Attention readers Vol head coach Jerry Green’s jacket came off Sunday. And it was an exhibition game.
In front of a sparse crowd at Thompson-Boling Arena, it took the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers a five-minute overtime period to pull out a 101-97 victory over Athletes in Action (5-9). AIA was playing their 11th game in 12 days.
With 40 seconds left in overtime, Tony Harris nailed a clutch three to give Tennessee a 100-97 lead. The crowd erupted and remained on its feet.
A standing ovation at an exhibition game? When’s the last time you remember that happening? It was almost like UT was playing Kentucky.
Athletes in Action needed a three to tie the game but couldn’t convert due to two consecutive Marcus Haislip blocks in opposite corners of the floor. AIA ended up making 17 threes on the evening.
Considering all the preseason hype that has surrounded the Volunteers, it would have been extremely embarrassing if they had lost Sunday.
On the other hand, it might have been better for the Vols if Athletes in Action had won the game. It could have been a gut check that would have humbled the Volunteers before heading into their regular season opener Friday night.
And Sunday, it seemed as though the Vols needed just that. At any rate, a win is a win.
While sitting courtside with my Beacon compadres, I was wondering what was going on. Instead of a controlled team that was picked to win the SEC, I saw a bunch of stars trying to carry the team on their shoulders by taking on new roles.
One role that is in need to be filled is that of graduated post player C.J. Black. Remember the good ol’ days when the bulky center would pull up in uncharted waters and sink a three pointer from the top of the key?
Well ladies and gentlemen, we have a replacement. With the game too close to call and only minutes remaining, Marcus Haislip launched two threes from Black’s patented position. The only problem was that they were bricks.
Another thing that fans across Rocky Top will be looking forward to is the excitement of sophomore Ron Slay. Remember last year when Slay would simply take over the game in the paint and dominate the glass?
Slay was missing in action Sunday by Athletes in Action’s interior. Although Slay recorded five points and five boards, he also had five fouls in his 20 minutes of play.
There were times when I wondered if Slay knew that the game was underway. I mean, where’s the hustle man? He’s got to be diving on the floor, chasing after loose balls and taking the rock to the hole with authority on offense.
With the sloppiness that the Vols displayed Sunday, I have to wonder what kind of mindset we will see before Friday’s matchup with Chattanooga.
