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1. There's going to be a lot of points in this. There's going to be a lot of talk in this thread and whatever. But there's one simple fact: You cannot expect to win a tournament game shooting 14-28 from the FT. And Purdue got lucky going 16-33. If Tennessee hits 22-28 like they should have we would be celebrating our second Elite Eight. And that's the toughest thing because free throws is something you completely control. Unbelievable.
2. My thoughts on the officiating after I calmed down. That wasn't 5 seconds and didn't look like the ball hit Edwards after the initial defense. I have no clue if he stepped out. That's such a bang bang play and wouldn't get overturned. It was a bad call on the foul. Contact was made yes and he was in the air, but the only reason contact was made is because he kicked his leg out. However, in that situation, with Edwards fading away and to his right, you can't be that close to him and jump. It was incredibly tough. Seems like it was 50/50 according to what I've seen by non UT fans on if that's a four or not.
3. Thought the perimeter defense was better in the second half. Not great in the first. Purdue hit some shots, but UT struggled to defend ball screens all game. Cline hit some ridiculous shots and Turner did a hell of a job on Edwards, but Tennessee really had some weak moments in the first half guarding. Purdue really put Alexander in a bind all game slipping screens. I hate switching but UT seemed to do better switching. Honestly with Cline probably didn't matter tonight.
4. If you have told me Tennessee would only give up 11 offensive rebounds, hit 12 3's, and only have 7 turnovers...I would have been 95% confident in the win. Goddamit. Just too many 3 pointers given up and a lack of offense in the first half. Too many scoring droughts, which has been an issue all season.
5. Lamonte Turner has the heart of the lion man. I freaking love that kid. He guarded Edwards with everything in his fiber, his legs gave out, he made all the big plays to get the comeback. That kid has some large brass balls and he is incredible. Lamonte, I will remember a lot from this game but I will not forget how ****ing hard you played tonight sir.
6. I don't know what happened since the Kentucky win at home, but Jordan Bone just wasn't himself again. Never controlled the pace of the game, was hesitant. Got his shot blocked a few times. Never made a true impact. I don't know what it is was but he never looked comfortable tonight.
7. Player of the game: Lamonte Turner. See point #5. Again, unbelievable effort from him today. The state of Tennessee should be proud of him.
8. My only Barnes complaint: I thought Bone should have guarded Cline late instead of Bowden. Bone is fantastic off the ball and we saw Bone shut Herro down three times this year. Not even a criticism on Bowden, but he just could not fight through those screens today. Bone is so quick he can avoid them and get in the face of shooters. I would have tried that, just to do something different.
9. Admiral Schofield: What you did for this program will never be forgotten. A key part of an SEC title. Winning record against Kentucky. Basically the de facto captain of the last two years (winning 57 games in those two years). I don't know if I can adequately describe what you mean to this program and what you have done for Tennessee Athletics. You are a true joy. And will become a fantastic representative of the University of Tennessee in the coming years. And to Kyle Alexander, you went from unplayable but had to play to one of the best rim protectors in program history. I was so impressed by how much you improved in these last three years. Both you and Admiral are incredible young athletes that will represent UT well into the future. It's truly a damn shame your careers had to end with this kind of loss. And you have nothing to be ashamed of in your careers. Congrats to both of you.
10. It's extremely difficult to try and put into words this season. I HATE HATE HATE just flat out saying it was disappointing. It's almost unfair but a preseason top ten team not making the Elite Eight/Final Four and not winning an SEC Title is tough. Winning 31 games and being #1 for a month was a great accomplishment. And that shouldn't be taken away. But at some point, this program (not even Rick Barnes or these guys currently on the team) has to break this glass ceiling. The program is now 1-7 in Sweet Sixteen games. Still hasn't made a Final Four. Still hasn't won an SEC tournament title in 40 years. At some point, I really hope Tennessee can take the next step up as a program. This year was a really good run for the program and Barnes is starting to get top-notch talent. He has reestablished Tennessee as a top 25 program and that was desperately needed after the Bruce Pearl debacle. If Grant comes back, 6/8 top players come back from last year and they add a five star in Josiah James. It could be another really fun Tennessee team. But tonight, all I feel is nothing but disappointment losing in OT like this. What a tough break.
