NEW YORK — Holly Warlick scrambled to her feet Sunday afternoon and gave her seat in the Madison Square Garden interview room to Alicia Manning.
The gesture by Tennessee’s associate head coach was thoughtful. More meaningful, though, was the 32 playing minutes the Lady Vols allocated to Manning.
The senior forward made the most of her time. She helped UT cover for one of its worst women’s basketball tendencies (turnovers) with one of its best assets (depth) in beating DePaul, 84-61, in the Maggie Dixon Classic.
Although Glory Johnson led No. 7 Tennessee (5-2) with 16 points and reserve forward Cierra Burdick added 15, Manning’s double-double (12 points and 12 rebounds) constituted her best game of the season. Her points matched her season total of the previous six games and her rebounds were just three fewer.
Manning’s minutes didn’t stand out as much in the context of her season. Still, they dwarfed the three-minute shift she logged last Sunday against Texas.
Was she tired afterward?
“I’m ready to go again,’’ she said.
Teammate Shekinna Stricklen interjected: “She’s not tired.”
Manning’s contributions were timely against No. 20 DePaul (8-2). Tennessee needed a boost while working through its 19 turnovers.
In this case, the battle with wastefulness reflected the absence of starting point guard Ariel Massengale. She was a spectator on UT’s bench after suffering a left-hand injury on Thursday.
The Lady Vols started Meighan Simmons at point but shifted to Stricklen early as the turnover count steadily climbed toward double figures and reached 13 by halftime.
The Lady Vols managed to slow the torrent to a relative trickle in the second half and busy themselves with more productive pursuits.
They were so intent on pounding the ball inside — scoring 50 points from the foul-lane area — that they failed to hit a 3-pointer for the first time since Jan. 2 at LSU.
On defense, they reprised their pressure tactics enough to record 13 steals.
Manning’s production reflected those achievements.
“Oh man, she’s a beast,’’ Johnson said, who recounted Manning’s statistics and said, “That’s just Alicia Manning.”
After returning to her seat, Warlick indicated that present circumstances afforded Manning a bigger role.
“I know a couple of people said, ‘why didn’t she play’ ” Warlick said. “It’s all about the coaching and timing and what’s going on on the floor. We needed Alicia Manning today and she stepped up like she said she’s ready and she produced.”
Manning described her role like a hoops version of national guard duty.
“You never know what’s going to happen,’’ she said. “Obviously, I’m very competitive. Just keep that competitive attitude. When I get my chance, give it everything I’ve got.”
The Blue Demons, who were led by Jasmine Penny’s 16 points, aspired to the same attitude. But they had their own turnover problems, committing 24.
Star forward Keisha Hampton, meanwhile, fouled out with 10:28 left after scoring 14 points.
Dan Fleser may be reached at 865-342-6288. Follow him at http://twitter.com/FleserKNS and http://blogs.knoxnews.com/fleser
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Comments » 37
Vols68 writes:
And with the defensive pressure that Rutgers bring, Simmons will learn alot that will help her against Stanford...
floravol writes:
Thank you for playing Alicia Manning. I must be in the minority, but she plays great basketball. Thank you, Alicia for your SENIOR leadership, you have never let us down!!
movol53 writes:
Alicia Manning is the "do everything" or do "whatever is needed" for that game or moment in that game. She is not a great scorer or rebounder or defensive person but ask her to go up against just about any other player and she is always up to the challenge. We will miss her next year. Why can we NOT handle the ball this year. Are the girls trying to play to fast? The turnover must stop; if not teams like Rutgers could be a problem for us as they create turnovers.
SoddyVol writes:
Stricklen continues to show how valuable she is. Without Massengale she had to play point guard some and once again showed her all-american abilities. For what should be so much potential that Simmons has, I'm beginning to believe that although she is very good, she will never really be great. She has had enough time and experience to play better, if it were possible. I did like her improvement in FG percentage.
Roger41 writes:
Great game Manning. Thirty two min. She loves to compete.
frblalack writes:
Excellent Comment!!! Maybe our coaches have finally realized that playing Manning is GOOD for the entire team. We need her leadership and all-out hustle every game!
SummittsCourt writes:
Manning is the woMAN! Great game lady Vols.
Next up, Rutgers and Vivian Stringer gets her usual result playing the Lady Vols!
Razor784 writes:
When UConn stops cheating, so probably never
SoddyVol writes:
Very early prediction: Kentucky beats Uconn in the elite eight. (No, I'm not going to bet on it)
oldster writes:
I have never been sold on Simmons as a basketball player, much less a point guard. She shoots too much, makes too few, is a terrible ball handler, a bad passer, and takes a lot of chances on defense. She should be no more than the 3rd person off the bench. She should never, ever be put on the point.
la_Madrina writes:
Manning was also named player of the game! Well deserved honor! When defense was needed today, she brought it.
