Event Details
- What: Lady Vols: UT V. Duke
- When: Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, 7 p.m. to midnight
- Where: Away Duke
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee doesn't whiff too often against too many women's basketball opponents.
So being 0-for-Duke the past three seasons stands out. The futility has gotten Alexis Hornbuckle's attention.
"As far as weighing on me, no," said the Lady Vols senior guard, who returned to practice Sunday after missing Thursday's game against Arkansas (diagnostic test).
"But come game time, it's something you'll think about. Before I graduate I want to step off the court knowing that I at least beat Duke, I get my revenge."
Game time is 7 tonight as the No. 2 Lady Vols (17-1) and No. 10 Blue Devils (15-4) tangle at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. (TV: ESPN2).
A three-game win streak has given the Blue Devils a 5-4 edge in the series and a rare distinction among Tennessee's opposition. Since 1990, only two other teams - Connecticut and Texas - have managed to string together three consecutive victories against Tennessee.
While fellow UT senior Nicky Anosike isn't fixated on Duke, the game has a bearing on the 6-foot-4 center's "now or never" approach to her final collegiate season.
"I can never get these times back, ever'' she said. "If I don't work hard and do all the things I want to do, then I'll live the rest of my life regretting and saying I wish I would've. If only I could've. I don't ever want to do that."
Unless there's a postseason meeting, it could be now or never for Anosike versus Duke.
Blue Devils senior guard Wanisha Smith, meanwhile, is closing in on a rare perfect run against UT. She said the three previous victories could be summed up in basic competitive values.
"Determination and fight are the two words that I would use to describe it,'' she said.
The Lady Vols demonstrated a lot of the same attributes in the last meeting between the two teams. They recovered from a 19-0 deficit at the outset and built their effort on the solid foundation of a 46-35 rebounding advantage.
In the end, the one-two punch of Blue Devils Abby Waner and Lindsey Harding was too much to overcome in the 74-70 loss in Knoxville.
Waner, who lugged a 2-for-13 shooting slump on 3-pointers into the game, hit all five of her attempts before halftime.
Harding served as the closer, scoring 10 of Duke's final 24 points.
Harding, last season's Naismith player of the year, has departed, along with 6-7 center Alison Bales. Waner returns and the Lady Vols are wary, considering she's hit only 4 of her last 31 3-point attempts.
Chante Black, a 6-5 center, is back after missing last season with a knee injury. She's leading the team in scoring (13.9 points per game) and rebounding (7.7 rpg).
While players come and go, Duke maintains its familiarity. Under first-year coach Joanne P. McCallie, the Blue Devils continue to emphasize defense and rebounding.
In the latest NCAA stats, the Blue Devils are ranked in the top 10 in four categories: field-goal percentage defense (34.2), rebound margin (9.1), blocked shots (6.9) and steals (13.3).
The Blue Devils have outrebounded seven of their last eight opponents by an average margin of 15.3 per game.
McCallie mentioned these qualities in bracing for Tennessee.
"We're going to have to be really sharp with how we defend, how we rebound and how we dictate physical play,'' she said.
By comparison, Tennessee's superlatives are primarily on offense, where the Lady Vols are ranked among the nation's leaders in scoring offense (81.7), field-goal percentage (47.5) and 3-point shooting percentage (39.0).
The statistical correlation between the two teams is blocks, where UT averages 6.6 per game.
This game should offer a telling review on the state of Tennessee's more traditional virtues, the qualities that served them well in winning the national championship last season.
The Lady Vols have been improving on defense. But they haven't faced this kind of an opponent since losing at Stanford 73-69 in overtime on Dec. 22.
They're coming off a 48-31 rebounding performance, albeit against a smaller Arkansas squad. Their overall plus-3.9 margin reflects ongoing inconsistency.
Talent gives Tennessee a good shot in any game and a decided edge in most. The recent history of this Duke game, though, suggests the Lady Vols need something more.
"I think we're a tough team mentally, a tougher team mentally than I think we've been in previous seasons,'' Anosike said. "We're not afraid of hard work. I'm sure we're definitely going to have to roll up our sleeves and battle it out (tonight). It's nothing we don't love to do."
Dan Fleser covers Lady Vols basketball. He may be reached at 865-342-6288.
