Posted by bmaples on April 7, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lots of analysts calling this for Stanford. Lots of other analysts (on the men's side) saying that come championship time, defense isn't enough -- you've got to have a great offensive machine. Lots of things you can call this Lady Vol team, but an offensive juggernaut, it's not.

Here's hoping the Lady Vols prove everyone wrong -- defense wins games, and great defense wins championships. Or, to quote Stacey Dales from last year:

"Offense sells tickets;
Defense wins games;
STOPS wins championships."

Go Lady Vols!!

Posted by hdhurst on April 7, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My opinion, for what it's worth, is that TN will have a little more offensive power than it has shown in the past few games, despite an ailing Parker. Also, with a great defensive effort on Wiggins and Co., the opposition scores a little less than their current streak. The result: Lady Vols in a close one. (I can dream, can't I?)

Good Luck Lady Vols...Candace, time to raise it up another level. Get your teammates involved and confident and take what they give you. Folks, it's time for number 8.

Posted by FatherVol on April 8, 2008 at 12:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To answer the headline: no. It's not my desired answer, but with CP's shoulder the way it is I have a feeling it's going to be a longer night that the one had by the Memphis Tigers tonight. Prove me wrong, ladies!

Posted by billwall on April 8, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stanford looks like the best passing team I have ever witnessed in the women's game. They will get open shots and if they hit their normal percentage against us, then they will win. I think Parker will score more without Fowles (fouls, too) to alter her shots. But she has to mix it up more and get on the offensive glass. We must hit some jumpers to have a chance.

Posted by utchris2003 on April 8, 2008 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Our very own Kara Lawson over at ESPN picked Stanford. Actually they almost all did. I will take us as an underdog!

Posted by yemmusdarb on April 8, 2008 at 1 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, this is for certain: it'll be alot tougher this year than last year.

Rutgers went into the game last year KNOWING they had already lost that game. It was around a 90% chance that UT would win that game.

I think this year, if I had to give a % it would be 60% in favor of Stanford. If we had a perfectly healthy Parker, it would be more like 55% UT's favor. I just think they run their offense better than UT does and the Lady Vols don't have a serious scoring threat outside of Parker.

Posted by 98reax on April 8, 2008 at 2:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh bull, there's no predicting this game. Throw out all the stats, forget history. The game will play out the way it does and none of the above mentioned scenarios will mean squat. Stanford had three really, really good games. Tennessee had three games that were not offensively up to par. So what are the chances of either team having the same kind of game in the National Championship?

Lady Vols could very well come out firing on all cylinders and run up a 30 to 3 lead. Stanford could go cold as ice for 18 minutes, then come back and tie up the game with seconds remaining. Stifling defense shuts down the Cardinal's last ditch effort. A desperation shot from mid-court by Sid Smallbone (how'd she get in this fantasy?) tickles the twine 'nothin' but net' as the clock hits 0. Oh wait, someone forgot to start the clock. Do over! Same result. Lady Vols win! Cut down nets. Confetti falls. CP3 announces she's coming back for #3.

See, it's easy. You don't have to be Stacey or Kara to go out on a limb. Anything can happen, even magic. Nobody's gonna care who said what when the final buzzer sounds. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Posted by Grim1 on April 8, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gonna be a hellofa game.

Posted by pdhuff on April 8, 2008 at 4:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Big mountain to climb if Cardinals keep on their pace.

But opponents are the biggest factor in how you play. Somehow, LVs, reach down and bring it.

Posted by andefromtn on April 8, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Angie needs to hit her shot tonight. I know that sounds like a lot for a freshman to take on but if she or another Lady Vols has a hot hand from the outstand the Cardinal players won't be able to pack the paint and collaspe as easier on Candance. Alexis needs to get her share of points tonight. It will be a good game to watch tonight.

Posted by dfreeman on April 8, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Stanford doesn't have Pat! We should win tonight! Go Lady Vols!!

