NASHVILLE - Vanderbilt might have stumbled upon the perfect way to prepare for Tennessee.
The Commodores jazzed up their practice preparations for their most vexing SEC women's basketball rival, dressing their male practice players in all orange and piping in a "Rocky Top" musical backdrop.
The most telling move, though, was putting out a Tennessee doormat.
"So we could walk on it,'' senior guard Jennifer Risper said.
After a stroll on that mat, the Commodores walked all over Tennessee on Sunday afternoon. They ended a 16-game losing streak to the Lady Vols in resounding fashion, winning 74-58 before a crowd of 9,650 at Memorial Gymnasium.
"I guess I can finally smile,'' said Vanderbilt coach Melanie Balcomb, who recorded her first coaching victory over UT in 15 tries.
No. 24 Vanderbilt (13-4, 2-0 SEC) crowded five scorers into double figures, led by Jessica Mooney's 15 points. The Commodores dominated nearly every aspect of play. The most telling numbers were a 40-30 edge in points from the foul lane and a 23-8 advantage in points off turnovers.
"We said, 'Outwork them, outwork them, outwork them' and we did that,'' Vanderbilt forward Christina Wirth said.
UT coach Pat Summitt agreed.
"I thought Vanderbilt was the better team from tipoff to the end,'' she said. "Their ability to take us off the dribble, we didn't have an answer. That was probably the most aggressive Vanderbilt team we've played here."
For No. 7 Tennessee (12-3, 1-1), the best response came from forward Alex Fuller. She had team highs in points (12) and rebounding (seven).
The senior also was a leader in terms of accountability, alluding to Tennessee's inconsistent play during its previous three games, particularly before halftime. Summitt referred to the trend as "living on the edge." Whatever it is, Fuller can't live with it.
"I haven't made it a good enough point to the rest of the team to stress how important all of these games are,'' Fuller said. "I'll take responsibility from here on out to make it known in practice and come game time."
Much like the game, Vanderbilt was way ahead of Tennessee in that regard, too. Balcomb reassessed her approach to this rivalry in the offseason and realized that it didn't match the game's magnitude. Hence, the unusual practice routine.
Balcomb used one of her favorite quotes to describe the motivation: "If you keep doing what you do. You'll keep getting what you get."
The most effective makeover, though, was reflected by the Commodores' ability to drive through Tennessee's defense and get to the basket. Mooney led the charge and her teammates followed.
"Taking people off the dribble and attacking,'' Balcomb said. "All of our attacking is what we haven't been able to do to them.
"That is because of our athleticism and our strength."
Tennessee was scrambling for a response from the outset. Summitt shuffled the starting lineup, replacing point guard Briana Bass with Alicia Manning.
"That came from a situation with Bri in a film session we had,'' said Summitt, who characterized the move as punitive and said it was for one game. "I don't think that affected what happened from a 40-minute standpoint."
If anything, the situation drew more attention to the disparity in guard play. The Commodores ended the first half with a 12-point scoring run for a 31-23 lead. Four of the six baskets were scored by Vanderbilt guards. Three were converted right at the rim.
Overall, Vandy's backcourt players accounted for 52 points.
"That was our first priority, to stop those drives,'' Fuller said. "Obviously we didn't do it. They drove on us I don't know how many times."
Tennessee's backcourt paled by comparison. Guards Angie Bjorklund and Shekinna Stricklen combined for nearly as many turnovers (eight) as points (11).
"We didn't defend from the guard position,'' Summitt said, "and we didn't score well."
The Lady Vols closed to 47-42 with 10:52 left but never appeared to match the Commodores' determination.
"We were all trying to encourage each other,'' said center Kelley Cain, who scored nine points. "It's one thing to say something, it's another to do it."
The Commodores led by as many as 21 points down the stretch. A final 3-pointer by Sydney Smallbone enabled UT to avoid its worst loss in the series.
"They were tougher than us in every aspect of the game,'' Summitt said. "I don't want to take anything away from Vanderbilt. I don't know why we didn't respond better."
Old school: Archived photos of UT…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 56
murrayvol writes:
Ouch! Not totally surprised Vandy won but 74-58 is a lot. Gonna be some tough practice sessions this week.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Completely forgot about this one today.
4 frosh make for long days, sometimes.
xvolx writes:
their weaknesses really got exposed in this one.
givehim6 writes:
I was shocked. Not sure if CPS had her girls totally pumped up for this one. Vandy was moving a step faster then our Lady VOLS.
PureOrange writes:
Most people take Sundays off, but it is really embarrassing when the Lady Vols take the day off when they have a game scheduled, especially Vandy.
I hope Pat will remind them we have a game Thursday night against Miss. St.. Of course, they can go and watch, as they did today.
