_t160.jpg)
Photo by Garry Jones, Associated Press
Tennessee's Vicki Baugh (21) goes up and over Louisville defender Keshia Hines, left, to score during first half action in their NCAA college basketball game in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Nov. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
_t160.jpg)
Photo by Garry Jones, Associated Press
Louisville's Monique Reid, center, battles Tennessee's Meighan Simmons, right, and Glory Johnson (2) for this loose ball during first half action in their NCAA college basketball game in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Nov. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
Photo by Garry Jones, Associated Press
Louisville's Monique Reid (33) puts up a shot over Tennessee's Taber Spani (13) during first half action in their NCAA college basketball game in Louisville, Ky., Friday, Nov. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Garry Jones)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tennessee’s Meighan Simmons already was known for her quickness. Her Lady Vols’ debut only enhanced her reputation.
The freshman guard introduced herself as an instant hero Friday night against Louisville and a women’s basketball crowd of 22,124 at the KFC Yum! Center. She scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds in helping steer UT to a 63-50 season-opening victory.
“I know we love her,’’ said junior teammate Shekinna Stricklen. “She really stepped up. She actually pulled out this game for us.”
Simmons said she was unable to take an afternoon nap after the team’s shooting practice. Apparently, she was channeling pent-up energy rather than nerves.
She entered the game inside the first five minutes and had 12 points and several highlights by halftime, including a wicked cross-over dribble that led to a driving layup.
With the Cardinals lurking within one point with just over seven minutes left, the 5-foot-9 sharpshooter swished three straight jumpers — a pull-up shot and her only two 3 pointers — to give No. 4 Tennessee some precious breathing room at 53-44 with 6:06 left.
“She wasn’t really in the scouting report,’’ Louisville forward Monique Reid said. “We knew she was a baller. If you go to Tennessee, you’re a baller. Big ups to her.”
Simmons praised God afterward and summed up her night with a dramatic benediction.
“I gave this girl a gift,’’ she said. “Why not use it?”
Louisville coach Jeff Walz gave his coaching counterpart, UT’s Pat Summitt, credit for sticking with Simmons through her five missed treys and five turnovers.
“There was no ‘You can’t do this. You can’t do that’ ” he said. “She let her just play.”
Summitt didn’t have much choice, considering Tennessee’s foul trouble and sloppy play. The game wasn’t seven minutes old before Tennessee post players Kelley Cain and Vicki Baugh had picked up two fouls apiece and the Lady Vols had committed eight of their 29 turnovers.
Louisville had something to do with Tennessee’s struggles. Led by forward Monique Reid’s 19 points, the Cardinals were showing off some aggressive defense and team tenacity.
Tennessee forward Glory Johnson held out her arm as an example of the game’s hard-fought nature.
“I’ve never seen a busted blood vessel before,’’ she said. “I’ve got one.”
Simmons and sophomore guard Kamiko Williams came off the bench to create some tempo and jumpstart UT’s offense, enough of a jolt for a 31-26 halftime lead.
While UT’s youth was being served, so was its tradition. The Lady Vols survived with rebounding and defense.
They outrebounded the Cardinals by 18 in the second half, finishing with a lopsided 53-29 advantage. Stricklen, who scored 14 points, also grabbed 12 rebounds, eight after halftime.
“It’s just hard work and going after it and not quitting, fighting,’’ she said.
UT’s defense was buoyed by deploying a zone alignment just enough in the second half to keep the Cardinals off-balance. The strategy played a part in Louisville going scoreless for a crucial stretch of nearly three minutes as UT pushing its lead into double figures at 55-44 after a Stricklen layup with 5:11 left.
“If you find a way to win,’’ Summitt said, “You have to appreciate that fact.”
