Photo by Paul Sakuma
Tennessee’s Nicky Anosike falls to the court during the Lady Vols’ loss 73-69 loss at Stanford.
STANFORD, Calif. - The whole point of playing top-10 teams is to find out what you need to work on. On Saturday night at Stanford, Tennessee's women's basketball team found out a whole lot.
"I think without question, you learn a lot more from a loss than a win," Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt said after top-ranked Tennessee lost in overtime to No. 5 Stanford, 73-69.
Here are some of the lessons that need to be learned before the Lady Vols' next game, Jan. 2 at DePaul:
- Defending the Hi-Lo game. Stanford exploited one of the basic plays in basketball, passing the ball down low to post Jayne Appel again and again in the second half. Appel, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, scored 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds (six offensive). Her play in the second half helped key Stanford's comeback from an 11-point first half deficit.
- Easing some of the load on Candace Parker. The 6-4 junior scored a game-high 25 points and pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds in the loss. But Parker was beat up enough that Summitt refused to bring her into the postgame media conference. Also, Parker had just six free-throw attempts (she converted three). Summitt said she as a coach has to figure out a way to get Parker to the line more often (translation: Summitt didn't agree with the officiating and plans to work the officials more in the future).
- Protect the ball. Tennessee did do a better job of this as the night went on, finishing with 17 turnovers after committing 11 in the first half. But the Lady Vols kept losing the ball in key situations. Tennessee's penultimate possession ended when Shannon Bobbitt tried to drive and lost the ball to Appel in the last 10 seconds of overtime.
- Putting quality teams away. This one hurt the most. Tennessee held a 33-22 lead with just over a minute to play in the first half before Stanford went on a 5-0 mini-run to close the period. That allowed the Cardinal to go into the locker room with a manageable deficit despite being outplayed to that point.
The defending national champions entered their game at Stanford with a 10-0 record and ranked first in the country. All is certainly not lost - the Cardinal are one of the top teams in the land. Losing by four points in a smaller venue packed with partisans isn't exactly a signal to panic.
Further, Appel and Candice Wiggins figured to bust out at some point after quiet first halves.
"I think it definitely was a missed opportunity, but they're a great team," guard Alexis Hornbuckle said. "It's hard to hold them down for an entire half."
Whether the Lady Vols learn their lessons could determine if this is another superb season by Tennessee standards or a subpar affair. The Lady Vols return from holiday break with road games against DePaul and Notre Dame, both in the Top 20. Then, the SECseason begins with a home game against No. 16 Auburn.
For the players, they grudgingly agreed that the loss was a learning experience.
"We just had a lot of breakdowns," Hornbuckle said. "They made the passes they needed to make and hit the shots they needed to hit.
"It's solemn (in the locker room). We don't like losing. We're very competitive."
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Comments » 52
Summit writes:
Lessons learned...let's go forward from here!
ATLVOLFAN writes:
Well we learn from this loss how to play on the road. This will show Coach what the team needs to work on. Look for them to play strong here on out. Good Luck VOLS!!!!!!
lnbadger320 writes:
the referring was absolutely pathetic. candace was getting killed inside. at one point we shot 4 free throws compared to 24 they shot in, just in the 2nd half.
russ you're an idiot.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
russ, what are you, about 10, maybe 12??? you had to post this garbage on 2 forums just to tick people off?? Do some math, baby boy, see how many butts women's basketball puts in the seats at ut; before Bruce came in, it was mroe than the men.
bmaples writes:
Uh, Russ -- if you want to denigrate women's basketball, I'm sure there are other forums where you will be welcomed with open arms. The people reading these stories are reading them because they are FANS of the Lady Vols. If you keep posting comments like yours above, you will not find too many sympathetic ears or eyes here.
And, since I feel fairly sure that three-syllable words are outside your normal conversational level, here's a link to help -- http://dictionary.reference.com/brows...
bmaples writes:
And one other thing -- I got on here tonight hoping to read something about Pat's opinion of the officiating. Did she not say anything about it anywhere? Even obliquely? (That means "indirectly," Russ.) I was hoping for some quote, or comment, or something. The foul totals were just completely out of line.
Ah well -- here's hoping the LV learn the other lessons noted in the article -- we need a few more players to step up to make a run in March. Go LV!
TropicalFish writes:
>>who cares...........how much money did that trip cost the football and mens basketball teams?
Russ, the Lady Vols make a profit. Didn't cost the men's side anything.
>>>The foul totals were just completely out of line.