I certainly hope we do not have to watch another game like today - ever!
civilianvol_formerly_marinevol writes:
Painful to watch. Lady Vols have made it to every single sweet 16 since the very first women's NCAA tournament. I'm beginning to feel that that streak may be in jeopardy unless this team grows up very fast.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
still counting on a 10-loss season. Memorial is a tough place to play, and the reffing usually sucks there as well.
It's prime season on the LV's this year, at least for a while. Lots of teams who where routinely whacked the last 3 years will be taking their best shots.
All I can tell form reading this: no new worries, same old stuff.
volchiq writes:
Actually this works out. If we had won the next five Pat wouldn't have been at home for #1000. Now they just have to take care of the rest of them.
LadyVolFanForever writes:
givehim6, Coach Summitt can only do so much......the team has to do the rest of it and they did not today. Disappointing effort but we are very young and that reason/excuse will last for a while longer.
If anyone noticed when Vandy called a timeout with around 3 minutes left, Coach Summitt didn't say a word to her team--just gave them that stare. It was worth a thousand words and I am glad I didn't have to ride that bus back to Knoxville. We will get it together and we will be a top team for the next 3-4 years. Hard to be patient but we are spoiled.
Hopefully, the Lady Vols can pull themselves together before Thursday night.
bmaples writes:
Take a young team ... no, make that a VERY young team; add in the natural letdown after winning two tough rivalry games against Rutgers and Kentucky; throw in playing at Vandy, which is the wierdest place to play in the world; and mix in a big gollop of fresh payback ...
and you get a loss like this one.
Here's hoping the LV learn to dig deep and overcome all the factors above -- because that's what they're going to have to do the rest of the year.
On a side note -- I was actually thinking of driving to the game at Auburn from The Ville, and driving back for work on Monday; 16 hours of driving to be there when CPS wins her 1,000th. At least now, I can plan on driving to K-town on the next Thursday! :--)
blitzshoot writes:
Let them have thier one game every ten years. Enjoy the other nine Vandy.
fortandrews writes:
They forgot January 3, 2009
dwa7#337691 writes:
Vickie Baugh was really missed today.....too many easy lay ups for Vandy. Not much to say but Vols got whacked! Defense better step up soon......long season ahead with 10 loses a reality.
jr2miles writes:
This team did not play with any effort today. Just because they are title freshman that does not mean they have to play like them. Glory Johnson have to step up and make shots, but this team miss a lot of easy layups and free throws and it cost them at the end. I am pretty sure coach will have them ready for their next game. Go Lady Vols!!!!
yeavols#228407 writes:
No worries...Vandy has to win at least once in every decade or two. It's expected. Besides, doesn't Vandy come to Tennessee? One word: Redemption. After that, it will be another 20 years before Vandy wins again.
Pullingguard writes:
Young team who has undeveloped talent that will spell some disappointing nights for the Lady Vols... This team looks just a little slow, and the game within the paint is nowhere close to where it must be for championships in the SEC and elsewhere... Pat has lot of work to do with this team.
Chartervol writes:
Is this a good time to point out Carolina blue is not a UT school color?
ncvol writes:
Well, I missed the game today and I am sad about the outcome. I was hoping for a win against Vandy...
We need to get this next one. Go L.Vols!
eduardo writes:
I bet 2k's was really upset! hehee!
coach75 writes:
fuller does not need to talk she is a bigger liability than anyone. her defense was worse than anyone elses. she is probably the eighth best player on this team
tenn32rebel writes:
Well, the Baby Lady Vols must learn to play better defense. The guards must keep their man in front of them and if they don't the post must back them up. Only Cain did that today.
Baugh is sorely missed because of her tough, "it's MY lane" mentality on defense. She has been the true shot-blocker when she played. She always picked up her teammates and they really needed that today at Vandy.
Angie and Kinna must learn to play QUALITY minutes consistently because they set the tone for the rest of the team. Their lack of consistent play today was reflected by the rest of the team.
The BLV had 23 turnovers and 13 assists. Those figures should be reversed.
Ladies, you must play with a sense of urgency. Every team brings their A-game and so must you. Miss. State has a good team, too. How will you react to their A-game in Starkville? We will see.
Pat keeps stressing this sense of urgency but for some reason y'all are ignoring her! Not a good thing to do.
Pat knows what it takes to win in the SEC, so listen, learn, and do what she says!!!
GO BABY LADY VOLS---OUR FUTURE CHAMPIONS!!!
tenn32rebel writes:
Chartervol, I can tell by your post that you are a "dyed-in-the-wool" Lady Vols supporter for many years, RIGHT???
You are correct. Carolina blue is NOT A UT COLOR.
However, the Lady Vols have ALWAYS USED COLUMBIA BLUE AS A COLOR. But of course, you knew that, right?
