Here is another game the old Tennessee BasketVols would lose. Arkansas is the #6 team in the SEC. Tennessee is coming off of a great road win against the Gators. We have to guard against a let down. Arkansas is one of the bubble teams fighting for its post season chances. The difference between the old Tennessee BasketVols and the present day team is Coach Pearl. Another pivotal SEC match-up tips off just after the Tennessee vs Arkansas game ends. Kentucky goes to LSU to take on the 24th ranked Tigers. Go Wildcats! Beat the Tigers.
The first half ends with Tennessee up by 6, 42 to 36. I saw something in this game called against Arkansas that I had only seen this year called against Tennessee Lady Vols. Brewer for Arkansas made a basket in the paint. Arkansas' Townes grabs the ball and tosses it towards Bradshaw of Tennessee while mouthing off "Take that Bradshaw!" Townes is immediately hit with a technical foul. Tennessee's Bradshaw makes the two free throws and Townes is benched. Arkansas looks good in this contest. The lead changed many times in the middle of the period. Go Vols!
With 7:23 left, Tennessee has extended the lead to 12, 63 to 51. Arkansas still has potential and Tennessee has two starters with 4 fouls each.
Arkansas goes on an 8 - 0 run with Tennessee attempting nothing but 3 point shots and missing badly. Tennessee up 63 - 59 with 5:02 left
That run is now 17 - 3 and Arkansas has the lead 68 - 66. Tennessee is 1 for 8 on their last 8 possessions will all attempts being 3 point shots. Live and die by the three I guess. 1:49 left in the game.
A let down that I spoke of could be the outcome here. There is a full time out with 29 seconds left and Arkansas is up by 3, 72 - 69. Tennessee will have the ball when play begins.
I just can't understand why Tennessee was going for the low percentage shots with a 12 point lead late in the game. That dry spell gave Arkansas the opening they needed. Arkansas wins by 4. This will make it extremely difficult to win the SEC outright. Congrats to Arkansas.
Tom, I've been gone all day, but let me say this about Arkansas, they are a good team. I've heard a lot of talking heads on TV talk about how Arkansas is an up and coming and they expect them to finish strong. That makes it so much more painful for Gators, we beat you and we were still in the running. Gator Bill
Tough loss for the Vols, esp after the big win in Gainesville. But as Bill said Ark is a team that has talent and is getting it together at the right time of the year. They could be this years West Virginia. Terry