MEMPHIS - Tennessee chose a bad time to have a women's basketball identity crisis.
Faced with a better Baylor on Saturday afternoon, the Lady Vols lost their way on both ends of the FedExForum court and went down hard, losing 77-62 in a Memphis Regional semifinal game.
Playing before a pro-Tennessee crowd of 6,577, the regional's top seed (32-3) fell prey to suspect shot selection and shaky defense.
"We didn't play like we have before,'' forward Alyssia Brewer said. "It was kind of like a different team out there than you usually see. We went away from our strengths."
No. 4 seed Baylor (26-9), which lost at Tennessee 74-65 in the Nov. 15 season opener, had no such problem. Led by freshman center Brittney Griner's 27 points and 10 blocks, the Lady Bears stormed past the Lady Vols with a 21-1 second-half scoring run, removing all drama from a game that featured four ties and 10 lead changes.
Tennessee's best scoring answer came from guards Shekinna Stricklen and Angie Bjorklund, who scored 18 and 12 points, respectively. Both played 40 minutes and it showed as they shot a combined 3-for-20 in the second half.
Overall, Tennessee shot 29.5 percent (13-for-44) after halftime and finished at 32.9 percent (25-for-76), which essentially matched its season low of 32.8 against Stanford on Dec. 19.
Baylor, meanwhile, achieved a season high by a Tennessee opponent in shooting 49.1 percent (26-for-53). Along with Griner, forward Morghan Medlock had 12 points and guard Kelli Griffin had 10.
During her postgame interview, UT coach Pat Summitt used the word "panic" several times in describing her team's play.
"What has been pretty solid for us has been our defense and board play and we just didn't defend,'' she said. "And I think when they went up on us, we had a little bit of panic in us."
Tennessee's problems began early when center Kelley Cain went out within the first three minutes after picking up two fouls. The Lady Vols all but abandoned their post offense thereafter, opting for a steady diet of jump shots.
The decision initially sustained them as they hit three of their first four 3-pointers. A step-back trey by Stricklen opened a 19-11 lead with 10:23 left in the first half. But the Lady Vols' accuracy had plunged below 40 percent by halftime and their advantage had been transformed into a 30-28 deficit.
"Maybe it was a false sense of security because we were making shots,'' Spani said. "It's hard to do that through a whole game, especially with the second half and (tired) legs and all that."
It's harder yet to survive a defensive effort that had no answer for Griner. First, the entry passes weren't sufficiently impeded.
"They had a lot of easy passes into the post,'' Stricklen said. "She was getting it a lot."
Once Griner had the ball, the interior defenders were ineffective as well.
"We did what we were told to do; we went straight up,'' Brewer said. "And as you can see, when she goes into her shot, she goes into your arms and sometimes they call the foul even though your hands are straight up."
Griner augmented her eight field goals by shooting 11-for-13 from the free-throw line.
UT's strategy to double-team Griner also was exposed, no matter what the defensive alignment, even the zone that was played almost exclusively in the teams' first meeting.
"I think they were moving a lot better,'' forward Alicia Manning said. "Griner got the ball and we would double and they would cut off that. They read our defense a lot better."
With Cain back, Tennessee reoriented its offense toward the foul lane and summoned a final charge, leading 55-50 after a Cain hook shot over Griner with 7:53 left.
"Kelley really started to pound her and be physical with her,'' Spani said. "I think we should've kept going at that a little bit."
Instead, they couldn't resist the jumpers and low-percentage reverse layup attempts. UT's next basket was a Spani trey with 1:04 left. By then, Baylor's lead was 71-59.
"I take it upon myself, I had poor shot selection the entire game,'' said Bjorklund, whose 5-for-22 shooting offset her seven assists.
She just wasn't her usual self. Neither was her team.
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Comments » 52
mdvol writes:
What in the hell happened the last 6 minutes??? I went to get a cold one while we were up by five. Next thing I see it's a blowout.
And Angie Bjorklund, oh my gawd. Must have been hanging out with Scottie Hopson.
connster9700 writes:
Mike, you're pathetic and a bully. Only posting to rile up fans. Get a life!
Pullingguard writes:
No question about it, a lot of teams have caught up to Lady Vols and are just as good or better. Will be interesting to see how Baylor comes out verses Conn. if they meet.
Razor784 writes:
Get a life dude, why are you posting on our board, I guess after all these years, we're still in Uconn's head
Seriouslyorange writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
vol94 writes:
I will never understand why non UT fans come to another team's site. I don't understand why you would come onto the site and pour salt into the wound, makes no sense at all. Do you enjoy antagonising others?
With that said uconn has a tremendous team and will run thru unbeaten most likely. congrats.