GO BABY LADY VOLS---OUR FUTURE CHAMPIONS!!!
xvolx writes:
fuller said they would work to get better. she is a fifth year senior. how many more years does she need? I don't see any tenn. pride in any of them. vandy's tallest player was 6-1 and they out rebound us. these girls are too slow to play man defense. better find five that want to play and sit the rest. Maybe next year.
Chartervol writes:
Love them to death. Always have. Saw them play at Alumni Gym.
Lose the blue.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Even though we weren't totally ready, you might think that they wanted to know, to determine their limits? you know, it's just a freshman team, now isn't it? And with strong leadership at the top, hence Alex Fuller, pavin the way, leading with energy, I, we shouldn't bet against a crew like this, possibly Peter Pan and the children?///
King53 writes:
i see a lot of similarities between the men and women's teams this year, maybe more than ever. Both are very young, both have players trying to find their roles, and both have huge upsides to them. I know coach summitt and coach pearl will have them ready in march. Good luck to both teams!!
shipperman#280095 writes:
www.firepatsummit.com
adimatteo#261830 writes:
thanks for the insight, I thought that perhaps, Vandy, a very good team, finally was able to play a bit better and beat our young squad, a team they have been trying to beat for years.
Did not realize, they just did not come to play, decided to lose this one, again, thanks for the keen insight.
You must have been quite a college athelete in your day
feathersax writes:
Sunday they were the "Lazy" Vols. Wouldn't have wanted to be on that bus ride back to Knoxville.
richvol writes:
I don't think the loss was from a lack of effort as much as executing a smart gameplan.
Vandy had nothing to compare with our height and yet we threw the ball up from everywhere. Cain should have had 30 points in this game. All the guards had to do was pass it in high and she could have made layup after layup...Brewer too.
It's too late for Fuller but our bigs need to get stronger and quicker in the hips and legs. They can't move their body quick enough to defend or be the kind of offensive threat they are capable of. If I were Pat I would have this new superstar strength coach of Kiffin devise a plan to address this very thing...slow feet.
The Vandy defense was the difference in this game...and as the article says,they outscrapped us too.
volboy81 writes:
I believe the BLIND SQUIRREL Theory is in place for this one....we would put a vandy doormat out to walk on, but UT doesnt give vandy that much thought....and besides, I doubt anyone even makes one! We'll see if Peabody can live up to their billing as favorite to win the SEC this year.....
largeandincharge writes:
i agree with coach75, fuller is the worst defensive player that we have on the court. i was at the game and she looked lost more than once or twice on defense. she would completely lose her girl for at least 2 seconds and then they wold score because someone would play help defense on her girl.
huntined#565710 writes:
Going to be a long year for us this year .. With all the young players we will be like FL men last year after all their players left..Don't see a sweet 16 as of now
bhjohnso#207063 writes:
personally i don't care if they lose the blue or not. i just wish they'd lose the State Farm Women's Report part of the men's postgame show. It makes it difficult to complete my New Year's resolution of cutting my exposure to women's sports. Do they do a Farm Bureau Men's Report during women's broadcasts? Doubtful, although it's not like I'm listening or anything.
drum45 writes:
FIRE SUMMITT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
johnlg00 writes:
Thirty seconds of Lady Vols coverage on a broadcast is too much exposure for you? Then why did you bother to read the article, or at least to post on it? Here's a hint: the next time the SFWR comes on, stick your fingers in your ears and go "la-la-la-la"; works every time!
bhjohnso#207063 writes:
lots of the time i'm driving when it comes on the radio, so I'm thinking that sticking my fingers in my ears and going "la-la-la-la" could be a bad idea. just get tired of getting lady vols crammed down my throat, especially when i'm listening to a men's broadcast. mostly i took the time to comment because you people are so touchy and help lighten the drudgery of the work day.
ps11824 writes:
bhjohnso, you can stick your fingers where ever...you can keep them off the women's basketball link too. But you won't, will you?
bhjohnso#207063 writes:
wow. venomous! i haven't even started with the appliance jokes yet!
shipperman#280095 writes:
Trust me, i was just jerking people around. tennessee should NEVER fir pat Summitt
shipperman#280095 writes:
I should be fired, I cannot type today. Pat Summitt should be quite secure. She has a young bunch this year
topgun writes:
OK, your name ain't Gino is it? Rutgers fan? If so, I can feel your pain!!
Hmmmmm, all seriousness aside, some very deep thought required here. What on earth is one to do when a radio is playing something one does not want to hear?? Wait juat a minute--I know!! Hopefooly your radio does have an on/off device, a volume control and/or a telephone mute button. The mute button will stop the radio sound while you talk on the phone, or listen to what the nice policeman is saying after he has pulled you over, or whatever. But, not to worry, it will not mute your phone. Perhaps, maybe, your radio might have even a frequency control knob or button(s) that will momentarily change the station to free you of all this pain you seem to be suffering.
