AUSTIN, Texas — Texas went to its locker room at halftime of a women’s basketball game against Tennessee and broke down the stat sheet.
Down the hallway, the Lady Vols were gathering and, in retrospect, broke down.
“I don’t know, we’d have been better off if we’d didn’t have halftime maybe,’’ Tennessee coach Pat Summitt said.
Definitely a worthwhile consideration for the Lady Vols after their final 20 minutes unraveled into a series of missed shots and turnovers, along with leaky defense and rebounding. In the process, a tie score at the break disintegrated into a 73-59 loss to the Longhorns before a Sunday matinee crowd of 8,567 at the Erwin Center.
While No. 7 Tennessee (7-2) sagged, No. 6 Texas (9-0) surged after a frank assessment of the first 20 minutes and what needed to change.
“I talked to the players and asked them what the most important stats are to me,’’ Texas coach Gail Goestenkors said. “They all said rebounding. And I asked them what the second most important stat is and they said assists. I told them that we only had two. That’s not going to get it.”
The Longhorns got the message. They had 10 assists after the break, which helped fuel a poised, determined finish.
Four Texas players scored in double figures, led by Brittainey Raven’s 21 points. Kathleen Nash scored 12. Carla Cortijo and Ashley Lindsey each scored 11.
The Longhorns built a 52-41 edge in rebounds and a 23-6 disparity in points off turnovers.
“This year, we had a lot more confidence going into this game than we did last year,’’ said Raven, referred to the Longhorns’ 92-67 loss in Knoxville last season.
Glory Johnson, who missed all but three minutes of the first half with foul trouble, led Tennessee with 13 points. Angie Bjorklund, who fouled out in the second half and was limited to 20 playing minutes, scored 11.
The final stat sheet had Summitt’s undivided attention. She was so preoccupied that she walked away from the postgame handshake line after congratulating Goestenkors.
“I made a point of going back and talking to their players and congratulating them,’’ Summitt said.
The Lady Vols trailed by seven points inside the game’s first three minutes and on three other first-half occasions thereafter. Yet the score was 31-all when the teams walked off the court. There was no indication they were heading their separate ways.
But after scoring the first basket of the second half, Tennessee committed turnovers on four of its next five possessions. The Lady Vols finished with 11 in the second half and 18 overall.
“Bri (Bass) wasn’t as sharp coming out of the locker room with her leadership at the point,” said Summitt, referring to Tennessee’s freshman point guard. “Things started to break down for us.”
Tennessee was hurting for experienced options at the position, too. Cait McMahan’s sore right knee limited her to five first-half minutes.
Of all the fouls, the one that hurt Tennessee the most was Bjorklund’s fourth with 16:43 left. She went to the bench, depriving the Lady Vols of their best sharpshooter with the scored tied at 39.
“A couple times, she just tried to run through defenders,’’ Summitt said. “She has to recognize when you’re a great shooter and your team and your (coaching) staff is counting on you, you can’t take yourself out of the game with fouls. You just can’t do it.”
Among Tennessee’s missed shots in the second half, at least three came from point-blank range. The Lady Vols also were 11 for 24 at the free throw line. Johnson, who was 7 for 14, and Vicki Baugh both missed two free throws apiece in a one-minute span inside the final 5:20, thereby missing a chance to cut an eight-point deficit in half.
“Once again, the free throw shooting is back,’’ Johnson said. “I just have to get in the gym and keep shooting 100 to 200 free throws. It’s mental. I know I can make them.”
Developing an ability to overcome the missed shots and the other mistakes will take more time and more effort.
“I do give Texas a lot of credit,’’ Bjorklund said. “I think our defense broke down. When things weren’t going our way, we weren’t there mentally. And we need to stay in there.”
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Comments » 55
PureOrange writes:
Each game is an adventure. Foul shots are a shot in the dark, as well as lay-ups. Some of the passes are unbelievable, and not in a good way. Angie can shoot 3 pointers and foul shots, but she goes brain dead on so many passes.
And if someone steps over to cut off a driver to the basket, I may just pass out.
Young is one thing, but some of the repeated problems should not be part of All-American players' game.
