LEXINGTON, Ky. — Tennessee summoned an impressive comeback Thursday night, but the Lady Vols couldn’t come up with a comparable closing act.
The final dramatics belonged to Kentucky’s A’dia Mathies. The junior guard’s driving basket with four seconds left capped her career-high 34-point performance and gave the Wildcats a 61-60 SEC women’s basketball victory before a crowd of 7,961 at Memorial Coliseum.
Mathies got by UT’s Kamiko Williams and then scored her winning basket over Glory Johnson, who was concerned about drawing a foul on the play.
“I just took it one on one,’’ the 5-foot-9 Mathies said. “I seen a couple trees, shot it and it went in.”
Led by Johnson’s 17 points, No. 6 Tennessee (12-4, 3-1 SEC) overcame a 12-point deficit in the final seven minutes and led by three points inside the final minute. But the Lady Vols couldn’t stop Mathies. And Williams’ final desperation shot couldn’t prevent the end of their 36-game conference win streak and a joyous celebration by No. 9 Kentucky (15-2, 4-0).
“We’re not going to look at that one play,’’ said Johnson, whose streak of double-doubles for points and rebounds ended at five games. “We’re going to look at missed layups, missed free throws and turnovers.”
They all added up against the determined Wildcats and their relentless pressure.
The turnovers and missed shots betrayed a relatively promising start by the Lady Vols, who led 20-18 after Ariel Massengale’s layup with 10:06 left in the first half.
Their next basket didn’t come until after halftime. They closed the first half by missing 16 consecutive shots and committing eight of their 20 turnovers.
One Alicia Manning free throw was all that the Lady managed during this barren stretch. They were fortunate to be trailing only 25-21 at the break.
The Lady Vols improved their shooting dramatically in the second half, hitting at a 50 percent clip (14 for 28), and they limited their mistakes. Stopping Mathies was too much to ask, however.
“She hit some great shots,’’ Johnson said. “She was really the leader for her team. Whenever they needed to score, they gave her the ball. That honestly was their game plan. We didn’t guard it very well.”
Mathies warmed up for her final shot by hitting a 3-pointer over UT’s Vicki Baugh and drawing the foul, scoring a four-point play with 9:23 left.
“I wouldn’t call it the smartest play,” said Baugh, who scored 16 points. “I wish I could change it.”
The Lady Vols sure tried. After trailing 50-38 with 7:46 left, UT suddenly surged behind two unlikely scoring sources. Shekinna Stricklen and Meighan Simmons combined to score 14 points and shoot 4 for 18 from the floor. But they each hit a 3-pointer down the stretch to ignite Tennessee’s offense.
A conventional 3-point play by Massengale tied the score at 54 with 3:25 left.
After a Mathies turnover, a transition layup by Baugh gave Tennessee a 59-56 lead with 2:06 left.
But Mathies wasn’t finished. Before her final basket, she followed up her miss to score with 46 seconds left. The Lady Vols had knocked the ball loose twice during the possession but couldn’t come up with the turnover.
UT’s follow-up possession ended with a charging call on Stricklen with 28 seconds left.
“Now we all go back to work and get better,” UT associate head coach Holly Warlick said. “As long as we can learn from this, we’ll be a better team.”
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 » 109
redskinvol1 writes:
Stay hungry girls.
voloffaith writes:
This one looked in doubt from the get go as we couldn't close the deal on too many point blank shots. In addition til the late rally defense was way too lax. As I've said this team won't be in elite 8 and might make semi-sweet sixteen. They just don't have that grit and toughness about them with the exception of Glory Johnson. I'm a homer and want the best,but they have yet to put it forth. Notre Dame at this rate may be 10-15 point differential if we don't clean up.......
