Pearl reaches milestone against bulldogs

In the Tennessee Volunteers124-49 victory over the UNC Asheville Bulldogs, head coach Bruce Pearl and his team etched numerous records in Volunteer history books.

Along with garnering Pearl\'s 100th victory as UT head coach, the Vols set program records for highest points scored(124) and assists (34). Tennessee also tied a few historical numbers, including three-pointers made (16) and total points in a half (66).

Pearl said the Volunteers did well offensively, but that was not his main focus.

“Tonight we set some records offensively, and I\'m sure that\'s all that\'s going to get discussed, but really it was all about our defense,” Pearl said. “Our first half defensive effort was the best I\'ve seen in a while.”

The Volunteer defense held Asheville without a field goal until 3:07 left in the first half. The Bulldogs started zero for 19 before finally making a field goal. For the entire half, Asheville only converted two of 26 field goals, or seven percent. The Bulldogs final percentage was only slightly better at just under 24 percent.

While the Asheville offense was hard pressed to convert any scoring opportunities, the Tennessee defense did not give the Bulldogs much of a chance. In the first half alone, Tennessee caused 16 turnovers, and ended the contest with 29.

Point guard Bobby Maze said Tennessee played with a chip on their shoulders.

“A lot of people questioned our toughness (last year) and questioned whether we could defend,” Maze said. “We wanted to take that personally. We wanted to come out with a lot of intensity and play with a lot of defense.”

Guard Scotty Hopson continued leading the offensive scoring barrage, nailing six of seven three point attempts, and eight of 11 field goals for 25 total points. Hopson said not just he, but the rest of the Volunteer offensive is finally coming together.

“I think guys are finally giving the effort and they have an understanding now (of the offense),” Hopson said.

While the night held many high points, Pearl said there was still a glaring part of the Volunteer game that needed to improve.

“Rebounding is an issue, and it has to be corrected,” Pearl said. “We don\'t dominate anybody. Our inside guys have to be more dominate rebounding the ball, otherwise we will be really challenged.”