Posted by jimr07 on April 8, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Since all the "esperts" are picking Stanford, i sure hope they go ahead and play the game. Will be interesting/

Posted by Chrisoda751 on April 8, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like our chances. Alexis Hornbuckle is every bit as athletic as Wiggins and no one can match up with CP. Also, Stanford hasn't played a physical defense in this tournament (Uconn has a good defense, just not very physical). We played the top two defenses so far in A&M and LSU. We'll get our points and they'll find it's not so easy to pass the ball with an orange shirt in their face. We were robbed when we played them in Palo Alto and this will be a nice payback. Both teams will have their runs, but I see us separating in the 2nd half.

Posted by ladyvolsrock on April 8, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The same pundits last year forecast Duke to take it all. Until 2 days ago it was UCONN so lets just say they don't have a stellar record in forecasting the games. This is probably why they play the games. Anything can happen in tournament time and usually does. This team usually finds a way to win, even when they struggle. GO LADY VOLS!

Posted by kceltic on April 8, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One thing to remember;Lady Vols have been on the Big Stage many times,First in a long time for Stanford.Expierence pays off in crucial spots.Parker and company will be ready at championship time.

Posted by johnlg00 on April 8, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To paraphrase the aforementioned Stacy Dales (one of the best analysts working today, IMHO), it is sometimes painful to watch the Lady Vols on offense. It has almost always been that way. The only real exceptions I remember are the "Three Meeks" teams in the 90s. No question the Lady Vols will defend Stanford like no one else has in this year's tourney, but we just HAVE to have more offensively than we have gotten so far out of everyone NOT named Candace than we have if we hope to win the eighth. The "tightness" Pat spoke of is the Lady Vols' traditionally dominant characteristic on offense. Far be it from me to criticize Pat, but most of these players were offensive machines in high school. Then they come here and most of them just seem to forget how and when to shoot. There is just no part of the offensive team game that we execute crisply and confidently on a consistent basis. Believe me, as I have said on many occasions, I will take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day, but with all our talent, is it really too much to ask for a pretty win every now and then(;-P)? GO LADY VOLS!!! BRING HOME THE EIGHTH!!!

Posted by cboots54 on April 8, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thats just like the Big ESPN analyst to pick the other team, Stacy Dales picked LSU to win it all and Kara Lawson picked N Carolina see how good they are. Go Lady Vols! Win #8

Posted by richvol on April 8, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Find another Michelle Marciniak and our offensive problems go away.

Posted by mparker on April 8, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pretty embarraassed to be listed as a 'fan' with some of you. Hell, don't even watch the game, guys, you've already given up.

The LV's are going to have a HUGE chip on their shoulder. All you fans, all that media stuff, they will be eating that up. For a team of seniors, this gives them that one little bit extra.

A little analysis of the last 2 Stanford games shows them basically winning from 3-point range. Pat is not stupid, she will attempt to be ferocious on the 3-pt shooters. This may mean Bobbitt doesn't play that much, don't know for sure.

UT has been winning ugly, winning on the borads, all the little things. They are now very used to being in tough, nasty games. If we get refs like the LSU game, we'll be fine. If we get pansy-a##es like reffed the Vandy-UT mens game, we are in trouble.

If I recall the Stanford game, Anosike was in fould trouble early. The Stanford players are the type that Vicki Baugh and Alex Fuller can play against reasonable effectively.

Can't wait to see this game. Does Pat go straight man-to-man??? Box-and-one??? Can Candace play D (I am more concerned with that than her offense). Will Bobbitt play and be the star of the game from 3-point land??

Everyone has conceded the game to Stanford, except for the LV's and a few diehard fans. I'm a diehard fan.

Posted by mparker on April 8, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

johnlg00;
I agree in part. Sometimes I think Pat is WAY off-base with the personal pressure. Hey, she's human, and she says herself it's a tough call to know how much to push.

The part I disagree with: most where offensive machines in high school. Look, in HS, if you are tall, can jump, or have quicks, you are a star. The intensity of college games, the physical play, strength of ALL the players make it a different game.

I don't think Pat is a really gifted offensive caoch. I think what she does best is coach intense play, and to keep the right mix on the court. Heck, even when we had the Meeks, we struggled at times.