Razor784 writes:
Good effort girls, KY is really good this year, especially at home, we'll get 'em in Knoxville later this year. GBO
JimmyJoe writes:
Worst ten minutes in lady vols history to end the second half... Certainly deserved the loss after that... That being said... Most one sided and inconsistently called game by refs I've seen. Phantom charge against Stricklen at the end of the game was a game changer...even pro Kentucky announcers were left scratching heads after that one...
rockypop writes:
Starting to see the same lack of shooting ability with the LV as with the Vols. This seems to be a trend across the country. I played BB when the price of admission to getting on a team was the ability to shoot - both field goals and free throws. This doesn't seem to be the case any more.
atnvol#283282 writes:
Fleser says the junior guards "driving lay-up".....What game were you at? No driving lay-up , but a defensively double-teamed shot from eight feet out in front of the basket. If you are going to report at least get in the same time zone.
CaliVOL2 writes:
Amazing comeback from 12 down. Glory played an amazing game. Bad call on Strick at the end. LadyVols will win in KTown and in the SEC tourney, when it counts. Go Lady Vols. Just bought my tkts to Denver!!!
JimmyJoe writes:
Why did Mathis even get the ball at the end...why didn't we deny her the ball... If she got it I would have fouled her early in the possession...her scoring or getting fouled was a foregone conclusion.... Poor coaching or execution there...
SATCHMOE writes:
Worst officiated game I ever witnessed. A complete mugging. Kentucky didn't show me nothing but hands on ,jersey pulling, illegal blocks,etc. We looked bad with too many turnovers.I hope Pat is feeling ok doesn't seem like shes motivated
hallmo11 writes:
Sure would have loved to leave Lexington with that "W," but our girls didn't fold. We were 11 behind with 6 minutes to go. We'll use that later to our benefit. Hopefully, in the Final Four. GBO.
Vol72 writes:
I command you ladies! You played your hearts out. This game was decided by officating. I mean will the refs please let the women play! The women's game has advanced. My goodness all those touch fouls were just ridiculous. The Lady Vols were afraid to defend at the end because of such terrible officating throughout the game. LET THEM PLAY! I mean Mathies and Gross were just throwing themselves against UT to go to the line. I command these Ladies they played their hearts out. I am still a proud fan. Revenge will be on 2/13/12! Blow them out. Don't let them get nothing!
jt45 writes:
I seen many games that were hard to watch but this one takes the prize for worst officiating ever, If I didn't know better I would say the game was decided behind closed doors. I know those are hard words but anyone who didn't see the one sided calling wasn't looking too hard. There were a few bad calls that went our way as well. These refs dont belong on the floor IMO.
Could someone please explain why our coaching staff allowed their star player to get single player coverage with no help on that final drive by UK. And where was Strickland tonight she looked like she was worn out from the first minute of play, it was rough watching these girls just stand around during loose balls. I think the bad ref calls really affected their confidence for most of the game they were getting hammered and no call, and since when is moving screens legal or holding off the screen for that matter. I call BS on this one, mark my post,because when they come to Knoxville it wont even be close unless they bring THEIR refs with them. Mitchell must have stooped low for this win cause he got plenty of help.
JimmyJoe writes:
If this team could focus around the basket and convert layups they win this game by twenty...yes twenty... Tennessee had 15 chances...15! To increase on a two point lead at the end of the half...if the hit on half of those this is a blowout by half time...
butch31 writes:
Very sloppy game, I'm not sure who scouted this game, but needs to be FIRED. Shekinna was TERRIBLE. I am still scratching my head on why Kamiko was guarding A'dia on the last play of the game, and why Glory wasn't assigned to her. This came down to who wanted the win tonite, and obviously the coaching staff at Kentucky out coached UT, and the players out played UT. UT most likely lost its bid for a #1 seed in the NCAA's...Shekinna, Meighan, Vicki, and Alicia have been in a FUNK the entire season. They their jersey's on and expect the opponent to back down. These kind of games can make or break your season. I hope Shekinna does some soul searching, and decide to be a senior and step up the rest of the season consistently.
