The Tennessee Volunteer basketball team had it’s annual game with an non conference juggernaut this past Saturday. This year, the defending National Champion UConn Huskies were on the schedule. Coming off of a pitiful loss to Georgia in Athens, the Vols needed a big win to help with their tournament chances and this was exactly what they did. Not only did they win the game, but they grew while in the process.
My biggest fear entering the last 2 minutes of the game (up by 9) was that the Vols would be unable to finish like in their past games. In games against Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Georgia, UT was not able to close the door or get over that final hump to get the victory or send it into overtime. My fear almost became reality when UConn hit 3 straight 3’s and brought the game within 2 in the last minute. It all came down to how they could fair at the free throw line which also scared me. The Vols were 4-11 from the charity strike for the first 75% of the game but they made them when it matters. Down the stretch, UT cleaned it up and made 7 of their last 10 free throws, including 2 clutch free throws by Skyler McBee, to seal the deal on a scary ending for all UT fans.
As the final half court shot went off target, I jumped up and down with Sam while he screamed, “WE WON! WE WON!” Yeah, thats how it feels to win a big game at home when you really need one. Sure we beat Florida earlier this year but, let’s be honest, we’re used to beating Florida in basketball. We’re not used to beating the defending National Champions or not. I don’t care that they didn’t have Kemba Walker. They had the possible #1 pick in the coming draft Andre Drummond, or so I’m told. I didn’t see much of him in this game.
Now, I will bring up the topic that everyone else is discussing: JARNELL STOKES. Holy cow. What is there to say about this guy? He has faced the possible #1 and #2 picks in the coming NBA draft (Andre Drummond and Anthony Davis) and had good games against both including a double-double (16 points and 12 rebounds). Let this sink in, folks… HE IS SUPPOSE TO BE PLAYING IN HIGH SCHOOL RIGHT NOW. He turned 18 years old the day UT beat Florida! Now that’s not even the best part. Cuonzo Martin said after the game, “He is about 60-70% of where he can be right now.” Now that is scary. He has nowhere to go but up and wants to get better. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s an exciting time to be a Tennessee basketball fan.
Now the Vols travel to Nashville tonight to face Vanderbilt. Vandy has a history of taking down the Vols when they are coming off a big win. This team needs to put the other games behind them and play their game. They have proved that they are very hard to beat when they play their game and Cuonzo’s style of play. I just really hope that I can see the look on Coach Martin’s face when he takes his first look at Memorial Stadium.