LEXINGTON, Ky. — Tennessee lost the basketball early and often against Kentucky on Monday night.
But the Lady Vols never lost their nerve, overcoming a brief one-point deficit in the final six minutes for a 73-67 SEC women’s victory over the Wildcats before a crowd of 7,126 at Memorial Coliseum.
Shekinna Stricklen scored a team-high 20 points for No. 4 Tennessee (22-2, 10-0 SEC), which survived 24 turnovers. Freshman guard Meighan Simmons, who was charged with nine of them, gave the Lady Vols the lead for good at 60-59 with a driving layup.
She also hit a huge 3-pointer with 4:25 left and Tennessee leading by one point. Simmons then sealed the outcome with two free throws with 14.5 seconds left, topping off her 15 points.
Victoria Dunlap led No. 15 Kentucky (18-5, 7-3) with 20 points.
After setting a season-record pace with 17 turnovers in the first half, the Lady Vols limited themselves to seven after the break, scoring 43 points and shooting 61.5 percent from the floor as a result to erase a 33-30 halftime deficit.
“That was a huge difference,’’ Stricklen said. “When we were able to hang onto the ball, we got more chances on offense.”
Stricklen was a different player as well after scoring two points and grabbing four rebounds in the first half. Along with her scoring, she led Tennessee’s 45-23 rebounding advantage with a game-high 12 rebounds.
UT coach Pat Summitt earned an assist by reminding Stricklen of her obligations.
“She didn’t get on me,’’ Stricklen said. “She just said I have to step up. I needed to hunt my shots.”
It wasn’t so much what Summitt said to Simmons, either.
“It was the look,’’ Simmons said.
Whatever, it worked. Simmons had just two turnovers after halftime and scored nine of her points.
“She’s young but she’s learning,” Stricklen said. “I’ll take those turnovers. She hit some big shots, and those free throws were huge.”
Kamiko Williams scored 14 points off the bench and Glory Johnson had her fourth consecutive double-double (10 points and 10 rebounds) as Tennessee finished with a season-best 55.8 percent field goal shooting.
Kentucky struck the first blow, thanks to Dunlap. The reigning SEC player of the year scored the game’s first seven points, including her fourth 3-pointer of the season.
The Wildcats achieved the majority of their success with frantic pressure defense that preyed on ball handlers and passes at all points of the court.
The Lady Vols often responded either with turnovers or rushed shots.
Simmons committed almost every conceivable turnover, everything from carrying the basketball to errant passes. And that was just in the first half.
“I was going 100 miles per hour,’’ she said.
The Lady Vols managed a semblance of order by making 50 percent of their shots (13 for 26). In the process, they erased an early eight-point deficit and built a 26-23 lead after Johnson’s rebound basket with 4:27 left before halftime.
But a traveling call on Simmons began a string of five consecutive turnovers by the Lady Vols. The Wildcats went back on the prowl, scoring the final six points of the first half.
Stricklen made up for lost scoring time quickly. The junior forward had nine points in the first six minutes of the second half. Her jumper gave UT a 48-38 lead.
The Wildcats then mounted another charge. This time they relied more on jumpers than pressure. A’dia Mathies, who scored 18 points, hit two 3-pointers to pull Kentucky within a point. Her two free throws gave the Wildcats a 59-58 lead with 6:10 left.
Dan Fleser covers Lady Vols basketball. He may be reached at 865-342-6288. Follow him at http://twitter.com/fleserKNS and http://blogs.knoxnews.com/fleser/
Rocky Top League opening night
Old school: Archived photos of UT…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 105
dwa7#337691 writes:
really tough game. I hope the men can also pull out an ugly win.
kazoo writes:
It's easy to see why pressing teams bother us. We've got a very big, somewhat slow team and do not have enough decent guards/ball handlers. This is why Simmons has to play a lot, despite the fact that she's become a turnover machine. The second problem is that UT is not a good passing team--never has been under Summitt--though there was some improvement in the second half.
