Lady Vols Basketball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Instead of a closing encore, Angie Bjorklund was all about her opening act Thursday night.
Tennessee’s senior guard, who won last season’s game here with a driving reverse layup with 2.3 seconds left, took care of scoring business in the first half. She had all of her team-high 16 points before the break in an 83-40 SEC women’s basketball rout of Florida before a crowd of 3,441 at O’Connell Center.
Meighan Simmons added 14 points for No. 5 Tennessee (16-2, 4-0 SEC). Glory Johnson had 12 points and Shekinna Stricklen had her second consecutive double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
The Lady Vols amassed a 57-37 rebounding advantage and held Florida (12-6, 2-2) to 21.4 percent field-goal shooting (15-for-70), the third-worst total in program history. The game was a far cry from Tennessee’s last two visits to Gainesville, which included a loss along with the close call.
“We expected it to be a close game,’’ UT coach Pat Summitt said, “but very pleased we were able to separate ourselves.”
The Gators thought likewise about the game’s competitive nature but had no answer for the Lady Vols’ fast start, which propelled them to a 47-15 halftime lead.
No Gator scored in double figures or made more than three field goals. Reserve Brittany Shine led with seven points.
“We needed to come out punching first,’’ Florida reserve center Azania Stewart. “We didn’t make that first punch.”
Instead, Tennessee scored a haymaker by bolting to a 20-7 lead in the first six minutes thanks to Bjorklund, who scored 11 of her points during that stretch.
“The coaches have really been on me about not hesitating,’’ Bjorklund said, “because the beginning of the season, I was hesitating and second-guessing my shot, instead of keeping the focus on catching and shoot.”
After Bjorklund’s hot start, her perimeter teammates became overly infatuated with the jump shot, which detracted from UT’s low-post scoring and eventually its scoring, period. After that opening salvo, Tennessee, which finished below 50 percent field-goal accuracy (47.8) for the first time in six games, scored just eight points during the next six-plus minutes.
No matter, UT’s defense covered nicely, holding the Gators without a basket for more than eight minutes in the first half. Although the Lady Vols spent a large part of the game deployed in a zone alignment, it wasn’t what defense they playing but rather how they were playing.
“I thought our defense was the difference maker,’’ Bjorklund said. “We were all on the same page. We were helping. Off-ball defense was great. Just talking. Everyone had their hands high. We were all talking and playing together on the defensive end.”
When the Gators missed, the Lady Vols’ defenders instantly transformed into eager rebounders. Johnson grabbed nine, finishing one short of a double-double. Alicia Manning also had nine while Kelley Cain had eight. Even Tennessee’s three guards — Taber Spani, Simmons and Bjorklund — had four apiece.
“Every day in practice we do at least four or five rebounding drills, box-out drills,’’ Stricklen said. “I think we still have to improve on it, especially on boxing out. I know that’s another thing (today) we’ll probably be working on that. (The coaches) are just staying on us about rebounding. Rebounding and defense wins games.”
Tennessee’s 17 turnovers (12 in the second half) likely will be reviewed as well in preparation for Saturday night’s game against Vanderbilt at Thompson-Boling Arena. But that’s fine-tuning compared to the work facing Florida.
“We learned a lesson,’’ Florida coach Amanda Butler said, “about how far we have to go to be able to contend with a team like that.”
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Comments » 40
orangecountyvols writes:
Nice job Lady Vols.
Against the Gators.............the men giveth
Against the Gators.............the Ladies taketh away
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
I don't post on the Lady Vols as much as others, please forgive me if my basketball knowledge isn't that good..LOL!!!
These Lady Vols are rolling right through the SEC..Is it because they are that much improved since they lost to Georgetown or is it because the SEC might be down or a little of both?? IMO, they are a much improved team now because their defense has gotten so much better..They are really playing like a team now and not doing the same stuff that was so frustrating at times.
orangecountyvols writes:
Prowlin and growlin,
I think you said it very, very well.
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
Thank you, ocv!!!
PINK_CHAMPAGNE writes:
Congrats Lady vols on the win! Keep up the goodwork. Kelly is looking good and I hope she can stay healthy enough to continue to play. Kelly helps the lady vols get off to such good starts by being in the lineup. She has gotten better at finishing her shots.
Prownlin, the SEC is down this year, but the lady vols have really improved since the beginning of the season. So it is a combination of both. I think they have really improved on the defensive end and the offensive end. We have three players in double figures in most games. Last year that was unheard of. But this year, when the lady vols play their game, you can count on at least three of them to be in double figures. Go lady vols! Keep on trucking!
volfan#207874 writes:
You rock ladies...you da man!
