I'm glad JaJuan is out of his slump, and overall he had a very nice game, but he still makes too many stupid plays, and the play at the end was just a highlight of the stupid plays.
At least 3 times during the game, he got a rebound and ran down the court and jacked up a stupid shot when all his team was still behind him, giving them absolutely no chance for a rebound. Those are wasted possessions and they really hurt the team. He's going to have to get better at that.
Anyone know status of Lofton's ankle, I mean I did not see it happen. Was in the store when it happened then got in the car and heard Kesling's usual lackluster update on the situation.
So how bad was/is it?
My post may seem a little harsh on JaJuan. Truth is, he's a good player. This is his first year starting and he is really still learning how to play right. I guess I just get a little irritated at him sometimes.
you should have seen Pearls face when he did that.I am sorry, but Smith's try for the dunk was pretty classless. I mean you just scored 21 points and broke a win streak. It is not like we are #1 and beating the world. My attitude toward him changes every night because of stupid stunts like this. I just do not see Pearl liking it at all. If I were him I would make him come off the bench for a few games. Just respect the game a little more and stop trying to showboat.
TENNESSEE HEAD COACH Bruce Pearl: "I said here after the Mississippi State game that all SEC victories were precious, but what I do not want is for them to be precious and few. On the heels of three close losses and losing our All-America player, we could have folded. This situation did not build character; it revealed character.
"JaJuan Smith played a terrific game and got us off to a good start. I was very disappointed and upset about the last play. He understands and is sorry.
"We really need 24 hours to have a decent examination to determine what happened to Chris Lofton. He has an ankle sprain, and his ankle is swollen.
"For Wayne Chism to have a double-double as a freshman is exceptional. What people may not see, however, is his defensive play. He is special on defense because of his feet. He had to step out at Tre Kelley a couple of times. Duke Crews had family members here, and I would have liked to play him more, but we had to go with the hot hand.
"Jordan Howell's return for 16 minutes was important in our victory. Without Howell at the same time we were without Lofton, we would have been more challenged. Tomorrow I will start preparing our team for the Ole Miss game, and we will figure what we will do either with or without Lofton.
"For us to hold South Carolina to 61 points, win the battle of the boards, and get to the free-throw line the way we did is certainly pleasing. Ramar Smith is totally accountable, and I appreciate that quality in him. I have stood over a 15-foot putt for a dollar, and felt more pressure than Ramar seemed to when he was at the free-throw line tonight. That makes him a standout among freshmen."
I was referring to the numbers. It was a tough game for the crowd to get involved. The sluggish tempo and the Lofton injury drained the energy out of the building.I guess you mean the size of the crowd, because they never seemed to get loud, by listening to it on TV. Was it actually louder in the arena?