Feb
22
Posted on 02-22-2008 at 08:00am
Maybe you’ve heard about the game (or Vols take on Tiger High)
Filed Under (Basketball) by Big Orange Michael on 02-22-2008

Just in case you’re just in from Jupiter, I figured I’d tell you that’s a big basketball game tomorrow night.

In what’s being called the biggest basketball game in state history, the number one Memphis Tigers will host the second-ranked University of Tennessee Volunteers. The game has received a lot of hype which all ramped up this week when the Vols were voted number two in both polls.

It’s been reported that tickets are for sale on StubHub for $10,000 a pair. ESPN Game Day will be in Memphis covering the game and the contest will be shown nationally in prime-time tomorrow night.

A lot of experts have made predications and breakdowns of the game. Here are a few thoughts on why I believe Tennessee can win this game tomorrow night.

  • Looking at the trend of the last four times that in-state rivals have faced off with a one vs two match-up, the number two team has won all four times. One small factor: the games were all on the number two’s home court. This one is at Tiger High, not in the mighty Thompson-Boling Arena
  • Tennessee has a better field-goal made percentage than Tiger High. It’s not great, mind you. But in a game like this one, it could be factor.
  • Tiger High has all the pressure on them to remain unbeaten. ESPN ran a story on it Monday and it’s only got more extreme as the week has gone on. The Vols can play looser because they don’t have the pressure of perfection in a big game. Just look at what that pressure did to the Patriots a few weeks ago.

No matter what, it should be a good game. It will be a great game if the right team (aka the one in orange and white) wins the game.

And just to show how good our state is in basketball, Tuesday night features another nationally televised, in-state showdown as UT travels to Nashville to play Vanderbilt.

A good time to be a basketball fan….

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Comments

Lesley on 22 February, 2008 at 8:11 am #

This one is at Tiger High, not in the mighty Thompson-Boling Arena

You are incorrect. The game is being played at the FedEx Forum. And the correct name for the university is The University of Memphis. But talk all the smack you want; we’re used to it from UT fans. That hideous orange color they wear isn’t the only thing obnoxious about them…


Malia Carden on 22 February, 2008 at 8:15 am #

I must be from Jupiter then…


Lesley on 22 February, 2008 at 8:21 am #

Or from somewhere outside Tennessee originally, Malia. :) I was at the Preds game last night and they mentioned that Saturday night’s game was sold out. I looked at BF2.0 and said, “Don’t those people know there’s a basketball game Saturday night???” I think he’d rather be at the Preds game than getting stuck watching basketball with me.


Malia Carden on 22 February, 2008 at 8:36 am #

I think it really stems from the fact that my awareness of sports comes from DB. If he’s not watching it (like bball), I don’t even realize what season it is!


Steve H. on 22 February, 2008 at 9:29 am #

One small factor: the games were all on the number two’s home court.

I’d say that’s a pretty big factor in college basketball.


Laura Creekmore on 22 February, 2008 at 10:39 am #

While UT may be very, very good this year, I wouldn’t sneeze at going into Memphis to face an unbeaten, #1 team if I were you.

In addition to their general awesomeness, Memphis has a lengthy basketball tradition to fall back on, and a fan base to beat the band. I predict a tight game that Memphis wins in the end. I will say, they don’t have the strength of schedule I wish they had, so I think UT will be a significant test for the Tigers, but I think they are up to it.

I remain nervous about the Vandy/UT game. You all are VERY good. And if you lose at Memphis, you’ll come out pissed. But we’ll be at home…and the Memorial Magic has dethroned many a king of college basketball. Despite my nerves, I’m optimistic about next Tuesday.

Go Tigers! Go Dores!


Lesley on 22 February, 2008 at 10:47 am #

Ah, a very fair and balanced comment from the Vandy fan. I’ve been wondering about the position of the Vandy fans on this game. Whether they were pulling for Memphis or UT. I can certainly understand they don’t want UT to come to Nashville fighthing mad, but maybe a broken spirit will help the ‘Dores knock the Vols out. I will definitely be cheering for Vandy on 2/26!


Laura Creekmore on 22 February, 2008 at 11:59 am #

I should add, I’m not as balanced as my comment might lead you to believe. One of my parents is a Vandy grad, and the other a Memphis State alum. I’ve had a hatred of orange beaten into my head since birth. And showing my age: I’ve been a Memphis basketball fan since the Dana Kirk days…since when is being honest on your taxes required for being a great coach? Heh.

But I do love Calipari.


Can we do it? Yes we can! : KnoxvilleTalks.com on 22 February, 2008 at 1:04 pm #

[…] Orange Michael offers his thoughts on why UT will beat Memphis Saturday night: A lot of experts have made predications and breakdowns of the game. Here are a few […]