COLUMBIA, S.C. — Say this for Tennessee: the Lady Vols weren’t careless with a lead.
Then again they didn’t have much in the way of an advantage against South Carolina on Sunday afternoon. The scoreboard tilted their way one time for all of 29 seconds before a Kelley Cain layup with 1 minute, 57 seconds remaining.
Given a second chance, the Lady Vols protected their second lead like a Marines detail, closing out a 60-55 SEC women’s basketball victory over the Gamecocks before a crowd of 7,122 at Colonial Life Arena.
“There was never any quit,’’ UT coach Pat Summitt said.
Instead, there was poise and determination after Cain’s basket provided a 56-54 advantage. The Lady Vols didn’t allow a South Carolina basket thereafter. The Gamecocks only point down the stretch was a Jewel May free throw.
After a tough jumper by Angie Bjorklund, the Lady Vols forced a crucial turnover when Alicia Manning tipped an inbounds pass with 20 seconds left. Freshman Kamiko Williams caught the deflection and closed it out with two free throws.
Williams finished with a season-high 17 points and a team-high four assists. Alyssia Brewer converted 6 of 8 shot attempts and scored 13 off the bench as Tennessee’s reserves outscored South Carolina’s 32-6.
Starter Cain had 10 points.
“I think we had the mentality we weren’t going to lose this game, no matter what situation we were in,’’ Brewer said.
No. 5 Tennessee (19-2, 7-1 SEC) found itself in a host of predicaments. Led by La’Keisha Sutton’s 19 points and 16 from Valerie Nainima, South Carolina (11-10, 4-5) wasn’t thinking loss either in bolting to a 13-0 lead inside the first four minutes. UT starters Glory Johnson, Angie Bjorklund and Shekinna Stricklen struggled for any scoring traction, combining for 18 points when they usually supply about 41 on average.
Whenever the Lady Vols drew close, the Gamecocks responded. After Brewer’s basket gave UT a 48-47 lead with 7:53 left, Sutton answered with a driving layup at 7:24.
“It was a strong 37 minutes,’’ South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. “But to beat a team like Tennessee you need to play the full 40.”
Summitt wasn’t accounting for UT’s minutes in the same fashion, especially not Stricklen’s. The Lady Vols starting point guard was yanked six minutes into the first half and didn’t return until after halftime. Summitt said that she was “absolutely upset” with Stricklen’s start.
“If you’re running a basketball team, you have to bring the intensity and you’ve got to raise everyone else’s level of play through your play,’’ Summitt said.
Stricklen’s absence afforded Williams an opportunity and she seized it, playing a season-high 29 minutes and scoring 10 first-half points as UT whittled the deficit to 26-25 at the break. She said a Summitt history lesson resonated with her.
“Coach gave us this speech saying we’d never lost to South Carolina . . . in a while,’’ Williams said. “We didn’t want to be the team that lost to them.’’
The reference was to Tennessee’s 37-game winning streak in the series, which dates back to 1980. Williams was essential to victory No. 38 in the run, hitting an assortment of bank shots and layups. She swished her first 3-pointer of the season and scored on an acrobatic driving shot in the second half that led to a conventional 3-point play.
“It’s a luxury to not have your starting point guard play well and bring Williams off the bench,’’ Staley said. “She was a matchup problem for us.”
As previously noted, South Carolina created its share of problems for Tennessee, too. The Lady Vols solved them with little time or lead to spare.
“We did not cave in to fatigue,’’ Summitt said. “We fought through some adversity. (The players) pulled together . . . just trying to find a way to win.”
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Comments » 37
chaos001 writes:
Way to go Kamiko!!!
stayingorange writes:
Great effort from Kamiko and big shot to win it by Bjorkland near the end. Vols fans on the edge of their seat for 2 wins today - but they were still 2 wins.
SummittsCourt writes:
Mark of a great team: Play poorly on the road and still win against an improving SEC team who were fired up to end a long losing streak.
