In the history of its in-state rivalry with Vanderbilt, the Tennessee men’s basketball team has beaten the Commodores 101 times – more than any other opponent.
But win No. 102 could be one of the most important.
“We’re down right now and we really need a good dose of something positive,” Volunteers’ coach Buzz Peterson said. “A win over Vanderbilt would sure get us in the right direction.”
The Vols (9-2, 1-1 SEC) face the 20th-ranked ‘Dores (12-1, 1-1) tonight at 7:30 in Thompson-Boling Arena. Vandy is coming off its first loss of the season against No. 5 Kentucky.
According to Peterson, a win over a quality opponent would help remove the stain of a blowout loss at Florida over the weekend. But the Vols’ coach also says the Commodores won’t be a pushover.
“I really think they’re better defensively than they have been in the past,” Peterson said. “They have some really big, strong athletes who can hurt you if you’re not shooting well.”
Vanderbilt is holding opponents to 62.1 points-per-game this season (UT 69.2). The Commodores started the season hot with wins over Big Ten opponents Indiana and Michigan, and already have surpassed last year’s win total (11-18).
“They’re a mature team that has really strong senior leadership,” Peterson said. “I think that’s been key to their success.”
Among those seniors is 6-foot-10 forward Matt Freije, who is second only to the Vols’ Scooter McFadgon in the SEC in scoring.
“But we were able to slow him down before, and we should be able to again.”
Tennessee swept the series last season, winning in Knoxville, 71-66, and in Nashville, 70-65. Crump said he knows the ‘Dores should be more than ready for this year’s match-up after last season’s close games.
“I know Vanderbilt wants to beat us really badly,” the junior said. “But we need this game. We have a lot of tough games coming up and we don’t need back-to-back losses.”
Seniors aren’t the only reason Vandy finds itself in the running for a divisional crown. Sophomore point guard Mario Moore and junior Jason Holwerda have both been pivotal to the ‘Dores strong half-court offense.
“Their guard play has really improved,” Peterson said. “If they’re clicking like they have all season, they will be tough to slow down offensively.”
Tennessee is undefeated at home this season (8-0). According to Crump, he and the rest of the Vols would love to keep it that way.
“They will play us hard,” Crump said. “But we are hungry for a win right now, and I think we’re going to continue that home success.”
