Vols' defense will be under scrutiny against Alabama

Tennessee's Kyle Alexander attempts to block a shot by Arkansas forward Reggie Chaney during Tuesday night's game in Knoxville. Although Tennessee's lead was never truly threatened, the Razorbacks shot 57 percent from the field in the second half.
Tennessee's Kyle Alexander attempts to block a shot by Arkansas forward Reggie Chaney during Tuesday night's game in Knoxville. Although Tennessee's lead was never truly threatened, the Razorbacks shot 57 percent from the field in the second half.
photo Tennessee men's basketball coach Rick Barnes reacts to a call during the Vols' home game against Arkansas on Tuesday.

KNOXVILLE - The Tennessee video room was not a good place to be Thursday.

It was there the basketball Volunteers looked back on Tuesday's 106-87 Southeastern Conference victory over Arkansas. Tennessee had dominated the game in the first half but appeared to take its foot off the pedal somewhat in the final 20 minutes, allowing the Razorbacks to cut what had been a 30-point lead to 17 down the stretch.

Though the third-ranked Vols were never truly in danger of losing the lead or taking their first league loss of the season, coach Rick Barnes was displeased by the defensive effort they put forth in the second half, when the Razorbacks shot 57 percent from the field and were 6-of-13 on 3-point tries.

Barnes said Thursday the Vols would have practiced Wednesday if NCAA rules didn't require at least one day off between games.

The Vols shot 53 percent from the field against Arkansas, their eighth straight game at better than 50 percent, but that didn't decrease Barnes' frustration with their play on the other end of the floor.

"We did shoot the ball well," Barnes said. "They say that shooting makes up for a multitude of sins. In fact, shooting is the only thing we did do well. We did have some good possessions defensively, and any time things aren't going great, you give your opponents credit.

"But after each game, there's something you can find to improve on."

Speaking after Tuesday's game, Tennessee players said their second-half effort must improve.

"You just have to keep the mindset and keep playing hard and do what we do on the defensive end," junior Jordan Bowden said. "We kept giving them second-chance opportunities, and that is something we can't do."

The Vols (15-1, 4-0) return to competition Saturday by hosting Alabama (11-5, 2-5) at 2 p.m. at Thompson-Boling Arena. If the chance to improve on defense isn't motivation enough for Tennessee, there are the memories of last season's 78-50 loss to the Crimson Tide on Feb. 10 in Tuscaloosa. Alabama dominated inside in a way the Vols weren't accustomed to, outscoring Tennessee 50-18 in the paint.

Barnes is sure his players haven't forgotten how things went that day.

"They have great memories," Barnes said. "I do know that. Alabama is a tough team for us; they have four guys that shoot the ball well, they run well and have different guys that can bring the ball down the floor.

"Our guys have enough respect for the league that if they don't (respect Alabama), they'll find out quick enough."

But if Barnes is looking for buttons to push this week, he certainly has a few at his disposal.

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3 or at Facebook.com/VolsUpdate.

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