Photo by Saul Young, copyright © 2012 // Buy this photo
Saul Young/News Sentinel Tennessee seniors Glory Johnson, left, and Alicia Manning celebrate during the Lady Vols' 75-59 home win on Senior Day as Taber Spani joins them.
Tennessee's Glory Johnson contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds toward a successful Senior Day on Sunday.
But what she didn't do also was a hot topic after a 75-59 SEC women's basketball victory over Florida. A season-high crowd of 18,563 at Thompson-Boling Arena witnessed a rare Johnson feat: zero fouls. Hard to do for the senior forward, who's known for her elbows as well as her athleticism. Even harder to ignore.
"That was the first thing I screamed when I went in the locker room — that I had zero fouls,'' she said. "I was so happy. Game like that, you've got to stay composed."
The victory wrapped up second place in the conference for No. 10 Tennessee (21-8, 12-4 SEC) and the No. 2 seed in this week's SEC tournament in Nashville. The Lady Vols will play the winner of Thursday's first-round game between No. 7 Vanderbilt and No. 10 Mississippi State at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Bridgestone Arena.
Johnson and Tennessee's other four seniors managed their emotions during a pregame ceremony honoring them. Then they were
serious enough about their work to allow for the lighter moments afterward.
Along with Johnson, Shekinna Stricklen scored 15 points. Fellow senior Alicia Manning had her best stat line since December: 11 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals.
"I was just excited,'' she said. "Senior Night and our fans have just been there with us through everything. I personally felt like I owed it to them. I owed it to my family. They're the reason why I'm here, so I let it all out on the floor."
As for the underclassmen, Meighan Simmons scored 12 points and point guard Ariel Massengale recorded five assists, setting a freshman record for assists in a season with 137 and counting.
Tennessee typically starts its seniors for the final home game. This season's group not only provided the perfect number but point guard Briana Bass and center Vicki Baugh actually rounded out a workable lineup. Despite Baugh having no points and four turnovers, associate head coach Holly Warlick said that the seniors might start the SEC tournament, too.
"I'm not going to say it's dead set,'' Warlick said. "But it was a great group to start the game."
The Lady Vols bolted to a 15-3 lead in just over six minutes, forcing Florida (18-11, 8-8) to call two timeouts. Thereafter, the Lady Vols committed enough turnovers (19) to keep things interesting. But the Gators didn't have enough scorers to take advantage. Reserve Lily Svete led with 12 points. The Gators overindulged in long-range jumpers, shooting 20.8 percent on 3-pointers (5 for 24).
"It seemed like Tennessee was issuing the challenge and we were trying to meet it,'' Florida coach Amanda Butler said, "as opposed to us being the ones who were being maybe more of the aggressors and that is not how we are best."
Florida didn't have much of an answer for Johnson, who shot 8 for 17 from the floor and spread her production fairly evenly across both halves. Butler won't miss Johnson and thinks the sentiment is shared around the conference.
"I think there will be some graduation gifts sent to her for sure," she said.
In the meantime, Warlick didn't miss a chance to tease Johnson about her lack of foul play.
"My father used to say, 'You didn't play hard enough unless you had one or two fouls' so I'm going to get onto Glory,'' Warlick said.
There was zero chance that she actually meant that.
Notebook: Junior guard Kamiko Williams didn't play Sunday. Warlick said the reason why was "a medical thing." Williams, who was on the bench, apparently took a blow to the head during practice.
Warlick indicated that Williams was expected to be available for the SEC tournament.
Dan Fleser may be reached at 865-342-6288. Follow him at http://twitter.com/FleserKNS and http://blogs.knoxnews.com/fleser.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 71
jt45 writes:
Good Job Ladies, manning had her best game today, good for her. The turnovers and missed layups were hard to watch today but the win was needed going into the tournament.
WCBB_FAN writes:
Great win for the girls on Senior Day!!!
My main concern is the TURNOVERS. If these girls want to get to Denver, they better find a way to elimnate the turnovers soon. I've read so many complaints about Simmons. Some folks need to change their tune. She is needed to help this team is their tough situations.
butch31 writes:
Thank goodness for Glory Johnson. Alicia Manning finally showed up since our 1st exhibition game in the preseason LOL...Hopefully it lasts. How ironic that Shekinna Stricklen & Vicki Baugh have bad games on senior day? LOL! Well lets put the past behind us. Its a new season now. Lets win the SEC Tournament, get in the NCAA's and try and make a deep run. Glory Johnson gets my vote SEC player of week
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
We all know about the turnovers, so no need to dwell on them.
Instead, very proud of the effort in this game.
Had we beaten Arkansas and then lost this one would have been a bummer.
