How the Vols channelled disrespect in its regular-season rematch with the Gators
Knoxville, Tenn. – It didn’t take long after Tennessee Basketball took the podium following a 20-point get-back win over the Florida Gators before they got some frustration off their chest.
Their expressed frustration came after seeing videos online that they deemed ‘disrespectful’ after they got punched in the mouth by Florida in their first meeting.
Vols’ guard, Jahamai Mashack didn’t name any names but described what they saw from Florida after that 30-point loss.
“Even the coaches was telling us just the disrespect that they that Florida had when we were there, and you know, they were showing us videos, showing us a lot of this stuff we don’t take well to that, we are a tough team,” said Mashack.
Instead of letting the negativity weigh them down, the Vols flipped the script and let it fuel them. It came at a crucial time when Tennessee was down two starters, Zakai Zeigler (knee injury) and Igor Milicic Jr. (flu-like symptoms).
Following the final practice before its Saturday rematch with Florida, head coach Rick Barnes revealed how Mashack gathered the team and got their minds right.
“Mashack looked at everyone and said, ‘Hey, we got enough right here. We got enough right here to get done what we need to get done, and we’ll stick together, carry out the game plan, do what we’re talking about here,'” said Barnes.
It wasn’t just the Gators vocalizing disrespect. No one on the College Game Day pannell picked Tennessee to win. Although, some of the criticism may have been warranted. Tennessee was once riding a 14-game win streak before they were routed by Florida. Following that road loss, the Vols mostly struggled to find quality wins.
Most of their victories came from behind, a 74-70 win over Texas and 68-54 win over Mississippi State. Couple that with only having seven scholarship players dressed for the Gators and the game didn’t look to be in their favor.
Saturday was a character game.
“We’re a team that goes out and plays hard every single game. We work on our game every single night. So knowing that we all had a chip on our shoulder, it wasn’t much that I really had to say, that they weren’t going to do already. Everybody that walked into that court was ready to run through a brick wall, including me,” said Mashack.
Jordan Gainey added how he thought the team was feeling after seeing those videos, “Angry and just, we had to take it personally, you know. We didn’t like what we saw, and at that point, it just became personal with this.”
A sentiment Chaz Lanier agreed with, “I feel like I can speak for the whole team. Everybody’s just fired up and ready to ready to go for the game.”
Then towards the end of the first half, the game flipped in Tennessee’s favor when a of couple defensive stops led to explosive offensive plays.
“I’m as proud of these guys as any team since I’ve been here, because of the way that they prepared for it and the belief that they knew they could go out and get a win. It’s only going to make us better if we take advantage of it. But from a coach’s staff standpoint, this, this was a special one because of the way we were beaten down there, and then the fact we come back with two starters out and play the way we did,” said Barnes.
“Just how relentless we are on the defensive end, no matter who got beat and who’s at the rim,” said Gainey. “If There’s open man, we’re making competition at the rim at the end of the day, and then just the ability for D-Stone and Cade (Phillips) to make amazing plays like that, and we get out and run, you know, we began transitioning run or you can be electric. And, you know, Chaz’s really shoot the ball.”
The mindset the players had entering the game, led to one of their more balanced performances. A result that if they can replicate will make them a dangerous opponent.
“We’re not going to let anybody walk over us, and that’s just, you know, that’s just how we play the game. I think that’s everybody here. Is how we play the game. It’s been Tennessee basketball is, we’re a tough team, no matter what,” said Mashack.
