Louisiana-Lafayette Review

The Vols were able to hold off a late rally by the Ragin Cajuns to secure a victory Monday night by a score of 77-67. Pearl changed things up some and started Junior Jordan Howell at point guard and limited Ramar Smith to 10 minutes for the game. Jordan was able to take advantage of the opportunity, recording 3 rebounds with 5 points, 3 assists and 2 turnovers. Jordan also had two late free throws that were crucial in defending the lead late in the game. Some thoughts on the game:

1) Starting Jordan Howell. What a great idea. I had sort of been pushing for Jordan to start, as had many others, but Jordan proved why he should start tonight. He is by far a calming influence on the team, and the team seemed to strive with him out there. I also think it will be better for Ramar to watch Jordan some at the beginning of the game, and allow him to see how the game is going. I just hope Ramar plays more than 10 minutes next game.

2) Crews and Chism. Tonight was a great example of why those two probably won’t play much together this year. Childress has seemed to regress a little the last couple of games, and that has really hurt the post depth. Right now, the Vols just don’t have the depth in the post to be able to play the two together for very long if at all.

3) Chris Lofton. I called you out after last game, and you returned to your old self this game. I was glad to welcome the old Chris back. He looked for his shot, and took it when the opportunity presented itself. He had some great passes to teammates which created buckets, and his teammates were looking for Chris tonight. Bravo!

4) Resilience. The Vols were able to hold off the Cajuns in a semi hostile environment. Those that were there seemed to create noise for the Cajuns, especially when they went on their run in the second half, and I wondered who this young team would respond. Well, the veterans stepped up and made a statement that they wouldn’t let this game get away. Bradshaw came away with critical steals. Lofton hit a clutch three while getting fouled but it not being called. Howell hit two crucial free throws late in the game. Way to go vets.

5) In a rare stat, UT had more offensive rebounds than defensive rebounds this game. The Vols recorded 16 offensive rebounds led by Chism with 6, and 15 defensive rebounds. Chism led the Vols with 9 rebounds. If Chism can improve his strength and finishing around the rim, he could easily average over 10 points a game. Only experience and age can improve that.

Stat Line of the Night:

                 TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
Player Name      FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
23 Bradshaw,Dane  2-7    1-3    2-2    1  1  2   1   7  6  2  0  5  29