Monday, March 06, 2006
Of Things Orange: Volunteer Basketball
What about those LADY VOLS! A 1-point win over LSU to take the SEC tournament on Sunday helps to make-up for the team's three conferences losses. Two of those losses were at home, the first home conference losses in more than ten years. It's hard to fall from being #1 in the polls all season all the way to number 8 or 9 depending on the poll. Maybe this win will send them back up a few notches and help them garner a #1 seed. There's no doubt that Coach Summit plays the toughest schedule every year, and that should be rewarded.
And, how about the Orange Dogs of Hell taking the SEC East Crown in the regular season! Who would have thought that Coach Bruce Pearl could accomplish what he did in a single season? It has been nothing short of miraculous for the same players that had a losing record last year to finish the regular season at 21-6, climbing as high as #8 in the polls. Had it not been for two meltdowns against Arkansas and Kentucky within two days of each other, the VOLS may have made it into the Top 5 in the polls with its RPI ranking and strength of schedule already in the Top 5 with the likes of Duke University. The SEC torment begins Thursday, and the VOLS make their first appearance on Friday afternoon. Rip 'Em Big Orange!
And, how about the Orange Dogs of Hell taking the SEC East Crown in the regular season! Who would have thought that Coach Bruce Pearl could accomplish what he did in a single season? It has been nothing short of miraculous for the same players that had a losing record last year to finish the regular season at 21-6, climbing as high as #8 in the polls. Had it not been for two meltdowns against Arkansas and Kentucky within two days of each other, the VOLS may have made it into the Top 5 in the polls with its RPI ranking and strength of schedule already in the Top 5 with the likes of Duke University. The SEC torment begins Thursday, and the VOLS make their first appearance on Friday afternoon. Rip 'Em Big Orange!
