TENNESSEE
The No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers picked up a big win at South Carolina on Tuesday night, beating the Gamecocks 92-70 to remain unbeaten in SEC play.
However, according to Tennessee big man Grant Williams, the victory wasn’t as easy as the scoreboard may have indicated.
In fact, Williams said after the game that he respects the Gamecocks more than any other team in the SEC. He cited coach Frank Martin and the toughness he instills in his teams as the big reason why:
#Vols’ Grant Williams: This isn’t a knock on anybody else, but I respect South Carolina more than I respect any team in this league because of Coach Martin and how hard they play. To come here and win is always great. These guys make you earn it. They fight you.
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) January 30, 2019
Williams finished with 23 points and nine rebounds, and went head-to-head with South Carolina star Chris Silva, who finished with 28 points and 10 boards.
The Gamecocks’ physicality has caught a number of teams by surprise in SEC play this year. Even though it didn’t work against the Vols, South Carolina is going to pull off some more upsets before the year is over.
I don’t think Coach Martin would agree with these comments. He made it clear that his team did not play hard, outside of one player.
Not a wise comment to make. Nobody will remeber the opening about “not knocking anyone els”. But they will use the rest as motivation to get after the Vols.
Iowavol, it doesn’t matter really. Everyone we play will bring their best, period.
It only makes you better. Let them give you their beat shot each week.