Not that Vol fans want to see this, but the best offensive player I've seen in ALL games was Diana Taurasi. Completely unstoppable at clutch time. Candace is the best PLAYER ever, but I'd likely take Diana in clutch time. Too damn bad she didn't like Pat and liked Geno better.

Candace has had a fantastic year. She has absorbed the poor play of Anosike and the slow development of Baugh (and the loss of Cain). Like most others, I really wish she was full-go.

Still, I expect a show....

Posted by pdhuff on April 8, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker, you appear to be ready.

Posted by wewhite on April 8, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Lady Vols can win tonight. Stanford hasn't really been challenged by a strong defensive showing. Even Geno's girls didn't put the withering defense that Pat puts up. Want a definition of stress? Look at an opponent player's face as she's boxed in against the line by Parker et al. with teammates standing by, helpless. I think Stanford is looking at their lowest scoring game.

That being said, the LVs would do well to consider the plight of the Memphis men's team. They came in an almost unanimous victor... lotsa points all season, only one defeat (had to laugh at all the "like Tennessee did" references during the broadcast) and left with their heads in their hands. Their achilles heel all season long, poor free throw shooting, came back to haunt them. Kansas, however, came in with a "we don't listen to the pundits and the odds makers" attitude. From Stanford's win over the women's-equivalent-to-Memphis-men UConn, they have that same can do attitude.

We can't have a weak shooting game, in the paint, at the line, or beyond the arc, as we have in the past few games. Defense is great, but ask any NFL team that's gone up against the Colts in the past few years, and they'll tell you a basic tenet has been, is now, and always will be true: The team that scores the most points wins the game. We need Bobbitt and Bjorkland shooting killer threes like they did up until March (what happened?); we need Anosike, Hornbuckle, and Auguste crashing the boards and tipping in missed shots; we need Candace to be, well, Candace. Oh yeah, and we need Pat putting her own, personal "withering defense" on the refs to keep them honest. Do all those things and it'll be a blowout. If there are any shortcomings, it will be an interesting game.

Posted by mparker on April 8, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pd, just showing some respect for the LV's. They have earned it, win or lose.

I'm realistic enough to see the problems; however, we are in the game have the chance. Now, I thought we had a good chacne with the men against UL, or with the football team against LSU. Look at those two games, and you'll see....
-football, UT V LSU: we played with heart, we had the chavnce, we lost
-men's bb, UT v UL: we stunk, played our worst game of the year, pretty much choked it up.

The diff??? It was a pretty even split, but the men's BB team was still getting lots of props as a favorite, even with Chris playing so badly. The men's football team was COMPLETELY disrespected, just like I feel our LV's are at the moment.

The pressure is on Stanford NOT TO LOSE. I think there is no pressure on the LV's, just a little bit of 'hwy, everybody thinks we are toast'.

So, yeah, we have issues, but we are in the game.

Posted by jack_2222 on April 8, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

at this level it's will over skill

Posted by rckytpfn on April 8, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The LSU game was a war on the court - I would expect nothing less tonight. Hopefully CP is feeling good and AH can hit the bucket more often this time. GO LADY VOLS - bring home #8!!!

Posted by johnlg00 on April 8, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lots of good posts today. mparker, I would love to have a beer or coffee with you and talk ball. NOT asking for a date(;-P); I'm happily married! cboots54, analysts are human too. In any year, there are always several teams who could win the championship. Even with the excellent record the Lady Vols had this year, it would be hard to say that they were the OBVIOUS favorites going into the tournament. Analysts may have more information than we do, but they aren't fortune-tellers. No one would have been shocked if LSU or UNC--or Rutgers, UConn, Stanford, or a couple of others--had won the championship this year. The Lady Vols have won more than one title when they weren't the favorites going in, so maybe they will again. That is why the games are decided on the court.

Posted by vscebail on April 8, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's great to be a Tennessee Vol and still have something to cheer about in APRIL. GO LADY VOLS!!!

Posted by Volfantm on April 8, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Our Candace says we win. I believe her.
ESPN may just be afraid of losing viewers who are tired of "it's always Tennessee or UConn". On the other hand I saw some posts from self proclaimed non-fans who thought the UT LSU game was fabulous. Maybe they stay fans. Wish I was there tonight.