Kamika was the star today. Brewer continues to improve and play well.
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
And a child shall lead them! Thank God for kamiko, she was awesome. This young lady needs to be inserted into the starting lineup. When we could not get any scoring,she was lighting it up. Kamiko passing, penetrating, made a three, that girl was just awesome today. I don't know where the others were today, but I am happy they survived this one.
Post players need to keep the ball high! Brewer played pretty good today as well. Kelly looked tired at times and she needs to work for position more and not just stand there. Glory hustled, but like Angie and Shekinna, offense was missing.
The lady vols are still having problems defending the three's and quicker guards. Defense was average today, and it almost cost them this game. The commentator said that Pat says kamiko plays like she does not have other players on the court, well today I am glad she played the game she played and she wasnt selfish!
utfan00 writes:
After watching this game today, I sure hope this is an eye opener for CPS. She needs to put Kamiko
at the POINT ASAP.
nola_vol writes:
Pretty gutsy of CPS to leave Kamiko in at point guard through the end of the game under all that pressure (behind most of the time, on the road, not a lot of offensive help) to either sink or swim.
Way to stroke, Kamiko! I've been wanting her in the starting lineup most of the season. She can do things to defenses that no one else on our team can.
Now, Kamiko's next test: how will she handle it when teams start game-planning against her. Hopefully, Arkansas will give her a good test before Vandy proctors the real test at Memorial Gym. With CPS stuck down beyond the end line, there's no tougher place to be a point guard--especially with a demanding coach!
gladiator06 writes:
kamiko showed us today, what we have known all alone - 'girl got game'. she might have made a couple mistakes on some of the drop passes, but that's just being a freshman. it helped that CPS didn't snatch her from the game when she made a mistake. i'm sure that built her confidence...as if she needed it...lol. she did an awesome job running the offense and at near the end of the game, i saw her pull stricklen and bjorklund back in the huddle during a timeout. it looks like she might have been calling out a play and CPS gave her the nod in agreement. wow, wow, wow...what a freshman. she sank two free throws with 8 seconds left on the clock, hit the three, penetrated, took her man (woman) off the dribble, went up for a basket against kelsey bone, while bringing the ball up the floor she would sometimes cut into the path of her defender if she fell behind...i could go on and on. kamiko may not get the start, but she most definitely should see her minutes double. can't wait to see what CPS has to say about her game...i'm sure it's all good.
tonyvick#213307 writes:
Is the SEC really this hard? Angie and Strick once again a no show. You all can't do that to this team. Pat Strick really wants to please you and your decision which is the reason she is saying yes she want to play point but with each passing game she's getting worse when she should be the best player on the floor every night. Kamiko thank you!
huntined#565710 writes:
Both of these games today has me short on heart medecine..But if you look at the women this year and see where they were at this time last year you will see they have come a long way. and they ALL will be back next year..
r2d2 writes:
This team could be a step behind Connecticut if the guard play could be improved. Starting Kamiko Williams would be a step in the right direction. For some reason, Pat refuses to admit that Sricklen cannot play the point well. Sricklen is a great small forward or wing. The reason her play has begun to break down is; she is trying to play a position that she is not comfortable with. Coach Summitt needs to accept this and not ask Shekinna if she wants to play the point. She needs to take this matter in her own hands.
richvol writes:
I hope Pat sees what we all see...Komiko is absolutely the best option at the point and Strick needs to be left to play the three where she can rebound and play free on offense.
Borklund forces too many shots without setting her feet. When she comes off of screens or has time to set she is deadly. Kelly looks tired at times because she is too heavy and can't move her feet. She really needs to strengthen her hips,legs and knees and get on a lean diet. With footwork to go along with her size and skill she could be an all-american and Brewer is not far behind. I realize it is harsh but if they both lost between 30 to 35 pounds they would be unstoppable.