VOLFORLIFE writes:
Didn't read the article. Didn't have the heart. Just wanted to say I feel so bad for the Ladies. But, they showed vast improvement over last year, so maybe next year is their year. Hope so. At any rate, I know Pat can still coach and she'll have 'em ready.
GO VOLS!!!
JUGHEAD
bigdisbig writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
orangecountyvols writes:
Vol 94
The kid was waiting and hoping for this today so he could crawl in and do his obnoxious thing.
We need to stop making comments about trolls coming in because obviously nobody is going to ban him.
But, know what? His and their day is coming. When that house of cards falls for U Conn, the air will be fresher here.
tomse writes:
I hope Bjorklund gets her degree cause she sure can't do it basketball. Too inconsistent and a real headcase
Millisa writes:
The Lady Vols will bounce back and be better than ever next season I am so proud of them.
bmaples writes:
Sophomores got into a high-pressure situation and panic set in. They'll learn from it and be better next year. If they re-double and re-focus, this may actually turn out to be a good thing. Still proud of how much they improved this year! GLV!
The_Truth_and_nothing_but_the_Truth writes:
Hi Vol:
Actually, there are many fans of basketball that can appreciate both Tennessee and UCONN even though we may live in only one of the states.
It seems like you can appreciate good basketball as I do. I tried to follow the Lady Vols as much as I could and did enjoy watching them play. It is too bad UCONN and Tennessee won't play this year as a lot of people were hoping for the game.
I sincerely wish the team well next year and it seems with the recruits and people coming off the injury list you will be ready.
Thanks for the kind words.
mad_poly_uct writes:
LMFAO....wrong state dude!!
utfan00 writes:
I think the lady vols did a good job this year. They invested a lot of time during the off season to better themselves. Let's not forget about the accomplishments of winning the season and sec title. Yes, they lost to Baylor, but this not the end of the world for them. I think it should have been a better game plan. Trying to get Griner in foul trouble just back fired on us. The coaching staff will learn next time.
kazoo writes:
Summitt needs to bring in a good youngish offensive coach--somebody who can teach team offense. Glaring deficiency for years. And Pat needs to recruit players and not recruiting rankings--she has missed too much in recent years.
kingwoodtx_vol writes:
I was reading some of the comments on the Ohio State basketball forum last night. I note that it is a moderated forum, but anytime someone made a negative comment about OSU, they were slammed by everyone else. If someone made a negative comment about UT, they were slammed. I really appreciated the support for OSU and the recognition that every one played their hearts out.
So, my comment here is, would everyone have been happy at the start of the year with a sweet sixteen appearance? Especially after last year and the comments that were made early this year?
If anyone expected us to make it to the Final Four and compete against UConn and Stanford, they sure didn't voice it on this site. So, the question that us fans have to answer is, "Did this team meet our expectation (for what they are worth)? I saw a lot of improvement in our play over last year. I saw a team that is missing several key parts with our injuries. I see a team that has two top guards coming in with NO senior losses. I see a successful year for this program, even with the high expectations the Lady Vols always have.
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
Angie had a bad shooting night! I am glad she realizes it. Her shots were forced, and she took too many! I have always said, other players were going to have to step up. No one stepped up, Stricklen tried. As a player, Angie should know when to shoot and when not to. They got down and panic mode set in, I noticed it, because they start jacking up shots and trying to get it back to fast. They went away from the inside game because of Griner, but Brewer could have been our x-factor because she had a smaller defender on her while Griner was checking Cain, and the lady vols ignored her and jacked up shots,and Brewer was begging for it. They should have used Kelly as the decoy and let Brewer went to work!
BigOrange_supporter writes:
How many games has she won for UT, next year she will break Kara Lawson 3 pointer record, yea, right we don't need her, grow up dude, its just a game, and Angie plays with all her heart..
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
I see what you see. GBO!!!
stevefrommemphis writes:
Grossly overpaid.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
Look, this is nonsense.
Baylor shot 25 FT's, made 22 of them. We shot 15, made 7. We missed FT's at critical times. We let Baylor stay in the game, building their confidence as that game went on.
It gets really simple: the game was tightly called. Griner, being the most dominant player and getting most touches, benefited. For those of you who remember, think "Candace Parker" on a good day.
There was nothing, I repeat NOTHING the LV's could have done any better except shoot FT's. Period. This wasn't about 'panicking' or anything else. We are a 'paint' team, and Griner owned the paint. She blocked shots at key times, and altered others.
We don't have enough 3-point shooters to counter a team that locks us out of the paint.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
As for Pat:
There was ZIP she could have done differently, and I think by th expression on her face, you knew it.
She can't shoot the FT's, can't get Angie to hit in the second half.
I watched Baylor several times this season, and they normally stunk. Today, they rode Griner, got her the ball. No one was selfish.
