Tennessee pointed its season back in the right direction Sunday afternoon.
As for pointing themselves back to their locker room: not so fast Lady Vols.
“I’m kind of liking that little locker room,’’ UT coach Pat Summitt said.
Translation: One game does not constitute a total about-face.
Still, Summitt definitely enjoyed what transpired in an 82-68 SEC women’s basketball victory over Mississippi State. Before a crowd of 15,838 at Thompson-Boling Arena, No. 13 Tennessee (19-8, 8-4 SEC) persevering through 16 ties and 14 lead changes to end a two-game losing streak.
The Lady Vols demonstrated uncommon poise on offense, shooting a season-best 51.8 percent from the floor (29-for-56) and recording 21 assists on their 29 baskets. The Lady Vols were much sharper than usual, including their first game against the Lady Bulldogs, when they scrambled to a 63-56 victory in Starkville, Miss., on Jan. 15.
Mississippi State coach Sharon Fanning wondered whether the well-documented eviction notice received by the Lady Vols on Friday made a difference.
“Things sort of felt that way,’’ she said.
Four Lady Vols scored in double figures, led by Kelley Cain’s 17 points. Alex Fuller and Shekinna Stricklen each scored 14 and Alyssia Brewer added 10. Cain led UT’s 48-31 rebounding advantage with 11.
Mississippi State (19-7, 6-6) also had four scorers in double figures, led by Alexis Rack’s game-high 24 points.
Judging by Stricklen’s play and her postgame confession, Friday’s team meeting was more relevant than the forced migration to new surroundings.
“The last four games I haven’t been playing with heart or passion,’’ said Stricklen, who shot 10-for-36 from the floor during that span and committed 13 turnovers. “I really did let my teammates down. I had to stand up and tell them (Friday), and it was the truth. But I really have changed and it won’t happen again.”
Stricklen, who started at point guard in UT’s 11th different starting lineup of the season, augmented her scoring by grabbing six rebounds, dishing out four assists and recording three blocks.
“She made the strongest commitment,’’ Summitt said of the 6-foot-2 freshman. “She’s a woman of her word. She was huge for us.”
Stricklen punctuated her play by leaping in the air and pumping her fist after threading a pass to a cutting Fuller for a basket with 1:03 left. The layup was part of the Lady Vols’ 20-4 finishing kick, which enabled them to erase Mississippi State’s last lead (64-62) and pull away during the final 6½ minutes.
“Down the stretch, they were the tougher basketball team,’’ Fanning said.
Tennessee directed its offense through its post players, which was evident not only in the scoring of Cain and Brewer but also the trips to the free-throw line. The Lady Vols had 30 attempts, about seven more than their usual average, and connected on 21 for 70 percent accuracy, an improvement over their usual 66.6 percent free-throw shooting.
Two of those attempts and one point resulted from a first-half technical foul on Fanning. Stricklen missed a free throw in the second half after her driving bank shot. But a four-point play resulted from Cain’s tip-in.
Tennessee needed all the points it could muster while figuring out how to thwart State’s 3-point shooting.
The Lady Bulldogs were 11-for-27 from long range but made just four treys in the second half. The Lady Vols went to a zone defense, which put them in a better position to avoid screens and get to shooters.
“When somebody throws at punch at us, we have to throw a punch right back at them; that’s what we had to do.’’ Fuller said. “Their three ball obviously was going down. Hands in their face and all, they were still making them. But we couldn’t let that get our spirits down. We had to keep coming at them. I think we kind of wore on them.”
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Comments » 58
Triton1 writes:
finally
xvolx writes:
congrats on win, but I'm not sold after one win. Like coach Summitt, I'll wait until after SEC tourn. to see if they have bought in.
CTOWNICON writes:
Good job lady vols. Kelly Cain thats what you are capable of every game, good job. Close out the schedule with two more victories. I wish this one was televised would have loved to see this victory. I have prayed for this, i hope this gives the lady vols the confidence that they need to go out and win more games and play to the best of their abilities. Way to bounce back.
fronix5000 writes:
Go Pat...Maybe these kids will listen to the legndary coach one day soon. A couple lady vols seem to be getting it...just a couple though.