Tell that to Sylvia Hatchell.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
all the future LV oponents are going to watch the tape of this and the UNC game and notice something:
we rebound like phooey, and our posts don't play very good interior defense.
we miss s. Spencer!!!
scvols writes:
Our offense was bad. At the end of the game everyone was waiting on Parker to take over. Summit needs to do a better job on getting everyone involve. We do have 5 blue chips on the floor.
spanky writes:
I'm glad Pat Summit realizes there are drastic changes that need to be made. One of the biggest changes that hasn't been addressed is Pat Summit's perpetual whinning about Parker being beat up. Because of Summit's ego she doesn't realize how pathetic she sounds. Summit claims Parker is the NO.1 player and this comes with the territory. Get off the poor pity potty. If you don't want Parker to get bumped or breathed on, sit her on the bench next to you so you can both suck on pacifiers . Summit lied to the media, Parker was not to beat up to attend the post game media conference. Parker had a red eye flight 11:30 P.M. that night, and was pressed for time to make her flight. Maybe it's time for Summit to quit and let Holly show her how a real winning coach does it.
snafu14u#241639 writes:
russ; the Lady Vols generate so much exposure and free publicity that even if they didn't make a profit they are still an asset.sober up man.bonzaivol
jdcdjc#246285 writes:
russ--you are either new here or an outsider. The Lady Vols pay thier own way, they do not have to depend on mens basketball or football to pay thier way. Best check things out before starting to talk.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
"Learn from a loss?" A Lombardi-Woody Hayes type once said " The only thing I learned from a loss was I needed to get better". Pat S is a true prize in the coaching world. She has the hardware to prove it. Go Lady Vols.
gbeall#627784 writes:
bmaples
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=...
This is a link to a Chicago paper, with a ending quote from Pat.
The worst thing, other than the lopsided calls, is that Connecticut is now the number 1
1volk-nowi-tall writes:
Fouls in a basketball game are never suppose to be even, just as turnovers and rebounds and missed shots are not even. However, the team that is taking the ball to the basket will most always have the advantage in fouls in a basketball game. Both teams did that in the UT Stanford game and the fouls were not nearly even.
As for crying (as in the comment about Summit whinning) Name me a basketball coach who does not complain about officiating when officiating is not consistent or they perceive that officiating is inconsistent.Players will play the game as it is called. When you can foul without it being called you will do so. Not easy to officiate college BB today with the way people want to see it played, but it is easy to be consistent in the way you officiate. These officials make big bucks today to call games. When the women's game came back to colleges in the late 60's early 70's officials made about $15-$20 dollars a game and were paid from the P.E. Dept at most schools The person who just rocks along with the status quo is the person who has no ambition or someone who just doesn't care. That is true in all walks of life. Beat the drums Pat and most of the people who know what they are seeing will support you. Now, get tougher Lady Vols, as well, and learn how to body up without it being called. Learn how to defend without reaching in and learn how to finish at the rim even when you are being fouled...
AlpharettaVol writes:
Spanky: Did you ask Pat Summitt for a date and get turned down? I can't remember when a poster dissed her in the way that you did. One loss does not a season make. I hope she continues to support her players and give the refs hell when they deserve it.
spanky writes:
AlpharettaVol no I have better taste than Pat Summit. Her whinning all the time makes me really wonder if Parker and her relationship is more than a coach player relationship. Summit should cowgirl up and let the games be played.
vol4jesus writes:
spanky lose your mouse and keyboard please. This will save you future embarrassment on the site. Classless remark about coach and player(who has a boyfriend on the Atlanta Hawks.)
kcabutti writes:
I would like to compliment all of you for your comments. They are really humorous and show not only your support but frustration as LV fans. It's great to voice your opinion. No matter who you want to blame for the loss against Stanford it will not change the outcome of the game. Stanford deserves to be congratulated for their effort and win. LV's did not play up to their potential. There were a lot of mistakes throughout the game. This gives the LV's an opportunity to learn and correct these mistakes. I was glad they lost this early in the season rather than lose in the NCAA tournament.
WildWeasel writes:
Actually, one should learn from an idiot poster like "Russ". It lets us remember when the LadyVols were already playing to capacity crowds while the GentlemenVols were playing to a nearly empty arena.
As to this (incredibly exciting) loss: in the long run it'll help the team remain grounded and realize that anyone can get beaten.
Go LadyVols.
hawkvol07 writes:
The officials sucked yes. but towards the end of the game I just saw to much dependability on Candace. We have several top players who could have been affective. Stanford knew what we were going to do. Anyone watching the game knew what we were going to do and we did it. Go to Candace. I understand her being the first option, it just didn't seem we even tried to have any others. Alex Fuller was hot, Hornbuckle was on, but they didn't seem to be an option. I think this took us out of rhythm.