Movol, Manning is a good defender, and rebounder. Her scoring is here and there, but she is always consistent with her defense and rebounding.
Not a perfect game, but I'll take it! Too many turnovers from the team as a whole! Way too many!
Vicki is trying to do way too much, and it is hurting her game. I don't think she had any rebounds in this game. She needs to leave the dribbling to the guards, and get on the block and post up! She would have better results if she would just simplify her game. If she is going to play high post, take the short jumper from right there. Quit trying to put it on the floor which usually results in an indecisive move, or a turnover. Right now we need Vicki to be a post presence, not a perimeter player. She needs to play her position!
oldster writes:
This Lady Vol team should make it to the Final Four, at least, if they quit turning the ball over, make 80% of their uncontested layups, and 70% of their free throws. Surely, Vicky Baugh will be able to catch a pass. She has too much talent to drop three passes that hit her in the chest as she did tonight (she began to look like Da'Rick Rogers).
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Good game by Glory and Manning. Soddy u might have a good point about Simmons, but I sure hope it's wrong.
Thank God for our Lady Vols after they way our FB season ended and our men are playing. We need 2 get more fans to cheer on the Lady Vols and comment on threads. We must support the BEST thing going at Tennessee. Pat Summitt and the Lady Vols!! It's time for 9!! GBO!! GLV!!
tonyvick#213307 writes:
The only thing with Manning is that is she thinks her opponent is more athletic than she is she tend to be less confident and won't show up. It's just a matter of confidence for her if she played with the same confidence each game she could be the best player on the floor each night.
Chris_in_Maine writes:
Keep in mind, Simmons is only a sophmore
ACWLY writes:
"Thank GOD for the LADY VOLS" ... literally!
proud2btnvol (Inactive) writes:
Great job Alicia! You are a Vol!
catsladyvols writes:
IT actually is the team that wins..period! Sometimes one player just takes slack for another which in turn comes back around. I Love all the girls and of course The legend Pat Summitt. If you get a chance to meet and greet these girls as i have and my 76 year old mom..you would see the class they have. Me being 45 years of age and a former athlete knows its team work.. sure we have our favs but teamwork makes champions..let's get that 9 behind.. Go Lady VOLS!
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
1st that play by play guy just about put me to sleep. Sounded like a game played in the 70's with that guy.
This is not a knock on Glory Johnson's personality or intelligent so don't take the comparison wrong. But she plays like my favorite Bull's defender. Dennis Rodman HOFer. A rebounding beast, crashes the boards for putbacks , and a hussler. Glory has springs in her feet and stays after it. Plays with wild abandonment at times like Rodman played and got to opponents which will work against the Ogunimike sisters.
Just a observation. GLV
volfaninbuckeyeland writes:
Too bad Manning was not available to the football team for the UK game. No way she would have let UT lose from lack of effort. Truly amazing how the desire, hustle, and never-say-die attitude of a single player can impact and elevate the play of an entire team.
kazoo writes:
Good win for the team.
Manning's performance makes the coaches look fairly dumb. It's inexplicable why she hasn't had more minutes in games before today's.
RE Baugh: Agree with the poster above: Get in the low blocks, get the pass, play tall, turn and shoot. She has got size and a good touch--use both and simply the game. Completely agree: Stop trying to dribble with the basketball when you are near the basket.
RE Simmons: needs to work on her handle and her decision-making. Less street play, more fundamentals.
wigmeister writes:
It is about time Alicia Manning got the playing time she deserves. Every time she goes on the floor she makes a difference. There is not a player on the floor that hustles more than her. Trust me, we have missed her terribly. The coaches have blown it on her lack of playing time.
xvolx writes:
Simmons wasn't yanked because of her off. play. She had 9 pts., 2 steals, 2 assist and four turnovers. one more than Strickland. She was yanked for not playing defense. She tends to stand around at times. Only one weakness was Strickland's 2-11 shooting and Spani's 0-3 three pt. shooting. Thought 2 frosh. grow a little every game. Baugh plays like a bull in a china shop at times and smooth other times. Go figure. Manning is a killer Bee.
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
I think Cierra is starting to get comfortable with her role and we will need these freshman later down the stretch. Love Izzy defense and Lord knows we miss Ariel already . We have the components to make this a special year. Watched Baylor and they are very beatable. I believe that team up north has a real shot at knocking them off in Waco. I'd rather see them lose to Baylor. But have to give it to them. They play sound bball with very little weakness. Should be a interesting year . Oh yeah Manning should be on the floor . Good hustle in that lady Vol.
flatrock writes:
Lord knows, we miss Kamiko...Without the slow bigs that clogged up things last year, Kamiko would be peaking this year!