Dan Fleser covers UT Lady Vols basketball. He may be reached at 865-342-6288. Follow him at http://www.twitter.com/@fleserKNS and http://blogs.knoxnews.com/fleser/
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Comments » 46
SummittsCourt writes:
Great win against a good team in front of 22,000+ in a hostile environment. Not bad for a first game while most teams play cupcakes to start the season, UT plays a quality team and gets a double digit win. Go Lady Vols!
orangecountyvols writes:
Fightin-Dooleys,
Exactly! Well said. Way to go girls. While some people go to 3,000 seat arenas and play a warmup game, Tennessee does as Fightin-Dooleys said, looking for good competition in packed houses, and it pays dividends down the road.
There may have been some mistakes but for an opening game, it isn't unusual. And.............this will only make Louisville a better team too.
freestyle writes:
A win is a win. This team is ranked # 4,experienced,and a veteran bunch. Should have played better. I can't dispute the win though.
RoadTrip writes:
Simmons is exactly what the LV's needed. Once they all get in synch they will be a lot of fun to watch. Final Four - absolutely, barring serious injuries. Winning it all - possibly. Depends on how well they end up trusting each other and doing their jobs; as well as their overall team shooting percentage.
chaos001 writes:
Simmons has moxy.
As a team, they need to shoot, defend, and lower the number of turnovers.
Bryan Enterline and Dee Kantner make me puke.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Good win on the road. Simmons is the real deal. Looks like it's going to be another great season!
LADY VOLS.......TCB......KOKO......GBO!!!!!
lewhs93#205993 writes:
I love those LADY VOLS.
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
I think we found our point guard . Simmons what a explosive player. Keep that attitude!!! T?hey should have Kelly or Vicki run that "post highway" a lot more and get in position to get that ball. Enjoyed the game a bit nervous about Baugh as a lot of us are . I want her to do well . Overall we will be fine control the ball , hit the boards and our shots will begin to fall. GBO
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
I despise Brian and Dee Kantner! Those cheap fouls they threw on Vicki and Kelly were awful. I am going to be very critical! This was a horrible game! The second string played better than the starters. Simmons, Cain, did a good job, and they showed no fear. Avant did not play much but she did a ok job when on the floor. Stricklen, although she had 14, had a bad game. Angie had a bad game. Spani had a bad game. Manning had a bad game. They all looked scared and intimidated of Louisville, and it should have been the other way around. They were scared to shoot, they dribbled around the perimeter too much. The offense was not spaced enough. And too many turnovers! If it was not for Simmons, this would be a loss. She carried them in the first and the second half. She is all I thought she would be, and then some. The girl is relentless. Wow! She was putting up shots all over the floor. She rebounded, hustled, defended, hit the deck, my hat goes off to her. And I thank her for the effort she gave on the court. The defense was not that good tonight. They missed on shooters, looked confused as to who should check who, and I am disappointed in Manning on the defensive end. Glory hustled,but she did not do much on offense.
All of the turnovers they had in this game, will not work against a ranked team. The being scared to shoot, will not work against a ranked team. Overlooking Kelly a few times in the post when she is screaming and begging for the ball, and at least twice wide open, will not work against a ranked team. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the win. I am so happy they pulled it off, but to be the number four team, they did not play like it. The starters really shocked me tonight with the fear they seemed to have. I know it was a first game, and they were nervous, but I expected a better performance. They have been on this stage before. Simmons was not intimidated, and she did not play like it either. Pat has a lot of mistakes to address on film! This is my take on the game, my opinion, it may differ from some. And yes I am a big lady vol fan, but I am going to point out things that need to be worked on, in a constructive way. I know they will rebound from this game,but I am still a little disappointed with the effort and play tonight.
chaos001 writes:
AMEN!
SoddyVol writes:
I was very disappointed with so many turnovers. What frustrated me most was the Senior getting a rebound and moving up court only to have an UNforced turnover. They can improve as they are just getting started, but Pat does have lots of tough coaching to do.
slsmithsr#269458 writes:
Now.....Thank CP3 for talking Pat into going after Simmons.
tovolny writes:
The L Vols were lucky to win. They seemed out-of-shape and confused.
