KNOXVILLE – If you have any idea which version of the Tennessee men’s basketball team will show up for tonight’s game at Arkansas, Rick Barnes would like to know.
Lately, it’s been a mystery for the Tennessee coach – and everyone else – as the up-and-down Volunteers struggle with consistency from game to game and even within them.
Case in point: Tennessee followed up getting smacked at home by Vanderbilt by notching a spirited win three days later against South Carolina, which at the time was ranked No. 24 and had just one loss.
Further evidence: After falling behind by 21 points in 14-plus minutes against No. 20 Kentucky, the Vols outscored the Wildcats 71-43 the following 25-plus minutes and won Tuesday’s game 84-77.
Speaking before Friday’s practice at Pratt Pavilion, Barnes said he would like consistency where his starting lineup and bench rotation is concerned, calling that “probably the biggest thing that we haven’t gotten to this year.