Marquette-Tennessee:Studs & Duds

Handing out some post-game awards for last nights game, where UT was victorious 80-68

Studs:

Wesley Matthews- This was the first game I have been able to watch the new-look/Buzz Williams led Golden Eagles and he was by far the most impressive player on both sides of the floor. Matthews played amazing ball, dropping 30 and making it look easy. He was all over the court grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out three assists, and defending his way to three steals. In my opinion he has NBA talent and will become a good role player for one lucky professional franchise.

Wayne Chism- The talented big man finally broke through for the Vols, and was the main reason they were able to escape Nashville with a win. He scored a career high 26 points, shooting 8-11 from the field and 8-11 from the line. He also held it down on the boards grabbing 11, giving him a double-double. In this game, Chism finally showed that he can be a prime time player.

Tyler Smith- Smith continued to be the all-everything player Bruce Pearl needs him to be; scoring 14 points with 6-6 from the line, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers.

Lazar Hayward- Helped keep the Golden Eagles in the game with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block.

Bobby Maze- Pushed the fast break at an intense pace and ran the offense well; leading him to six assists, 10 points, 4 rebounds, and a steal.

Tennessee Bench- They helped wear down the injury shortened roster of Marquette; they also did some damage on the scoreboard, outscoring their bench 23-3.

Duds:

Scotty Hopson- The heralded recruit for the Vols was ghastly from the floor, with 1-7 shooting. He seems to settle for threes, instead of driving the lane or taking mid-range jumpers for much more manageable buckets. Even if he had shot well, he would still make the dud list for getting a dunk blocked by 5'11 Dominic James.

Dominic James- I questioned making him a stud, just for the beautiful block he made on Hopson. However the amazing block didn't save him from a rough night of shooting (3-12) and foul trouble. Only managed 8 points and turned it over 3 times, but dished out 5 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds.

Jerel McNeal- Overall played okay, but needed to stay out of foul trouble to keep Marquette in the game. He couldn't manage to keep himself on the floor and turned the ball over far too often (4 TOs). Added 10 points though.

Overall it was a good game played by both sides, but Tennessee's deep bench overtook the short handed and foul plagued Golden Eagles. Chism had a game of a lifetime, Wesley Matthews made me a fan, and Maze is turning into a reliable point guard.