What is the deal with PS playing Baugh early in the first half--and then we don't see her again the rest of the night! Mark it: UT will not win the national title unless she starts playing more.
Other notes: Manning: I keep thinking she should be better than she is. She's got a little size and some handle, but the performance is rarely there--missed shots, bad passes. With a bench full of All America's we ought to have a team full of quick ball handlers, but we don't. Still, a solid second half performance against a pretty good team. Very nice to see Stricklen step up in the second half-- impressive.
VolunteerLifer writes:
It's always a job well done to get a win on the road against a tough, ranked team. And congratulations are in order, especially for the toughness, mentally and physically, that was shown.
But this team gave up way too many layups, both in transition and in the half court defensive sets. Their guards turned the corners and drove almost uncontested down the lane against our bigs for layups. When they weren't doing that, they were beating us down the floor after made baskets to get layups. Not good. Our lack of quickness was obvious, as well as the inability of our bigs to control the paint, despite a big size advantage. This team must improve defensively if they are going to get to a final four.
Vol69 writes:
Ball control, seems to be the greatest enemy of the lady vols at this time.
manoffewwords writes:
Very disappointing for Doris Burke that the LV's won.
flatrock writes:
If there were any doubters as to which PG should be
running the Lady Vols' offense, tonight's contest
should clarify. When K. Williams was at PG, the
LVs out-scored Kentucky 54-34 (plus 20). When anyone else ran the show, UK blitzed Tennessee 33-19 (minus 14). I am sure the media will emphasize the 2nd-half play of S. Stricklen and M. Simmons
- and they were clutch - but Kamiko's stability
and confidence enabled the Lady Vols to get into
their half-court sets and take advantage of their size and talent advantage over UK. Pat
will probably gush over Stricklen and Simmons
and then stammer and stutter when the media
mentions Williams, but the film does not lie.
This would have been an ugly loss without
No. 4
SummittsCourt writes:
So many critics, enjoy the win for a change. Kentucky has been doing this to everybody they play this year. This win all but seals the SEC regular season title and the #1 seed in the SEC tournament.
Lots of unforced turnovers, sure... but the team didn't wilt under the pressure they continued to play hard and got the win.
Way to go Lady Vols!
RichmondKyVol writes:
Congrats to Lady Vols for doing what they had to do to beat a very good, very determined team on their home floor. UK women have nothing to be ashamed of. They are becoming a force to be reckoned with.
SoddyVol writes:
Great win on the road. However, I'm still a little disappointed because of ball security. The first half shouldn't have been such a surprise to me. Even with prior problems, who would have thought our two guards would have the same number of turnovers as the entire Ky team for the game. Not just the guards, but are they all just too hard headed to stay ALERT & learn to NOT make casual or just bad passes? One concession is that Ky truly wanted to beat Tn. more than anyone else.
dewey0022 writes:
It wasn't pretty at times, but this team showed a tremendous amount of toughness when it counted. Good win Ladies. Seeing the depth in tonights game was also nice. Bass, Brewer, and Baugh gave some good minutes in the first half of a very physical and fast paced game. Well done!!!
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
Good win . I agree flatrock Williams calms this team down . it showed tonight.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Thank you, I agree.
Flatrock, I agree with you also with the fact that Williams needs to be playing the point. However, I disagree with your assessement that Pat will not give her any credit. She will.
Way to fight through all the TO's and come back and win a tough road game. Special shout-outs to Strick, Glory, and Williams! GLV!!!
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
Yes there are critics, however some justified. We knew this was coming. To add to our errant ball handling and wayward passes, our size in the paint
did allow us to dominate the rebounding game.........thank goodness. Our bigs are a bit slow, but more concerning to me was missing point blank layups and of course the free throws. They mentioned Taber being an 81% F T shooter, but bless her heart...........she missed 2 one and ones.
With all her turnovers, notice what Simmons still did offensively, a key lightning quick layup and money at the line.
Kentucky played from the get go like it was 1 minute in the game.............constant harrassing defense.
