Tennessee Vols morning report: Rick Barnes assistant previews LSU
Tennessee Vols basketball assistant coach Rob Lanier previewing Saturday’s match-up at the LSU Tigers leads our Volunteers news for Friday, Feb. 22, 2019.
Welcome to the final Friday in February. The Tennessee Vols have a ton of news happening with spring practice just around the corner and still having a ton to play for when it comes to the men’s basketball season.
Some of that comes into play with our morning update on Rocky Top, particularly the basketball news. But while that’s going on, we also have a few recaps and previews to bring you. That includes a recap of a women’s basketball game and previews of baseball and softball games.
Then we have a recap and preview of the continuation of SEC Championships in one sport and previews of SEC Championships in another sport and then a specific match in one. So there’s a lot to get to to kick off this weekend. Let’s start with the basketball news.
Rick Barnes assistant Rob Lanier speaks ahead of LSU – Grant Ramey, GoVols247
Tennessee Vols men’s basketball assistant coach Rob Lanier spoke with the media Thursday about the No. 5 ranked Vols’ Saturday trip to the LSU Tigers. At 24-2 and 12-1 in the SEC, this game is a great chance for them to get lots of breathing room in the race to win the regular season championship. Here’s a bit of what Lanier said.
"“I think we’ve got an unselfish group. I think we have to remain true to who we are as a team and continue to compete. Selfishness, sometimes, rears its head when you lose perspective a little bit. The kids have gone through a stretch that was unprecedented for all of us for the most part.”"
Grant Williams a semifinalist for Naismith Awards – NaismithTrophy.com
Tennessee basketball junior forward Grant Williams was named among 10 finalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award. Williams joined Kentucky Wildcats guard Ashton Hagans as the only two SEC players on the list, and Zion Williamson was also on there.
"The Atlanta Tipoff Club administers the Naismith Awards, the most prestigious national honors in all of college and high school basketball. Named in honor of Dr. James Naismith, inventor of the game of basketball, the family of Naismith Awards annually recognizes the top men’s and women’s college and high school basketball players and coaches."
Tennessee Lady Vols fall at Texas A&M – APNews.com
The Tennessee women’s basketball team lost on the road Thursday night to the No. 21 ranked Texas A&M Aggies. Despite a huge road win last Sunday over the Missouri Tigers and winning five of six before Thursday, Tennessee fell to 17-9 and 6-7 in the SEC after allowing Kayla Wells and Chennedy Carter to go off for 29 and 28 points respectively.
"The Aggies (20-6, 9-4), led by five at halftime before outscoring the Lady Vols 27-12 in the third quarter, shooting 69 percent with Wells scoring 13 points and Carter 10. The lead reached 23 with 4:28 left in the game."
Tennessee baseball begins second series – Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com
After a 4-0 start, the Tennessee Vols baseball team is set to begin its second series of the year this weekend at home against the Indiana Hoosiers. With no runs allowed yet on the year, here are their starting pitchers for the weekend.
"Friday: RHP Garrett Stallings (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. RHP Pauly Milto (1-0, 0.00 ERA)Saturday: RHP Zach Linginfelter (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. RHP Tanner Gordon (0-1, 2.25 ERA)Sunday: RHP Will Neely (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. LHP Tommy Sommer (1-0, 0.00 ERA)"
Tennessee softball hosts Tennessee Classic – UTSports
After winning three of five games in the St. Pete/Clearwater Invitational last weekend, the Tennessee Lady Vols softball team is back at home this weekend for the Tennessee Classic. They’ll face five teams over the next four days in the event, including the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday, the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday and Sunday, the Bradley Braves on Sunday and the Louisville Cardinals on Monday.
"Tennessee’s weekend matchups can be followed on UTSports.com via live radio stream by visiting the schedule page and clicking the “Listen” link next to the game or going to the UT Gameday App. All five of UT’s games will also be broadcast on SECN+/WatchESPN App. A live stats link will be available next to each game on the schedule page."
Swimming and Diving has mixed results at SEC Championships – SECSports.com
On the third day of SEC Championships, the Tennessee men’s swimming and diving team moved back up to No. 4 in the rankings. However, the Lady Vols dropped for the second straight day to No. 3 overall.
"The 2019 SEC Swimming & Diving Championships continues on Friday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. ET with the preliminaries for the 200 fly, 100 back, 100 breast and women’s platform diving, followed by the finals of those four events plus the 400 medley relay starting at 6 p.m. ET. Both sessions can be viewed on SEC Network+."
Indoor Track and Field SEC Championships to begin – ArkansasRazorbacks.com
The 2019 Indoor Track and Field SEC Championships are schedule to begin Friday, and this year’s it’s hosted by the Arkansas Razorbacks. Tennessee has one of eight women’s programs ranked entering the tournament, with them being at No. 24, but the men’s program is not among the seven programs ranked on that side.
"Competition gets underway Friday at 11 a.m. with the multi-events to be followed by the running events and select field events. Day two of the SEC Championships will begin at 10:45 a.m. with the multi-events and will be followed by the finals of the running events and the conclusion of the field events."
Men’s tennis set for two weekend road games – UTSports
The Tennessee Vols men’s tennis teams will travel over the weekend and face two different teams on the road. Ranked No. 15/26, Tennessee will visit the No. 29 ranked N.C. State Wolfpack Friday and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Sunday.
"The match against NC State is set for 3 p.m. in Raleigh, N.C., followed by a trip to Atlanta, Ga., to take on Georgia Tech at 11 a.m. The Vols (6-1) are coming off a 4-0 win over Duke that was in Orlando, Fla., at the USTA National Campus."