Having played poorly to start on the defensive end and endured a hot shooting start from Tenn. there is one take for me. This team can beat anyone.......and maybe on most nights. Tenn. plays impressive defense and shot the well well to start the game.....and are losing at the half at home.
If this team can defend like their season depends on elite focus at all times...which it does....the dreams they think will never come true can become reality!! This isn't Arizona at McHale, but the top 10 teams are all pretty much clones. There are things I did not like, but there are so many aspects of this team to cherish.
And most of all, Ty had obviously worked hard to change his FT mechanics for the better and hit 3 of 4. Getting his eyes still and attempting to create a consistent length and speed of lift or two really positive steps and paying off. Also, I love seeing Q hitting shots.
Vols are obviously trying to take Domask out of the offensive game. Yet, in doing so, others are picking up the slack. They are really cognizant of TSjr. too, but no one will take him out of any game....but he will have to work his tail off to impact the game, and appears to be doing just that on both ends.
I would love...and this team needs....to see CoHawk be very aggressive around the rim on offense. With all the focus on TSjr and MD, the Vols are vulnerable there and on most trips CoHawk ends up with a 6 ft. guard on him inside 10 ft. Why BU does not demand him to score in that situation is a mystery to most everyone who understands the game.
Overall, the first half was far from perfectly played from our imperfect team, but the favorable result was....well....perfect!!!