University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Look To Rebound On The Bayou
March 02, 2015 | Men's Basketball
By Katie Van Veghel
UTSports.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- After a down-then-up 73-55 home loss last month to LSU, Tennessee heads to Baton Rouge for a rematch Wednesday at 7 p.m.
In preparation for the game, Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall has the team using its performance in the first half of game against the Tigers as a teaching tool.
"The biggest thing is we were really, really reluctant in the first half offensively to drive the ball and make plays against those big guys," Tyndall said. "Because of that we took some bad, long contested shots that led to transition opportunities for LSU."
When Tennessee was able to drive the ball to the basket, the team was hesitant due to LSU's shot blocking. The Tigers blocked nine shots in their first match up, but Tyndall believes they challenged at least an additional nine.
LSU sophomore big men Jordan Mickey and Jarell Martin have done more than just block inside for the Tigers this season. Martin averages 16.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, while Mickey has put up 16.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
"If you go in there throwing up what we call hope shots, where you just kind of throw it up and hope it goes in, it's going to leave a given transition opportunity at the other end," Tyndall said.
Tyndall also plans to show film of Tennessee's second half against LSU, where the Vols came out of halftime much more aggressive.
"We were in attack mode instead of playing on our heels," Tyndall said. "We certainly still weren't perfect the second half but we were much more aggressive."
LSU guard Tim Quarterman is a third sophomore making a difference on the floor for LSU. Quarterman played a big key in defending Josh Richardson in the first game, holding him to just five of 13 field goal attempts.
"He's playing with confidence," Tyndall said. "He's a guy that's as talented probably as any guard in our league."
The return to Baton Rouge will be special for Tyndall. He spent four years as an assistant coach, securing the No. 1 spot in the SEC as well as an NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance in his third year with the Tigers.
"One of our former players, Ronald Dupree, is on their staff now," said Tyndall. "It'll be a lot of fun. Hopefully we'll play well because we will have a lot of buddies there."
RICHARDSON ENTERING FINAL STRETCH
After a string of awards, joining the 1,000-point club, and a trip to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, Josh Richardson will play his final SEC game at Thompson-Boling Arena on Saturday when the Vols host South Carolina at 4 p.m.
Though Richardson currently leads the SEC with 1.9 steals per game and has started more than 100 games for the Vols, Tyndall will remember the senior best for his leadership and upbeat demeanor off the floor.
"In the locker room, he's echoing what the coaches are saying, being a leader and not letting guys be critical or be negative or not buy in," Tyndall said "It just helps you to get that turn around in your program."
Richardson moved to the point guard spot in order to benefit the team this season. Though it required him to adjust his playing style, Richardson accepted the challenge.
"There's a reason our team's had the success we've had," said Tyndall. "It's in large part because of him accepting that role and embracing that role."
Richardson also set three new career-highs during the regular season. He dished out six steals during Tennessee's win against No. 15 Butler, eight assists against Tennessee State and 30 points against Mississippi State.
He also became the 47th Vol to reach the 1,000-point career milestone.
Many teams this season have tried to take Richardson out of Tennessee's offense by trying different defensive strategies to protect him. Though many have tried, Richardson's prior experience has benefitted.
"A lot of people tried switching screens with him earlier. We really isolated him and had a big guard in a small where he was able to drive it and get fouled or create an advantage for someone else," Tyndall said. "I don't think there's too much he hasn't seen or we haven't seen in regard to how people play him."
Though his time at Tennessee is coming to an end, Tyndall believes that Richardson's impact this season will leave a lasting mark on future Tennessee teams.
"These guys that will be returning next year will be more apt to be coachable," said Tyndall. "They'll be more apt to tell the newcomers, `Hey this is how Coach Tyndall wants things done. This is what he expects.' It's just a trickle down effect through your team and your players and it starts with him, which has been fantastic."