Posted by johnlg00 on April 8, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ugly as it was, the UT-LSU game certainly lacked nothing for excitement--rugged, hard-nosed defensive play, close throughout, and several compelling story lines. The Stanford-UConn game was also exciting. Dominant programs like UT and UConn always have mixed responses from those fans not committed to either team. I was a great fan of the Celtics when they were dominating the NBA behind Russell and Auerbach, but I have never liked the Yankees--go figure! National media types are always looking for "The Next Big Thing". If one doesn't arise naturally, they will try to invent one. They don't call it "the news" for nothing.

Posted by lewhs93 on April 8, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've never felt that a LV team was going to lose.Sure they drop one now and then.A loss for Pat is used as a building block. GO LADY VOLS

Posted by mparker on April 8, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John:
thanks, appreciate it. According to the web, you are/were actually the supervisor of SEC officials!!!

My family used to know THAT Jonn, I think he coached at MTSU for a while.

ANYWAY, enjoy the game. We'll have to have our coffee/beer virtually, as I live about 1,000 miles away from the prettiest part of country (upper east Tenn, Western uNC is as good as it gets if you are not a beach bum!!).

Posted by mparker on April 8, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As for the LSU - Tenn game...it is a classic.

Why???

Well, with Fowles presence in the paint, and CP3 being hurt, it made for a lot so suspense. Could UT stop Sylvia?? Could we score in the paint??? Who would make the first BAD mistake??

I posted this a couple of times, but one more: I'd like to see Vol fans appreciate LSU and Sylvia Fowles. LSU plays tough (like us). Sylvia has gotten tough (like Candace).

You gotta understand: a worthy opponent makes it better, makes the game better. How many times do you think Sylvia has her off-side shoulder grabbed and yanked on shots??

Just like when Diana T was at UConn, you just have to tip your hat to someone who can do it better.

Here's hoping the LV's come out with their offense in gear. Remember, this isn't LSU they are playing. Stanford is decent on D, but I don't think they can contest every shot.

I usually have a clear read on games, but I'm just guessing on this one:
-the LV's pound it in the paint to get Appel in foul trobule, and get Nicky involved of offense
-UT makes Wiggins play D
-the LV's push the perimeter out, invite the 2's.
-the LV's switch up on D a lot, as UL did to the men.
-Candace dekes a lot, dishes a lot, before going off for 20 points.

You never know, but I have the sense there are some angry, motivated, and focused ladies in the UT lady vols world at the moment. Stanford is the 'darling', and UT is just 'in the way for a moment'. Vanderveer (sp) is playing the 'hah, you bet yout butt we will win' attitude as well, imho.

See y'all after the game, win or lose.

Posted by TommyJack on April 8, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mparker: Throw up, then tape up. Be ready, son. lol

Posted by 98reax on April 8, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This just in: Pat Summitt plans to ease pregame jitters by rappin instead of her usual yapping.

It's a buffet. Lets's go play. Bring your best dish to dinner today.
Coach's words ring loud and true. You're best served to do as I do.
Focus. Focus. Don't blink. I recruit you to win, not think.
When I give you the sign, you run that play. Your dish is defense today.

They are picking against us and that makes me mad.
Do they not realize the success we've had?
You know what's at stake. Now let's go out and get it.
Play soft now, you'll live to regret it. Don't you regret it!

We've worked too hard, come too far. Show the doubters who you are.
We are Tennessee. Our very best is what our fans are waiting to see.
Get in the stance. Take control of this game. Never mind that loss in December.
Lady Vols' Eighth National Title is what you'll remember.

Posted by TommyJack on April 8, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Carolyn: You could have a future in the rap bidness.

Posted by GoVol on April 8, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll take Pat against the rest, anytime. We'll need our best effort and maybe a break or two, but we certainly have a chance. We'll soon find out?

Posted by vegasvol on April 8, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ESPN and others may be picking Stanford to win, but, the Vegas bookmakers are predicting the Lady Vols. The line here at noon was LV's -2.

