Tennessee basketball achieved a significant milestone with its first road SEC win, defeating No. 22 Alabama 79-73 on January 24. This victory has instilled a sense of momentum in the team, which is now focused on preparing for another road game against Georgia on January 28.
Coaches and players alike have observed a marked improvement in the Vols’ ability to maintain focus and compete consistently throughout the duration of the game. The team has also made strides in reducing turnovers, committing only 10 errors against Alabama—an encouraging development compared to previous outings.
Assistant coach Amorrow Morgan emphasized the importance of sustained concentration for a full 40 minutes, noting that the team’s recent performances have reflected a growing maturity. He mentioned that the Vols had often dominated parts of games but struggled with lapses in focus, particularly in crucial moments at the end of the first half.
The goal is to build on the success against Alabama as they head into a matchup against Georgia, a team known for aggressively forcing turnovers. The Vols, currently standing at 13-6 overall and 3-3 in the SEC, will need to maintain their ball security, especially after turning the ball over 18 times in their earlier loss to Florida.
Tennessee’s center, Felix Okpara, who is the only returning starter from last season’s Elite 8 team, acknowledged the significance of improved team chemistry and understanding of each other’s playing styles. He believes this development is crucial as they continue to progress through the season.
As the team moves forward, Morgan reiterated the importance of executing their game plan and dominating the boards, which will be key factors in their performance against Georgia.
The Vols are striving to harness the energy from their recent victory as they look to secure another win on the road, hoping this newfound momentum will lead to a successful streak in the coming games.