I feel her performance is indicative of her attitude, and chooses to play when she wants to. Meighan, needs to start playing basketball, no clue where she's been the entire season, hopefully, she grew up after this game. Alicia & Vicki, just like Shekinna decide when they want to play hard, its unfair to the rest of the team & staff. Thus far Glory is the only person bringing it every game.
Which ever coach did the scouting for this game: FIRED!!!
r2d2 writes:
The LVs do not have a goto offensive player. You have to have this kind of player in WBB to win a NC. The LVs should have won this game by at least 10 points. They missed a ton of layups and their ouside shooting was not so hot either. Kentucky won this game because they have Mathis. The LVs do not have a Mathis. They will lose every game against a good team with a goto offensive player. The defense was good enough for a win but no goto.
Vol72 writes:
I totally agree with your post. The officating killed UT confidence. 2/13/12 is marked on my calendar. Go Lady Vols!
underthehill writes:
This loss is on the coaches for not double teaming Mathias in the last 12 sec...
JimmyJoe writes:
Who really gives a hoot... These girls don't... I'm throwing in the towel too...
SummittsCourt writes:
1 point!!! that sucks, but this is just a minor setback and they will put a beatdown on the willycats in Knoxville.
JimmyJoe writes:
Uhh didn't see much out of manning tonite... If she had any heart...she hid it pretty well tonite...
r2d2 writes:
The point I was trying to make in the previous post is this: Missed layups occur a lot in WBB. This causes games like tonight which the LVs should have won easily if they had executed their layups. The only way to compensate for this is to have a goto offensive player who will make up the difference.
jt45 writes:
I agree but dont forget the refs that were playing for Mitchell also. I cant figure out why our coaching staff didnt have someone cutting off those drives through the lane, no one wanted to take a charge, manning is usually good at that but tonight she was caught flat flooted several times, even Ariel had a hard time. I guess being tackled every time you have the ball and no foul called is reason enough.
VOLunTEAR writes:
Lady Vols COULD have and SHOULD have won by at least 25 --- better coaching could have given them five points, better officiating could have given them five points, and better play could have given them 15 points. All said (and not done), they were lucky to lose by just one.
rogatl2002#222395 writes:
officiating was TERRIBLE. LV got hacked all night. CAN SOMEBODY...ANYBODY TEACH THE POST PLAYERS NOT TO BRING THE BALL DOWN FROM OVER THEIR HEADS WHEN THEY REBOUND? Terrible coaching at the end...you have a player just going off ACL surgery guarding their best player one on one with no help and she drives all the way down the lane and no one moves????
volaholic45 writes:
Absolute phantom offensive foul on Stricklen on 2nd TN's final possession. Out of nowhere whistle. Gift of final possession to KY.
JimmyJoe writes:
I think they all count when you are trying to be a number one seed... Which that chance is gone now....they will have to beat a number one seed to get to Denver.... Maybe you could buy 10 more tickets and give to the team... Then they could go to denver with you... Because they won't be there any other way...
VOLunTEAR writes:
LOSING is not a comeback, amazing or otherwise. It's a "turnaround" --- but it's not a comeback. Unless you expect the NCAA to give us a bye in the tournament for games almost won.
JimmyJoe writes:
Yeah and then kamiko ends up with the ball for the final 4 secs with no timeout... Just a poor effort at the end after overcoming... It's just not the LADY VOLS basketball I have been used to...and frankly it's embarrassing.
dj54 writes:
GEES! HOW MANY LAYUPS WERE MISSED? IT SHOULD NEVER COME DOWN TO A REFS MISTAKE(S) GOTTA QUESTION THE WILL TO WIN
JimmyJoe writes:
Not to pile on kamiko but if she ends up with that ball with 40 secs left with us having a three point lead... It's pretty much over...but she didn't...
drum56 writes:
FIRE SUMMITT!!!! TURRIBLE!!!!