Pat used more zone than I had seen before, and what backfired a few times was when they kicked it back out to #1 who nailed the 3's.
Anyway, after intermission, we saw Tennessee step on their throat and play as we know they can. A one week layoff, plus no Angie Bjorklund...........I am not an unhappy soul tonight. If Dunlap had not played, it would have hurt Kentucky.........so I give them a heck of a lot of credit. They wanted this one but the Vols met the challenge.
huntined#565710 writes:
KY. has a great D team..they are FAST and good hand movement. If I were PAT I would have practice with them only passing the ball no shooting at all. Let them take it in under the basket and make them take it back out. They gave the ball up trying to throw it out from under the basket. KY. knew this and just blocked the lane and got the ball. I live in FLA. and was talking to my Brother in Elizabethton at half time and I told him Stricklen would take over in the second half. Wish I could be that lucky with the Lottery!!!
b24vol writes:
Agree with flatrock...Simmons is a great talent but can't believe PS doesn't reign her in some times. Has probably lowest shooting percent of the top 7-8 that plays, but can really create her on shot. Williams does not get the same chance it appears but I get the feeling Pat doesn't like her attitude or something. Also it will help if our big posts get healthy and in shape, man they are sooo slowww.
tonyvick#213307 writes:
Cain???????
UKCatsFan writes:
Congratulations to the UT Lady Vols and their fans. I was at the game and was pleased to see what I think was a great battle between the two best teams in the league. Tennessee is loaded with talent and may win the national championship. Their size gives them a big advantage over Kentucky but the UK defense puts them in position to compete with top teams like UT and Duke. The supportive UK fan base is very excited about what is happing with the Cats and UK has another great recruiting class to add next season to this young team.
I have attended the SEC women's tournament the past several years and while there is no doubt the UT fan base is to women's basketball what UK fans are to the men's game, my sense is UK and its fans are becoming the dancing partner for the Lady Vols in league play and tournament action. I expect to see lots of UK BLUE in Nashville and look forward to seeing my good friends from Tennessee there.
Go Cats!
CoachFulmerFan writes:
Good win for the Lady Vols. Although I love Simmons at the point, if she isn't careful we might start seeing Kamiko take that spot away. She has to work on those turnovers. Did anyone else notice the horrible officiating in the first half? I mean absolutely atrocious. I mean the Lady Vols overcame so much to win that game. It was good determination in the second half. They have to get those silly turnovers corrected though if they want to have any shot at a National Championship. I'm hoping CPS will consider starting Baugh at the Post, I think she played really well for the minutes she got. Although I can understand why CPS loves to go with Cain because of her size... Tough choices I suppose...
DroopyDrawers writes:
I can't help it but if Simmons (9TO) and Cain 5 rebounds. Cain can't shoot a lay upp and free throws was awful.
My starting line-up would Bjorkland, Williams, Spani,Strick, & Johnson.
Off the bench would be Brewer, Baugh & Manning in no particular order.
xvolx writes:
I saw it as a hard fought game on Ky's court and another mauling of our post players. Baugh gave us five great minutes. Brewer played nine minutes of good defense. Simmons is learning. Williams should only dribble when she's going to take a shot; otherwise she should make a pass and start the offense. Strickland played a good second half. Spani should be a backup. Manning is confused and totally lost her confidence. Cain appeared to be playing in pain. Johnson let players know not to get too close to her elbows. Bass gave us six good minutes. This was a good ugly team win.
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
Congrats lady vols on the win! Stricklen became more aggressive in the second half and it payed off. Stricklen has to take over for this team when needed. I have to praise kamiko! She did a good job at the point tonight. Without her scoring in the first half, the lead for Kentucky could have been larger. At this moment, Kamiko is the best option at the point. I think Simmons needs to be done like Glory and bring her off the bench to get her attention. Simmons did a lot of things to help tonight in the win, but she did a lot that could have also caused a loss. Nine turnovers for one player is too much. The whole team made bad passes, but I thought Simmons would never quit turning the ball over. She needs to get that under control. It can't be ignored. Tennessee had too many turnovers tonight. You can't win a title playing that way. She says after every game she has learned but I am not sold on it yet. Until she gets her turnovers under control, I think she should come off the bench and Kamiko should start. Kamiko has earned it! She has been the calming factor over the last few games. She has lead the team without a ton of turnovers.
