The CheckerBoard

Cuonzo: "If you don't have it in your blood in an environment like this, you're on the wrong team."

Cuonzo: "When we got down eight, I called timeout and said, 'Here it is, guys.'"

Cuonzo to players: "They say Missouri's the best rebounding team (in the SEC). Let's see about that."

Vols 45, Mizzou 32 on the glass today.

I like CCM's confidence in his team and the way he affirms them. I believe however, on the contrary, there is work yet to be done before our spot is reserved in the NCAA tourney. With so many bubble teams from the SEC, our match-up with Bama , if we win our opener, will be viewed by the selection committee as a play in game. Gotta win the next two. I hope he presents it that way to the team. They obviously have handled the pressure winning 8 of the last 9. I see no need to protect them from pressure now.

Work will be fun this week. Woot!