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RLL59 writes:

in response to johnlg00:

As for the game itself, it is hard to tell how much of the LVs often poor defense was due to the long layoff and how much was a continuation of similar problems they have experienced all season. Despite what I am sure are the best efforts of the coaching staff, this team just doesn't seem to have the killer instinct on defense, especially without Izzy Harrison. The problems of the perimeter players in playing their opponents closely go back several years. When they don't play tight on offense, which they do too often against the better teams, they can score enough to mostly overcome the lack of defensive intensity. That lack may well come back to haunt them when they get into the NCAAs. There are going to be games where they can't get out to run the way they prefer and they might not be hitting from outside. In those cases, they just HAVE to be able to get key stops often instead of only occasionally as they do now. When you couple their vulnerability to the drive with their frequent inability to control the defensive boards, they don't look like a good bet to make a Final Four this year. They are fun to watch when they are running and scoring, but that probably won't be the case in tournament play.

Agreed. Someone needs to find a solution to the defense problems, which are now at least 5 years old, and have been an issue with too many Lady Vol players. Many fans here remain optimistic that the problems will be resolved when the current players get more experience. But there's nothing magic about the first day one steps on the court in a new year. Progress needs to be made on a game to game basis, and that doesn't appear to be happening with any Lady Vol player this year. They win with athletic ability alone, and that's good enough to beat inferior teams most of the time...but not the best teams.

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