The Volunteer News Wire – Daily News From Rocky Top

Tennessee better than 8-9 Record indicates | Chicago Tribune 

"“This is an NCAA tournament team,” Kentucky coachJohn Calipari told reporters after the game.And adding Jarnell Stokes makes the Volunteers a team that could go quite far."

UK, Tennessee finally on verge of real rivalry | Kentucky Sports.com 

"There is no reason to party like it’s 1958 but, in the long history between the sports teams of UK and UT, 2011-12 has already been one of the best years Kentucky has enjoyed in modern times."

SEC Teams supports Pat Summitt in “We Back Pat” Week | WBIR 

"The Southeastern Conference is putting rivalries aside this week to throw its support behind Lady Vols head basketball coach Pat Summitt.The SEC officially declared this week “We Back Pat” week at all of its men’s and women’s basketball games."

Lance Thompson appears headed back to Alabama | Go Vols Xtra 

"Defensive line coach Lance Thompson was tapped on Sunday night for a return to the Alabama staff he was a part of prior to landing with the Vols three years ago, according to a source in the program. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Thompson is set to take over the position most recently held by Sal Sunseri, whom UT just signed to a three-year deal to take over as its defensive coordinator."

No. 6 Lady Vols beat No. 25 Vanderbilt 87 -64 | Citizen Tribune 

"The evidence of sixth-ranked Tennessee’s scrappy, physical win over No. 25 Vanderbilt was all over the post-game press conference. Shekinna Stricklen limped in on crutches, while Glory Johnson had ice taped to her elbow and talked of a sore hip."

Around the SEC: Vols’ Martin praised by peers | Jackson Clarion Ledger 

"That’s what happened in recent weeks, though, with the curious case of Tennessee. Opposing coaches love the Vols and heap praise on first-year head man Cuonzo Martin – even though the team is one of only two in the league with a sub-.500 record."