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Why Tennessee basketball’s loss to Texas Tech was a total fluke and is no cause for alarm

By Caleb Calhoun

Dec 7, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Kennedy Chandler (1) drives to the basket as Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Kevin Obanor (0) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Kennedy Chandler (1) drives to the basket as Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Kevin Obanor (0) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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On the surface, it seems like cause for panic. Tennessee basketball lost on a neutral court to a Texas tech Red Raiders team that was coming off a loss the Providence Friars. It’s their second loss, both of which were due to their three-point shot not falling, the first being against the Villanova Wildcats.

A team that can’t figure out ways to score if its three-point shot isn’t falling would seem to be in trouble once NCAA Tournament play comes. However, this is a unique case that goes a bit deeper than just your three-point shot not falling, and quite honestly, it’s proof that this was a fluke.

Texas Tech’s defense consistently collapsed in the paint. They intentionally left everything open from beyond the arc and focused on shutting down Kennedy Chandler from driving to the basket along with keeping Tennessee basketball’s post players from scoring.

This focus is evidenced by the fact that the Vols got just 11 offensive rebounds despite 52 misses from the field and 34 misses from the three-point line. Everything Texas Tech focused on was not allowing second-chance points and not allowing points in the paint.

That left the Vols wide open for three-pointers, more than they usually are. The problem is that they just didn’t hit any, going 6-of-40 on the night and at one point being 3-for-32 in regulation. Here’s why this is a fluke: even on a bad night, UT isn’t going to be that bad from three.

The problem is the Vols flew from Colorado to New York in a matter of three days. They played the Buffaloes on the road Saturday, a game they won 69-54. That quick turnaround wasn’t just a chance in the time zone. It was a chance once again in the altitude.

When you factor both things in, it’s easy to see how Tennessee basketball could struggle the way it did. Remember, everybody taking part in the Jimmy V Classic had what would be considered a bad night at Madison Square Garden. If the Vols just hit 20 percent of their threes, which is still an awful night, they win comfortably in regulation.

Rick Barnes’ kids had plenty of open looks. The shots just weren’t falling. It’s no cause for panic yet. We should note that if Josiah-Jordan James doesn’t lose his balance on a wide open dunk, the Vols win anyway.

If you want proof that there was something extra off about the shooting, look at the free throw line. Rocky Top was 8-of-16 on the night, or 50 percent, despite being 71 percent on the year. They just had an uncharacteristic night shooting that was a bit extra from the travel layover.

Going forward, teams won’t be able to get away with stopping Tennessee basketball this way. They’ll have to stretch out to the perimeter to guard the Vols, and when that happens, either one of the post players can make an impact or Chandler can drive to the basket. Don’t worry about Tuesday’s game. It was a total fluke.

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