Despite intense play by the Bammers, the No 7 BasketVols managed to hold off Tide and win in Coleman Coliseum for the first time since 1998, 93 -86. Chris Lofton — continuing his return to his form of last year, scored 23 points, while Tyler Smith added a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. That is a cause for celebration.

On the flip side, the BasketVols allowed 23 turnovers and allowed Alabama to whittle Tennessee’s 10-point lead down to 3 late in the second half. Fortunately, JaJuan Smith fired off three rapid-fire three pointers to put the game away. After the game, Coach Pearl criticized his squad for playing recklessly on offense and defense, especially during the first-half, when they shot only 31% from the floor.

To their credit, the Tide played with real fire in front of the “white out” full house at Coleman Coliseum — which has been a house of horrors for the Vols over the years. The Tide had four scorers in double figures, led by Alonzo Gee, who added 27 points to the Tide total.

While the BasketVols are now 18-2 (5-1 in the SEC), and in the driver’s seat in the SEC East, they must focus in on better discipline on both defense and offense if they want to be playing deep into March. Be that as it may, a win is a win. In the past, this would have been a game the Vols would have lost. Under Coach Pearl, however, they just seem to find a way to win. That confidence has to be a boost for the team as they head down the stretch in February. The good news is, with their 18th win, the BasketVols have already qualified for the NCAA Tournament.

For a more in-depth breakdown, visit the Bruce Ball Blog.

Next up, the Vols face the Bulldogs of Mississippi State in Starkville, on Saturday, 2 February at 7:00pm.

- Go Figure …

Technorati Tags: Tennessee Volunteers,Bammers,Alabama Crimson Tide,SEC Basketball,College Basketball,BasketVols,JaJuan Smith,Chris Lofton,Bruce Pearl,Coleman Coliseum,Mississippi State Bulldogs,White Out,Tyler Smith,Alonzo Gee

About the Author:  "Lawvol" -- I'm just a guy living in North Carolina who has an unnatural fascination with the color orange. Just because I'm a Tennessee alum and die-hard Volunteer fan doesn't mean that I can't poke a little fun at the Big Orange and anybody else for that matter. Feel free to complain all you want. >> Read more from this author

Allegedy Related Posts (Computer Generated):

• Well, that sucked… (2)
• The Vols Come up Short Against Kentucky (1)
• The Price of Success … Complaints (2)