Tennessee Vols made a mistake before playing Texas A&M that might have cost them the game
The Tennessee Vols made a mistake before playing the Texas A&M Aggies on Tuesday night that might have cost UT the game. There were numerous reasons for the Vols' 68-63 loss to the Aggies — fouling on three-point shots, for example — but one reason Texas A&M got the win is because they played with […]
The Tennessee Vols made a mistake before playing the Texas A&M Aggies on Tuesday night that might have cost UT the game.
There were numerous reasons for the Vols' 68-63 loss to the Aggies — fouling on three-point shots, for example — but one reason Texas A&M got the win is because they played with a chip on their shoulder.
Tennessee gave the Aggies some extra motivation before the game thanks to some ill-advised "trash talk".
According to The Bryan-College Station Eagle's Travis Brown, Texas A&M guard Wade Taylor IV said that someone on the Vols' bench said before the game "thanks for the ring", a reference to Tennessee's win against the Aggies in the SEC Tournament championship game last year.
Taylor said the remark stayed with him the whole game.
That seems like a poor decision by whoever said that.
Last year is last year. The SEC Tournament win last season was great for the Vols, but it's not relevant when it comes to what's happening this season.
I can't understand why anyone would want to give their opponent extra motivation just before playing a big game — especially when the Vols were down a couple of key players.
In a close game, the smallest thing can be a difference. And the little extra push that Texas A&M received from the pre-game comments could be what put the Aggies over the top on Tuesday night against Tennessee.
Featured image via Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