Isn't this why we always have a great recruiting class, to have other options. Stanford did and they used them. Learn from this, I love those lady Vols! GO VOLS!
hawkvol07 writes:
O yeal, russ you're an idiot.
kcabutti writes:
New polls UCONN #1 Stanford #2 Tennessee #3
ATLVOLFAN writes:
Wow!!!!! #3. That's ok I thought maybe a #2 ranking, but I guess no one saw it that way. The Ladyvols will play stronger than ever. Everyone know's Coach will have them ready to play because the champs are still in Knoxville!!!!! Go Vols!!!
PureOrange writes:
We have a great team, we just do not play hard for 40 minutes.
The officiating was pathetic. I know that people who hate our LV would not admit it, but any reasonable person could see the the officials turned a blind eye to the many, many blatant fouls by Stanford. It was if we were playing the old Soviet Union - there!
I would love to see us play harder from start to finish. If we would do that instead of playing in spurts, we would have the fight taken out of the other teams, and the officials would not have such an effect.
I hope, also, that our girls get a little meaner.
kcabutti writes:
UCONN may have been the best team in the nation beating teams by an average of 40 points per game so far except Stanford they beat by 12. Monday night Greene blew out her knee, out for the season. UCONN's coach stated he believed they were the number 1 team until Monday with Greene's injury now his team is not intact. Guess we will have to see if anyone at UCONN can fill her shoes. mparker12 I am also going to watch Appel. She is amazing.
amcguire01 writes:
spanky and russ yall related? Idiotic comments typically run in the family.
Anyway, I didn't expect the LVs to be undefeated this season, but the Stanford game was in our grasp....and that's what makes it so disappointing. I'm looking for this team to find the killer instict of teams of the past. When they get a team down, keep them down. At times the girls look bored, or flat out tired. Candace and Alexis need help....consistent help. Having starters with 2 points (Anosike), or even worse no points (Bjorklund) is not going to get it done. I know Nicky is a huge asset on defense, but until she get her fouls under control, I say start Baugh (even though she's still green).
spanky writes:
amcguire01 you must be the idiot I couldn't find yall in the english pronunciation. Where did you go to school at?
amcguire01 writes:
spanky, is "you all" good enough for you? I went to the school that taught us to never end at sentence with a preposition. Crawl back in your cave.
kcabutti writes:
amcguire01 & spanky You both need to chill. All this frustration and back biting is over over a basketball game. The good thing about ones opinion is you can read it, hear it, and how you react and respond reflects the type of person you are. Why don't both of you start tomorrow with a clean and positive slate? You both have somethings in common, your both very dedicated and frustrated Lady Vol fans who wanted to see the Lady Vols go undefeated this season. We are all cheering for one common factor no matter how we express our opinion the Lady Vols to have a successful season no matter where we live. GO Vols!!!!!!!!!!!!
tenn32rebel writes:
Folks, let me throw this observation out to the masses. It seems that Nicky has been much slower in her game this year to me. I have fussed about it and tried to figure out the cause. Well, the Stanford game provided numerous TV closeups of the post players. I know I'm about to tread on dangerous turf in this area but here goes. It seems to me that Nicky has GAINED CONSIDERALE WEIGHT, thus adversely affecting her ability to run the court, play tight defense, and rebound. These TV closeups showed a jellyroll middle usually only found on beer-drinking men. Her first three years at UT, she ran the floor like a PG. That was the main reason she guarded other PGs when Hornbuckle broke her wrist. She also played TOUGH post defense. Where are those qualities now??? Simply stated, she looks fat and out of shape eleven games into the season. Remember how slowly she reacted to the lob passes inside? Her entire game has slowed down two steps and I think it is due to excessive weight. How many times has she been on a fast break this young season? Her post defense has struggled the entire year. Last year, she could guard quality PGs and now she can't handle quality post players! WHY???
Okay, I've said it and have now hunkered down in my bunker. Has anyone else seen this change? As a former girls coach, this opinion is mine because I had some girls do the same thing when playing for me.
RLL59 writes:
Nicky certainly looks heavier and slower than in previous years. Playing in front of the opposing center like the LV's do, requires agility and the willingness/ability to jump and intercept all but the perfect 'over the top' pass. Failure results in an uncontested layup, and happened repeatedly in the Stanford game over Nicky and Alex Fuller. Neither seems to be able to jump very well, although Alex's past knee problems may still impact her.