Keep your eyes on the prize!
huntined#565710 writes:
They seem to be playing together much better now. and they were faster tonight. Great win and if we ever get all our players back healthy they will be hard to beat.
jsmithnga#207674 writes:
Maybe I have missed the obvioous, but what is the significance of the #35 worn by the coaches?
orangecountyvols writes:
JSmith,
I had not noticed that, but since you mentioned it, I'm guessing that may be in memory of the Lady Vol who passed away recently. Was that Melissa McRae?
jsmithnga#207674 writes:
Yes, I bet that is correct. Thanks
Red_68 writes:
Great wit lady vols!! keep it coming. GLory johnson has been in double figures in all 4 conference games this season! Shekinna with back to back double doubles. Bjorklund keeps lighting it up on the 3... looking more like a national championship team.. anyone agree??!!!
orangecountyvols writes:
Vol fans,
My apology to Melissa's family.............misspelled her name.
She was Melissa McCray-Dukes...........a wonderful player and person.
98reax writes:
That's right, McCray's #35 will be worn all season as memorial to her from her Lady Vol family.
KCHS63 writes:
I dearly love my Lady Vols, my favorite program in ALL of sports! But...............no need to compare the Lady and the Gentlemen Vols. They support each other and they believe in each other and their coaches have each other's back.
The men will make it in the end. And, they have one more national surprise in their bag of upset tricks: Keep your eye open for when Coach Pearl coaches his next game, taking his men to Connecticut. The Tennessee men are in first place now in the Big East and a win over the Huskies will give them bragging rights forever.
TennVol01 writes:
When a game is over by half time, I normally do not finish watching. But watching the smooth transitions, run and gun offense, and shut down defense is just too much fun. I know Florida is not a good team this year, so I look forward to Saturday when Vandy ladies come to town. Don't change a thing coaches and players.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Look at the Lady Vols, destroying the SEC! Let's do the same against Vandy. Everyone has already covered everything else, so that's all I got for now. GBO!!
dwa7#337691 writes:
early predict:
UT L Vols 74
Commode - doors 68
SummittsCourt writes:
Beating florida on the road - Awesome!
Beating florida on the road by 43 - Priceless!
Beating florida on the road by 43 in which dee cantner didn't screw us - Miraculous!
SummittsCourt writes:
Dude? really? Try to show a little more faith than that in the Lady Vols.
Lady Vols 78
Vandy girls 49
This team is the real deal! And this without Vickie Baugh & Alyssa Brewer. If they are ready to play by mid february there is nothing stopping this team from winning the championship.
usnavyvolfaninva_still_getting_paid writes:
And, boy, did they taketh!!! LOL
hcjournals#206623 writes:
We are the best team in the country. And still very hungry....Not a bad combiniation. Everybody is playing and getting experience also. Great for the run later....
gatorhator4eva writes:
wow, nice job lady vols. i cant wait until 9/17/11. lets roll in to gainesville and take the win in football too.
tmartin writes:
Well, except UCONN.
richvol writes:
Very impressed with the way the girls are playing lately. Moving Strick off of point and Glory's emergence at post play has really helped this team. If Kamiko and Meagan can learn to play together and compliment each other this team could be something really special.
Cain...way to run the floor. Keep getting into shape and you will be an all-american.
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
This team is scary good. If they invest in Pats rebound defensive philosphy and stay in the gym and everyone shooting the ball well this team will make the final four. Look at their stats . We have almost 6 players with scoring double figure avg. What I love about this team is everyone knows their roles and not just in the game to buy time for a starter to get a breather. Our bench scored about 12 pts last night. That was avant,bass,smbone, in the lineup. Thats called investment
Jephry writes:
Dude, this is Vandy we're talking about...AND ESPN GameDay... Our girls will be hyped to beat the Vanderbilt bullies. Melanie Balcomb always has her girls ready to fight hard and be physical, but they are nothing compared to our girls this year.
Lady Vols 92
Vandy 46
Go Lady Vols!!
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
T do some homework before giving Uconn the crown. In my opinion uconn lives or dies with the play ofMM. If she scores less than 15 this team loses with better competition. Also short bench. I give them props for being very conditioned and diciplined , but no one has went after them other than Stanford and ND until Muffie muffed it up in the last min. The only way to stop a MM or Jasmine Thomas is too get them in foul trouble taking a charge with them slashing to the basket. Which is hard to do against MM because she avoids contact with that finger roll layup. Need Cain in the lane to swat dat mess. Lol
98reax writes:
Never ever, underestimate Vandy. Those ladies are so well coached. They are smart, feisty and hungry to beat the Orange. They hate the Lady Vols. Fans hate each other. It will be a huge day, a huge rivalry. Hopefull the men will have a victory over the dores, and the ladies will keep the winning ways and the great atmosphere alive until the final horn.
It goes without saying; there can be no let- down. First ever ESPN Game Day at TBA, for both teams is indeed a momentous occasion. We must cease the day in grand style.
Our Lady Vols are starting to hit their stride, however, there's still way too many turnovers, and we need to maintain a better free throw shooting percentage. Sixty whatever we shot last night is not sufficient to win championships.