A great win today...the girls are learning to fight. That S.Carolina team was scrappy and talented today and the Ladys pulled out a tough one.
pomp_and_circumstance writes:
Kamiko and Glory improve with every game, and to me they are the most naturally savvy and talent equipped players on the team. When they demonstrate excellence on the court, I think yes, this is to be expected of them. And they both have much much more to learn. For everyone else on the roster, performance is purely random.
Pat and her history have spoiled me. The simple fact is this team of youngsters is a work in progress, starting at the grammer school level. Last years exit in the first round is a reality that cannot disappear in one year. It might take several years for the L.Vols. to rebuild. Hopefully not. But I will take bets with anyone that this team will not make it to the elite 8 this year.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Always nice to get an SEC road win! Didn't see the game--not on TV where I am--but glad that Kamiko continues to progress. I just hope her success doesn't reinforce what CPS apparently sees as a somewhat selfish attitude for a PG, especially a freshman. From what I have seen in recent games, both Kelley and Lyssie have lost weight since the beginning of the season. They could no doubt stand to keep losing, but they don't need any crash diets. Seems the team continues to progress nicely. They should be poised to make a nice run in the postseason. Next year, look out, world!
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
I have been trying to tell ya'll that Pat has had her eyes on Kamkio for a long time and has been working really hard with her....Well today, we finally saw it and it was good, H#LL no, it was GREAT!!!! I have a feeling that we will be seeing her ALOT more this year and for the next 3 years! She WILL be an ALL AMERICAN and probably the best guard to ever play for the LADY VOLS! That girl is "something special"!!!!
Compare this year to last and see how far we have come. Pat has worked diligently to come up with a lineup and plan to make this team even better!!!! Way to come back and beat SC!!!!!!!!
LV.......TCB.......KOKO.......GBO!!!!!!!!!!!!
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Amen to to that! This team is really going to get EVEN better the next 2 years with all of our great recruits added on to the experienced players we will still have by then!! I have high expectations this year, but we will DESTROY everybody in the next 2, possibly 3 years!! GBO!!
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
I agree R2d2! I think Pat realizes that Shekinna is not working out at the point or else she would not have approached her with the question. Last year, there was no other option, this year there is. Shekinna should think about the good of the team and just say Pat, I can't do it,and Pat should take matters into her own hands and change the lineup. Its for the team! Shekinna is a great player but she is out of position. She is hurting the team by not admitting like she did last year that she is not comfortable playing the point. Maybe she thinks she will not start if she admits it. But it really is not a question, it is a fact, and we fans, even the ones who will not admit it, and act like we are against Pat if we make an observation, know it. I respect Pat and all she has done for the game and continues to do. She is my favorite coach of all time, but starting smallbone instead of kamiko, I dont know about that one!
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
Kamiko played team ball today! I dont think she will become a selfish player. She had good shots and she took them. She penetrated at the right times. She played a smart offensive game. I don't see anything selfish about that. I wish all of the players would play a smarter game. Kamiko had 4 assists during her time on the floor, so I dont think she will become a selfish player. Kamiko's type of play is what this team needs to compete with top teams. She is capable of this every game, but not from the bench. We have spot up shooters and at times they struggle, like today, so Kamiko was a breath of fresh air, and thank goodness, she had the game she had today, or else it would have been another loss.
slsmithsr#269458 writes:
Let's have some truth in reporting. May I offer this correction. The Lady Vols have lost 2 games.
slsmithsr#269458 writes:
FYI.
The game that CP3 attended with her little girl: She kept saying how much she like Kamiko. Some endorsement huh? I'll be glad when she gets it all together mentally, because she's got the athletic part down...and everybody here knows it.
reidtownriverrat writes:
Since Parker, Pat hasnt recruited a star player. U Conn would beat L vols by 40. At this rate 08 will be her last championship.