Really was nice to see this effort from the 5 seniors, plus the bench help, and that nice 18,500 plus crowd who went away with great memories.
RockVegas writes:
I'm glad we got the win,we needed it.Since the Lady Vols have lost a couple of games at home,teams don't seem afraid of TBA,like once upon of time.Should have won by 30,just like the mens team all the turnover's are killer.We won so I can't complain to much....GBO.
SoddyVol writes:
Enjoyed watching the seniors in the first half. The second half Fla & Tenn. were competing to see who could make the most stupid passes and missed layups. Fla won with the most. This was not as entertaining a game as they could and should play. Although there were some great plays, overall it was just a little too sloppy to suit me. Then, how could recruits not be impressed with the support, seeing over 18,600 at the game.
RashaadSalabeb writes:
Always fun to beat Florida! In your face, Florida! In your face! They've been our beatches in basketball this year. I really hate that for them, lol. What really counts is what's about to happen...the NCAA Tournament. GO LADY VOLS! MAKE US PROUD!
volted writes:
Im a positive thinker but there was nothing positive to talk about. We won because Florida was much worse. This game was S.O.S. Same old stuff. Missed layups, turnovers. poor passing, etc. Pat has been an icon for Tenn. girl's basketball. Pay the lady out of her contract which she deserves, and find new coaches who can coach and recruit. Nothing lasts forever. We have to start from scratch.
CaliVOL2 writes:
Pat has earned the right to stay as HC as long as she wishes. U people are so ungrateful!
VolFanInTheBoro (Inactive) writes:
also sad that you have nothing in life
voloffaith writes:
noyoudont........the cupboard isn't empty and three solid recruits on board...top ten? Probabaly not with losing so many key players...but why don't we finish this year first then move on to discussions about next year and all the potential upheavel staff and player-wise.....
crossvoll writes:
Great win on Senior Day! We've had some frustrating losses this season, but I've still enjoyed rooting for these Lady Vols the past four years and will really miss each one next year. Good luck in the SEC and NCAA Tourneys! Glory, Shekinna, Bree, Alicia, Vicki, congratulations and keep going, we're not ready to say goodbye just yet!
Volinflan writes:
Good for you. Good post.
81alum writes:
Good luck in the tourney lady vols.I will be there to support you 100%.I hope all the negative fans stay home.These ladies read these posts and they dont need your negativity.
wigmeister writes:
A win is a win. The regular season is over. As I said in a previous post, it is time to put the pedal to the metal. This is no longer the regular season. In each of the next two tournaments, you lose, you're out! No "we'll get em next game." The seniors are going to have to lead this team big time the rest of the way. No longer can any of them take a game off. This is playoff time! Go for the jugular and take no prisoners!
rlshepa#259432 writes:
And you probably have zero in your past, present and future. Get a life and enjoy a win.
givehim6 writes:
Yea I can see what your talking about, the lady's played so bad they only 2nd seed there chicken littel. Way to stay posittive assume your one of thoses if they don't win the NC every year it is a down year. Pat now knows more about coaching then most out there, let her say when she wants to hang her whistle up.
Razor784 writes:
Great win, hopefully this will give them some much needed momentum. Hopefully these seniors are saving their best for last.
oldster writes:
Stupid turnovers, missed layups, and the inability to stop drives into the lane make three times as many Achilles' heels than it took to kill Achilles. Can they stop any one of these much less all three now after they have not been able to cure any of them in 4 years? If they cannot, they might not win any games in either tournament. They have shown an ability to lose to anyone at any time. At their best, they can compete with all but the very best. What are we going to get, one and done or an elite 8?
oldster writes:
What is with Vickie Baugh? This girl is tremendously gifted athletically. She can run, jump and shoot with just about any post I have ever seen. She cannot catch and hold onto the ball and then, when she makes a great play - like a block and retrieve she made in the game today - she follows it up with a bonehead play that not only negates the good, but makes things worse than had she not made the great play (like the pass she made immediately after said retrieve that went directly to a Gator for a layup). I said before the season that the LVs would go as Baugh went.Looks like a pretty accurate prediction so far, huh? BTW: I hope Kamiko was just kept out as a precaution.
SoddyVol writes:
I've been paying attention to the way they have played. Therefore, even though they don't give me a lot of confidence they will go far in the NCAAs, what I have seen tells me they could win just as easy as not.
eRUPPtionBLUE writes:
Cutting down the nets tonight in LEXINGTON … !!! DO U HEAR US, SEC … !!!