Vols68 writes:
The starting lineup needs to be Ariel,Simmons,Strick,Glory,Vicki! Manning was a NON-FACTOR! Baugh came off the bench INSTANT OFFENSE and with a great block! Our go-to player when the game is on the line is MEIGHAN SIMMONS HANDS DOWN!! This is Kamiko's 4TH game back! Why is she guarding the hottest player on the court with 12 seconds left in the game? Glory should've been on her! I dont care what anyone says!
SummerfieldVol writes:
Need to work on foul shots. We are not a good, just fair foul shooting team. Never could and still can not understand not being able to hit foul shots. To be a good foul shooter it is practice-practice-and practice, until it become a natural shot. Alot of games are won and lost at the foul line.
xvolx writes:
I'll just refer to yesterdays post.
SoddyVol writes:
This is not the first time I've seen several layups missed. But what "neutral" ref would call such a questionable foul with about 28 seconds left. Vols could have played much better earlier and more fouls called on Ky but at that critical stage, that ref made the difference in the game.
GONAVY (Inactive) writes:
Feel better?
One1617 writes:
This game can only be wakeup call for Tennessee.
Kentucy got blown out at MTSU, and came back to beat the lady vols. Losses should only help a team disperse their weaknesses. How Tennessee responds is what will determine whether they win the national championship.
fansince08 writes:
For all of those getting down on Kamiko, at least she is playing with heart and determination. This is just her fourth game back and had to face this type of adversity. I thought she did an outstanding job. That was a good shot at the end of the game. If she wouldnt have took it behind her back I believe that shot would have went in as it hit the rim.
But for her to come in and help calm this team down with her poise, her passes, and to bring the ball down the court when none of the other guards could handle the pressure, I salute her.
Imagine if we had a 100% Kamiko. Her ability to drive and slash is what is needed.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
I'd really like the internet with my cell phone to explain something to me. I was tracking the score on the phone and I am not kidding........
it showed Tennessee up 62-57 with 12 seconds left. I thought, it's a win......no way they can lose. The internet was playing a joke on me.
It was my birthday and I thought, what a nice present............then learned the score obviously was screwed up.
Anyway, I just got home and saw where we gave up another career night to an opposing player.
Glad I didn't see it now.
JimBobbCatFan writes:
typical ewe tee sour grapes..Bring Baack Cousin Brucie..all Vols do is moan and groan...too bad
r2d2 writes:
I agree with you. Manning is starting because she started 3 or 4 games without a loss to the LVs. I believe the LV coaching staff is relying too much on player substitution to get a winning combination. All good sport teams whether men or women rely on a consistent starting player lineup. Certainly their are times in a game when you have to substitute a player (fouls, injuries, fatigue, etc.). However, you want to keeep this to a minimum. The LVs need to designate 5 players who will start evey game. Also, I wish I could say that Meighan is a goto player but sadly she is not. The Lvs cannot win a NC without a goto player. Kentucky's goto player Mathis won this game practically by herself.
Roger41 writes:
I support Coach Summitt always, but who is really coaching this team. I understand the situation, but who is in charge? Do you listen to everybody on the bench or what? Looks like players are always looking to the bench to see if they are going to get pulled if they make a turnover or get scored on. I did not understand the last defensive setup . Drive down middle of lane and score. I struggle with that.
fansince08 writes:
I agree with you that Glory should have been on her. She is their defensive stopper. But if she guarded her the game who will get the rebounds.
Our gaurds defense needs to step up. Their hands should be up in the other people faces disrupting their view but no we allow other gaurds to do whatever. Put Glory on them her hands in their face she making noise doing what it needs to disrupt them.
bmaples writes:
Wow -- lots and lots of negative comments on here, and I'm not sure they are deserved. In response:
-- Both teams played intense defense, which accounted for some of the misses. Tenn did miss too many layups and shots in the paint -- and the point above about "not bringing your hands down" is dead on.