RLL59 writes:
Not sure why Strickland played only the first 6 minutes of the first half and then played the entire second half. She had 1 turnover in that 6 minutes, and didn't score, but to have one of the best players sit out that long usually doesn't happen except for injury or illness. She played well in the second half, both at the point and 3 position. When it came down to 50 seconds left in the game and the Lady Vols up one, Coach Summitt again put her at the point bringing the ball up and put Williams at the 2 position. Good move to take the pressure off the freshman who had a very good game in all aspects.
Smallbone again started the game, played 4+ minutes and sat the rest of the game. She didn't touch the ball on offense, and wasn't really involved much in the defense either. She's a role player that can come off the bench and hit the three, but it just doesn't make sense to not start the best players at the beginning of the game.
Brewer played a very good game and really exudes confidence. Bjorklund didn't have a good shooting game, but played hard all the time and made the clutch shot that put the Lady Vols 3 points ahead near the end.
South Carolina really played well...much better than their record. They looked superior to other teams the Lady Vols have had problems with lately. TN fans should consider that they also are a young team with no seniors. Like the Lady Vols, they'll be even better next year.
A tough, well earned win on the road.
kazoo writes:
Couldn't agree more. I assume PS wasn't /really/ asking Stricklen if she wants to play the point--that's the coach's decision. Stricklen is not a good point guard--her ASSIST totals are pathetic: 1 against SC, and her assist numbers--mark of a good PG--are rarely good. Put Williams at PG mark, move Stricklen to the 2 and try to restructure the anemic (typical PS) offens while there is still time...
bmaples writes:
Nice to drop into a story and read comments that are celebratory and contain good analysis, rather than the griping I was reading in the men's story (Strange).
Couldn't watch the game, but by the stories it looks like we might have an improvement at PG. Would it be crazy to play Kamiko at point, Bjorklund at 2, Strickland at 3? Then what -- Johnson at 4 and Cain at 5?
I've only seen a few games, but the ones I've watched look like great effort and awkward plays and sets. Are people out of position -- is that the cause?
I'll check back for responses -- looking for feedback and insight.
Bruce in Louisville
xvolx writes:
Williams at pt. guard. Kind of looks like posters knew what they were talking about and so does dad. Strickland would strengthen this team at small forward. Cain gets good officiating, then doesn't show up.
chaos001 writes:
ES&D! ;)
reidtownriverrat writes:
In the past going threw the sec was pretty much a breeze. Now days the girls are struggling. Same coach same philo just not the same quality of recruits... agree?
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
Stricklen was playing out of position and was not a threat at that time on offense and she was not playing defense. She was getting beat by the quicker guards of South Carolina which had already went up by ten. So to keep her out there probably would have made it worse at that time. Even good players need a reality check. Did you happen to notice she played more freely at the 3 and was more productive. That's all we lady vol fans want. I for one, think she can be a player on the style of Maya Moore in time, but not at the guard spot.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
LOOK OUT FOLKS....HE'S CHANGED HIS NAME AGAIN!!!
Since I'm a "lady", I won't tell you what I really think. Ignore this ignorant idiot troll and hopefully, he will crawl back into the hole that he crawled out of!!!!!! GBO!!!!!!!!!!!
RLL59 writes:
One guard beat Strickland down the court for a layup, and for the 16th and 17th points she was picked on a play across the middle. In neither case was there any help on the inside. That's 4 points out of the 17 SC had when she left. The others were two shots in the paint, two threes on breakaways when Strickland was under the defensive boards and Bjorklund and Smallbone had deep responsibility, and another 3 defended by Smallbone. The Lady Vols as a team had a 3 point shot by Bjorklund and 2 baskets underneath by Brewer, so only two of the 7 Lady Vols that had played had scored at the time she left.