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
If Manning develops a consistent jumper or a 3 pt shot she would be scary. I'd like Glory to develop one too . I know she has a career waiting in the wings somewhere but I feel she would be top 3 WNBA with a good jumper or any fluid shooting hand at all. Only she knows her future which looks very bright . I just wish they would have brought in someone to help her with her shots. The girl is super talented and the guards should feed that post as often as the can . No other than Griner has hops like Glory. Let's beat Rutgers!
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
Ahh silky smooth Kamiko. Yes she is the slasher to the basket we need. She is a Stricklen with a quicker step to the basket in my opinion.
richvol writes:
The announcer said it all...Alicia Manning is the best player on the floor. For goodness sake why did it take Massengale getting hurt for Manning to get the minutes she deserves from the coaching staff.
Simmons is a terrible point guard...she has a world of trouble handling the ball when pressured and takes too many shots. Manning should be starting every game even when Ariel comes back from her injury. Spani does not contribute nearly what Manning does and if she is not hitting her threes needs to be benched. Manning had 5 or 6 steals and several assists to go along with her double/double today. How can the coaching staff justify her being on the bench in favor of Spani or Simmons...it's stupid.
DroopyDrawers writes:
If Simmons hadn't been removed from the point and Manning finally played, we have lost this game even if Johnson got 32 points. The point I am trying to make is Simmons is out of control. What are you going to do about it, Coaches? Another point, too many coaches.
kazoo writes:
With Spani we have the same dilemma as we did with Zolman--who could make shots when left alone but wasn't very good in other facets of the game because of a lack of quickness. Spani is better than Zolman, and she's the team's best shooter, so she has to play--and probably a lot. I think Manning's got to play more, but like Spani she's not a great man defender and has been a spotty shooter, so I think the coaches will have to think hard about the rotation, and I'm sure they will. There's no question that she'll play more with Massengale out.
richvol writes:
I agree with you about Spani but I don't agree with you about Manning not being a good defender. Look at the statline...Manning steals the ball and creates havoc for opposing teams trying to score. She is certainly a lot better defender than anyone else that the coaches could play. Manning is a glue player that makes everyone on the floor better. Did you see that rocket pass she threw the length of the floor to a streaking Stricklen...amazing.
ps11824 writes:
whatever happened to young (20s) athletes who couldn't 'wear out' ? Are there any old former ballers on this thread? Do you recall ever being worn out playing the sport you loved best? Did you have to do serious chores on the farm or whatever? As soon as you got the green light from homework & chores, you went straight for the courts, didn't you? Rain, snowstorm or whatever couldn't keep you off the court?
Heck, there's young'uns around here who cut, bail & haul hay in the hot, got late summer days; then go to football practice.
Kids don't wear out, for pete's sake, IF they love what they're doing, and Manning said herself in the interview, I want to play every minute... but she understands the coaches know best.
johnlg00 writes:
If she had that much trouble against a short-handed DePaul team, I'm not sure the LVs can survive her learning process against Rutgers. Let Meighan play a wing where she can just worry about her own offense instead of having to worry about everybody else's. Stricklen and Bass can handle the point until Ariel gets back. It would help if all the rest of the girls were a little more careful with the ball. I saw them try some passes on the interior that even the Globetrotters would be dumb to try. Just play a sound game, forget about trying for highlight plays, and it will all be fine. On the plus side, the LVs were so good at pounding the ball inside that I didn't even notice during the game that they hadn't made a three. I don't know how many offensive rebounds the LVs had, but it must have a been a BUNCH. If they can keep doing that and can take just a little bit better care of the ball, they will be fine until Ariel returns.
johnlg00 writes:
You're not in the minority among the posters on this board, but unfortunately none of us can make decisions about lineups and substitutions. Manning can do things on the court that none of the great freshmen can do yet. I don't mind giving them all the experience they can get as long as it isn't hurting the team on the floor, but you just can't let one of your senior leaders get the feeling that you are ignoring her. Just tell the freshmen to WATCH what Manning does on the floor and do that when they go in. The LVs don't need ANY of the freshmen to be double-figure scorers on a regular basis, but they DO need them to hustle and be unselfish.
johnlg00 writes:
Good point. It is a fine line deciding how much the LVs can play Burdick and Harrison to get them ready for the big games later WITHOUT hurting the team against quality opponents NOW or playing them so much they hit the "freshman wall" just when the team needs them the most. As for Manning, as much as all of us love her all-around game, she could well get worn out or hurt if she averages 32 minutes a game playing like she did Sunday.
richvol writes:
You guys are right about wearing Manning,or any other player,out. I'm not saying she should play 38 minutes but I'm sick of seeing her get 3 minutes a game like she did two games ago. She should play 20 to 25 minutes a game but certainly not 3.
butch31 writes:
Glad to see Glory and Meighan coming around again. Cierra looked better offensively, no clue why she's pressing, she is another Tamika Catchings, in the making! I'm glad to get the win, and happy to see everyone get some playing time.
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