On another topic, why do the LV's insist on executing a planned play after a timeout even after it becomes clear that the play won't work because of the defense being played by the opponent? Time after time, the ball is forced into a double team, resulting in a LV turnover. Are the players afraid that coach Summitt will criticize them for not running the called play?
hawkvol07 writes:
I agree Nicky seems to have gained a lot weight. Also any time she gets the ball on offence she looks like she has no idea what to do with it. I hold my breath everytime she gets a pass. I don’t understand why this is the case with her. She just seems to panic every time. She is a senior and this should not be the case but she does it every time. I really think they should consider starting Alex Fuller or Vicki Baugh. At lease they are a scoring threat. Nicky isn't at all. I really like Baugh's game; she has just so much potential
mdsleeper writes:
I think Vicki Baugh needs to be on the floor more minutes. What she lacks in experience is made up for in overall effort. She seems to be a rebounding machine. Her defense and offense can only improve with the confidence she would get from playing more minutes. Am I alone in this observation.
hawkvol07 writes:
mdsleeper I agree with you on Vicki.
gbeall#627784 writes:
Folks a change in direction on the loss.
Has Pat ever had a technical called on her?
Case in point in the last men's game Pearl had one called and the team responded very well.
So two things, one, she is not letting the refs get away with bad calls and it would,I think, perk up the team.
I also agree with tenn32rebel assessment of Nicky.
sgtvols writes:
i like to lose to top ranked teams that we are sure to meet in the ncaa. it is hard to beat a great team twice in one year. next time we play stanford we will scorch them.
william111 writes:
The Vols are very good. But Pat must be very proud for her team.
Parker is not the best in the country. Uconn has a good player as well. Only a freshman
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
kcabutti:
Appel just does it with such ease. I wish I'd taped the gtame, I'd like to have my daughter watch the positioning and the power.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
It's time for Vicki Baugh and Alex Fuller to start.
Angie B and Nikki need to sit. Angie, because she's tensing up on the roadp; Alex is playing hard minutes. Vicki, becasue Nikki is way out of shape. She may have blown her senior season.
to repeat for the nth time, Nikki was the 'force' that got us the NC last year. This year? Lose the red highlights and drop the pounds. No fun, but you can help the team come Feb-March.
kcabutti writes:
I just read this article about Bobby Knight complaining about the officials. Will the SEC do this to Summit? I hope not.
Big 12 Reprimands Knight For Comment On Officiating
Texas Tech's coach disagreed with a call in a game against New Mexico State
Dec. 26, 2007
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) - Texas Tech coach Bob Knight was reprimanded by the Big 12 for comments he made about officiating after a loss to New Mexico earlier this month.
The reprimand, issued Monday, resulted from Knight's arguing about Lobos freshman Dairese Gary's one-handed 47-footer at the halftime buzzer in New Mexico's 80-63 victory Dec. 15. Knight didn't think Gary released the shot in time.
"I thought it was a horrendous call," Knight said after the game.
Knight's comment violated the Big 12's sportsmanship code, which prohibits public comments about officiating, the conference said in a statement.
Knight and his spokesman couldn't immediately be reached Wednesday.
The Big 12 reviews officials' performances, including the accuracy of judgment calls, and coaches are given the opportunity to provide input, the Big 12 said. The season-long evaluation determines whether officials get future assignments in the conference.
New Mexico's win was the second for Lobos coach Steve Alford against Knight, his coach at Indiana.
rdberry#654521 writes:
Candace Parker is the most talented player the women's game has seen to date. The proof of that is how she excels in international competition. With players like Tina Thompson, Tameka Catchings, Cheryl Ford, Lisa Leslie as teammates, no one on the other country's team can double team her like she gets in the college game. Maybe I'm too much old school, but it's the toughness of today's athletes that come from middle and upper middle class backgrounds that I call into question. I can't see where Candace or anyone on the current LV team has had to come up in the environment that say Cynthia Cooper did in South Central L.A. Coop saw her brother gunned down in a gang war. I can't imagine what that does to a person. It gave Cynthia a toughness unmatched by anyone and allowed her to win all those titles at USC, Europe, and dominate the WNBA in her mid to late 30's-The '99 season was especially tough on Coop, losing her MOM & Kim Perrot to cancer and still leading the Comets to their 3rd league title. I hope UT whips Chancellor & LSU this year, since it was Chancellor and egomaniac Sheryl Swoopes that shoved Coop out of Houston. In conclusion, it seems when you have to fight to survive and for your respect, it means much more and develops strong character. I hope the Lady Vols rescue Cooper from Prarie View and have her succeed Pat whenever she retires-Happy New Year
ATLVOLFAN writes:
There are alot of the lady vols athlete that is not from middle class america. Bobbitt is from the project of Harlem and Anosike is from the project of Staten Island. Toughness does play a major role in basketball, but it is not about were you from its about how much heart you have for the game. I agree everything you said abut the Houston Comets and Chancellor. Parker have to play with much more intensity and emotions, I think she the best player to play this game since Holdsclaw. Coach has to get threw to girls and have to reminded them everyone is going to bring their "A" game no matter what. I also dont like the fact noboby is given Bobbitt any credit, it was games early this season I think we would have lost if she did not come to play. She is in my top 5 point guards if not the best. GO VOLS!!!!
