i think a lot of them take our losses to houston and northern iowa too seriously. we haven't played that badly since. the other three losses are completely respectable (cincy, OSU, uconn).

[LikeWhoa20]

i think a lot of them take our losses to houston and northern iowa too seriously. we haven't played that badly since. the other three losses are completely respectable (cincy, OSU, uconn).
Have you seen Northern Iowa play? That's a VERY respectable loss as well. And Houston is a streaky team that can beat anybody when they're shooting well (how they beat LSU and 'Zona this year).

[volniac]

UT with a 5 point lead over USC at the half. We haven't really played all that well so far, either.

[Mr. Tennessee]

UT with a 5 point lead over USC at the half. We haven't really played all that well so far, either.
Which is amazing that we have the lead. When they first showed the game there was like noone there and i was like WTF and then they came back about 15 mins later and the whole crowd was there.

[volniac]

Which is amazing that we have the lead. When they first showed the game there was like noone there and i was like WTF and then they came back about 15 mins later and the whole crowd was there.

I didn't go to this one...and I feel like shit for not going.

[Mr. Tennessee]

I didn't go to this one...and I feel like shit for not going.
I hope you go to the next two games.

[volniac]

I hope you go to the next two games.

I will probably go to the Vanderbilt game, but I'm going to be in Gatlinburg next weekend.

[volniac]

Holy Fuck! Stanley with the oop!!

[volniac]

Tennessee - 81
South Carolina - 65

[Mr. Tennessee]

Tennessee - 81
South Carolina - 65
Great win for the Vols. I noticed Fulmer was at the game. I dont remember him at the games last year when Buzz "idiot" Peterson was coaching. I was surprised we pulled away at the end like that.

Also, Chris Lofton is a badass. We also have 10 games of the regular season. Sitting at 14-3 with 10 games left, we have at least a .500 record right now. Gotta beat Ole Piss and Vandy next week.