Lady Vols Basketball
Tennessee was given a No. 1 seed and the entire 64-team NCAA women’s basketball tournament field was laid out before the Lady Vols on Monday night. Yet Alyssia Brewer was making a case for tunnel vision.
“Our goal right now,’’ the sophomore forward said, “is to get past the first round, to be very blunt.”
Brewer was making a case for concentrating on No. 16 seed Austin Peay (15-17), UT’s opening opponent in the Memphis regional. The teams will play at 12:16 p.m. EDT on Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena (TV: ESPN2) in the first game of an opening-round doubleheader.
No. 8 Dayton plays No. 9 TCU in the second game at approximately 2:30. The winners play Monday night for a spot in the regional semifinals.
Tennessee and Connecticut, the top seed of the Dayton regional and the prohibitive tournament favorite, were aligned to meet in the national semifinals if both teams advance to San Antonio.
“The whole world of women’s basketball wants it,’’ said UT coach Pat Summitt of the matchup she ended as a regular-season series three years ago. “That’s fine.”
The ESPN selection show highlighted the resurgence of Tennessee (30-2), which finished third in the final Associated Press top 25 poll of the season Monday, but also including some lowlights from last season’s first-round NCAA loss to Ball State as a No. 5 seed.
Brewer’s comments covered the scope of the past year, noting that the Lady Vols are “a whole different team than we were a year ago.” Still, she didn’t stray from her most pressing theme: avoid another Ball State. She evoked the words of assistant coach Dean Lockwood.
“Dean always says, ‘it’s a mission, each game,’ ” Brewer said.
As one of the four top seeds, UT has minimized the threat of its opening game. Since the tournament field expanded to 64 teams in 1994, Tennessee has won 12 games as a No. 1 seed by an average margin of 46 points.
Austin Peay qualified by winning the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. The Lady Govs, seeded third, beat Eastern Illinois 69-60 in the final on March 6. Nine days earlier, Austin Peay had lost to the Panthers, 78-47.
Lady Vols freshman guard Kamiko Williams’ family home in Clarksville, Tenn., is five minutes from Peay’s campus. Williams estimated that she knows at least six of the Lady Govs.
“Our high school team used to scrimmage against them,’’ she said.
As for the other opening game here, Dayton (24-7) finished second in the Atlantic 10 Conference while TCU (22-8) won the Mountain West regular-season championship.
No. 2 seed Duke (27-5) and No. 4 Baylor (23-9) are among the main threats lurking in the Memphis regional field. UT opened the regular season on Nov. 15 with a hard-fought 74-65 victory over Baylor at the arena.
“Those two alone, they’re potential Final Four teams,’’ Summitt said.
There’s also a strong Big East Conference presence in the regional with No. 3 seed West Virginia (28-5) and No. 5 Georgetown (25-6).
Texas (22-10) is seeded sixth. LSU, 20-9 and one of six SEC teams in the tournament field, is seeded seventh.”
Summitt used the selection show to publicly call out sophomore forward Glory Johnson. The coach informed ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo of pulling Johnson off the court during Monday’s practice and showing her video footage of Stanford forward Nnemkadi Ogwumike, a fellow sophomore with comparable athletic skills but better numbers at 18.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game on average.
“I didn’t know what (Lobo) was calling about (Monday) but what an opportunity she gave me,’’ Summitt said. “This is an ideal time to challenge Glory Johnson.”
Johnson got the message.
“It was good,’’ Johnson said of the film session. “It kind of motivated me a little.”
Something to think about for the mission ahead.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Tennessee Lady Vols 82, Auburn Tigers 64
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 52
qspr91iz writes:
I am so excited. I live in Memphis and the Lady Vols are coming. I will not miss a game.
Go Lady Vols!!!
vut56#231073 writes:
Boy, that is skillful writing: "...same side of the bracket as UConn." That would imply to a novice that UConn might be our second game...if we win the first.
If the top seeds win out...of course they will meet one of the others. We get UConn in the final four..again, if each gets that far. Does it make a difference?
Could have been explained better.
dwa7#337691 writes:
early prediction:
Lady Vols 80
Pee's 66
SummittsCourt writes:
Lady Vols 94
Austin Peay 47
Go Lady Vols! Show no mercy now!