I wanted Vicki to get more playing time. I thought Vicki was doing a good job. She was more aggressive at the post for Tennessee. I have to agree with Carolyn Peck. If a team is going to make it to the final four, you have to have an inside presence as well as perimeter. I want Vicki to get more playing time.
This team still can't handle pressure defense. I think they need to practice that daily. They will see more of it! I was happy to see them switch to the zone. Kentucky players were too quick for them one on one. Kentucky does not have the best three point shooters. When they went zone, they slowed Kentucky! Man to man is not for every team you play. I am glad Pat realized that and changed up the defense. A Great Escape I must say! Whew!
KC_Vol writes:
Spani couldn't hit the broad side of a barn tonight but, from what I understand, she is lights out in practice and one of the best scorers on the team. She isn't super-athletic but I think Pat just can't give up the thought that she will eventually step up in games to the level she plays in practice. Kimiko was our saving grace tonight. Without her ball handling we would've been sunk. I think people are being too tough on the Lady Vols defense. They held Kentucky to barely 40% shooting from the field and they out-rebounded them 45-23. Still Kentucky put up a lot more shots than the Lady Vols due to the high turnovers. If Taber had hit a few shots or Angie had played I would imagine that we would have won going away by 15 or so. I'm not disappointed in this game at all.
JUSTHOOPIN writes:
It's one thing to like a player but it's another thing when someone doesn't really know basketball. The bottom line and no-one will ever admit to the true fact, the only reason Simmons is playing as much and is allowed to constantly make the mistakes that she does is that she's a McDonalds All-American.
Kamiko Williams is the best point guard that Pat has on her team but to keep Simmons happy she will continue to keep her at that position because if she sits her down she will leave UT and Pat really doesn't want this. Look at it, Kamiko last year and even now if she took as many shots and miss or even if she has as many turnovers, Kamiko will be sitting or more seriously loosing her scholarship and that's the bottom line.
JUSTHOOPIN writes:
Flatrock,
I'll tell you it's great that at least someone else on this site sees that Kamiko Williams is a much better player than what Pat and her staff portrays. You hit the nail dead on the pin head!! The sad thing is that if Kamiko would try to transfer, Pat probably would hold her back so she would not be able to succeed at any other big time program. This kid can really play. Great post!!
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
omigod, is this board completely loaded with morons???
The LV team goes 11 deep of so. Each player is meant to bring something to the table.
This comment isn't for all of you, just the ones plssing and moaning about who plays what: stop, think (if possible), and take note:
Pat wants to be able to respond to ANY team. Get it?? Quick teams, power teams, mixed teams...shooting teams....and she needs role players.
Do you honestly, seriously think we will win JACK with a bunch of kids trying to all be the star??
What I saw:
-Kamiko had a solid game
-Glory rebounded well
-Strick was valuable at point
-Spani stunk
-Brianna: you just need one move per player
-Kelley: WTF, Vick, where's the aggression??
-Lyssi: NICE
-Vicki: NICE
-Simmons: hyper-freshman
(continued)
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
(continued)
and all this craptalk about meighan vs kamiko or kelley vs glory or whatever is COUNTERPRODUCTIVE.
Do you want a NC, or do you want another pissout by the sweet 16??
Because, I'll tell you what: it took our entire roster to win tonight. Just wait until we get to the NCAA's with some hot-shooting ball-hawking team...do you honestly think we can pick favorites now and say to the rest 'sorry, you sit'.
If so, you are just being frigging idiots.
Pat is doing some damn good coaching, and you morons are being damned good morons.
jesus.
