UT's lineup 'had leaks at each end'

Tennessee's Kelley Cain looks up from a huddle of teammates Saturday during the Memphis Regional against Baylor.

MEMPHIS - A lineup quandary left Tennessee torn about whom to play against Baylor on Saturday afternoon.

As a result, the Lady Vols shortened their bench, essentially playing just two reserves - Glory Johnson and Taber Spani.

Kamiko Williams was the eighth player utilized but the freshman guard played just one minute.

Overall, Tennessee's reserves played 39 minutes in a 77-62 loss in the Memphis Regional semifinals while Baylor's backups played 52. Baylor's reserves outscored UT's 21-10.

"It was a real, real struggle with us,'' UT assistant coach Dean Lockwood said. "The boat had leaks at each end. We were trying to find our best group that could be productive at both ends of the floor. It was a gut decision of who we felt was our best group at that time.''

Guard Shekinna Stricklen, along with backcourt teammate Angie Bjorklund, played 40 minutes.

No matter, Stricklen said fatigue wasn't a factor.

"We were getting frustrated,'' she said. "A lot of us were getting frustrated and we let it get to us."

Back To Work: In the wake of Saturday's loss, Tennessee might take advantage of the NCAA guidelines it used last season and convene some post-tournament workouts.

"It would be well-used,'' Lockwood said. "Why should we stop something that worked for us to get to this point now, that took us from a first-round exit to a Sweet 16?

"Bottom line, basketball is a skill/habit game. . . . Right now, our skills and our habits need to improve."

Off Target: Alicia Manning had one of UT's best shot attempts at the rim in the first half.

Or at least the sophomore forward thought she did before rushing a layup against Baylor center Brittney Griner's block attempt and missing badly.

"I saw her,'' Manning said. "I guess I was expecting contact and just kind of went up too strong."

Calling All Fans: As expected, UT fans dominated the crowd.

Baylor coach Kim Mulkey had that in mind when she issued her post-game plea.

"We need fans in the stands Monday (for the regional final between Duke and Baylor)," Mulkey said.

"I know all these people from Knoxville are going to leave, and all the fans from Baylor would probably do the same thing (if Baylor had lost). We need people in the Memphis area to come to the game.

"Come see Brittney Griner dunk in pregame warm-ups. We need fans in the stands. You can root for who you want to root for, but please come to the game."

Free-Throw Mismatch: UT's errant free-throw shooting figured prominently in the outcome, particularly since Baylor was so accurate.

The Lady Vols, who rank eighth in the SEC in free-throw shooting (67 percent), made only seven of 15 attempts against Baylor.

Baylor, which entered the game hitting 72 percent of its free throws, made 22 of 25 against the Lady Vols.

Griner Support: While Griner dominated the game with 27 points and 10 blocked shots, teammate Morghan Medlock also was more productive than any of UT's post players.

Medlock had 12 points, 11 rebounds and made six of nine shots.

Pat's Pal: Mulkey didn't take any satisfaction from knocking a Summitt team out of the NCAA tournament.

"Pat is our John Wooden," Mulkey said.

"We want our program where Pat's program has been and will continue to be.

"She is just class."

John Adams contributed to this report.