I was concerned about this mathcup ever since I saw it coming up. Griner is the one player in college basketball who can alter our entire game...and she fricking did so.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
Just curious: please elaborate and give us your economic justifications.
The following seems to contradict you:
http://businesstn.com/content/busines...
Would you please enlighten us with YOUR facts to support your apparent assertion of 'overpaid'.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
Some of these comments are simply ridiculous. We are an INSIDE THE PAINT team. We faced the most dominant paint-player the women's game has ever seen, and yet some of you are trashing individual players of the coach??
Unreal. Simply put, if Griner sits out the first half with foul trouble, we run away with it. She didn't; Cain did. Baylor did NOT run away, did they???
I busted on Pat hard last season for her recruiting; this year, I've praised her for adjusting to the players she has on hand.
I'm disappointed as hell at losing this game. I really, really wanted the UConn mathcup. But, folks, we had Baylor AND Duke in our way. A tough, tough draw.
There is a GREAT chance Baylor will choke and puke the next game. A different ref crew may have Griner sitting out after five minutes. It's just how it goes.
stevefrommemphis writes:
My best guess based on reading the article is that the CEO of the operation is being paid roughly 33% of GROSS revenues. Overpaid.
clvolfan writes:
Did not watch all the game, but when I did, Manning was on the bench.What happened ?
orangecountyvols writes:
Untamed,
You said it. Baylor played its best game of the season, no doubt........as well as U T not showing up.
Griner had her way but we'll see if that continues in the next game/games. Duke is going to be a test, and as previously mentioned, they may very well put the men's and women's teams in the final 4.
Doubting Baylor will have its 2 teams in the final 4.
Somewhere down the road, Mulkey will probably be hit with a T. I know she was fired up, as was her team, but she's a bit theatrical on the sideline.
At this time, a lot of fans are very disappointed, but we need to take something from all this and decide how to regroup next year. Very few teams are left, and there are lots of teams wishing they were 32-3.
xvolx writes:
Staying with the zone and a sagging zone was a mistake. No pressure on entrance passes killed LV. No way was Cain or Brewer going to shoot over Griner. Trying to force the ball inside and shoot over her was death stroke. This game was lost because LV never went to switching man to man to pressure the ball. Too much Griner fear. Well, see you next year.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
and your solution?
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
I'm tremendously amazed by those who seem to hate the program, yet take the time to post about it.
Same will happen if the men lose to MSU, which is (unfortunately) a strong possibility.
ladyvolfaithful62 writes:
Sad for the gals. I know they are heartbroken. Now, it's time to get back to work and be ready for next year. Get back into the gym right away and work on the strength and hitting the foul shots. These kids are growing up and have made great strides this year. I am hoping next year we beat everyone by double digits and have a take no prisioners approach. God bless you ladies and looking forward to 2011.
beachvol1 writes:
Bottom line, can't score, don't win!!! Not really sure how good the talent level is on this team....coach is outstanding, but team is too up and down...inconsistet....
stevefrommemphis writes:
Cut her salary to something more in line with the revenues her program produces. Shoot, I don't care, make her President of the school; I don't think the President makes anywhere near $800K per year. Plus, she'd probably be a pretty good President - couldn't be any worse than the last 3 or 4 they've had up there.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
Thank you.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
same goes for you: your solution?
vut56#231073 writes:
Read this far, and this is the first post to be on subject and make much sense; yes, other than make FTs, not much more the Ladies could have done.
They just happened upon a post player with height and skills that we could not off set. They had the advantage we have owned much of the season. Perhaps we could have built a small lead, had Cain been in the entire half. That is hypothetical, however.
To jump on the old wagon that Pat has lost it or should do this or that is from those who drink the kool-aid that it is our devine right to be final four each year. Who are we supposed to play? The Washington Nationals? These other teams copied the script from UT; the bar is higher. We compete, but someone always loses. Are the Kentucky, Kansas, Syracuse boy coaches being fired tonight?
Someone always loses; we have just not had much practice doing it...and, therefore, come unprepared. Be thankful that is all it is.
brokebackvol writes:
Look, Pat has been telling this team ALL SEASON they aren't a final four team. They have dogged it way too many times. Longtime fans of the program, you KNOW from Pat's comments and body language in-game that this team is talented but not a national title team. They did well winning all the conference stuff, but NCAA Title teams are special, and this one ain't it. I hope Pat can get the guns she needs for Final Four and titles again
Pat knows what she is doing, and sadly the guns she has right now wouldn't have beaten the Huskies anyway - I don't think anybody will at this point, too much talent.
I'm going to ignore the haters - they either aren't true Lady Vol fans, or just don't know their butts from a hole in the ground. Obviously some serious misogynist issues with certain posters.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
I was actually off a bit: I had stated all year: Elite Eight, possibly Final Four.
