Eric Berry reacts during the Memphis-Tennessee game. Photo by Randy Sartin

KNOXVILLE—Thompson-Boling Arena was painted orange with official attendance numbering 19,535. Vol football coach Butch Jones was introduced to a rousing ovation during the first media timeout. Former All-American and current Pro-Bowler Eric Berry was even in the house. But that wasn’t enough to keep the Vols from getting off to a sluggish start against their in-state rivals.

Richardson shoots over the defender for two of his 20 points.
Photo by Reed Carringer

Memphis jumped on Tennessee early and often and survived a furious comeback from the short-handed Vols. The Tigers led at the half 42-28 thanks to some hot shooting and solid defense. Tennessee made just 26.7% of their attempts in the first half while Memphis shot a scorching 64%. Though the Tigers’ advantage swelled to 62-41 at the 12:55 mark in the second half, Jordan McRae and Josh Richardson got things going.

“I thought that McRae and Richardson were aggressive in finding guys. When we struggle getting production, we have to get that ball in the lane and I think our guys did that in the second half,” Martin said. “That has to become who we are on a daily basis – being aggressive, scoring the basketball, attacking the rim. Joe Jackson (Memphis point guard) did a great job getting in the seams and finding guys. We have to have someone get in the seams and find guys.”

McRae had just five points at the half but caught fire after the break. The talented forward put on a show hitting four 3s and scoring 21 huge second-half points. Sophomore guard Josh Richardson joined the post-halftime fireworks. Richardson had two points after the first 20 minutes of play, but scored 18 on 8-11 shooting after intermission. Their 39 combined second- half points were 11 more than the entire Vol team scored in the first half and just three short of Memphis’ second-half total (42).

The duo’s joint efforts brought the Vols to within six with 6:47 left in the game, but Memphis’ Geron Johnson (16 points, 5 rebounds) hit a huge 3 to give the Tigers a nine-point lead. When a Stokes layup cut the deficit to five (69-64), Johnson struck again from beyond the arc. The Vols closed to within four with 46 seconds left, but fell short after Memphis made their final six free throws.

McRae scores two of his 26 points. Photo by Reed Carringer

Kenny Hall (13 points, 11 rebounds) stepped up with his first double-double of the year while Stokes bounced back from a subpar effort against Xavier with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Cuonzo was pleased with the play of his big men.

“Jarnell and Kenny played their best game together. That’s the best Jarnell has played as far as playing hard and battling. We did a good job out-rebounding those guys. Jarnell and Kenny were attacking the glass and giving us extra plays, which was good.”

Conversely, this was the second consecutive game in which Golden (Tennessee’s leading scorer) failed to make a field goal. In fact, Golden is 1-16 from the floor the past three games. Tennessee simply must have more production from their floor leader if they hope to be playing in March. Golden has been banged up with a shoulder strain/bruise, but Martin did not list that as an excuse for his point guard’s play.

“When you step on the floor, it’s time to play basketball. I don’t think it was a factor because he wanted to go back in the game.”

Martin informed the media that a decision will be made by Monday (at the latest) as the whether Maymon will play this year. Freshman forward Derek Reese, who made his debut against Xavier earlier in the week, missed the game due to a sprained ankle. He is listed as questionable moving forward.

Up Next: The Vols return to the court in the final game of their six game homestand Wednesday. They open SEC play against Ole Miss at 8 p.m. TV: WVLT.