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Comments » 46
Cherokee writes:
Jealousy is not pretty. You represent your team with the same character and class that your coach does. Have a great day.
martinvolfan writes:
What a cheap shot to a kid who's finally got her life back on track. Oh by the way she recently had a family tragedy, so thanks for rubbing a little salt on the wound. I'm glad that most players probably don't read the boards. Anyway,maybe the Lady Vols will beat the phooey out of your Lady Huskettes down the road. What a loser.
vegasvol writes:
put uconn fan in a bag with a duke crazy, shake it, and what do you get? twins!
splinterdand#602266 writes:
How do you expect their fans to behave when their troll of a coach behaves in like fashion? Pat Summitt and her Lady Vols are not only the class of women's college basketball, but the class of the entire NCAA. Thank you, Coach Summitt. I'm much more proud of your team for the classy way in which they conduct themselves than for all the games they win.
anthony writes:
Their are a lot of people like the UConn fan that feel like they can cuss our President and it's ok! So they of course have no objection to doing the same to our lady vols. Personally i'm getting a little tired of the bad refeering and of our being so nice to these bad little girls across the country. Go Vols . Strut your stuff@@@ and kick some blue devil butt!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Beat Dook.
knoxtenor writes:
Why expect UConnFan to be any less of a piece of white trash than UConn's revered coach? When people talk about class acts in the NCAA, you'll never hear Gino's name mentioned. I suspect that, in the future, when people talk about all-time great teams, the same will be true of UConn's program.
splinterdand#602266 writes:
Don't be a goof. Pat doesn't "duck" anyone. The toughest schedule in the country EVERY year attests to that. Forget the stupid rankings. Number one RPI right now.
camoman270#222859 writes:
Why no, i have used state farm for 30 years and love to see Pat on any commercial, and Peyton Manning!!!........DuuuuuuuuuuuuH!!!!!
Moron!!!. Just keep Geno and his boys off there, esp horse face!
martinvolfan writes:
Thanks for removing the first post by the Huskette loving moron!
splinterdand#602266 writes:
That horse face comment is not nice, although appropriate. She's Uconn's number one cheerleader as well. Kara Lawson is much smarter, and much more objective.
martinvolfan writes:
By the way UCONN, "like a good neighbor, Pat Summitt is there" and will remain atop the women's basketball world.
tlynn1#277099 writes:
Am I the only one who remembers that we beat this same Notre Dame team that UconnFan is so proud of defeating last night? We also held them to fewer points and beat them by a larger margin. UconnFan, when you all start playing more than 3-5 teams ranked in the top 25 every year and your conference has more than 3 teams in the top 25 every year, then we will talk. Look at RPI rankings and then come try to play in the SEC every year. We will see how long that undefeated season lasts.
tlynn1#277099 writes:
Additionally, UconnFan, State Farm could not have Geno as its representative because no one would buy insurance nor could State Farm trust his potty mouth. Also, we didn't stop playing Uconn because we were scared or because of Geno's sewage (we put up with that for years). We stopped playing you because when five or six different players sweep out and go for the reconstructed knee of one of our stars, that isn't accidental and it isn't just part of the game. Did all the Uconn players know which knee had, had surgery by ESP? Come on. I applaud Pat for trying to protect Candance and future UT stars from those who want to win at all costs. And finally, yes, UconnFan, Maya Moore is a terrific basketball player. But, if you had to use dirty recruiting tactics to get her, then we wouldn't want her here anyway. She should fit in nicely up there. UconnFan, go away. Your kind isn't welcome here. We will be happy to see you and continue our discussion on the floor in Tampa on April 8.
tigervol9802 writes:
Any truth to the rumor Summitt has asked to have the game played with no one in the gym so that no one can heckle any of her players?
martinvolfan writes:
UCONN: You can't get over the fact that Pat Summitt is the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history (men or women) with 947 victories, or the fact she has 7 (count em) 7 national championships. Do you count last year's title as one of those years where there were "no teams in women's basketball?" Anyway, I hope the Lady Vols and the Huskettes meet somewhere in the NCAA tournament. The Lady Vols will win tonight!
mad_poly_uct writes:
Well I sure hope all you Tenn fans realize not all us diehard Uconn fans are like the insane posts I see UconnFan is writing & getting so many wriled up about! As far as the Duke situation goes, there is really only one way to solve it, without the threat of pulling out of the series....just go out, kick the phooey outta Duke, blow some kisses on the way out the door, and move on!Out of respect for this being your site, I won't comment or argue some of posts I completly disagree with about Geno. 'Nuff said...good luck tonight, kick butt, & have fun....tngeoff...liked your "village idiot" posts in other article! Hope all is well.
tigervol9802 writes:
mad_poly -
Most UT fans would still love the UConn series. Too bad it got dropped. Summitt's looking for reasons to cancel Duke too. I guess she feels she's "above" all of these teams now.
mad_poly_uct writes:
...and I think you take yourself WAY to seriously. It is after all, A FRIGGIN' GAME!!! We both agree what Geno is and isn't,but with the phooey you spew(like your 1st post)you really think any fan of Tenn, in their right mind, would take you seriously.And judging by how many posts you've made the past several days,sounds like you need to get a life!!If you really want to "defend" Uconn, go to the ESPN site and fight with Aurabass. This is great...2 Uconn fans in a pissin' match on a Tenn.site....
mad_poly_uct writes:
...and why not wish 'em luck...it is after all DUKE!!! I'd even wish Rutgers good luck if they were playing Duke & and I don't have too many nice thoughts about Rutgers that's for sure....