Go Vols...and Lady Vols.
johnlg00 writes:
I'm sure no one is "sold" after one win, but they can only play one at a time! Just be glad for now that they arrested the slide and get ready to play the next one. "Buying in" is a process but, as you say, only time will tell if they have turned the corner. This season has been a real slalom course, so we surely can't know if they have truly found the groove yet.
sfrye#268517 writes:
Better. Much better. That was the type of run that can gain some serious momentum. May cool the Coach off a little too.... Nah, she will probably turn it up another notch. We will see if they can get on a run after this. Go luck ladies.
volstasis writes:
I guess Summit putting the boot to the lady's azzes did work.
rocky_topper writes:
Great going Kelly Cain. You are ONE on the team who has improved you have been a CONSTANT CONSISTENT force in the past 4-6 games. Hopefully this will catch-on with your team!
Congrats to the Lady Vols
www.myspace.com/sec_fanatics (check it out)
emcgrady#229170 writes:
I always thought Shea was a head case. Maybe a situation similar to del Donne where too much pressure by the parents and a headstrong rebellious kid doing their own thing.
LdyVolFaninKS writes:
Maybe the connection between Pat and Shea's mother was too close? What I'm saying here is maybe Pat recognized a conflict of interest and didn't want to risk playing favorites for a close friends daughter? Just a thought...
Thanks for the win today Lady Vols, wish I could have seen it, although at least I got to listen to Mickey call it. Sounds like Cain is becoming the work horse God gave her the body to be!
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Kelley Cain can be a real star IF she stay healthy and IF we ride her like we used to ride Candace. Give Kelley about 30 shots a game and see how it goes.
No, no illusions, Miss State sucks. So did UK, it's just that this game was at home.
At least the LV's will make the NCAA@'s....
Volfantm writes:
On the radio it sounded like the LV's got tougher the last few minutes of the game - great! Really good game by Kelley.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Mike, great quesiton, one I know nothing about.
Pat has ONE MORE call-in show, I think, after the next game?? I bet if you put the question right she might answer it.
My guess?? There may have been a little personality flare somewhere...maybe she clicked with the UConn girls more on her visit. Maybe she didn't like a UT varsity player. Maybe she saw limited playing time at UT vs UCONN...wasn't that when UT had the Meeks??? Not much PT to go around.
mississippi writes:
Notre Dame gave you guys a heck of a game today. They(ND) aren't that athletic Mike. What's happening to Uconn? i BELIEVE THAT THE PERSONALITIES IS THE REASON SHE DIDN'T COME TO PLAY FOR THE GREATEST PROGRAM IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD
ladivolfan writes:
Today's game wasn't all about Cain. The game wouldn't have been won with Fuller and Strickland. I hope that's what the article means when it says more on-line and in tomorrow's edition.
huntined#565710 writes:
Come on MIKE TELL ME...We know you were the BAGMAN for MOORE and her MOM when they left ESPN ..how much was in that BAG???
bmaples writes:
Come on -- MfC finally comes on here with a civil question, and for the most part gets civil answers. No need to be a horse's a** in return.
bmaples writes:
One win does not a turnaround make ... but it's a start.
Here's hoping they can string a few more together, including 2-3 in the SEC tourney.
Bruce in Louisville
brucemaples.com
huntined#565710 writes:
He never comes on here except with his junk...Just try to get him to log on anything except how SORRY our Coach is... You can call him and tell him how great him and GENO are!!!
AllLadyVol writes:
Kelley Cain's play has frustrated me all season...it seemed to me she didn't realize how big she is and let smaller players push her around. I thought Kelley Cain should watch some video of Sylvia Fowles to see how a girl that size should bulldoze her way through everybody. She's finally playing like a 6-6 player should. Hope it continues through postseason!
And Brewer is going to be a solid player for UT in years to come. She's as big and tough as Nicky Anosike and actually handles and shoots the ball better.
CTOWNICON writes:
With all those details you provided if you knew all of that then you should know why she chose Uconn. Even if you were serious with this post who would take you serious with all the stupid stuff you have came on here and said. You seem bipolar, one minute you criticizing the next you want to talk reasonable, just be the mixed up person that you are. Even in this post you are still trying to point out how you think Uconn is more superior to Lady vols, but you are doing it in a slick way. You might fool the rest of them but i see through you. Bye the way, you cant handle the truth.
abnermc writes:
She didn't come to Tn. because she wasn't good enough & wasn't offered.
bmaples writes:
More details -- not an answer about not coming to Tennessee, but some interesting stuff:
http://apse.dallasnews.com/contest/20...
huntined#565710 writes:
That was intersting BMAPLES Thanks for the post.
xvolx writes:
mike tried to appear mellow on his post because of the shock ND put into his Uchokes today. I told you they have a weakness and today you saw it exposed.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
that's scary sh***t. I have an athletic daughter who is tall and who eats...and at times will rack up a pound or 2.