-- The foul on Stricklen at the end of the game was one of the most bogus calls I have ever seen. The announcers said the same, as soon as it was called.
-- Glory Johnson played like a person possessed, and deserves tremendous praise for her effort tonight.
-- I thought all the LVs played with passion and intensity.
There's more to say, but I'll close with this:
I think this will be a GOOD loss for the Ladies -- I think it will make them play and practice harder, AND it will show them that they can come from behind on a good team.
Proud of our Lady Vols and ALL the coaching staff.
Bruce in Louisville
itsgolden writes:
i agree, even ariel could have harassed Adia. To put a player just returning from injury on Adia was ridiculous. As comfortable as Kamiko looks, the coaches have to know she's not completely comfortable on the floor yet. Everybody knew the ball was going to Adia, so I don't understand why they didn't stay in the 3-2 zone and try to trap her. Either way, the game wasn't lost in the last few seconds. There were coaching and player moments throughout the game that had me scratching my head.
VOLunTEAR writes:
Gee. I hate this post. It's so accurate it's painful. In every way.
vollaw writes:
Agreed. Officiating inconsistent thoughout game. Allowed muggings under the basket then make that "phantom charge" call with seconds remaining was incredulous.
richvol writes:
Kentucky had the best player on the floor tonight. As I have been harping about for weeks now,if UT doesn't stop turning the ball over they will get beat by good teams. If not for Glory we would have been pounded tonight.
Where in the world was Stricklen tonight??? She had at least five turnovers,missed every shot but one and turned the ball over when we had a chance to win. An all american cannot play like that.
This coaching by committee is not working...we should be a polished team at this point in the season and we are sloppy instead. Poor job of preparing this team.
VOLunTEAR writes:
If you like "good losses" you tend to become good at losing. The "best" loss of all these "good" losses should come in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
itsgolden writes:
This lady vols team is still missing the game between their ears. This team probably ranks #1 in the lowest IQ as a team, as any team to ever play at Tennessee. First I have to give Glory props because I believe she was the only player to play Tennessee basketball tonight. Despite Vicki's statistics, I don't think she played well. Vicki has to be the softest 6'4" player in women's college basketball. Understandably she's still not comfortable with her twice surgically repaired knee. Other than Glory, there is no one on this team who is pursuing the ball. Loose balls are in each players personal space often and they act as if they have to think about what they're supposed to do - duh! grab the damn ball. there were a couple times when it appeared as if the lady vols willingly cleared out the lane to allow KY easy baskets. From the very beginning of the game, you're watching this team asking yourself if anybody is thinking. The lady vols look confused most of the time. I admit Ariel handled the defensive pressure better than I thought she would and she plays well for a freshman, but she shouldn't have to come in and lead the upperclassmen. If I'm on a team with someone playing as hard as Glory, then I'm going to up my game. Not this team! Here are some improvements that this team can make:
Glory - keep going hard all the time. Time for her to take charge of this team and make everybody play as hard. Keep practicing at the line though.
Vicki - has to toughen up. Has to grab rebounds like it's nobody's business. Watch Glory do it.
Strick - can't disappear in big games. move your feet. make the adjustment, if the 3 isn't falling needs to post up especially with smaller defenders
Ariel - impressive for a freshman, but needs to keep looking to score in addition to passing. really need the point contribution especially with the dry spells this team has (10 minutes without a basket - yikes!!!)
Manning - uh practice making the pass into the low post. when you're open - shoot the ball damnit!!!
Kamiko - recover
Bri - needs to play more.
Meighan - got to get some ritalin (sp). slow down on offense, speed up on defense.
Taber - ?
Cierra - has to learn to move feet, like Strick. stop putting the ball on the floor, watch tape of maya more. more of a catch and shoot player obviously. ball in vicinity, pick it up.
Isabell - needs practice finishing post moves
Everybody - it's ok to use the glass. is the bank shot non-existent. watch tape, watch tape, watch tape.
Coaches - ?
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