If you are subjected to similar adverse reactions when the radio people perhaps mention TN VOLS football, baseball, softball, you may want to seek medical attention, because you may not be a TN VOL fan. Check with the TENNCARE people--they might help. Get well, soon.
ps11824 writes:
Losses bring out the dark side of fans. Monday morning reactions are especially unpleasant. TN Baby Vols will be just fine and will be back on top before you can say rocky top. The Commodores deserved that win. They were prepared, they fought for it, we were passive, confused and lazy. Pat will retaliate today. They will get her message, loud and clear. There's no time to sulk. Miss St will be going for the jugular. Let's see if our Baby Vols learned how tough the league can be on any given day.
Waldorf writes:
That's what she said.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Nashville Tennessean
Balcomb Hospitalized
By Staff • THE TENNESSEAN • January 12, 2009
After the No. 24 Commodores rolled to a 74-58 win over No. 7 Tennessee, Lady Commodores Head Coach Melanie Balcomb was absolutely euphoric. Given her record versus the Lady Vols she should have been. The Lady Commodores are only 51-6 against the Lady Volunteers in their 33 year history and Coach Balcomb has only beaten UT twice in 8 years. But In the hours subsequent to the game something went terribly awry.
According to police and hospital records, at 10:38 p.m. Coach Balcomb was found unconscious laying on the sidewalk at 416 21st Ave S in front of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream store and rushed to Vanderbilt Hospital. In a statement presented by her physician, Dr. Shigotta Lardaz, Coach Balcomb does not suffer from Metabolic syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome. Instead he alluded to her lifelong battle with Celebratory Ice Cream Syndrome or specifically, Chunky Monkey Disorder. “Ms. Balcomb has an acute problem and struggles daily with this rare disorder, it has only reached this point once before when she was coaching at Xavier in March of 2001. Hopefully it will never occur again.”
Detective R. U. Kiddenme, a Nashville Police Department spokesman stated that, “ At approximately 10:23 p.m. we received a call regarding a disturbance from panic-stricken customers trapped within Ben & Jerry’s that a large woman was hysterical and in a frenzied deportment inside the store. We responded to their cries for help immediately and upon reaching the scene found Ms. Balcomb passed-out on the sidewalk in an unconscious stupor wheezing and drooling with a blood-sugar level of nearly 800 and called for an ambulance to transport her the Vanderbilt Hospital.”
As of yet, no charges had been filed by patrons, employees or the management of Benn & Jerry’s although an unnamed spokesperson from the corporate office was quoted as saying, “While we appreciate Ms. Balcomb’s exuberance for our product we would ask that a restraining order be placed against her at all of our U.S. locations as well as the Green Mountain, Vermont warehouse facility until this situation can be discussed by both parties legal council.”
An unidentified Ben & Jerry’s employee who requested anonymity stated, “We told her that this is not a buffet; we simply couldn’t stop her, she was crazed! We pleaded with her over and over to put down the two-gallon tubs and stop; all the employees were scared. We thought that when we ran out of ice cream that we might be next!”
Attempts made by The Tennessean staff to speak with Coach Balcomb or Vanderbilt representatives were unsuccessful.
bhjohnso#207063 writes:
man i always had the hardest time landing and refueling the jet in the top gun nintendo game back in the day.
i just dont want to be hammered with lady vols news during a men's sport broadcast. if they could get deerstone to shut up for 2 minutes they could do it during lady vols broadcasts.
houvol#438636 writes:
We were told this could be a long season. I still believe they will do better than expected come tourny time. Go Vols!
mississippi writes:
I AGREE
rooski1 writes:
Mike, these people aren't "REAL" fans. For some reason, we have a bunch of idiots that like to post stupid remarks to try and see if they can cause some trouble. Butch and some of the others will NEVER be happy. They were just as miserable the past two years as this year. They never quite get the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. They hide behind their computers, and would never have the courage to say what they do in public. They are just sickos, with absolutely NO knowledge of the game. You can tell that they certainly NEVER PLAYED the game. I wish that they would get back on their meds and leave the rest of the world alone. By the way, your team sure is looking good. I can't wait to see the UC vs. UNC game. I think you guys will get them, but they might make you really work hard for it. Where is being played? What is your record with them over the years? After Rutgers and UT, are they next on your list of important teams to beat? I would love to read any UC blogs like ours. Do you have any suggestions?
cdtnladyvols931#663910 writes:
Well, well Vanderbelt will get another chance to play the LADY VOLS again. I really don't think it will go like it did this time. I think it's time they beat them they have tried for several years. How many seniors do the Lady Vols have? All but three are Freshmen...so look out...it will not be easy the next time...Sure hope the coach doesn't eat alot of ICE CREAM.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.