Now, I'm not saying she should be the point guard; I also prefer it when Coach Summitt plays Strickland at the 3 and Williams at the point. But the facts of the game refute your implication that Strickland was responsible enough for being behind 13-0 that she should sit out the last 14 minutes of the half. If Coach Summitt feels she's not giving her all and wants to sit her out for a period of time, of course that's her prerogative. I'm hoping it's that rather than placing the blame on her shoulders for what was a hot shooting South Carolina team and a cold shooting Lady Vol contingent in the early going.
ladyvolfaithful62 writes:
Congrats to Kamiko. She was great today. Manning and Brewer stepped it up today also. I really like Manning's defense, and I hope soon, she'll be knocking down lots of shots. I hate to see Angie struggling because she spends a lot of time at Pratt working on her game. She did make some good clutch plays and was working hard on defense. A win is a win no matter how ugly.
richvol writes:
John...I don't mean to imply that Cain and Brewer should go on a crash diet but they both need to lose about 30 pounds over the next year. The improvement in their game would be remarkable.
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
No she was not the only reason they were up by ten. Of course smallbone and angie got burned, but as Pat said, Stricklen played with no confidence, and she was a step slower than South Carolina guards on defense. Now at that time when they were up by ten, Stricklen was not playing at her best, so benching her was the next option or move her to the three and insert Kamiko, but Pat was not happy with her play, offense or defense, so she benched her.
VolunteerLifer writes:
I think Coach Summit is between a rock and a hard place on this one - Stricklen is experienced and knows the offense even if pg is not her natural position, and Kamiko is a freshman, doesn't have the requisite experience or knowledge, even though she is probably the pg of the future. Just because Williams has had one good game doesn't mean she should take over. On the other hand, it might be worth a try to give her the reigns next home game and see what she can do from the start. I've thought for a long time that Willaim's development is they key to having this team advance to a championship contender. The question is - is it still too early? Trust in CPS to find the right answers here.
98reax writes:
I just watched the game, and even knowing we would/had squeaked by once again, I was nervous about the past couple of weeks of 'decadent inconsistencies' in our game. However, I did see better ball movement which was one of Pat's points of emphasis for this game. That Angie and Glory were MIA in the total points column was a concern just as 2nd-chance points was a discrepancy.
Cain looked spent, barely making it down court at the 2-minute mark with the score tied at 54. I look forward to her getting back to the offensive machine she was early on this season. IMHO, she's losing focus and follow-thru with her shots. Could it be she has numerous opponents hanging all over her? I do agree that she would profit from "leaning up." She's carrying some excess baggage around the middle; Makes it more difficult to carry the extra weight dressed in opponent's colors.
The bright spot was the play, the demeanor and the effort of Williams. Did anyone pick up on the huddle with 52 remaining? Williams seemed to suggest 'something' to Pat matter-of-factly, and Coach nodded affirmatively and said "OK." If you noticed the final seconds, the little freshman military brat calmly took command of the game; as if she plans to make it routine from now on. I would think she made a pretty effective lobby for more playing time today.
Manning came up with some good looking plays also. She allows that inbound pass to find its target, we lose to the gamehens looking like scrambled eggs. Brewer was solid too. She made big plays and crucial shots.
Once again it was scary thru-out, but I will take the win and relish the improvements I saw with Manning and Williams. I hope Glory is OK. She was suffering some sort of injury and sat out the final minutes. Bottom line, we managed a win with BJ, Glory and Strick struggling for baskets. I'll take it.
MillisaAnn writes:
Go Kamiko So proud of you keep it up and the rest of the team needs to get it together.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
It's a process, richvol. It seems to me they ARE losing and both are in better shape than they were last year. Hopefully they will continue to progress. I see improvement across the board and think the LVs will peak at just the right time to deliver their best for this season. Then next season will REALLY be pay-back time! GLVs!!! TCB!!!
utcpla24 writes:
i've been saying this, since i did my ladyvols introductions...www.lakersvolssparks.blogspot.com, and youtube.com/utcp3...when we start kamiko and the 1, and put stricklen at the 3...we will be victorius.
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