This group of L Vols does not know how to shoot a basic 10-foot jump-shot or even come close to making a full speed LAY UP. It is frustrating watching them sling the ball wildly in the direction of the basket. I hear that Pat Summit is a pretty good coach. Surely she recognizes that her girls need to "prepare TO SHOOT and then SHOOT"...but they are shooting in one direction while their bodies' momentum is in another. I have seen just terrible shooting the last few years. Kelly Cain is 6' 6" and shoots the ball underhanded, for some reason, instead of squaring up and using the glass. This is okay at times, and she is the only threat underneath. But, she is capable and should be doing a lot better. JOHNSON doesn't understand the concept of TEAM. She is quick but she often seems more aware of who is in the stands than whom she should be guarding. Strickland, Cain, and Manning appear to have conditioning issues. They have trouble shooting fouls because they are trying to catch their breath.
Pat Summit, the world's best womenfolk's basketball coach, could use some help from the fundamentalists coming in and holding an EMERGENCY CLINIC on how to make LAY UPS and how to shoot JUMPERS.
I am very concerned...very very concerned. However, the Simmons L Vol was a bright spot. Without her, I don't think we win.
VolunteerLifer writes:
Depth. It's the winning edge.
xvolx writes:
Stop minceing words and say what's on your mind. Simmons is the cat's meow.
freestyle writes:
It took a freshmen to saves the lives of the drowning juniors and seniors. Good jod Simmons! I don't understand what's going on with the "sharp shooter" Bjorkland. Her shooting abilites have been awful the last two games. Until she makes so kind of progress, it will not look good on her stat sheet for the wnba.
reg_mza#219136 writes:
I'm not worried. A veteran team playing in the first game of the season in a hostile environment on the road with all having missed practice time for one reason or another, it doesn't shock Me they are a bit rusty. It'll get better, more cohesive, more intelligent, and more solid with each passing game. Even the Lady Vols aren't immune to some early season growing pains.
freestyle writes:
It something about the road games that intimidate the lady vols. They barely beat an unranked team. We cannont expect to beat Baylor on their homecourt with this kind of sloopy playing in the future. Brittney Griner will kiss all the players good night.
nola_vol writes:
> >> warning alarm << <
“She wasn’t really in the scouting report,’’ Louisville forward Monique Reid said.
As grateful as we all are for the win, we won't really know much about this team until we see how they respond to opponents with schemes to shut down Simmons.
I'm sure Simmons is experienced handling double-teams and traps, but I doubt she's faced many taller, longer, quick-footed players covering her man-to-man. She won't see that from Chattanooga, but maybe against Virginia.
Regardless, as long as Simmons' single-digit scoring games come with double-digit assists... we'll be okay.
xvolx writes:
Pretty much agree with Pink's assessment. The only one that showed up to play was Simmons. If Bjorkland is to get open for threes, she is going to have to show that she can penetrate the defense. A lot of useless dribbling with no purpose. Pat is doing the right thing with Baugh. Let her come back slowly. Hard to believe in 3 years Cain hasn't developed a short jump shot. Strickland is a waste at point guard. She is a natural small forward. Avant is the natural point guard. Simmons can play point, but looks like she has found a home at #2 guard. Johnson gets frustrated because she can't play like the star she is in her own mind. She does seem to be improving as a team player. Manning will be alright. She knows her role on this team. I didn't see a lot of energy out of anyone but Simmons. They played good defense in spurts. Pat won't be happy with that. Last night they looked like a top ten team, but not a final four team. Baylor will be the test to see if they can play at final four level.
richvol writes:
Sloppy,sloppy,sloppy. You would think that a veteren team that started the game would be better than this. I agree with everything Pink said.
If Simmons doesn't play we lose that game to an unranked team...badly. Stricklen needs to move to the three or four. Simmons is a better point right now. This is the type of player Pat has been missing. She is super quick and very aggressive offensively. At one point in the game Pat had Kamiko Williams and Simmons in at the same time and the team took on an entirely new personna.
I don't know what Borklund has been doing all year but she seems to have regressed...still too much dribbling and poor shooting. Glory is a warrior. I wish she could be an offensive threat.
Tough win in an excited atmosphere but without Cain's second half and Simmon's great play we lose.