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
I've restrained myself, and restrained myself...
you are a damn moron. we need both those kids. but hey, turn it into a fighting bltch team that doesn't get along, all about egos.
frigging perfect.
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
thank you, xvol, thank you.
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
agree, tony, completely.
JUSTHOOPIN writes:
Everyone thinks Williams has an attitude, but if you look at all that has transpired on this team since Williams has been here. The bottom line is Williams isn't a McDonalds All-American, if she was there wouldn't be any discussion of her possibly having any issues on this team. She can flat out play the point guard position better than any player on the team but how would Pat justify Williams over those so called "High school Stars"?
Pat will only use Williams when her team is in trouble and it's evident in every game they play!!
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
I actually think younger women's players are better athletically than the older ones, and the older ones have better self-control (obviously).
So, in a way, a young team is a real advantage for running the court. It does inded help to have experience in the back-court, though, and that is where we are lucky to have Strick, Angie, Bri, and Kamiko when Simmons gets rattled.
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
I think what ticks me off....I knew...KNEW the same morons that always do this Kamiko stuff would be here. Just frigging knew it.
All I really wanted to be able to do tonight was say 'good win on a rough night' and 'congratts to Kamiko on a great game'...
but, nope. Can't have that. Some bozos have to already be here with the 'oh, kamiko this, pat that...'
why in the HELL don't you folks just go to your own chat board and just bltch??
JUSTHOOPIN writes:
They will continue to have PG problems unless Pat starts to be the Hall of Famer that she is an stop being so petty and continuosly making excuses or creating the appearence that Kamiko has issues and nobody else has any, put Kamiko at the PG position like she rightfully deserves. There is no player on this team that can out play her at the position.
CoachFulmerFan writes:
I knew this would be a tough game. You have to give credit to a team who fought through horrible officiating and 24 turnovers to turn things completely around in the second half and come out with a victory against a team, in my mind, who deserves to be top ten. I will look for Kentucky to go deep in the NCAA tournament and surprise some folks. As for Tennessee, I think they have the potential for another NC, but they have to work on some things and I am so looking forward to watching this season play out. Should be a great SEC and NCAA tournament!! Can't Wait!!
JUSTHOOPIN writes:
Again another person who really doesn't know basketball. Simmons would flurish at the wing for this team and everyone across the country knows that Williams should be at the PG position but Pat!!
richvol writes:
For everyone that says that was a great win tonight,I say it was a win only. If we had played UConn we would have been crushed...or Stanford,or Baylor.
I have never seen the LadyVols play a worse half of basketball in all my years of watching. Carolyn Peck implied that Cain was lazy and the passing looked like an elementary team. It was pathetic.
If Pat doesn't let Kamiko settle in and get in a groove at point this team will not improve enough to make the sweet 16. She is much,much better at point than Meighan and Baugh needs to be the one starting if Glory is not. Cain needs to show that she wants to play...her effort was so poor.
PepperGrinder (Inactive) writes:
Kamiko is a tremendous asset to the team but she seriously needs to work on her conditioning. There was a serious of two possessions in the second half where she just kind of drug around on the court. There was one play where she was just out of reach of a lose ball but she didnt move toward it and was slow in moving to the person with the ball which result in a Kentucky 3.
JUSTHOOPIN writes:
It's because people like you who don't know the game but wants to be like that groopie at the rock band concert who takes in all the BS that Pat puts out and believe it all. Pat hasn't been coaching these kids since they have been playing, it's been Holly who's actually running things but again you can't understand that because you just don't know!! now who's the freakin bozo now? Grow up!!