Tennfan4075 writes:
Yes, it is a down year for the LV, but they still managed to finish second in the SEC with a good chance to win the conference tournament. A chance to dance will be forthcoming, so let's hope these girls can put it together and make a run at the NC. It really can happen. GO LADY VOLS
DroopyDrawers writes:
If she just would slow down. That is where the turnovers take place. I will admitt she can shoot the 3 ball and pull up jumper. It is when she is going fast and makes bad decisions.
oldster writes:
I have to disagree with you. In Massengale the LVs will have possibly the best offensive point guard they have ever had. Hopefully she will be able to vastly improve her lateral quickness so she can guard someone, anyone man to man. If not, the ladies will need to learn a bunch of zone defenses. With Kamiko Williams they will have a tremenous passer, good defender, and adequate driver to play the 3. However, she needs to get well and improve her 3. Burdick looks to be a potential star at the high post (I just cannot call her a power forward). Harrison, is a good defender and rebounder. I would expect her to be an adequate low post. There are two options at the 2, Spani and Simmons. Can Spani recover from the knee and return to her normal self? If so, then there is the zone buster. If not, then there is Simmons who could still devlop into what the coaches thought she would be. After all, she is just a sophomore. What the LVs do not have and need to get in recruiting to regain what they were is a dominating, physical presence in the low post and a go to offensive player who can create their own shot. These are big, big pieces to fit into a puzzle and may not be found. However, even without them, the LVs will be good - though not a national championshiop threat - next year.
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Thank you Coach Summitt....Do what you have to do, cause we need your wisdom for a long time to come....Love you...
jt45 writes:
If Baugh had Johnsons determination and toughness
she would be unstoppable but that hasn't been the case
and her minutes per game have been few.
I think she could still be the go to player in the post once they reach NCAA tournament, if not, johnson will be marked for fouls early and often by any team that scouts her.
Johnson rebounding and toughness in the paint will be sorely missed next year, more than anything/anyone I think.
RashaadSalabeb writes:
Good for you and Kentucky. Now, be gone!
Kentucky Sucks! Vols Rock!
Millisa writes:
Glad we won however had too many turnovers sloppy passes and missed shots got to work on that plus Defense and Rebounding. Go Lady Vols!!! :) :) : )
xvolx writes:
Lady Vols went up by 12 after first six minutes. Fla. played them even the rest of the game. Not a good sign. I don't think they can get past Vandy in SEC tourn.
golfman1975 writes:
Should have stopped after 3 words....YOU DON'T THINK!...just saying.
Theo writes:
Simmons, Massengale, Burdick, Williams and Harrison or Spanni could win the league next year. Add two or three great freshman and we will be favorites for the SEC and lookin for a deep run in the NCAAs. If you don't pay attention to women's basketball then please don't get on here and show your ignorance.
golfman1975 writes:
Great post! I just want to add that you said they are ignorant so that assumes they have a brain...just saying...
TheVolSnake writes:
About Pat
We all know her as a Women’s basketball coach, but in my option her influence on personnel is her greatest achievement. Every Lady Vol basketball player who has completed her eligibility at Tennessee has received a college degree or is in the process of completing degree requirements, 45+ coaches were trained by her mainly as players, propelled women’s sports to where they are today. She was the first person ever to win Olympic gold as a player and coach.
She became the head coach at the age of 22 and the first two seasons where the only two seasons where she did not win 20 or more games and is the only men's or women's basketball coach in NCAA history to reach 1000 wins. She has never had a losing season. She is the all time winning coach men or women sports. Has two courts named after her and three roads (everyone forget the one in Clarksville TN). She has won 109 games in the NCAA post-season tournament. No other women's basketball program has even played in 100 NCAA tournament games.
Championships 8 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championships (1987,1989,1991,1996,1997,1998,2007,2008)
16-time SEC Champions
(1980, 1985, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011)
15-time SEC Tournament Champions
(1980, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011)
1999: Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class.
2000: Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
April 2000.: Named the Naismith Basketball Coach of the Century.
2008: Named Best Coach/Manager ESPY Award. Award encompasses all sports college and professional
2009: Named to Sporting News' list of the 50 greatest coaches of all time (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, college basketball, and college football). She is listed in position 11 and the only lady on the list.
2011: Named Sports Illustrated's Sportswoman of the Year, Dec. 6th, 2011 in NYC.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Summitt
This may have been her last home game, I hope its not, but regardless everyone in Women's sports and in sports in general owe a a great amount of gratitude to her. She is one of a kind.