ODA751 writes:
I had a chance to watch the delayed telecast. Simmons played great. The other young players Kamiko Williams and Avant played great. Contrary to most people's opinion, I think Glory Johnson had a monster game. She played great defense and rebounded well all while having at least two Louisville players hanging on her arms. Cain played with passion. I think Strickland plays super tough but she has lost a step. I remember Strickland was quicker when she first arrived. Vicki Baugh looked like she has been out for a while. Hopefully, she'll regain some quickness and touch as the season goes on. Angie Bjorklund gives great effort, but she just can't match up with quick guards. Also, she has got to stop dribbling the ball behind her back. When she does, she straightens her back and the defenders jump her forcing her into a turnover. Manning played a good game. She's tough and does a lot of the dirty work.
Bottom line on this game is that the Lady-Vols went into a tough environment and came away with a win in the first game of the season. Good job ladies.
ps11824 writes:
Good grief, am I sorry I came in here to read these critical comments. It was a tough challenge for a first game scenario. Lady Vols were beat up on by the cardinals and the officials. They handled themselves enough to win the game by having a freshman step up in a remarkable way. I'm happy and excited about the lessons they will learn from this encounter. IF we had lost this game, I would understand the overall critique, especially from you, PINK. But, we got the W in a very hostile environment, with first game, away game, hoopla jitters. I saw a lot of good things. The undesirable stuff I can chalk up to 'a chance to get some real-game practice before a real-game sold-out arena crowd. You just can't ask for much more than that.
Secondly, please stop putting so much emphasis on rankings. The season just started, for pete's sake. Louisville and their very competent coach are way better than their ranking. The Lady Vols are WAY BETTER than they played last night, AND, if that's not a good reason to be happy, a win as opposed to a loss, there's Vicki Baugh is back in action. She started and finished the game without injury. Could we please be grateful instead of turning on the criticism after one game?
ladyvolsfan1 writes:
Thank God you had something positive to say! I was beginning to think that I was the only one out there who was thinking any positive thoughts. Opening night jitters, away from TBA, foul trouble and turnovers. That is all expected early in the season. We still found a way to win. If this were the end of March, I would be able to understand all of the negativity. Pat didn't look completely disgusted so why is everyone else losing their @8&t? I just hope the girls don't read the message boards or even better, future recruits. We are supposed to have the greatest fans in America for women's basketball. My mother always told me that if I didn't have anything nice to say, not to say anything at all. Having said that, Meigan Simmons is the real deal and adds another dimension that will benefit the Lady Vols for years to come. Go Lady Vols!!
topgun writes:
I'm with ODA751 and 98--way too many negatives on here...First game--in a 22,000+ hostile arena and the LVs win by 13??? Pat knows what this team needs and she and her staff will work out the kinks PDQ. GOVOLS!!
pammyvol1000 writes:
Way to go Lady Vols!! Keep getting better.
martic#220796 writes:
I just want to say thank goodness Candace found this child(Simmons) for us.(why did'nt Pat know about her?) Would we have won without her?
martic#220796 writes:
I can understand the criticism. I don't mean to criticise but express deep concern. What kind of line up was that? Why did we start the 2nd half with that same ineffective line up? We were playing a team of freshman and we let them dictate the game. If nothing is wrong with the bigs don't you start at least one of them? I'm sorry but I expected a lot more of a veteren ladden team. I'm not a UCONN fan but I bet you won't see one of their teams play like that!!!
coffy73 writes:
It's not negativity, it's honest criticisms. Things I'm sure Coach Summitt is hammering into these women right now. There's no excuse for Bjorklund, Stricklen, and johnson to play "scared" and intimidated, especially against an unranked Louisville. Can't tell you how many times they just threw the ball up hoping it'll go in or how many times Bjorklund just dribbled with no idea what's she gonna do with the ball! Hopefully, Coach can iron out these opening faults, cause like others have said, this isn't gonna work against ranked teams.
ps11824 writes:
If we barely win every game we play I will still be smiling when the season actually gets started. When we get to the ?easy? games, I hope we can win those too. I'm not really a stat-watcher any more. I have spent some hours behind the desk marking stat books. It's so much more enjoyable just watching the game and jumping for joy when a freshman goes on the road in her first college game and puts on a show.