SoddyVol writes:
Ky wanted a win in the worse way. They have good stamina and are quick. LVols wanted the win more after the half time meeting. Of course I'm biased but feel our ladies should have gotten to the line more. Sure glad the review of the "no call" against Glory remained a "no call". Otherwise, rather than Cain getting to shoot free throws, Ky would have probably hit some. Vols really fought and got a good win in a tough game. If Ky had played this well at home against Ga. they would have won that game.
rocky_topper writes:
Simmons sucks at the point. She is too concerned with getting her points in attempt to be leading scorer rather than getting the offense in sync. Komiko is much better at the point and is a solid ball player. She brings a calmness to the team. Simmons will cost the Lady Vols a game before it's said and done with her turnovers and "look what I can do" attitude. Cain is LAZY and plays like a 90 pound 7th grader! Glory is one hop away from getting hurt "for real"--why does she have to hop or fall everytime she touches the ball? Never could figure this out. Spani and Komiko are smart ball players. All in all, this is an Elite 8 team at best.
tonyvick#213307 writes:
People, People take it easy. They won the game. I saw that each time they imposed their will good things happened. And with each team they play the rest of the way the coaches will figure out how to impose their will and bring that NC home. The name of the game is to be ahead by at least one point at the end of regulation. Go Lady Vols.
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
That is what I'm seeing...but best game by Kamiko in a while.
I question what is the deal with Cain not looking for offense. I don't think Peck was implying laziness, more like something's hurt.
Don't know, but whatever it is, I do not like seeing an offensively passive Cain.
Baugh looked active, so did Lyssi.
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
we need BOTH.
Can you NOT get that though your thick, obtuse skill??
OldVols68 writes:
She sure did. Looks like Williams and Simmons are going in opposite directions; Williams has calmed down over the year and Simmons is (as she herself puts it) is trying to go 100 miles per hour. Pat ought to pull Simmons aside and show her what has made Williams get so much better. Speaking for those who think this team is slow, check out Simmons, Williams, Stricklein, and Glory Johnson. Those 4 can motor.....some of our bigs have excuses for being slow (injuries), but yes: Spani, Borklund, and Manning are slowwwwwwwww. Could be argued Spani is slowed by her foot condition that can be very painful at times. All in all, I am beginning to like the team's chances in post-season as long as Pat is able to take advantage of our depth. However, seems that others (Vandy and Ky for starters) get more out of fewer players because of superior conditioning. UConn (much as I hate to admit) has the best player and also is better conditioned. So Pat has a dilemma; does she put our 5 fastest and best-conditioned players out there, or does she go with the biggest lineup, or does she continue to play musical chairs and hope the mix on the floor gets the job done???
xvolx writes:
Thank you, I've been watching the Simmons situation. Looks like Pat is fishing. Reel her in, then give her room to run. She'll get tired eventually and Pat will have the guard she wants. I saw Williams say "yes mam" to Pat after some coaching on sidelines. Williams only problem is getting tired. She was dragging the last 3 minutes and Pat let her fight thru it. Bj being out has helped this team to play together. I wouldn't worry too much about Simmons turnovers. Pat is handling her right. Simmons is our ticket. Be patient.
jdcdjc writes:
I doubt you have ever restrained yourself, what do you do, just wait for others to post and then jump in, trying to make everyone else look bad. All these people are LV fans, want the best for them and do not deserve your second guessing.
JUSTHOOPIN writes:
Also you are the same person when the lady vols lost to Baylor totally jumped ship, and now you act like you are a true Lady VOL fan!!!!!
JUSTHOOPIN writes:
Great post, well put together!
CrankE writes:
What I saw of the second half looked like the Lady Vols of the Candace Parker era. One player dribbled and ran, 3 stood as still as trees. Whereas UT has no Candace Parker, this is not good.
Passing was suspect at best. Competent, quick passes are a weapon against pressuring defense.
UK pressed the inbounds pass after basket all night. If you inbound with a sense of urgency and speed though, you can pre-empt that pressure before it ever gets set.
vol98champ writes:
Just thinking---Pat won the game with her speech at halftime; some of you need to quit coaching and just enjoy a team that has great talent and some limitations; Stricklin looked better than Parker in the second half(she can hit 3's); Get off Simmons back, she shot 5 of 7, hit 2 winning frees, and made a much needed 3 when we had to have it; our best players are Strick, Glory, Bjork, Simmons, and Kamiko, but 4 or 5 others give valuable minutes.
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.