It's tough, you don't want'em pudgy, but you don't want them going the other way, either. So far, so good, she works hard and stays in a range. But, I could see how a comment coming JUST at wrong moment from a peer could set things off...
something to think about.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
..also, to everyone;
the 'gentleman's agreement' on the women's board is to respond civilly to civil posts, even if at times the individual is a basher.
Do what you wich, it's a free country, but I agree with bmaples, why bash Mike over a gentle post?? Even it's pro-UConn, it isn't nasty or derisive.
givehim6 writes:
Watch and learn from the master bruce. Maybe you need to lock the guys out of there locker room too.
richvol writes:
It took courage for Stricklen to stand up and say what she did. I applaud her for her candor and wish her every success. She is our best player and this demonstrates her leadership abilities as well.
CTOWNICON writes:
I am proud of all the lady vols. I am so happy to hear that you ladies see the error of your ways and are trying to correct them. The hard part for Shekina is over now, she has admitted and now she can move forward and be the player that I know and she knows she can be. Keep up the good work.
teampenny#658108 writes:
The season is long. In bb it is all about the tournament. Like in horse racing bet on trainer not the horse. I believe PS will make something happen-she usually does. Men's bb that is a different story. Go vols
BigRMan writes:
Small steps, considering the level of competition: However, honestly steps in the RIGHT direction: LV fans hopefully can look for continued improvement in future efforts the rest of the regular & hopefully post season
GreerVol22 writes:
I've seen it all now. A Tennessee player accountable for their effort. Don't that beat all?
Maybe an afternoon or two of shoveling shi+ at the Ag campus would give the men a glimpse of their future unless they find some heart.
johnlg00 writes:
Heckuva story. I had no idea. All I ever knew about her was that she was a terrific player. I'm not sure I ever knew UT was recruiting her. I hope she is okay now. I understand that this is a complex condition that can affect a person all their life, sort of like being a "recovering" alcoholic.
johnlg00 writes:
I stopped replying to him some time ago--I think--for the most part anyway. One civil post doesn't represent a trend for me. Pro-UConn, I can handle; Mad_Poly_CT is a good example (where are you, BTW?); who wouldn't be proud of a team with their accomplishments? It's the nasty, low-down, continuing, juvenile, insinuating attacks against Pat, the LV program, LV fans, K'ville, the South, etc., etc., on OUR board, that are over the line, and in fact have constituted the vast majority of his posts. OTOH, too many of UT's so-called fans have tried to respond in kind with their similar remarks about UConn and Geno. It's just made us all look bad.
And Mike, if you try to argue that your attacks are in response to our off-base comments about UConn, first, I would say that if LV fans are doing that stuff on your board, I say shame on them and trash them there to your heart's content and, second, nobody has ever had a whole lot to say about UConn on here except in response to UConn fan's post. And that is the extent of my direct communication with you until you show that your recent civility is indeed a trend, though I'm sure that crushes you. You've got about a hundred to go to catch up.
johnlg00 writes:
Agree completely. More to the point, she demonstrated on the court that she felt responsible for improving on her recent poor play, unlike some Gentleman Vols I could name.
BigRMan writes:
Don't know much about the backdrop of the relationship between Shea Ralph's MOM & Coach Summitt. I do know that Ralph, herself had quite a bit of hustle and ability that was sapped from her by a seemingly endless string of ACL & MCL injuries. Shea, herself is an Assistant Coach somewhere now-Just can't remember where.