Different bracket, would have happened. This is NOT a great LV team, but it sure was better this year than last.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
Well, you of all people, being a die-hard Tennessee Lady Vol fan, should take it easy and get over the loss.
As difficult as it may be on you, simply remember the Candace Parker and you will sleep much, much better.
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
I think Pat has learned from the last few years. I don't think she will EVER field such a one-dimensional team again. Nor will she EVER end up with a team without an age 'spread' of sophomores and juniors to work with the freshmen.
As I said elsewhere, I am most proud of UT's staff for adjusting to what they have for talent. Last season, they tried to shoe-horn these girls into a system the would not work.
Last year was also a bit of payback for some poor recruiting (Lindsey Moss, Alex Fuller, Cait M.).
A rule of thumb: you need to bring in a young post a young ballhandler each and every year. Those 2 positions are the hardest to teach, and the post in particular get hurt quite a bit.
rclarkvols#224537 writes:
Let's face it, if Vicky Baugh is healthy we are in the final four.Our post players are big but not as mobile as we have become accustom too. Nicky Anosike could guard any position on the floor. My only critism is that we played to few players. I think we should have substituted more to keep the players fresher. Vicky Baugh and a true point guard means a return to the final four. A combination of Gloria Johnson, Briana Bass And Williams could have provided a defensive spark for a few minutes. I hate that we lost but I would rather lose to anyone but U-Conn and right now they have one of the greatest teams ever assembled.
The_Truth_and_nothing_but_the_Truth writes:
Hi Orange County:
The poster your talking about does not represent the UCONN Huskies, nor do I believe represents the typical UCONN fan.
When you comment on posters and include the UCONN Team you invite an angry reply. To say this UCONN Team is built on a "house of cards" is ridiculous and makes you sound like the poster your talking about.
pammyvol1000 writes:
proud of the gals! 3 losses is not a bad season!!
bigOutfan writes:
This loss I'm sure will be motivation for next year, these girls will be faster, stronger, better basketball players, you can count on it... They WILL be ready to play ANYBODY!!! Lets keep supporting this team. I drive over 200 miles round trip to see these girls play. There's always a good crowd there but there's always room for more. Look, Pat Summit will not always be the coach of the Lady Vols. Someday she will retire and if you miss a chance to see her in person then you will miss alot. You will be sorry. Lets fill TBA every home game. Lets make getting a ticket to a Lady Vols game, hard to do. Lets show'um we care!
tennboy78 writes:
We can analyze this to death. We had a great year, and improved in almost every category (except freethrow shooting). Yes, we should have screened Griner better on the inside game to keep the blocks down. Yes we should have kept our composure in the last 5 minutes. Yes to a lot of other details.
The great thing about where we are now (it is always disappointing to leave before the 6th win), is that we have huge things to build on for next year.
Everybody else loses some of their power -- we keep everything we had and gain exponentially in all positions. The returnees will be even more mature, and look at the incredible strides made by Manning and Brewer in their second year. I believe that Glory will also come into her own as a junior and these 3 will become enormous contributors. We hopefully will have Vickie B and others back from injury, as well as incoming guards. We should be DEEP!
The bottom line -- we matured so much over last year, and after we get past the disappointment of yesterday, and begin to reflect on all that we DID do well over the whole season, the confidence will explode toward what can be done in the 2010 - 2011 season. GLV's!!
gladiator06 writes:
as far off the block as Griner was at times, the lady vols should have been pounding the ball inside at those times. she was challenging threes and we were still shooting them. when she's challenging shots that far out, they should have been jumping into her body or finding Cain and Brewer inside. Cain or Brewer should have been able to block Griner inside to get one of them open for an easy basket. why was Cain caught so far off the block as many times as she was. i couldn't understand why there were many times when she should have been on the post defended, she was defending too far out in the paint. i believe Baylor will go on to play UConn in the final four and UConn will be able to box Griner out on the post, freeing up one side of the post for easy baskets. i blamed Pat a lot this season for the Lady Vols poor play, but i can't blame her for this game. i'm sure she'll take part of the blame, but the players didn't execute their game plan. then again, i don't know if anyone can blame the players or the coaches too much. Baylor was just better in this game more often than we were. Baylor is no pushover and i believe they are building a program that will challenge the best over the next few years.
rdberry#654521 writes:
Griner is the real deal. Kim Mulkey has the top rated recruiting class coming in next year. Look for Baylor to supplant UCON and UT as the real power in women's college hoops!
The_Truth_and_nothing_but_the_Truth writes:
Tennessee Vols can never be counted out, but this blog has a number of crybabies.
The_Truth_and_nothing_but_the_Truth writes:
In the last five years Geno has three #1 recruits. Two have become the top two players in basketball, yeah the word is out.
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