Noogaorange writes:
Pat's simply the best ..... better than all the rest! GBO
BigRMan writes:
Did Nikki Caldweel hurt her chances of becomming successor to Coach Summitt, if not next year, at some point in time by becomming pregnant out of wedlock? Would that send an image contrary to one of high moral fiber that has always been exhibited by Coach Summitt to recruits and parents of potential recruits?
gerryblack writes:
I think they have the talent but the coaching is another story. Hope i'm wrong on the latter. We'll C
SummittsCourt writes:
Have you just not been paying attention? or are you just plain dumb?
This team will be fine next season.
wigmeister writes:
Excellent post. Reminds us of what she has done for so many years. A truly class act!
ps11824 writes:
BigRMan writes:
Did Nikki Caldweel hurt her chances of becomming successor to Coach Summitt, if not next year, at some point in time by becomming pregnant out of wedlock? ]]]
Gosh, I wish you had not posted that... I wish I had not read that.
frblalack writes:
Best point guard ever? Tell that to Kara Lawson, Michelle Marciniak, or Holly Warlick. Miss Ariel is a terrific talent, but she's got a few miles to travel before she can be compared with the aforementioned Lady Vol Greats!
On another note, as I've said before the heart & soul of our current team is Glory Johnson, Shekinna Stricklen, and Alicia Manning. When each of these three girls "bring it", we are a VERY TOUGH team to defeat. Despite the naysayers, our younger players continue to improve. Hats off to our Coaching team for their efforts. We can still make this a CHAMPIONSHIP season if we'll just give our all for Tennessee! BELIEVE IT!
All Vols - All the time - Proud of my Lady Vols
8ball writes:
Lady Vols will go a long way the rest of year if.. William, Ariel, Stricklen. Alicia, Johnson start and play at least 30 minutes , Simmons needs to be on the bench cheering..
BigRMan writes:
Sorry about the misspelling, it should have been Caldwell. I didn't know she was pregnant until it was mentioned during the Georgia-LSU telecast yesterday. I'm sorry it happened. I thought Nikki knew better than to put herself in that position as a leader of young women. Not a good situation for Nikki career-wise if she has eventual UT aspirations. LSU got rid of Pokey, but for different reasons. The father is Antonio Faragas's son, the former Raider running back
jdcdjc writes:
Good asessment. I think I have seen them play to their potential one game this year, the home game against Ky. Last game (Arkansas) Johnsn & Strickland didn't show up the 1st half. They just cannot all get on the same page. If they played the next two tournaments the way they played in the Ky game they could go all the way, I don't look for it but sure would love to see it. I keep remembering the (Ithink) 96 team that lost 10 games and then wound up national champs, this team has that potential. Play for the team, not self.
voloffaith writes:
Hate to dabble there ,but me thinks that removes her from strong consideration for the job when it has an opening. On topic,lady Vols dial in sometimes and sometimes not. Final Four material? Not from realistic point of view. At best semi-sweet sixteen if they play together like they did vs ky kitties in K-town. Played Baylor decent,but that was early in the season. We all know what the Cardinal and fyting irish did to us so it is what it is.....First team of seniors with no Final four most likely....
madrigal writes:
Your name says it all. Go find another sandbox to play in,
Jephry writes:
Yesterday's game was more tackle football that basketball. That being said, it's pretty impressive that Glory came away with ZERO fouls after being mugged the entire game by the foul mouthed Brit and the Lithuanian chick.
If this team will get its defense and rebounding together (a la the CP3 championship teams), they'll be fine. I'm ready for another 9 game run to NC#9!
Go Lady Vols!!!
madrigal writes:
If they would play like this every game, they'd definitely make the final four. Sometimes you just don't know which team is going to show up! That said, I am extremely proud of the Lady Vols for constantly battling back. And as another commentator said, it's great that UT has the class to start ALL the seniors on Senior Day. Not every team does.
dewey0022 writes:
Hi. If becoming a highly educated,successful woman and getting pregnant out of wedlock is a precursor to moral standards wouldnt you hold marriage and divorce in the same regard? If one is saying someone shouldn't get a job because they had a child without getting married then Coach Summitt, who is once divorced, should have been fired years ago because of the divorce. Seriously???? I am just shocked by your comment and somewhat surprised some people still think like that. The 18th century was over a hundred years ago. No offense, but catch up.
BigRMan writes:
Divorce is a sanctioned court procedure. Coach Summitt bore her son Tyler, while wedded to his father. Coach Summitt is a pilar of the Knoxville community and the job of her successor should be held by someone of high moral fiber. Nikki Caldwell was not some teenager who, in the heat of passion forgot to use or have the male use protection. She is 39 years old. If she is out of the public eye in private industry this is not a matter for discussion. However, when you are in the care of young women, many teenagers, your moral fiber and character cannot be called into question. I'd hate to think of Nikki Caldwell as the female Rick Pitino
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