Posted by asleep on April 8, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the LVs have a great chance because I still believe that UConn is probably the best team - Stanford just played out of their minds to beat them. Now I just don't believe that they (Stanford) can play that well again. Having to beat UConn and UT consecutively to win a NC seems insurmountable and I don't think they can do it on that big stage. We play better D and certainly have a better inside presence than anybody they have played. Plus Candace Wiggins hasn't had Pat's D is her face in a while. That earlier victory was at Stanford and without all the pressure of a NC game. Maybe my glasses are just too orange but I think the pressure of the big game, plus our experience from last year, will prove too much for the Cardinal. Go Vols!!!

Posted by mad_poly_uct on April 8, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck tonight Vol fans. Enjoyed reading these posts. Inmho, Tn defense will be the key, and I do believe Tn will prevail(arrrggg, that was hard to write,lol).I can't see Stanford draining 3's like the other night, and I certainly don't see Tn sticking with a lame a** zone to allow it.Oh well, there's 2 cents from a Uconn fan. Have fun, should be a great game.

Posted by dopedawg on April 8, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Keeping the faith!!!! Luv ya' and believe in ya ladies!!!!! Go Big Orange!!!

Posted by interestedperson on April 8, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I said it's great to be a Tennessee Vol!

Go Lady Vols!

Go Big Orange!

Posted by 98reax on April 8, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So according to the pregame show, Stanford will most definitely be the Champs tonight because they are the only team there. At least from where I sit, they only talked about the Cardinal, mostly Wiggins, for the entire show. Whatever!

Posted by murrayvol on April 8, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not too many people I watched were picking Kansas last night. So be it!

Posted by kceltic on April 8, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know we will miss Parker and the rest of the seniors next year,but I predict Bobbitt will be the hardest to replace.Her intesity is contagious and we she plays her game,we really click.Great 1st half D girls--keep it up!

Posted by Plasticman on April 8, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like the LV's are about to win ANOTHER Championship!! 888888888888888888888888888888

Posted by utchris2003 on April 8, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TITLE #8 OHHHHHH SOOOO GREAT!!!!!

Posted by dfreeman on April 8, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's great to be a Tennessee Volunteer... I said it's great to be....

Posted by dfreeman on April 8, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Eight BABAY!!!!!!!

Posted by eduardo on April 8, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Fake basketball oh boy! What were the percentages of fans down in Tampa? About 75-80% in the closet?

Posted by Plasticman on April 8, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Take that Geno!!

Posted by daddyaxe on April 8, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

that is what i am talking about......it is great to be a tennessee vol

Posted by DennisVols on April 8, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NCAA CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!
GO VOLS!!!!

Posted by Plasticman on April 8, 2008 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Eduardo, while I agree Women's BB is not the most exciting event to watch, it's still UT and I guarantee Parker would take you to school...

Posted by dopedawg on April 8, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wheres my nitro!!!!!!!! Our Lady Vols are champs....again!!!!!!!!! Got to be there to watch em' raise another banner!!! Whats wrong with you doubters, naysayers!!! You gotta have faith in team!!! Cant wait till next year!!!

Posted by SFOrange on April 8, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

duh--given up for dead after the semis.
48 pts for the Cardinal.
Go Orange.

Posted by SFOrange on April 8, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

duh--given up for dead after the semis.
48 pts for the Cardinal.
Go Orange.

Posted by SCVolsFan on April 8, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WAY TO GO LADY VOLS!

Now that will SHUT THEM UP.

Posted by mparker on April 8, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

okay, now go back and read what I posted today. Pretty close on this one.

Posted by jsc1973 on April 11, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This was a stupid article. How many points Stanford could score against some team with a completely different style than Tennessee was absolutely irrelevant to how many Stanford could score against Tennessee. Nobody scores much against LSU because LSU is a very tough defensive team, plus they know the Lady Vols like a book. UConn is an offensive powerhouse; they play good defense but they can be lured into a shootout. Stanford matched up well with UConn, not so well with UT. UT doesn't match up all that well with LSU, but is just fine against Stanford.

Posted by camoman270 on May 26, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lady Vols Are just Freakin Awesome!!!
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBBBBBBBBBBBBBBayyyyyyyyyy