Go Vols.
2. My thoughts on the officiating after I calmed down. That wasn't 5 seconds and didn't look like the ball hit Edwards after the initial defense. I have no clue if he stepped out. That's such a bang bang play and wouldn't get overturned. It was a bad call on the foul. Contact was made yes and he was in the air, but the only reason contact was made is because he kicked his leg out. However, in that situation, with Edwards fading away and to his right, you can't be that close to him and jump. It was incredibly tough. Seems like it was 50/50 according to what I've seen by non UT fans on if that's a four or not.
3. Thought the perimeter defense was better in the second half. Not great in the first. Purdue hit some shots, but UT struggled to defend ball screens all game. Cline hit some ridiculous shots and Turner did a hell of a job on Edwards, but Tennessee really had some weak moments in the first half guarding. Purdue really put Alexander in a bind all game slipping screens. I hate switching but UT seemed to do better switching. Honestly with Cline probably didn't matter tonight.
4. If you have told me Tennessee would only give up 11 offensive rebounds, hit 12 3's, and only have 7 turnovers...I would have been 95% confident in the win. Goddamit. Just too many 3 pointers given up and a lack of offense in the first half. Too many scoring droughts, which has been an issue all season.
5. Lamonte Turner has the heart of the lion man. I freaking love that kid. He guarded Edwards with everything in his fiber, his legs gave out, he made all the big plays to get the comeback. That kid has some large brass balls and he is incredible. Lamonte, I will remember a lot from this game but I will not forget how ****ing hard you played tonight sir.
6. I don't know what happened since the Kentucky win at home, but Jordan Bone just wasn't himself again. Never controlled the pace of the game, was hesitant. Got his shot blocked a few times. Never made a true impact. I don't know what it is was but he never looked comfortable tonight.
7. Player of the game: Lamonte Turner. See point #5. Again, unbelievable effort from him today. The state of Tennessee should be proud of him.
8. My only Barnes complaint: I thought Bone should have guarded Cline late instead of Bowden. Bone is fantastic off the ball and we saw Bone shut Herro down three times this year. Not even a criticism on Bowden, but he just could not fight through those screens today. Bone is so quick he can avoid them and get in the face of shooters. I would have tried that, just to do something different.
9. Admiral Schofield: What you did for this program will never be forgotten. A key part of an SEC title. Winning record against Kentucky. Basically the de facto captain of the last two years (winning 57 games in those two years). I don't know if I can adequately describe what you mean to this program and what you have done for Tennessee Athletics. You are a true joy. And will become a fantastic representative of the University of Tennessee in the coming years. And to Kyle Alexander, you went from unplayable but had to play to one of the best rim protectors in program history. I was so impressed by how much you improved in these last three years. Both you and Admiral are incredible young athletes that will represent UT well into the future. It's truly a damn shame your careers had to end with this kind of loss. And you have nothing to be ashamed of in your careers. Congrats to both of you.
10. It's extremely difficult to try and put into words this season. I HATE HATE HATE just flat out saying it was disappointing. It's almost unfair but a preseason top ten team not making the Elite Eight/Final Four and not winning an SEC Title is tough. Winning 31 games and being #1 for a month was a great accomplishment. And that shouldn't be taken away. But at some point, this program (not even Rick Barnes or these guys currently on the team) has to break this glass ceiling. The program is now 1-7 in Sweet Sixteen games. Still hasn't made a Final Four. Still hasn't won an SEC tournament title in 40 years. At some point, I really hope Tennessee can take the next step up as a program. This year was a really good run for the program and Barnes is starting to get top-notch talent. He has reestablished Tennessee as a top 25 program and that was desperately needed after the Bruce Pearl debacle. If Grant comes back, 6/8 top players come back from last year and they add a five star in Josiah James. It could be another really fun Tennessee team. But tonight, all I feel is nothing but disappointment losing in OT like this. What a tough break.
Go Vols.