Pat has her work cut out for her. I look forward to seeing them play when I actually feel good about their chances each time they hit the floor. Right now, I only hope for the best.
volfan#207874 writes:
Wow! I haven't witnessed such close calling officials since
basketball was a no-contact sport in the late 40's! Did the three women officials opine, erronously, that the paying public was there for the benefit of watching them officiate the game, or Heavens forbid, to watch two teams battle it out on the court without favoritism by the "zebras." Defense
must be stressed to prevent uncontested easy baskets, and turnovers, especially unchallenged ones must be greatly reduced. Put this one behind you Lady Vols and build on it.
Strive for perfection in all phases of the game. Go Coach Summitt, and go Lady Vols...we're behind you...all the way!
LadyVolFanForever writes:
Well Lady Vols, you have survived this years' first finals week, many very tough practice sessions and getting beat on the road by a class A team..............it was all a learning experience and you survived it all. (Yes, Brewer you can survive this and you can do this. Hang in there !)
You have 2 more very tough games this week so suck it up and learn from your mistakes. We must move on and move forward ! Games will only get tougher and so will you. This is a rebuilding year so let's build a strong foundation.
dwa7#337691 writes:
the girls have the same problem as the UT guys - they have no HANDS AND NOT CATCH AND FINISH A SHOT! What a sorry game for both men and women - oh well..........both are way overrated.
jesseejames57 writes:
the lady vols had a rough time in texas.they need games like this one to become a better team.go gals keep on pluging.
lewhs93#205993 writes:
We knew this was going to be a tough year.You can't replace a team like last year with a fine group of young ladies.They will take their lumps for a while,but look out when they become real LADY VOLS.I'm just going to sit back and love every minute of their learning experience knowing that they are going to be GREAT.
ncvol writes:
Wish we could have came away with a win but maybe next time.
Still know we have a lot of young talent. Go L. Vols!
tenn32rebel writes:
Folks, you football Vol fans really don't know these young ladies so you need to be more positive & generous in your comments lest you look like the fools you are later in the year.
These early games are truly building games with Pat seeing who will give a full 40 minute effort. By the time SEC tournament time rolls around, the Baby Lady Vols will be ready to win in post-season play.
Yes, they are talented and young and would drive me totally up the wall but thank goodness I'm not PAT!!! She looks at the long run and the big picture. When in the post-season, she goes game to game.
That is the wonderful thing about basketball. It is a post-season sport. That is when the BIG HARDWARE is collected.
See you at the SEC tourney.
GO BABY LADY VOLS---OUR FUTURE CHAMPIONS!!!
"rebel"
floridavolsfan writes:
Take a deep breath and relax......Outside of K-Town philly basketball has very few fans and boys will be boys!!! If you need to vent look at the money HAMMY is giving away to UT coaches!!!! He thinks the fans and donors have bottomless pockets!!!
allvol9 writes:
This is a very young team...started 3 freshman and 2 sophomores. Will take time for them to grow up but there is alot of talent on this team and Pat will have them at the top no doubt. Early fouls really hurt UT but when tourny time rolls around they will be in the thick of it. Go Big Orange!
volfanincarolina writes:
When it is all said and done there Mr. know it all, you will see CPS as the best coach in the history of the game when the gwadc of your team wishing he just could carry her purse just to get the vibes of what greatness is all about. Your team was suppose to win it all last year as well and choked, choked and choked. We are a young team and if your team does not win it this year than it will be years before they will be in contention again. Say what you will but when it is all said and done CPS will be noted as best ever.
jr2miles writes:
This team have to rebound better and make those easy layup. I think the players are not commited on the defensive side of the ball. This team got out played today by a Texas team that in my eyes is overrated. Angie have to play like a upper classman and the freshman will be freshman. Kelly has to be a factor in the paint, she have to rebound the ball when she is in the game. When it come down to tourney time this team scares me ,because of their lack of play on the defensive in.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Stay the course. Study the charts. Freshman will get better!
Pat will at least make changes and get on their azz.
Has the hardware to prove it.
She is the bomb.
GR82BAVOL writes:
Was I looking at your post cross-eyed or did you really just make the moronically stupid comment that Geno was the winningest coach of all time?
The Lady VOLS have won National Championships with TEN losses, so trust me when I tell you we're not worried.
Winningest coach of all time, ROFLMFAO!!! Did Geno tell you that, LOL!? It's knowledgable fans like you that gives the (few) classy UCONN fans an awfully bad name.
blitzshoot writes:
Tough weekend for UT BB. Beat'em while you can, it won't be like this forever.
volfan#207874 writes:
Mike-from-connecticut...aka mike smith...aka john adams???
