So sad : NFL announced that Tennessee volunteers head coach is suspended for…………..
Impending Weather Conditions Prompt Rescheduling of Tennessee-Florida Basketball Game
author
Published: January 15, 2024 at 9:39 pm EST
In a strategic bid to counteract the impending weather conditions that could disrupt travel, the University of Tennessee has rescheduled the men’s basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Florida Gators. Initially slated for a 7 p.m. start on Tuesday, the game will now commence two hours earlier, at 5 p.m.
Rescheduling to Avoid Disruptions
The decision to reschedule the game was driven by the imminent snow and ice forecasted in Knoxville, Tenn. This proactive measure was taken to minimize potential travel disruptions for the attendees, ensuring that fans could still partake in this significant event without unnecessary distress.
High Stakes on the Court
For the teams themselves, the stakes remain high. The Florida Gators, seeking their first road win of the season, will be up against Tennessee’s formidable pressure defense. The Volunteers, on the other hand, are looking to extend their winning streak against Florida. With the return of starting guards Santiago Vescovi and Zakai Ziegler, and the addition of Dalton Knecht—a transfer averaging a team-high 17.2 points per game—the Volunteers are poised for a resilient performance. This game presents an opportunity for Florida to redeem their last season’s loss to Tennessee, a feat they haven’t achieved in Knoxville since 2014.
Parking Adjustments for the Game
As part of the rescheduling, changes to the parking arrangements have also been made. The G10 parking garage will be unavailable. However, G10 pass holders have been offered alternative parking in the lower levels of the same garage. Furthermore, the G5/G30 garage will be closed, with alternative parking provided in the G3 or G4 garages for fans with passes for the affected lots.
The television network that will broadcast the game has yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, the rescheduling has proved the University of Tennessee’s commitment to ensuring the smooth hosting of the much-anticipated game, regardless of the weather conditions.
Read More
Knecht scores 36 points as No. 5 Tennessee recovers to beat Georgia 85-79
Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht (3) goes in for a shot as Georgia’s Silas Demary Jr. (4) and Jalen DeLoach (23) defend during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht (3) goes in for a shot as Georgia’s Silas Demary Jr. (4) and Jalen DeLoach (23) defend during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (John Bazemore / Associated Press)
ATHENS, Ga. —
Dalton Knecht had what Tennessee coach Rick Barnes described as “that look in his eye.”
The Vols needed Knecht’s look — and all his points — to avoid a second straight Southeastern Conference loss.
Advertisement
Knecht scored 36 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with less than 2 minutes remaining, and No. 5 Tennessee recovered after losing a 14-point lead to beat Georgia 85-79 on Saturday and end the Bulldogs’ 10-game winning streak.
Barnes says he can tell Knecht, a senior transfer from Northern Colorado, has “that look” by his demeanor on the court.
“You can just tell he’s got a little bounce about him,” Barnes said. “… He likes the moment. He does.”
Advertisement
Knecht finished one point shy of the career-high 37 he scored in a loss to North Carolina on Nov. 29. He made five of eight 3-pointers and finished strong, scoring 20 points in the second half.
Knecht’s final 3 gave the Vols an 81-79 lead. He added two free throws with 16 seconds remaining to extend the advantage.
Tennessee (12-4, 2-1 SEC) blew a 42-28 lead in the first half and trailed by 11 points before recovering in the closing minutes.
Advertisement
“I really wish we could have finished the 40 minutes, because we were pretty good for 35,” Georgia coach Mike White said.
When asked if the loss felt like a missed opportunity or a sign of success to come, White said “Both. … We got out-executed down the stretch by a team that’s just better than us right now.”
Jabri Abdur-Rahim led Georgia (12-4, 2-1) with 21 points.
Advertisement
Georgia used a 15-0 run to wipe out a 14-point deficit before seeing the fourth-longest winning streak in school history end. The Bulldogs were denied their first win over a top-five team since Jan. 17, 2004, when they beat No. 5 Kentucky 65-57 at Rupp Arena.
Tennessee regrouped following a 77-72 loss at Mississippi State on Wednesday.
The Vols threatened to put the game out of reach late in the first half, when a steal and basket by Zakai Zeigler gave Tennessee a 42-28 lead.
Advertisement
A 3-pointer by Georgia’s Blue Cain, who is from Knoxville, Tennessee, was the highlight of the Bulldogs’ 9-0 run to close the first half, leaving the Vols with a 42-37 halftime lead. The Vols missed their last seven shots from the field before the break. Abdur-Rahim and Noah Thomasson opened the second half by sinking 3-pointers, stretching the run to 15-0 and giving the Bulldogs a 43-42 lead.
Barnes called a timeout less than a minute into the half. A layup by Tennessee’s Josiah-Jordan James ended the Bulldogs’ run, but Georgia kept its momentum. Back-to-back baskets by Thomasson, including a 3-pointer, gave Georgia a 69-58 lead.
Cain sank two 3-pointers in the final 7 minutes, including a jumper after Tennessee pulled to within five points at 75-70.
Advertisement
Thomasson, who missed his first four shots, scored 14 points.
BIG PICTURE
Tennessee: The Vols claimed a 46-38 advantage in rebounds, including a 30-16 edge in the first half, but lacked sufficient scoring depth to ride that strength until the closing minutes. Knecht, who sank five 3-pointers, was joined by Zeigler, who had 18 points, and Jonas Aidoo, with 10, as the only Tennessee players to score in double figures. Aidoo had 15 rebounds and blocked five shots.
Advertisement
Georgia: Depth was a key to the Bulldogs’ success. Georgia claimed a 30-11 advantage in bench scoring. RJ Melendez and Silas Demary Jr. each scored 13 points. … Georgia’s last 11-game winning streak came in the 1947-48 season.
UP NEXT
Tennessee: Hosts Florida on Tuesday night.
Advertisement
Georgia: Visits South Carolina on Tuesday night.
___
Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
Advertisement
