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VN GURU
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Regardless, tonight's game shouldn't be slow-paced. UT and Vanderbilt are the SEC's top two scoring and 3-point shooting teams. The Vols score 86.7 points and make 9.7 3-pointers per game, while the Commodores aren't far behind with 86 points and 9.3 treys per game.
The Commodores are decidedly more efficient, though. They make nearly 44 percent of their 3-pointers and shoot 74 percent from the free-throw line.
"Vanderbilt is probably the best offensive team in the country," Pearl said. "I think the numbers bear that out."
UT has more athleticism and much more depth, though, which combined with Thompson-Boling's newfound reputation has made Stallings sound understandably uneasy.
"I think they certainly have more weapons this year," Stallings said of the Vols. "I think the more weapons you have the better team you can be. They've got maybe as many weapons as anybody in the country."
Pearl is 37-2 at Thompson-Boling, which has transformed from one of the nation's biggest arenas to one of the nation's most difficult places to play.
After a recent practice, he stood at the free-throw line practicing while his teammates headed to the locker room. He joked around with some student managers, made free throw after free throw, then performed his now-typical media interview requests.
The questions about his 3-point shooting again were asked. Lofton answered every one, didn't get upset, and, as always, was cordial and understated.
Then, just before he headed back to the court for a few more shots, Lofton finally admitted it and it appeared cathartic.
"I know I'm not playing great right now," Lofton said. "Things happen like that. I'm just blessed enough to be here and be playing with a team that is 14-1 right now."
And, of course, he said it with a smile.
I read some of the South Carolina message boards after the game on Saturday and was surprised by the number of Gamecock fans who expressed a "hate" for Chris Lofton.
I know it's easy to dislike it when an opposing player has success against your team...but, I can't see how people could hate Lofton. He's a good kid, humble, respectful, appreciative, and hard-working. Even if he played for Florida, I don't think I could dislike him...I wouldn't cheer for him or his team, but I couldn't dislike the person he is.