I don't mean to be negative here, just stating the facts. You will all agree, we need to keep those turnovers down in single digits, and if we are going to ramp it up and stay aggressive, we have to be able to reap the benefits of getting hacked. Disciplined teams do not miss freebies.
I still feel like the only way we can play the talented post players straight up is to be smarter with boxouts, and more disciplined about reaching. With Kelly and GJ's propensity for early foul trouble, we absolutely have to be patient and disciplined. We cannot squander opportunities with empty possessions and silly fouls.
tennboy78 writes:
Great win. Great defense and rebounding. We have to be more consistent, however, in moving the ball on offense before a shot. When we did that, we scored most of the time. When we ran the ball up and just took a shot, it was less effective. Drive, draw, and dish. Drive, draw, and kick-out. Continue to attack the basket and put pressure on their defense -- don't get lazy and jack shots in possession after possession.
SoddyVol writes:
VU had a 16 point win at Alabama Thursday. They usually give the LVols a tough game but with this game playing in knoxville, the LVols should win easily. Coming off a huge win on the road, I might be more concerned if playing in Nashville with their weird bench setup.
dead_vol_foul (Inactive) writes:
Kelley gets in foul trouble because she IS a true post; we need to figure a way to refs from the men's game, 'cause the ones doing the ladies' games suck.
Probably just me, I despise authority.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Although the competition lately hasn't been all it could be, it surely seems the LVs are developing that "killer instinct" many of us were saying they lacked earlier in the season. If they can just stay hungry, tweak a few areas such as free-throws and turnovers, and continue to get healthier and deeper, they could be primed for a nice, long post-season run. They just keep getting better and better. Wish I could say the same for the men(:-/)!
98reax writes:
dead_vol_foul writes:
in response to 98reax:
[[[Kelley gets in foul trouble because she IS a true post; we need to figure a way to refs from the men's game, 'cause the ones doing the ladies' games suck.
Probably just me, I despise authority.]]]
I agree, dead_vol, they seem to 'have an eye' for KC, like a relay switch from Cain to whistle. She looks good with her D for the most part, if she could just establish a rapport with the official to get them off her back. Something like, "maybe you could take a closer look at my d, I believe you'll find I'm pretty clean with my blocks." Instead of giving that smirk, laugh, or whatever that is that's put'in them off.
Glory, on the other hand is guilty, for the most part, on a retaliatory smack. This is where the patience and discipline comes into play. Each of our post would do well to keep a straight face and a cool head regardless of what's going on around them. I know that takes a maturity of a different level.
A maturity of a higher level is what it's going to take to win championships this season. Taking ownership of the little things, like snagging the ball instead of batting it around; finishing every shot like it's the winning point; grabbing every board and loose ball as if it were your favorite purse is essential to being a great team.
I don't compare the Vols to the Lady Vols. That's ineffectual, and just plain silly, but just look at the talent on the Vols' team. It's phenomenal. What's the problem? Why do they lose to the teams they should by all rights plunder? A lack of discipline? Attitude? Yes and yes.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
We should come out on fire in this ladies' game.
Whatever happens earlier in the day will be an exclamation point in this game by the lady Vols.
Simmons had a little flurry where she had 2 quick turnovers back to back, and threw up 3's like it was the last shot in a game. Pat will get her straightened out with that however. Johnson coming off the bench seems to be the right move.
Also, Spani and Manning are too good to sit for a long time.
Does Vandy still have that "Swammi" or whatever her name is? She resembled a linebacker last year playing girl's basketball. Also, Rhoades was there 7 years, so was wondering if she's still around.
Go Vols..........men, play a Memphis type game, and ladies, well..............it's Vandy, you know what to do.
tmartin writes:
Here is my homework. . . they have only lost ONCE in almost 3 years. There is no recipe to defeat them. They are basically unbeatable unless MM just decides to go pro in the next few weeks.
ridor9th writes:
As much as I hate to admit this: The Lady Vols are back.
R-
SoddyVol writes:
Uconn does indeed seem in crucial situations to have foul calls go in their favor. Much hacking/slapping etc. on opposing post players goes uncalled. The best example this year was the call against Griner with 3 UConn players abusing her first. That won the game for them. Do you really believe UConn would have won on Baylors or a neutral court?
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
Lost once by double digits to Stanford because.....MM had 14 pts. Now when teams like ND allow MM to score 31 of course they will win. But barely because......they have no depth. Their starters played almost the entire game to pull out that win. I think we should renew the rivalry and get it on. Until then who knows until the final four.
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
Heres a nice stat. We have four players with a double digit scoring avg. and three thats a point away from a double. Impressive!
r2d2 writes:
There is a recipe to defeat UCONN. Contain Maya Moore! A good team (ala Stanford) that can hold Maya to around 20 points or less can defeat UCONN. She scored 14 points against Stanford. This was not true for the past two years due to Tina Charles. Notre Dame is a fairly good team but they lost to UCONN by three points because Maya scored 31 points!
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