VolInIndy writes:
Went to see Peay play MTSU when I was a kid and was of course impressed with the cheerleaders yelling "Let's Go Peay". Wonder if they still do that?
Go Lady Vols!!!!
SummittsCourt writes:
Looks like mike the idiot uconvicticut fan will get his wish or will he?
Lady Vols 76
that other team 72
Lady Vols will win it!
dhens1 writes:
The article said exactly what i thought it said, we are on the same side of the bracket, it said nothing and didn't imply that we played UCONN the second game. If you can't post positive, why post
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
LOVE IT!!!!
charles57#1378642 writes:
Go Lady Vols!
I wonder why some people can't comprehend the difference between their and there?
utfan00 writes:
Fans, have you all seen the women's bracket? UCONN & STANFORD shouldn't have no problem making it to the Final Four. It's going to be tough for TENN. & NEBRASKA...
STAY FOCUS LADY VOLS..NOW IS THE TIME TO SHINE
rogatl2002#222395 writes:
wow could we have gotten a tougher region? possibly have to beat baylor, duke and uconn just to get to the final? no surprise though..the committee always screws LV.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
When it says 'the same side of the bracket as UCONN' that does not mean UCONN will be the 2nd opponent. That means if they both keep winning, TN-UCONN matchup would be in the Final 4.
Idiots.
AtLeastMyTeamHasPerfectSeasons writes:
TN is a 1 seed. So is UCONN. The winners of each region will be in the Final 4. Got it? You people are amazing.
orangecountyvols writes:
I don't usually pull for UVA but this would be nice if Monica Wright for Virginia would have a career night against U Conn. Also, Ohio State may not be a gimmee either.
As for Tennessee, who knows? could be looking at Duke down the road, or Baylor. We know all about LSU.
It's been a while since we had the opportunity to play 2 games at home so no excuses there.
Should be 32-2 when we arrive in Memphis.
rootin4volz writes:
Now get on over here Austin Peay, and show us all your Peay-ness.
tonyvick#213307 writes:
I'm not sure if the Lady Vols will win it this year but I'm sure they are going to beat UConn in the Semi-finals
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
Lets go lady vols! I knew the brackets would put you on uconn's side, and I for one, am not worried. The games have to be played! But Uconn is down the line, lets focus on Austin Peay. Lets get this win! Lets send a message! As far as uconn goes, people don't sweat it. If the lady vols come to play and are not intimidated before they get on the court. I like their chances! And who's to say uconn will make it all the way. They should, but no one knows! Anyway, lets go lady vols! I have every confidence in you, and I trust that you have been working on handling defensive pressure. Great of Rebecca Lobo to hint at how you struggle with defensive pressure. So prove her wrong!
ut18vols writes:
I go to APSU and we still say Lets Go Peay loud and proud. We had shirts few years back that said Show Your Peayness.
PureOrange writes:
These committees are really suspect. Since they do not give Pat credit for playing all the tough games, I hope she will set up practice games throughout the season like UConn and most of the others do.
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
The AP poll moved the lady vols to number three! The committee gave this lame excuse for giving the lady vols the fourth number one seed. Because Nebraska only lost one game! So what, the lady vols only lost two, and the lady vols resume is a whole lot better. I do not agree with that at all. It is what it is, lets go lady vols!
The_Truth_and_nothing_but_the_Truth writes:
Yes, UCONN just played 70 some odd cupcakes and gimmees and beat them all by double figures (that includes last year's NCAA's). Also included 25-30 rated teams. This board has debated the RPI ad naseum. Geeeeeeez.
cloudodust writes:
So, Austin Peay drew the short straw..?
gaj619 writes:
I attended APSU when James 'the fly' Williams was leading the country in scoring as a freshman. One night we walked into the Gym and there was a huge poster on one wall that had a picture of a guy shooting a basketball behind an open zipper. The sign said "The Fly's open, go Peay". The students and fans loved it but the Fraternity that did it was not admired by the administration. My alma mater not withstanding...GO LADY VOLS!!!