Sounds like something JA would dream up to keep bloggers at each other's throats. Gotta sell those cheap shots. Maybe he has Pat Summitt in his sights now. Wonder how long it will be before he attacks Kiffin..and his family entourage?
chad_t31 writes:
Penn St scare ya?
MillisaAnn writes:
Lady Vols you can do it, work harder and listen to Pat.
Go Lady Vols!!!
coach75 writes:
hey moron,
we have one senior who does nopt play much and everyone else is young. wussy geno, better hope you win this year because after this year we will probably three peat again. when are you starting up your espn recruiting tours again. lady huskies= female dogs or aka geno aurenema(misspelled on purpose).
coach75 writes:
this post goes to the mike ucant win fan. how it got on the post it was on, i have no idea.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
lol,................,lol,lol,lol............lol,lol,lol,.......lol,lol,lol,....lol....
BillVol writes:
Does Coach G lead the series head-to-head with Pat?
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
"At least Coach Summit doesn't have a sibling on the team"
who the hell has a 'sibling' on the team??
you are a damned fool. BOTH CPS and CBP have said their temas aren't ready for the high ratings. BOTH have said they have a LONG way to go.
WTH is wrong with you?? They arent't selfish, they just do NOT know how to win against savvy opponents.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
ya know, I have to say this:
my daughter's team, No. 4 in the state, played like phooey and got beat this week.
ut men played like phooey, bot beat.
ut women played like phooey, got beat.
ut football sucked all year.
stock market sucked all year.
deaths in the immediate family.
braves sucked all year, look bad for the next 10 years (ted turner's legacy is gone).
U.S.A. going into deep recession, possibly depression.
2008, all in all, is one of those years where you just say 'screw it, ain't nothing going right, expect the worst'.
with that in mind, you are never unprepared. And I'm too damned stupid to be depressed by any of it, becasue .....
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
it just doesn't matter
meatballs.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Parer's gone, and this team is potentially better than last years in many ways. Again Texas had to really turn it on, and we helped them with turnovers and missed shots, the free throws also cost us the game, and let Texas off of the hook, somebody else will get them, they always do, for when they beat the Vols, they get to thinking that they are invincible.
98reax writes:
mparker, hang in there. Sorry about your loss. Real life and death is always way more relevant than any basketball game. Yes, it does matter.
The Baby Vols will be OK. Today would have been bad enough for the good orange IF the whistles had not decided to take over the game from the get-go. The officials' decision to allow absolutely NO physical contact from the tip-off put the whammy on the Baby Vols. The rest is history. Who could expect any other outcome. I stopped watching after the 6th foul was whistled within the first 2 or 3 minutes of the game. It was simple horrible for the fans and for the players. Pat's team will learn a lot from this. They will be better.
As for the mentally challenged ones who clammer nonsense and disrespect, have a meatball and chill.
bmaples writes:
First things first -- mparker, sorry about your loss, and agree that 2008 in some ways is going to be one to throw back.
As for the Lady Vols -- watched most of the game, and the youth finally caught up to them. As the announcers noted, it is the youngest starting lineup in the history of the program. So, being tied at halftime was probably something of a miracle.
They will get better this year, and may even make a run in the NC2As. BUT -- next year, and the year after -- watch out! If this group stays together, and listens to the coaching staff, and improves as much as they should -- they could win a couple more championships -- SEC and even NC!
Go Lady Vols -- we're for you!
ladivolfan writes:
Ahhh yes, Geno - putting the con in Uconn since 1985
YankeeVol writes:
mparker,
Trained professionals are standing by, right now, waiting for your call. No need for such despondency...
LadyVolFanForever writes:
mparker, sorry for your loss. You are a good blogger and understand women's basketball. It has been a tough year for a lot of us and next year will probably be tougher BUT do not give up !
I have to keep reminding myself this is a rebuilding year. We will get better and we will be a force again in the future.
Hang in there mparker and Lady Vols !
floridavolsfan writes:
filly bb---who cares!!!
xvolx writes:
they knew the rules. second hand check gets you a foul. they're not disciplined and do not have the speed to play pressing defense. still don't get position to rebound which is a work ethic. I've never seen a lady vol team as scared and uptight. free throw shooting is a result of choking and nerves. these ladies just need time to grow up. To the UConn poster: no we're not there yet. Who was it that you beat last year for nc. It's slips my mind. Was it Stanford that kicked you out the front door? The same team we beat for nc. See you in March.
rockytopron writes:
Poor Poor Mike from convicticut...you are such a loser, a waste of flesh and an absolute idiot and those are your good points.
