Adams: Stricklen catching on fast

Shekinna Stricklen proved she’s more than talented Sunday night against Stanford. She’s also coachable.

“Coach has been on me to be a better scorer,” the Tennessee freshman said. “She has really been pushing me.”

Coach Pat Summitt pushed the right button at the wrong time for the Cardinal.

Stricklen scored 25 points and hit one big basket after another as the Lady Vols defeated third-ranked Stanford 79-69 in overtime at Thompson-Boling Arena.

It wasn’t just a career game for Stricklen. It also was a comeback game.

She missed Thursday’s game with a stomach virus.

“Missing the game at Old Dominion, was probably good for her,” Summitt said. “She wanted to get back on the floor and prove her worth to our basketball team.”

Her value soared when it mattered most against the Cardinal.

Stricklen, who also had seven rebounds and four assists, scored eight consecutive points as UT opened up a 76-69 lead to start the overtime.

“She was kind of sick for the last game,” Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer said. “She made me sick in this game.

“For someone hitting 21 percent (from 3-point range), she hit some great shots. She’s just a tremendous talent.

“She and (Angie) Bjorklund are the keys to the team. They really knocked down some big shots.”

Bjorklund, who had 29 points against Old Dominion, added 16 against Stanford.

After missing the first five games with a lower-back injury, Bjorklund struggled in her first two games. Since then, she has scored in double figures in every game. Moreover, she has made 12 of 19 3-point attempts in the last four games.

But UT’s 3-point attack wasn’t a solo act against Stanford. Freshman point guard Briana Bass was 2-for-4 on 3s and Stricklen was 3-for-7.

Stricklen’s shooting is particularly noteworthy given all that has been asked of her in the first half of her freshman season. She has played three different positions and — with Cait McMahan out with a knee injury — she has been UT’s first backup at point guard.

“Being a freshman can’t be an excuse,” Stricklen said. “If the coach has you in the starting lineup, you’ve got to step up.”

Easier said.

Consider how many outstanding perimeter scorers have struggled with their shooting touch as a UT freshman. Also, consider how many UT freshman point guards have felt overwhelmed on occasion.

Stricklen is handling both roles. And Sunday night, she handled them against one of the top teams in the country.

She didn’t start out that way. She missed her first two shots and passed up a couple of open shots from mid-range. She also botched a two-on-one fast break with an ill-conceived pass.

But neither the missed shot nor the misplay got her down. In fact, her confidence increased with the pressure.

She didn’t pass up any open shots in overtime. She didn’t miss, either.

“I was really confident,” she said. “It was the most confidence I have felt.

“This game didn’t just help me. It picked up our whole team.”

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.