Who knows, the veterans may have played their worst game of the season, which means we have a lot to look forward to
I'm all for getting the bad stuff out of the way and still come out with a win. Heck, I'll be happy, no, elated to barely win the National Championship.
It's not for us to question or plan the game strategy. But if you like that kind of stress, have at it. I'll try to be a little less positive with my comments, but it's gonna be tough for me to be the old poor-mouth, doubt-Pat kind of fan.
I have all the confidence in the world in Pat Summitt and her staff. When they start sending me those million$$ checks, I'll watch stats and stress close wins.
lewhs93#205993 writes:
I enjoy reading the thoughts of so many brillant coaches giving the greatest of all BB coches information on how to improve.A real joke.
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
People please don't take the criticism the wrong way! I meant it in a positive way, as I am sure the others who were critical, is also being constructive. I was not pleased with the way some of them played. I am sure Pat was not either, but I know she is happy for the win, as we all are. However, you cannot overlook the way they played. That is how a team never progresses. You have to hold these players accountable for their actions on court, see if they respond, if not, put someone on the court who wants to play. I don't care about seniority, its all about who is going to go hard every game, every play. Pat did what she had to do to win the game. She kept Simmons, who was the best player on this night in the game. I know that Strick and the others are better players than they showed last night, that is why it was so disappointing to see them play that way. If you are going to be a championship team, you have to be able to handle any environment. You have to be able to play good games away from your homecourt.
Tennessee is not feared anymore because of games like this. Other teams feel that when they step on the court with Tennessee, they stand a chance at beating them. There is no fear of Tennessee like it used to be. Tennessee needs to get back to that,and start putting some butt kickings down. Put fear in teams, like the fear they showed in Louisville!
coffy73 writes:
Summitt is one of the greatest, but let's face it, she's working with a group of women that's not exactly top talent. She doesn't have a Parker, Holdsclaw, or Catchings in this group, not that I can see. Simmons was awesome last night and she could be one of those greats when she graduates. When your "leader" and senior Bjorklund is acting like she's scared to shoot and a freshman has to carry the team, there's a problem. I'm seriously hoping this was just first game jitters. I'm not criticizing Coach Summitt, just these players.
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
Positives from the game! Simmons can flat out play! Glory is still a hustler! Pat won number 1038! Defense, all though not at it's best, saved the day, along with Simmons and Cain! Tennessee killed Louisvile on the boards! Avant got playing time, was pleased when she drove to the bucket for her two! Stricklen had double figure rebounds! Kelly got fired up, I enjoyed that! Simmons was a woman possessed! And the biggest positive is that Tennessee won the game!
SummittsCourt writes:
now, was that so hard?
ps11824 writes:
PINK, I like your last post. See, the positives far outweigh the negs. Especially when we get the W, and we are 1-0, that's perfect on the '10-'11 season. Our first game drew 22,124 fans. Lots of men's games would love to see that turnout. Even the NBA games draw fewer than that. I would venture to say many SEC games drew less than 2000 for their first game. It was game 1 of the season and it was exciting. None of our players got hurt, only Glory's bursted blood vessel. She will live to play again. and she grabbed 7 boards, 3 steals and a blocked shot. Stricklen was able to run Pat's game while scoring 14 points and grabbing 4 steals. The story of the game, of course was the outstanding minutes of our freshmen. And K Williams played some good minutes with 3 boards, a steal and 2 assists. We killed 'em on the boards and Kelli and Vicki looked healthy. Dee, the official wore a nice black & white outfit, and I have disliked her way more in other games than I did last night. Her partner, Brian, is not my least favorite either. He came in fit.
HanQ7 writes:
Legooo Lady Vols..... I'm still waiting for Cain and Johnson to become All-Americans. This is the year, the growing pains should over now! Legoooo I can see a 9th National Title!!!!