98reax writes:
Looks like history repeats as in '08. NOBODY picks against the huskies. Sounds like a fine scenario for an upset even though ESPN has crowned the champion tonight. I sure hope they go ahead and play the games: )
ladyvolsfan789 writes:
A lot of people seem unhappy about being put in the hardest region, but since they're going to be playing instate all of their games are going to practically be home games with all the fan support they'll have.
xvolx writes:
LV's received fourth #1 spot because of screw job we got at Ga. from officials. If any of those officials do tourn. games, we are in trouble. Depends on how badly the LV's want it all. You beat UConn by being physical and determined. Teams that walk on the floor against them intimidated, don't have a chance. Stick it to everyone you play. Take no prisoners.
jryevols#222657 writes:
Congratulations Lady Vols , you deserve to be number one.Be careful over-looking Austin Peay. They overcome a 31 point earlier defeat by the same team. With nothing to loose they an light up the 3 pointer. Look too U-Conn and you may be looking at.... serving refreshments in the hospitality room for the winners
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
I beg for some fair officiating! I hope Glory recevied the message! She will be our X-factor! Kamiko will also be our X-factor! Those two get it going and look out tournament. LOL at 98 saying they have already given the trophy to uconn. I would not underestimate Iowa ST, they have three point shooters at almost every position and that 6'7 post of theirs can even shoot them. I also would not underestimate Ohio St, playing in Ohio. Let the games begin!
smokymtman writes:
“It kind of motivated me a little.”
This is the NCAA Tournament Miss Johnson...you had better be more than motivated "a litte" if you don't want to be one and out.
Clevername writes:
+1
Pat Summit is almost single handidly responsible for the popularity of women's basketball (like Arnie was in golf) and yet the "Committee" ALWAYS puts Tennessee in the toughest bracket and UCons in the easiest bracket EVERY DANG year ... go figure.
samvol writes:
Lady Vol’s headed for yet another national title...Go Ladies!!! Thank you Pat Summit for being a wonderful coach
jdcdjc writes:
I don't pull for the Ky Cats, men or women, but if they catch Stanford I will sure pull for them now. Can't stand the Cardinal or its coach.
gbeejr#1354500 writes:
I'm All Vol too but also a grad of APSU. I'm very proud of the Lady Govs and I'll cheer them on, but I think we all know what the outcome will be. So here's hoping Pat puts Gino in his place. But as for the commentary about Gilliam and Merritt, there is nothing cool about a player being a drug addict and a coach who was a crook.
BigRMan writes:
For once Mike you might have seen the light! I'm not talking about the Bud Light you spilled all over your computer keyboard!
The_Truth_and_nothing_but_the_Truth writes:
My dad always said, "Don't start spending the money until you cash the check". Certainly the #1 seeds have proven themselves, now it's a matter of games.
Your colorful use of words describing UCONN and at other times our coach only opens the door for people to "respond in like kind".
I'm sure I'll be invited to go someplace else yet that doesn't diminish the rude commentary you continue to use.
So many people complain about rude UCONN fans on this site, and at the same time with comments like yours, you invite anger.
fan_vol#1382657 writes:
"THAT'S MORE LIKE IT"
VolunteerLifer writes:
Congratulations, Lady Volunteers. You've earned a no 1 seed, and given yourself the best chance possible to achieve your goal, to get to the final four.
volboy81 writes:
"kind of motivated me a little..." C'mom Glory! We need YOU and every Lady Vol to step it up starting Saturday! Bring home #9!!!!
Lets go Lady Vol fans.....everyone show up at TBA Saturday and give them our support!
GO LADY VOLS!!!!
volboy81 writes:
that all started in the 70s when a guy whose last name was Fly played for APSU...."THE FLY IS OPEN, SO LETS GO PEAY!" kind of crude, but classic.
richvol writes:
The committee did try to keep UT from the final. As the third number one seed UT should play the second number one seed (Stanford) and UCONN as the overall number one seed should play Nebraska in the semis. More NCAA BS.
