Printer-Friendly Format     E-mail this article     Bruce Pearl
	Men's Basketball Home HEADLINES San Antonio Spurs Sign Former Vol Marcus Haislip Maccabiah Games hit home for Pearl Pearl Tandem Leads U.S. Maccabi Team to Exhibition Win Over Philly All-Stars RELATED LINKS • Follow all of the college basketball action at CollegeSports.com   • Email this to a friend

Tennessee has won nine of its last 11 games

March 19, 2007

1. What does it mean to you and the Tennessee program to reach the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA?

A - "They tend to remember what you did in March. Coaches dwell more on the regular season. But fans and historians and, sometimes, players remember mostly about the tournaments. To have 16 teams left, and for Tennessee to be one of them, is a pretty exciting prospect."

2. Describe the play of Chris Lofton in clutch situations such as late in Sunday's Virginia game.

A - "Who would you rather have the ball than Chris Lofton? They double- and triple-teamed him to keep the ball out of his hands because they knew it meant two points. Credit Chris and also Dane Bradshaw for getting the ball into the man we wanted to have it."

3. Remark on the improvement as individuals of the nine Vols who play on a regular basis.

A - "We have all gotten better. Ramar Smith had the most difficult transition of anybody from high school to college. Jordan Howell improved his defense dramatically. Josh Tabb is feeling more and more comfortable. Chris Lofton has become a scorer, not just a shooter. JaJuan Smith is letting things come to him, and his percentages are up. Dane Bradshaw is the glue. Ryan Childress has stepped up in a big way. Duke Crews when he brings his high energy is one of the most effective undersized post players in the country. Wayne Chism some nights can play with the best in the country."

4. What did the Vols learn earlier about Ohio State in the two-point loss at Columbus Jan. 13?

A - "Ohio State is better now than earlier. A lot better. The rest of the team is playing better with Greg Oden than then. They have special point guards. It's a tough matchup for us."

5. What are the keys to UT's chances in the NCAA tournament Thursday (9:57E) against Ohio State?

A - "We need to keep them off the offensive boards and limit Greg Oden's touches. We need to make some shots, and we need to have people do something special in order to advance."