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
No fightingdooley,but the people on this board will have to give me a little room to manuever around here. The reason I critique the way I do is because I want so badly for them to be successful. I see the potential in each player. No all of them may not give us a Simmons type performance, but they can and will, I am sure in the future, give us a better performance than last night. I am with them through the good and the bad, hopefully more good than bad!
freestyle writes:
All said and done. Let's put this game behind us and worry about the future.
cdtnladyvols931#663910 writes:
November 12, 2010
11:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
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chaos001 writes:
Simmons has moxy.
As a team, they need to shoot, defend, and lower the number of turnovers.
Bryan Enterline and Dee Kantner make me puke
I agree with you 100%!!!! They also make me puke!!! Is that the only officials they can get!
SoddyVol writes:
Chattanooga is down this year, at least to start with. Chattanooga is my 2nd favorite team after UTK but LV should easily be 2-0 after Monday.
Juzkruzin writes:
Thank anyone that had CPHS to go after her. IMO she is the "Best Looking Freshman" we have had at TN. She was awesome and carried the team on her shoulders. Her team members needs to look at her play and try to up their's to that level, because we have some lazy players right now at TN., and it showed up big time last night. If they want to stay #4 or move up some, they need to get in the film room and watch what they did compared to what a freshman did. The girl is fearless, has a heart as big as Texas, where she came from and she only has an on switch as her off switch has been removed. I think CPHS will challenge the rest of the team to play like she does, non-stop. The best thing I liked about her was she isn't a camera watcher and let her player she is guarding get behind her. She shots, she hits and she turns to get back down court, not looking up at the large replay camera like a lot of our girls do, sad to say. I want her to step up and take the leadership role on the team and chew some azz in the huddle and up and down the court. Glad she is wearing BO!!
bmaples writes:
From a Lady Vol fan AND Louisville fan that was at the game, some observations:
-- Tennessee had more height, size, and depth.
-- Louisville out-hustled them.
-- Tennessee looked VERY sloppy.
-- Louisville was obviously NOT scared of them.
-- Tennessee's offense looked tentative, and occasionally confused.
-- Angie Borklund may still be on the court, dribbling. Have never seen a shooter dribble so much.
-- Simmons (obviously) played great.
-- Monique Reed of Louisville also played great.
-- Ultimately, Tennessee won this game on rebounds and second-chance points. Louisville had no answer for Tennessee's post presence. When the ball came off, Tennessee usually got the rebound.
Finally -- as someone who has followed Lady Vols for about 20 years or longer, and the Lady Cards for the past 10 years ot so: don't let the "unranked" part of Louisville make you think this was a pushover team. Remember Louisville is only two years removed from playing in the NC with Angel McAughtry (whose jersey was retired before the game -- great moment). Jeff Walz is an outstanding coach. I wouldn't be surprised to see this Louisville squad make a run this year, AND their six-person freshman class is ranked in the top 5 in the country. Beating Louisville in the official opening of the new 22,000-seat arena was not an automatic win. CPS and the Lady Vols should be thankful ... they could EASILY have lost this one.
Bruce in Louisville
coffy73 writes:
I really like this kid! Simmons was very vocal too, talking to players and coaches in the huddle like a veteran!
cdtnladyvols931#663910 writes:
Chaos001-I can't wait to see them play Kentucky. If Brian Enterline and Dee Kantner ref.the game it is going to be fun to watch. They let them get away with fouls they don't call. I don't think they like the LADY VOLS OR MAYBE IT'S PAT. Every game they call it's just like this one and worse. They make me PUKE too. I do not know what the other refs. name was --but I don't like her either she is just like the other two.
Jephry writes:
Pat never ceases to amaze me...how many other top four teams play their season opener ON THE ROAD in such an environment? What a great way to get the girls ready for a tough season.
UConn played Holy Cross...beat them by 80...really? What kind of a win is that??? And, Baylor has played nothing but patsies, either...
I'm proud that our Lady Vols won this game... I would have hoped for less sloppy play, of course, but I do think nerves had a lot to do with that. Now...to see how Simmons develops. What a player!
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