BigRMan writes:
Just as the lastest LV victory has everything coming up roses for Tennessee, the trade of Lindsay Harding to the Washington Mystics cements the beginnings of an Eastern Conference dynasty, or at least a challenge to Detroit's: Chasity Melvin at Center: Tasha Humphrey at PF: Monique Currie at SF: Alana Beard at SG: Lyndsey Harding at PG: Great Eastern Conf. final Summer '09 Detroit Shock vs. Wash. Mystics
huntined#565710 writes:
MPARKER. On many post I have tried to show respect to MIKE.. but you can't.. He has one purpose of coming on here and that is to TRY TO BADMOUTH OUR COACH !! now when he starts to act like a gentleman he will be treated as such..till then when he comes on here trying to disrespect our Coach, I for won will hit him and his Coach as bad as kns will allow me. I have had some good post even with GATORZZ when we are just talking SPORTS So if MIKE wants to post SPORTS and lay off our COACH he will be treated as any other poster on here..
reachkim00 writes:
Great win ladies! Keep it up.. we know you can. Kelly Cain is really stepping up her game and we gotta have that. Proud of her and Shekinna. I wish Angie would find her 3 shot again soon, and I'm sure she will. Amber was the wow! factor yesterday... keep it up kid! All in all good solid game ladies, keep it rolling. GO LADY VOLS!! We fans are behind ya 110%.
huntined#565710 writes:
Mike, I for one have NEVER been on a UCONN site.. But if that lady is asst there why don't you just ask her why she didn't come to TENN I don't think anyone in here knows the real reason..and just because some fan went into your site and bashed your Coach gives you no right to do that here TWO WRONGS DON'T MAKE A RIGHT!!
Down_The_Field writes:
agreed, kim.
i guess it's easy to assume that pat will always put it together being the coach she is and then the ladies respond. i have a feeling this team will look better in post season. just a feeling.
i'm proud of these ladies and if im behind them too, then my 110% plus your 110% equals 220%.
slsmithsr#269458 writes:
..Well no more mr. nice guy for me...
I can't help it....lol You created the opening!
Who you gonna be now? Mrs Nice Guy?
slsmithsr#269458 writes:
to huntined #565710
Don't take that personal. That was just the street in me. Where I come from, you don't leave youself open like that. I could hold back..it was just oo easy of a shot!
huntined#565710 writes:
Mike, you have come in here and called OUR COACH everything you can think of and you want us to think you are A MISTER NICE GUY... Well just bring it on but be ready to take some hits as you do..
dbgray writes:
If the Lady Vols win their next two games and get to the SEC final, they could be a 3 seed in the NCAA. Its really about timing and pacing. With last nights game, they showed they have the raw talent!
queens2183#661836 writes:
I'm one that's for keeping the comments and focus on one thing and that's the team and the kids no matter the site. IMO, since Mike didn't come over and pick a bone (no pun intended) with the board on this article, no one should feel the need to start something with him. There have been times that Mike comes and makes comments that I find uncalled for but when he's not dissing the kids' character, I just take it as the usual UConn vs. TN rivalry trash talk and everyone here does that. I say in this instance people jumping on him is uncalled for. Guess that comes down to don't start nothing, won't be nothing.
Now back to the actual article, great win by TN. They played with the mental toughness, swagger, and togetherness needed for improvement. This team has the pieces to be great and if they continue to improve and stay committed to each other and the goals of the team, they can still make some noise and be dangerous this year.
BigRMan writes:
Hey Folks, You know what would be really "off the hook"? If we could feed the information on and All-Time UT LV team, and an All-Time UNCON Lady Huskie Team just like the computerized all-time boxing tournaments of the 1970's that pitted Ali against Demspey, Louis, and Marciano. My All Time UT team would be Center: Candace Parker, PF: Tamika Catchings SF: Chamique Holdsclaw PG Alexis Hornbuckle, SG: Kara Lawson vs. for UCON: Center: Tina Charles, PF: Mya Moore: SF: Nykeshia Sales: PF Sue Bird, SG D. Tarausi. I wonder how the computer would view impartial data and statistics on all the players? I wonder who Mike from CT. would select as his all time UCON Women's squad?
BigRMan writes:
You know who I would almost pay to see play one on one? It would be wild to see Moore play Seimone Agustus one on one-winner take all for a cool million-Get Don King to set it up!
reachkim00 writes:
Great response! Ya know, when the going gets tough in Lady Vol country, being negative seems to be the first response sometimes. And as we all know we fans are spoiled to the fact of winning, winning, winning.. with an occasional loss here and there. I REFUSE to be negative toward this team or any Lady Vol team past, present or future. These ladies will find that winning groove, you can rest assured of that.. especially with Pat Summit at the helm! And as far as the occasional loss goes, that's ok with me 'cause it just keeps the fires inside burning for the next victim!! Go LADY VOLS!! We fans love ya.... 220(plus)%!!!
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