Are you arrogantly already placing the trophy on the ucan't mantle? Sorry, that will not happen this year.
BTW, Pat has 8 championships and 990 wins, so who's the winninngest coach? PAT SUMMITT!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Fire Summitt!!! The decline has begun.
RTB writes:
The fans on the U of Tennessee main sports blog are very knowledgeable. If you get on here just to dis the Lady Vols or Coach Summitt, you need to have a good point, but the fans here will usually respect criticism that is valid.
Gino is my one exception. It is very difficult to respect Gino. "Arrogant," just does not describe him adequately.
topgun writes:
mparker: Perhaps I read your post with a more somber appreciation than some of the others. Concur with a lot of your post comments. It has been a turbulent 2008 and '09 looks a little shaky. Sorry for your family loss. BUT, like the pendulum of an old grandfather clock, things will swing our way again--in all things. In sports, lots of UT folks are excited about the Kiffin family and UT football, and, truthfully, a very young Lady Vols basketball team needed a valuable lesson in playing an excellent team in a hostile environment, dumb fouls, etc. Maybe we should thank Texas for the lesson. Pat will use this loss as a teaching tool and the LVs will be there in the SEC and NC race!! The mens team had their early Xmas present at Temple, who showed them how to play "team" BB. Not-to worry, Pearlball will have a good year!!
True, everyone in the USA is suffering, in one way or another, from the chaotic effects of several years of "freefall, unrestricted, liar loans," and the total failure of our shortsighted congresspersons to take positive actions on all of our behalfs, etc., etc. They were playing "three-card-montie" with our economy. AND, like a house of cards, and any pyramid scheme, it was doomed to eventually collapse. BUT, even that will turn around. Compared to our parents and grandparents who endured the great depression in the 1930's and World War II in the 1940's, we have it pretty easy.
Finally, we cannot let a little blip on our UT sports radar get us down. Mostly teenagers playing a game!! A weekend is not a season!! We are the Tennessee VOLS for heavens sake. We will prevail and the USA will too. Cheers! Merry Christmas.
knoxnewsuser writes:
http://www.firepatsummitt.com
Biggie writes:
I never bust the officials but this was unbelievable. After the 1st few minutes I was telling the officials to stick those whitles! Let them play!!
I'm not saying we lost because of that, we didn't. But it's been a long time since I've seen game officials that needed so much attention.
knoxnewsuser writes:
There could be a couple of other losses coming, LVs have a tough next 5 games
richvol writes:
The officiating was ridiculous. UT had been called for 4 fouls in the first two minutes. Some of the fouls were so ticky tack it had to contribute to not playing tough defense. Home cooking at its best.
We missed enough layups and free throws to win the game but we were very sloppy ball handlers in the second half.
98reax writes:
topgun, nice post. Merry Christmas to you too.
You opine that we have many things going on right now to be concerned about. You are so right that basketball and football are simply games. We acknowledge life's trials can be somber.
As for sports, we don't always find our team in the W column. That's the way it is. We have good teams and we will get our share of Ws. Life goes on as dipwads log in to show us how very blessed we are to actually have our share of brains. We have to laugh at the stupidity of some of these comments which have no validity at all.
xvolx is not amusing to me, simply negative in every way. The x poster fails to be positive even in attempt: "I've never seen a lady vol team as scared and uptight. free throw shooting is a result of choking and nerves. these ladies just need time to grow up."
Sure you've seen it before, xvolx. You post the same displeasure after each game. Pat's young team could not establish a rhythm. They over-played from the get-go as the touch fouls mounted, they quick shot, turned the ball over and simply could not focus. The officials had a huge part in ruining that game for fans by not letting them play. They could not even toss it up properly. No one wants to go out and watch a game of 3 stripe shirts monopolizing 40 minutes of basketball. It is ridiculous to be so mamby-pamby with the ladies. For pete's sake, they practice harder than that every day of the week. Officials certainly don't need to steal the show with touch fouls.
Texas handled it. They made enough shots to win. We did not. Life goes on and the Baby Vols will be fine.