rdberry#654521 writes:
To: ATLVOLFAN: Sorry, maybe I wasn't as informed about Nicky & Shannon's background as you. I do like Shannon's game and she will be a success at the next level. You could see how she handled Latta in the tourney last spring. Bobbit can distribute like Temeka Johnson and has an outside shot as good as, or better than Ivory. Instead of driving on the last sequence in the Stanford game, I would have trusted Shannon to hoist the "3" and let the chips fall where they may. Some folks have posted Nicky has picked up weight and that is hurting her performanace. Maybe so, but the fire is not in her this year for some reason. I like the way you think though-Have a Rocky-Top-Go Vols New Year
ATLVOLFAN writes:
To: rdberry: I agree with you it was Nikki who got the team together after the LSU lost last season. So, as a team the lady vols need to pull together and pick up any extra slack. Against Stanford I have watch that game ten times and Shannon was looking for Alexis to cut for a three- pointer and the win, she did not looose control of the ball she let it go because it was going to be a traveling violation. I enjoy the fact that we are on the same page as what the lady vols need to work on. Come March this team will have everyone intact to win another national championship. GO VOLS!!!! Happy " ATL" New Year!
rdberry#654521 writes:
TO: ATLVOLFAN: You mentioned Holdsclaw-Looks like she'll go down as the better College player between her and Parker-3 titles for Holdsclaw-Parker won't win more than 2 since she'll go pro with the Sparks next summer. Holdsclaw did have Catchings and Parker doesn't have anyone that good. Holdsclaw underachieved as a professional however, at least in the WNBA. I can't speak for her overseas career. Parker will need to put some of her WNBA rings on her toes, since she'll be with Lisa Leslie for at least 5 years. All the prime free agents will want to go to L.A. and be Candace's teammate. If she plays 20 years like Jabbar, and averages 30 points per year, even if she takes 2 years out to have a family with Shelden betwwen her overseas points and combine with her WNBA points-She'll outscore Jabbar by just under 8,000 points. Candace should far exceed Holdsclaw as a pro- What do you think?
ATLVOLFAN writes:
To: rdberry: Holdsclaw is still and could come back right now and be the best player ever played in the WNBA. The WNBA did one thing with Holdsclaw and that what they want to do with Parker make money. Instead of them showing emotions when her grandmother died they criticize her for taking time off. I agree Candace will need to win three titles, but I dont think she will come out if she has a chance to win three championship. Think about it why would she want to play in a city already full of superstars. I think Candace would like to start her own legacy with a different franchise. I would not be suprise if she is back with the lady vols next year. I keep up with Holdsclaw overseas play and she averaging a twenty plus and ten plus game. Did you read the article on SI.com she said she would love to join the coaching staff in the future?
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Holdzclaw....someone get that woman and shake her. You have a few years to play, then you are a has been. Hell, I'm a never was in bball, my favorite sport to play of all time.
C'mon girl, go somewhere and play for fun...you were fun to watch at UT!!!!!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Board hog here....
whatcha want to bet Pat makes a change or two in the LV lineup once she goes over the tape????
For those of you bashing her over the ref comments: she has to protect her players. It's not a 'fair' game when your posts are subject to what they used to call 'hackashaq' D and no calls are made. I hae 2 posts in the family, and game in and game out they come out with nail marks down the arms, huge welts from slaps, bruises...they don't complain, but you know it pisses Dad off to no end.
rdberry#654521 writes:
TO ATLVOLFAN: It was sad to see how Chamique's Grandmother's death affected her. The league is a business and will be run as such. However, I live in Maryland, next to D.C.. According to the local newspapers, there were teammates and others who wanted and offered to reach out and try to help her deal with and cope with the loss. However she became withdrawn and did not return calls from the team Then she got a fresh start in L.A. and more problems arose, I think with her biological father (not sure) I think it's good she's enjoying some overseas success. Before she tries to lead and instruct young ladies, I'd like to be more sure she has her own house in order. Remember, the Mystics hired Pat as an executive consultant. I think that was more for Chamique's benefit.-The set up in L.A.was a cake walk-Leslie, Mabika, Johnson, she couldn't ask for much more-Take Care-rdberry
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