GoVol writes:
The reason why Pat dropped the UConn series is because Geno started rumors that Pat was gay when Pat's whole divorce thing began.
If you've ever watched/listened to Pat's response as to 'why' she dropped the series, she takes the high road. She suggests to reporters that they actually ask Geno this question to see if he tells the truth.
We all know it would have to be something very personal for Pat to have dropped UConn because the competition was great for women's BB.
Maybe someday Geno will tell the truth, but I seriously doubt he would somehow become a person of class and morales.
GoVol writes:
I love it when other teams 'fans' come on here like Uconnfan and show their real color - brown with peanut looking things running through it!!!! GO VOLS!!!
mad_poly_uct writes:
tigervol...yeah it is too bad the series is over, but hey, it is what is. I sure as s**t never lost any sleep over it. As far as being "above" it all....hmmmm, jury's out on that one. Perhaps she's taking page out of Geno's playbook...insult the "crazies", they insult her(or him, like several yrs ago)and the "crazies" focus is not on the players, and like in Uconn's situation, they then kick Duke's ass. Worked for Geno, why not her....
Volfantm writes:
If the Duke fans behave as badly as they did last time we visited I hope she does cancal the series. The Walmart thing was just the tip of the iceberg. My brother-in-law, Duke grad, was also embarassed by their behavior.
mdvol writes:
Rough start for Candace. Duke looks ready to play.
mdvol writes:
Five turnovers in five minutes for the Lady Vols.
mdvol writes:
Candace 0 of 5 and LVS down by 7. Everyone standing around watching her.
AllVol writes:
Did anybody else hear that idiot for ESPN say that Duke was taking a 33-33 lead into halftime? ESPN can go to hell.
AllVol writes:
This Uconn person says Pat can't recruit? What an idiotic thing to say. Where's Candace Parker from? Holdsclaw from New York? Pat recruits the best players in the country. She can have any player she wants. What an absolutely stupid thing to say. And you Yankees are supposed to be intelligent?
AllVol writes:
In a roll? Keep up those high academic standards dog breath.
mad_poly_uct writes:
Uconn fan..."...ashamed of myself.." LOL!! You're a clown with some serious mental health issues. Get a life.I mentioned Rutgers as another team playing Duke, who I have my own personal reasons for disliking.It was meant as a way to goad you to prove what an idiot you really have proven to be. "...sour grapes..." Perhaps, but where's the proof? If it was really that simple then perhaps Geno would just say so,no? I't's not that hard. Why not just say so, and the issue would be dead.Instead we get all sorts of theories & rumors as to what the reason or reasons are. Look at some of the posts just on this article for God's sake. Full of baseless rumors that range from comical to slanderous.I read one of your previous posts stating..."...Tenn is a joke & Pat Summitt is a coward..." then have the audacity to tell me that everything you've been stating is based on fact.That's an opinion you jagoff, based on what facts?Also noticed you've been a "fan for 13 yrs." So you just decided to just jump on the bandwagon during the NC year of '95 eh? Where were you all those yrs before like all us other "true" Uconn fans? Nothin' like a bandwagon jumper...why do you think they now call it "Red Sox Nation"? 'Cause they all came out of the woodwork & jumped on the bandwagon once the winning began.I have several fellow Uconn grads here right now reading all you're posts, between commercials of the Uconn/ Louisville game & believe me we're all getting quite kick out the fact you think all Uconn fans should think just like you. What a narrowminded dweeb. Good for you rooting for Tenn against Rutgers in the NC. All of us here rooted for Rutgers(as hard as that was)because they represented the Big East.But the bottom line is...WHO CARES!!! DO WHAT YOU LIKE, BUT DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME WHO A UCONN FAN IS SUPPOSED TO ROOT FOR OR BEHAVE!! And finally, just for the record, my wishing Tenn good luck tonight is neither here nor there. Could pretty much care less who wins or loses. Uconn has their own road to hoe, that's what I'm focused on. I've had some really good conversations with some very classy Vol fans on this site, who accept the fact that we can agree to disagree in a respectful & civil manner.It was to those people my wish of good luck was extended to....
ETownVol writes:
Posted by UconnFan on January 28, 2008 at 1:04 p.m.
"and you are going to get beat by duke tonight for the (let me laugh now) FOURTH STRAIGHT TIME, LOL, OMG,,"
Would you like some salt and pepper with that Crow, UconnFan? TN 67 Dook 64.
Way to go, ladies.
