Call It a Statement Game: Vols Upset #13 Gators

Tennessee had the ball, and the game was over, the clock was ticking the final seconds away. There wasn’t a Tennessee fan in their seats as the crowd gave the team a standing ovation. For the first time in a long time, Tennessee fans had something to cheer about. The Vols had just shocked the No. 13 Gators. This first season has had it’s ups and downs for Cuonzo Martin, but the beginning of SEC play on Saturday has been the definite high point for the new coach. Tennessee won 67-56 in a game that saw the Volunteers  race away behind near perfect play in the second half, and the key was, Defense. Which has been Martin’s philosophy all along. Yes, this game was an essay in “Cunozo Ball.”

The shift in the starting line-up, adding freshman Josh Richardson and Senior Renaldo Woolridge seemed to be the change-up the Vols needed. The move also affected the Vols bench, Jordan McRae and Kenny Hall both took removal as a sign they needed to step up. McRae expanded the lead to a game high 16 points with 1:51 left in the game which all but put the game out of reach.

“I thought it was a great atmosphere. Fans gave great energy,” said Martin.” I thought they fed off the way our guys played hard. It fun to watch our guys really compete and battle. I don’t think there have been too many times like that this year that we’ve played like that from a passion standpoint, playing for each other and defending the way we did. I thought that was great.”

The Vols have won 5 straight at home heading into their SEC schedule. Don’t forget that star recruit Jarnell Stokes is set to join the team this week. The Vols head to No. 15 Mississippi State Thursday at 9.