McRae is averaging 24.3 points over the last 3 games.
Photo by Reed Carringer

TUSCALOOSA—Tennessee came into the game desperately needing a win to halt a two-game losing streak. Alabama was in a similar position after losing three of their last four. Yet the Tide persevered, using a late 8-0 run to take a 60-55 lead over the Vols on the way to a hard-fought 68-65 win.  Alabama’s victory moved them to 9-6 , while Tennessee fell to 8-6.

The game didn’t always look like the Tide would emerge victorious as Tennessee led 28-24 at the half. Jordan McRae had 10 points at intermission and the Vols had scored six consecutive points while Alabama leading-scorer Trevor Releford (16.3 points per game) was held scoreless. That changed dramatically after the break.

The talented Tide guard scored eight of Alabama’s first 10 points in the second half and finished with 15 points on 5-10 shooting.

“We need for Releford to be aggressive offensively.  We need Lacy (15 points) to be aggressive and make the game easier for the other guys out there on the floor.  In the first half we let our offensive struggles effect our defense and running the floor,” Alabama coach Anthony Grant said. “Then in the second half we fought and at the end of the day that’s what I’m looking for.  I just ask them to work hard every day and that will transfer to what we do on the court.  Tonight in the second half is a good example.”

Though the Vols lost, it wasn’t due to lack of aggressiveness. Turnovers (16 for Tennessee to Alabama’s 7) cost the Vols the game.

“I told the guys after the game — minus the turnovers — that’s the way I see Tennessee basketball playing. We played with a lot of enthusiasm, with a lot of passion, but came up short. Give those guys (Alabama) a lot of credit. They defended their homecourt and found ways to win the game. They stepped it up defensively and made plays the way they needed to,” Cuonzo said.

The Vols weren’t without their chances to win. Tennessee led 55-52 before Alabama went on a 10-0 run. During the Tide run, Tennessee committed three consecutive turnovers.

“You have to step up late in games. Its not a case of beating up the guys. You have to take care of the basketball late in games if you want to have a chance to win games. We came up short in that department,” said Martin.

Moore tied a career high with 7 points against the Tide.
Photo by Reed Carringer

One of the bright spots in a sputtering season for the Vols continues to be Jordan McRae. The junior forward led all scorers with 21 points and is averaging 24.3 points the last three games. He was the only Vol to score in double-figures.  Also of note, seldom-used freshman guard Armani Moore tied a career-high with seven points.

Struggling Vol point guard Trae Golden looked much healthier than he has  in recent weeks, and finished with eight points even though he didn’t start.

“Just thought it was the best situation for team and Trae. (Try to) get Trae relaxed and settled and getting back to playing the way he is capable of playing. I thought he did a solid job out there tonight,” Martin stated. “Also, I thought Armani did a tremendoud job playing in an atmosphere he hasn’t played in, in three games. He’s not phased by this type of environment and that’s why he played the way he played.”

Cuonzo continues to wrestle with his rotation, playing some guys extended minutes one game and none the next. He’s searching like these Vols. Searching for an answer to a season which has not gone as planned. The Vols are 0-2 in the SEC and on their way to Rupp Arena, where Tennessee hasn’t won since 2006.

The good news for the Vols; they started 1-3 in conference play last year only to finish second in the SEC with a 10-6 record. Tennessee will have plenty of opportunities to right the ship. No better time for a mid-season turnaround than to emerge from Rupp victorious Tuesday night against the struggling Wildcats. If last year taught us anything, it’s to never count these Vols out.

Up Next: The Vols travel to Rupp Arena to take on Kentucky (10-5) Tuesday at 7 p.m. TV: ESPN.