Pearl looks for momentum from his team

Published Mar. 1, 2010 10:37 p.m. ET

foxsports

Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl knows it's natural for any team to suffer a letdown coming off an emotional victory.

But he hopes the No. 16 Volunteers (21-7, 9-5 Southeastern Conference) instead can use their 74-65 win over then-No. 2 Kentucky on Saturday to create some momentum during the final week of the regular season.

Tennessee will play its home finale Wednesday against Arkansas (14-15, 7-7). The Vols then finish the regular season Saturday at Mississippi State (21-8, 9-5).

Pearl said Monday the Vols' upset of the Wildcats put them in better position for the upcoming SEC and NCAA tournaments.

Pearl put the team through one of its toughest practices of the season Monday.