Tennessee will be the new No. 1 team in the country, and the old No. 1 isn't undefeated anymore. The Volunteers' 66-62 win at Memphis Saturday night changed the top of the college basketball rankings and showed just how hard it is to make it through a season unbeaten.
Tennessee improved to 25-2 while Memphis dropped to 26-1. The Tigers lost at home for the first time in more than two years, and their best-in-America home winning streak of 47 games was snapped.
Tyler Smith led the way for Tennessee with 16 points, making up for a lousy night from guard Chris Lofton, who scored seven points on 2-of-11 shooting. Derrick Rose scored 23 for Memphis to lead all scorers.
Memphis, which is an excellent team in a weak conference, was thought by many to have a great chance to finish the season undefeated, but after Tennessee's excellent effort we'll go without an undefeated champion for the 32nd consecutive season. If Bob Knight's 1976 Indiana Hoosiers were like Don Shula's 1972 Miami Dolphins, they'd be popping open the champagne tonight.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. First game I have watched out of the Pac-10. I was really disappointed. UCLA, USC, Stanford, WSU, or UW could have beaten either of those teams easily. Maybe the state just dosent know how to play basketball. We can show you guys if you ever come out West. =]
Posted at 11:46PM on Feb 23rd 2008 by Buvi Duvi
2. Great game, foul line is the difference for Memphis in close game.
Observations from the game here:
http://reclinergm.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/memphis-vs-tennessee-random-thoughts-observations/
Posted at 11:52PM on Feb 23rd 2008 by Dannie
3. Go Vols! I have been looking forward to this game all year, and both teams played their hearts out. I was awed at the 3 point shooting that Memphis displayed throughout the first half. Both teams deserve recognition for representing the state of Tennessee so proudly. I can't wait for the matchup at the title game :)
Posted at 12:21AM on Feb 24th 2008 by idasma
4. You will not hear me cheer for UT often, but...
SEC SEC SEC SEC SEC
Posted at 12:55AM on Feb 24th 2008 by Gamecock Man
5. The comment about the 2 Tennessee teams coming out West to play ball caught my attention. The writer of that comment needs to look at both Tenn. team's records and who they have ALREADY beaten this year.
I think you need to rethink your remark.
Posted at 1:07AM on Feb 24th 2008 by Sandra Tipton
6. Hey, Buvi Duvi...Memphis already beat USC this year. Did you not know that or did you just not want to mention it???
Posted at 1:34AM on Feb 24th 2008 by Lkellly3907
7. Buvi Duvi does not watch many b ball games! Ask the Zags about playing UT and Memphis
Posted at 1:51AM on Feb 24th 2008 by westpalmvol
8. OH YEAH!!! Way to go UT, we knew you could do it!!!!!!! I love my school!!
Posted at 2:55AM on Feb 24th 2008 by CarrieFan
9. Love the comment by buvi duvi. Come out west and play huh. Just left from out there and Pac 10 ball is good but not that
good. The reason Tenn & Memphis are ranked so high is they are the best in the nation and deserve it. Read you RPI dude.
Posted at 1:21PM on Feb 24th 2008 by lj
10. WAY TO GO VOLS !!!! SEC RULES !
Posted at 4:32PM on Feb 24th 2008 by Lee
11. Have seen worse on T.V. !!! Give me a break.
Posted at 4:34PM on Feb 24th 2008 by Lee