BigRMan writes:
I think Coach Summitt is taking a calculated gamble by calling Glory out in this manner. Coach sure knows better than I how to motivate her players. Glory could have a break out tourney or put too much pressure on herself and underachieve. Time will tell. The team as a whole shines for its' number 1 seed coming from a #5 just a year ago and a first round exit from the dance. Don't think Baylor is a one trick pony. They have an above average squad even without Griner. Kim Mulkey has one Nat'l Title to her credit which isn't the 8 of Coach Summitt or the 6 of Auremma, but it's one more than 95% of the other coaches in the country have-like highly touted Coach G. from Texas. Mulkey also can draw upon the sage wisdom of her former coach and mentor Leon Barmore. The LV's will have it tough if it is necessary to beat either Duke or Baylor or both to get to San Antoinio. However, this year's UT LV's have displayed the ability and resilliance to bounce back from a long way down! Good Luck to our UT LV's
RLL59 writes:
I rarely complain about tournament selections, recognizing at least some of the rankings are difficult. But no objective person could have come to the conclusion that Nebraska should have gotten the third #1 seed over the Lady Vols. The only category where Nebraska is ahead of TN is in the number of losses....1 vs the Lady Vols' 2. In both major polls, TN is ranked 3; Nebraska 4. Both won their regular season in tough conferences, but only TN won their tournament. TN has the 3rd best RPI in the two major rating sites, while Nebrask was 4th in one and 5th in the other. The same ratings sites had TN 3rd and 7th in strength of schedule; Nebraska was 28th and 31st.
I understand that the Lady Vols may not even get to the final four, and that to win it all, they'll likely have to play Uconn anyway. But in addition to the 4th #1 seeding being aligned with Uconn in the semifinal, it also meant that the highest rated #2 team, Duke, was placed in the Memphis region. If I'm not mistaken, the whole process of placing teams was impacted by the determination of the seeding of the #1 teams.
The selection committee members have clearly proven their incompetence, if not their bias. Maybe they're trying to get a job as a women's basketball referee.
gaj619 writes:
I bet you are right. I remember those days and I always said Merritt was as good or better that Robinson. Wish Jefferson Street could have stayed straight. What a talent. Pittsburgh was a great fit but couldn't stay out of 'The Street'.
98reax writes:
OK, mikey, the quandry is over. It will be Lady Vols vs Cardinal AGAIN in the championship. Why? Because Ohio State will bring the streak to a screeching halt. Tennessee will again be victorious claiming their 9th National Championship. Sorry little buddy, I had to make this one prediction, just because you told me NEVER to do it again. And it really feels good. You'll get over it because you are addicted to Big Orange.
mad_poly_uct writes:
Perhaps on a national level she does not get the ink you mention, however she most certainly does up here.On the ESPN site was a recent poll as to who deserved POY, Charles, Moore, Griffen from Neb., and Wright from Va., with 'other' as write in candidates. Poll was pulled last week, but after approx 85,000 votes nationwide Moore had about 38%, Charles 33%, Griffen 16%. With the exception of Neb, and 2 or 3 other mid-western states who chose Griffen, vast majority of nation chose Moore over Charles. Only 2 states chose Charles over Moore, and by a rather wide margin at that. Those 2 states were Rhode Island & Connecticut. Believe me, the fans and the press in this area are well aware of what Tina means to this team.
Was quite surprised to see Tenn getting overall #4 seed. Deserved to be #3 despite one more loss than Neb. RPI & SOS should have earned #3 seed, but it is what it is I guess. Have fun watching & best of luck to the LV's.!
98reax writes:
I think it's great that TN will have to play with some top teams to get to the top. It will make the championship so much more meaningful. The cream always rises to the top.
mad_poly_uct writes:
Here's to hoping your daughter stays injury free, healthy, continues to improve her game so before long those other 'names' will be long forgotten. Wish her & you the best.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Excellent post and LOL on your last sentence! GBO!
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
I thought UT should have been the third number one seed,but the committee thought otherwise and gave it to Nebraska, only because they lost one game. NCAA got what they wanted, a possible UT and Uconn showdown!
jwawker writes:
Practice games? Maybe you should actually look at the schedule UConn played this season, before coming up with that inaccurate gem. I will make it easy for you by listing the following ranked teams that UConn played: Stanford (a Tennessee loss), Texas, Duke, North Carolina, Notre Dame (3 times), Florida State, West Virginia, Georgetown, St. Johns, and Hartford. Don't blame UConn if they turned most of the games against even ranked opponents into glorified practice sessions.
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