AllVol writes:
mad_poly_uct, you seem like an intelligent person. Kind of like Gator99, who posts here, and also seems like an intelligent person. You are welcome here. We have an intense rivalry to be sure, but ignorant folks just bring out our worst, don't they. I hope we play UConn for the NC, and I hope we win, but good luck for you for a school you obviously love.
mdvol writes:
Lady Vols ROCK! Two guaranteed points.....Candace Parker in the low block one on one. Duke, Rutgers, UConn and UT in the Final Four. UT hangs another banner!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Way to go, Lady Vols. Anyone catch the bias from the male half of this announcing team. Whew. Tenn "hanging on". How about Dook trying to catch up? Man, what a slant. He almost levitated when Parker missed the first of those last free throws, pointing out 2-3 other slips. Lordy. You go, Pat!
mdvol writes:
No doubt, pdhuff. Should be called dukiespn. Should be a great week for the Big Orange on ESPN. First the Lady Vols beat Duke. Tomorrow the men drill Alabama.
bmaples writes:
Congrats to the Lady Vols!! Tough win in a tough place. Man, what a find that Bjorklund is!
That's one "demon" (actually Blue Devil) exorcised. Here's hoping we can exorcise a few more along the way -- including the Huskies, Huskys, Huskeys, Malamutes -- whatever.
And isn't it fun to watch two fans from ANOTHER SCHOOL call each other out on their RIVAL'S SITE? As any number of Southern caricatures would say,
"That's just spayshul."
Kwitcherbellyachin writes:
I don't normally feed the trolls, but it's people like "Uconnfan" that make me glad that I left the Nutmeg State years ago. It was always fun to wear orange the day after UT won though.
mad_poly_uct writes:
AllVol...I like to think of myself as a relatively intelligent person, yes!LOL!Thanks..."ignorant folks"....oh yeah dude, and I deal with enough of them at work everyday, and today was beyond par for the course, & I kinda went a bit overboard perhaps, this being a Tenn. site and all, which leads me to ask bmaples....forgive my ignorance, I've only lived in Conn.,NYC, Boston, & Chicago...what the hell does "spayshul" mean? I'm laughing at the comment...I just don't know why I'm laughing...man it's been a long day.....
BigOrangeVol writes:
special
martinvolfan writes:
UCONN: Remember that I is before E except after C (believe)and yes as predicted the Lady Vols won.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Just for the record the only two UConn people I have a serious problem with are the coach and Taurasi who I feel are totally devoid of class. I really do respect Sue Bird especially but also Jennifer Rizzotti, Nykesha Sales, Asjha Jones, Svetlana Abrosimova, Rebecca Lobo and to a degree…Swin Cash.
BigOrangeVol writes:
I lost any respect at all for Taurasi when she was throwing F-bombs and MF-bombs in our players faces on national TV and her coach is smirking on the sidelines like the Cheshire Cat! What a lady!!! What a classy coach!!! You'll NEVER see that out of a Lady Vol or Pat Summitt.
mad_poly_uct writes:
ahhhh, never mind bmaples...I just figured it out!Ha, and I think I'm "relatively intelligent".Guess I'll have to retract that claim!
mad_poly_uct writes:
BigOrangeVol...thanks. I first read you're "special" post & was clueless it was directed at me 'till I finally figured it out all in my own slow brained logic. Thanks too for your perspective on the "respect"issue. Understand now where many of you come from on that. Me, I missed all that in my euphoric celebration. I remember her throwing ball straight up in the air & I wasn't watching what followed. You're stance is understandable....
tlynn1#277099 writes:
UConnFan,
I think it's funny you discredited my post yesterday. If you had actually READ it, you might have understood that while I give your team and your conference credit for being good THIS year, I was talking about consistency. Consistently, you play a weaker schedule than we do. Consistently, the Big East does worse in the NCAA tournament than the SEC. Consistently (that's what I meant by "every year"), the SEC recovers from its "bad" years to have 2 teams in the final four. There is a reason that UConn is ranked #2 in the RPI year in and year out. Perhaps you should check the strength of schedule for the conferences for the last five years before you say I don't know the facts. You have played 5 top 25 teams. We have played 13. Your only top 25 game away from home was against Stanford. Yes, you have beaten teams we have played by substantially higher margins...on your home floor. Yes, the SEC is down this year. But, while you are slamming Pat's previous national championship wins and then the losses to your school, she went out and has had the top recruiting CLASS for the last 3 years in a row, not just one girl. Oh, and by the way, your team didn't make it to the final four last year so we didn't have the chance to beat you. That's what I said I look forward to it in April. And, I appreciate a fellow poster for correcting your facts about the number of SEC schools in the top 25. I also notice that you were too chicken to respond to my other observations about why the series was really cancelled and why, quite frankly, we are happy that Maya Moore is up there with you.
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