View from 315A

The Tennessee basketball team scored a huge victory at Florida on Wednesday night and clinched its first SEC championship in 41 years. The 27th win of the season set a new school record. The previous record was held by the 1999-2000 Vols who posted a 26-7 record.

The game mirrored the game with the Gators on February 5 in Knoxville. In that game, Florida jumped out to a 13-point lead before Tennessee ran away, 104-82. In Gainesville, Florida was up by as many as 16 before losing 89-86.

Florida hit its first nine shots of the game (including three three-point buckets from Walter Hodge) en route to shooting 68% in the first half. The Gators played well, shooting 60% from the field and 81% from the line during the game. Tennessee’s first lead did not come until 70-69.

Seniors JaJuan Smith (23 points) and Chris Lofton (21) led Tennessee. The duo combined to shoot 15 of 26 from the field, including 8 of 15 from 3-point range. Tyler Smith added 13 points and 8 rebounds, including a put back of a JaJuan Smith missed free throw that gave Tennessee the lead for good.

The game would have been Senior night for the Gators, except for the fact that all four of their would-be seniors are now playing in the NBA.

Some random game thoughts:

• I do not know why Wayne Chism had athletic tape on his shoulder, but since the 49% free throw shooter knocked down both ends of a clutch one-and-one offering, I say keep it.
  
• I would love to know what Florida’s Marreese Speights (yes, that is the correct spelling) said or did to Tyler Smith to merit the stare down he received in the second half.
  
• I thought it was incredibly ironic that Duke Crews, of all people, was restraining Smith and playing the peacemaker. This was definitely not typecasting.
  
• Florida freshman forward Chandler Parsons besmirches my name. I looked older in elementary school than he does now. Then again, I was shaving. Is he?
  
• Not since Zack Morris has someone used as much hair product as Florida guard Nick Calathes. I must admit, the guy is a great player. He finished with 24 points and 9 rebounds.
  
• At one point the announcer said, "JaJuan Smith is all over Nick Calathes" but it sounded like he said "JaJuan Smith is all over the ladies." This would have been far more interesting.
  
• The obligatory Tim Tebow reference was made in the Florida game. I am just grateful that Verne Lundquist was not the commentator. Had he been, Tebow would have overshadowed the game and Lundquist would have asked him to don a jersey (or at least a cape) to win the game.