UT Games: 2-1 +$590:00hour
Overall: 4-2 +785:00hour
SEC-Big East Challenge @Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA
Tennessee vs Pitt
Current Line: Pitt -8, 140
I have taken a sit back and watch approach since the Vols won the pre-season NIT in the "Gah-den". I thought the Vols did a great job in getting the big guys some looks, especially in the Nova game.
Scotty Hopson, although NIT MVP, has still not learned to play defense IMO, and has always struggled against physical teams. He has also not done well enough in knocking down the three, which will be key today if the Vols want to win the game.
What might really affect UT in this game is whether or not transfer, Jeronne Maymon, is cleared to play. Maymon is a 6'7, 258 lb banger who would be huge to have against a physical Pitt team. Maymon is scheduled to backup do-all freshman, Tobias Harris, in the rotation.
Get this - the provost, Dr. Susan Martin, will not allow Maymon to play because of a "window" where professors are allowed to change grades. Maymon has received all his grades.
Maymon has been contacted by his professors and been given their home phone numbers to validate the fact that his grades will not be changed.
In past seasons, transfers have been cleared to go once grades are posted.
Pearl was "visibly upset" when asked about the situation yesterday. He mentioned that adjustments would have to be made, and that Kenny Hall would now back-up Harris at the four, which is not good.
Keys for the Vols
Get Goin(s) - Melvin Goins, Vols PG, is going to have to lock down on Ashton Gibbs. Goins played very well defensively in the final two games in the Garden, and could create opportunities in the transition game.
Take it, make it - Cam Tatum and Hopson are going to have to be able to knock down some outside shots are the Panthers will sag defensively and dominate the boards.
No hack jobs - Without Maymon and 6-9 Renaldo Woodridge(ankle), it takes ten fouls away from an already depleted frontcourt. Brian Williams and Toby Harris are going to have to stay out of foul trouble. Hall, John Fields, and Steven Pearl, will have to play big and physical when they are on the floor.
One, Two, Three... - The Vols have to keep Pitt off the boards offensively. If Pitt is able to get second and third chances at scoring, it could be a long day.
If depth were a problem with Pitt, I would take the 8, but they are as deep or deeper than the Vols right now. I know this is not technically a "home game" for the Panthers, but I think they are 81-1 vs non-conference opponents at home during the Jamie Dixon era.
I think the distraction of not having Maymon will be an issue as well as the experience of Pitt. I also think that Pitt will take advantage of Pearl's rotation and when Goins is not on the floor, I think Gibbs will be able to find some open three's(45%). Some forget that the Vols best defensive player, Josh Bone, is out with a broken wrist until mid-season.
I think the total of 140 is also interesting. The Vols have gone over the total in every game this year and Pitt has gone over in 4 of 6 lined games. I think the line will climb a little, but will probably wait and see what happens.
Will post my play before tip, but waiting on two things:
1 - Maymon getting a last second OK
and
2 - Watching to see how high the total gets
Leans right now - Pitt and the under
Overall: 4-2 +785:00hour
SEC-Big East Challenge @Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA
Tennessee vs Pitt
Current Line: Pitt -8, 140
I have taken a sit back and watch approach since the Vols won the pre-season NIT in the "Gah-den". I thought the Vols did a great job in getting the big guys some looks, especially in the Nova game.
Scotty Hopson, although NIT MVP, has still not learned to play defense IMO, and has always struggled against physical teams. He has also not done well enough in knocking down the three, which will be key today if the Vols want to win the game.
What might really affect UT in this game is whether or not transfer, Jeronne Maymon, is cleared to play. Maymon is a 6'7, 258 lb banger who would be huge to have against a physical Pitt team. Maymon is scheduled to backup do-all freshman, Tobias Harris, in the rotation.
Get this - the provost, Dr. Susan Martin, will not allow Maymon to play because of a "window" where professors are allowed to change grades. Maymon has received all his grades.
Maymon has been contacted by his professors and been given their home phone numbers to validate the fact that his grades will not be changed.
In past seasons, transfers have been cleared to go once grades are posted.
Pearl was "visibly upset" when asked about the situation yesterday. He mentioned that adjustments would have to be made, and that Kenny Hall would now back-up Harris at the four, which is not good.
Keys for the Vols
Get Goin(s) - Melvin Goins, Vols PG, is going to have to lock down on Ashton Gibbs. Goins played very well defensively in the final two games in the Garden, and could create opportunities in the transition game.
Take it, make it - Cam Tatum and Hopson are going to have to be able to knock down some outside shots are the Panthers will sag defensively and dominate the boards.
No hack jobs - Without Maymon and 6-9 Renaldo Woodridge(ankle), it takes ten fouls away from an already depleted frontcourt. Brian Williams and Toby Harris are going to have to stay out of foul trouble. Hall, John Fields, and Steven Pearl, will have to play big and physical when they are on the floor.
One, Two, Three... - The Vols have to keep Pitt off the boards offensively. If Pitt is able to get second and third chances at scoring, it could be a long day.
If depth were a problem with Pitt, I would take the 8, but they are as deep or deeper than the Vols right now. I know this is not technically a "home game" for the Panthers, but I think they are 81-1 vs non-conference opponents at home during the Jamie Dixon era.
I think the distraction of not having Maymon will be an issue as well as the experience of Pitt. I also think that Pitt will take advantage of Pearl's rotation and when Goins is not on the floor, I think Gibbs will be able to find some open three's(45%). Some forget that the Vols best defensive player, Josh Bone, is out with a broken wrist until mid-season.
I think the total of 140 is also interesting. The Vols have gone over the total in every game this year and Pitt has gone over in 4 of 6 lined games. I think the line will climb a little, but will probably wait and see what happens.
Will post my play before tip, but waiting on two things:
1 - Maymon getting a last second OK
and
2 - Watching to see how high the total gets
Leans right now - Pitt and the under