Mrsknowitall writes:
Dead on!! They are taught that in high school. Each STAR has a complete game structured around them in high school and they don't have to do anything but drive and score. They don't ever pass the ball, rebound, block out, etc. I've seen it many times. Parker was a great exception to the rule!
sgtvols writes:
hire Fulmer to advise Pat. She need help.
rrrhasvols#220647 writes:
Coach Summitt is not distraught. She is trying to replace the loss of her starting five from last year. Texas should be glad that got the Lady Vols early. In spite of Texas having extremely fortuitous foul calls against the Vols and none against the home team in the beginning of the game which set the tone , playing with a much more experienced team and playing at home, they did not make a statement game.I hope we meet Texas again down the road!
Finally, You are a effete jerk, just like the UCONN coach.
mississippi writes:
Not only is he a loser but an idiot as well.Let him and everyone else have they fun for now.Pat & those ladies will remember these games later and Texas,Virginia,Ucoon,NC & THE REST OF THE COUNTRY WILL BE REMINDED WHY PAT IS THED GREATEST.By the way mikey,i hear that Gino's is worried about his post depth.(i would too)
topgun writes:
Hey, 98--good to hear from you. Hope all is well. As usual your post has an accurate, in-depth analysis of LV BB. Unfortunately, Comcast cable, in the Nashville area, does not have the Sportssouth channel and I have to wait for Foxss or maybe one of the ESPN's to see the LVs. This was really the first time I had seen them play. Watching the game, I kept thinking , "these ladies are so young and I don't know hardly any of them!!"
Pat is a great teacher and she will have the LVs ready by tourney time. Hope Pat keeps a book on the refs and if this group of refs ever does another LV game--watch the two-hand touch fouls. With the announcers prattling all of the time about mundane stuff and all of the refs whistles, it was hard to follow the game. But, the refs did not lose the game for us. Texas had the same refs.
You nailed it--on that one day, especially in the 2nd half, Texas was better than our LVs--in every aspect of the game. OK...we will get them next time.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
yv, ya misseed main point. I'm not despondent at all. Life can often throw lots of phooey at you. In the end, it really doesn't matter. It's all in how you go day to day.
best wishes to you!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
okay, I have to cut you a break based on your two posts...
here you go:
a 'sibling' is a brother or sister. Steven Pearl is NOT Bruce's brother or sister. Steven is Bruce's son. Clear on that one?? I have nothing negatvie to say about Bruce playing Steven. That is his choice as a coach and as a father.
I watched Saul and GG play for Tubby (I think GG only maybe a year at UGA??), and they grew and learned and were valuable to their teams.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
To all who may have misconstrued my post...
One, thanks.
Two, be assured, I'm not down at all. I learned long, long ago that there is 'balance' in life. For every good thing, there is a bad thing, and vice versa. In fact, I get worried if things are going TOO good!!!
Tinally, something you shouldn't kid yourselves about. We ahve all made sports a big part of our lives. We love the contests, to root, to be mad when we lose and happy when we win. It's really a human nature thing, akin to wanting your 'group' to win out on hunts and food-gathering, and, of course battle. Nowadasy, we've replaced battle with athletics, except in dire times.
So, my point is this: don't be mad at yourself for kicking th cat when the Vols, Braves, LV's, or whomever loses. You are hard-wired for it. In fact, you are my kind of person, the kind who competes and supports and gives a rat's tail about whats going on in the world.
Take care, y'all, even the bashers.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
First off, comments by topgun, 98reax, and mparker are the best reasons to read LV articles on GVX. I always learn something new and gain a fresh perspective from them. As for the game, I echo all that has been said about the physical and especially mental shortcomings of a young team, who are having to learn both to play the game at the top college level and, in many cases, to learn new roles with new team-mates--and all that under a coach like no one they could possibly have encountered before. This team oozes talent but they will have several more hard lessons, in all likelihood, before all the lights click on. When they do, look out!
As a former post player, the biggest shortcoming I see right now is that our post players, for the most part, are trying to play on their tip-toes with their knees locked when they are trying to score close in. That works when you are the tallest player on the court, but, when you are not, you must get low, get wide, get balanced, and then EXPLODE toward the hoop. It takes patience, maturity and experience, because it seems counter-intuitive. Drills can help, but there is just no substitute for learning it in real time under live fire, so to speak. Here endeth today's lesson. The girls have a long way to go but they have all the talent and coaching they need to get back to the top!
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