SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Finding fault with Notre Dame's play this women's basketball season requires an eye for detail.
The Irish lead the nation in scoring, averaging 85.2 points per game, and are among the nation's leaders in field goal percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio. On defense, they are among the best in steals, turnover margin and scoring defense.
Coach Muffet McGraw had to dig deep for a flaw. But there it was in a 76-50 victory over Cincinnati earlier this month: suspect defense against the Bearcats' point guard.
"They were like 'OK, let's go fix it,' " she said. "I love that about them. They take so much pride in their defense and they're workers. They're competitive. It makes my job so much more enjoyable."
And it makes Tennessee's challenge that much more difficult when the ninth-ranked Lady Vols (14-4) face No. 2 Notre Dame (19-1) at 7 tonight (TV: ESPN2) at Purcell Pavilion.
At least they have some idea of what they're up against. Led by Skylar Diggins' 24 points, the Irish bounced Tennessee from the NCAA tournament last season, winning 73-59 in the Dayton Regional final. They reached the national championship game before losing to Texas A&M, 76-70. UT assistant coach Mickie DeMoss, who prepared the scouting report for the game, thinks that these Irish are better.
"They kind of have an air of confidence about them,'' she said. "They really took advantage of the success they had last year because they just appear to be a lot more confident. They just have a little swagger about them."
They've also benefitted from this season, particularly a 56-54 victory over then-No.7 Duke on Nov. 26 in the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas. The Irish tied a school record in overcoming an 18-point second-half deficit to beat the Blue Devils. McGraw referred to the victory as "kind of a springboard."
"You didn't go in the locker
room hearing people yelling at each other,' McGraw said. "It was, 'Hey, we've got to get our act together.' It was a real positive halftime."
DeMoss has been chronicling the ripple effect of that result. She described the by-product in glowing terms.
About Notre Dame's offense: "The halfcourt execution is some of the best that I've seen from any team in the country,'' she said.
Concerning the Irish defense: "They're going to make you earn every point you get,'' DeMoss said. "They're not extremely athletic but they're smart. They play angles well and they're very aggressive on the ball and one pass away."
The Lady Vols are in better shape to face such stiff opposition. Forwards Glory Johnson (left shoulder) and Shekinna Stricklen (right knee) both returned to practice on Saturday and said that they will play tonight. Taber Spani (left knee) remains listed as day to day but the Lady Vols twitter feed said that the junior guard participated in some practice drills on Sunday.
Despite the lingering pain in her left shoulder, Johnson also has a healthy attitude about the game. She said that UT has an advantage with the size and depth of its post game. Johnson also believes the Lady Vols are better prepared for what she described as "a huge game."
"It's something we're ready for,'' she said. "Early in the season we were kind of playing around, didn't really know what each player's role was and stuff like that. But now I think it's different. We've grown so much. And everyone has developed a little bit more."
DeMoss said that the Lady Vols better limit their turnovers and defensive mistakes and pile up the rebounds, among other objectives. Essentially, she was saying that they better sweat the details.
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 » 39
Volinflan writes:
I won't be the first to comment. I just ain't fast enough typer. Ms. DeMoss just said it above. Notre Dame has swagger. Uh, uh, uh, coach. Where is the swagger that you are supposed to bring to this team so that they can beat Notre Dame? There is a difference in these two sentences- 1) I think we can beat them 2) we can beat them - it's just one word. "Think" ain't a swagger word.
"she was saying that they (meaning us) better sweat the details." Mickie DeMoss
No, let's just go up there and put a serious whipping on them. Let them sweat the details. We know you are better than they are and the sweating is their problem, we're just gonna play with the extraordinary skills we have and let the best team win. Go girls,.
SoddyVol writes:
My wife says Cierra Burdick will help Glory Johnson teach the others how to play Tennessee BB tonight. I want to see it.
butch31 writes:
The only flaws U will find is if u play them aggressively, out rebound them, make Skylar Diggins go right ALL NIGHT LONG, shut down the 3 point shooting, deny the passing lanes.
If u let this team get looks at the basket, U WILL PAY FOR IT. We have to put everything on the line tomorrow. We have to WIN this game. I know we will get this one, I know it, and I'm excited.
I hope we bring our *A* game tomorrow. If Kentucky, Duke, Baylor and UConn can play with this team, so can the lady vols.
We have advantages like no other team has against the Irish.
If we win this game, and the rest of our SEC games, we're in solid position for a #1 seed. We get that #1 seed, the 9th title is right around the corner. Notre Dame barely beat Kentucky, they had to win it at the freethrow line, they shot 60% from the field in the 1st half, and were only up by 6, Kentucky pressured them into 22 turnovers, and lost it at the line. I hope the refs are fair with the calls.
Noogaorange writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
cdtnladyvols931#663910 writes:
When are the Refs ever fair to TN? I don't expect it to be any different tonight!!!!!! Go Lady Vols! Lets play tough & physical and don't let some of them cover girls outdo you and take the ball away!!!!!!!
madrigal writes:
What kind of grown woman goes around calling herself "Muffett"? Please, girl! Wasn't it time to get over that 30 years ago? Can't stand ND's coach but was pleased to see them beat UConn anyway since my favorite teams are the Lady Vols and whoever's playing UConn.
SoddyVol writes:
Fleser says: "Coach Muffet McGraw had to dig deep for a flaw." I say, The Vols will expose a few ND Flaws to Coach Muffet McGraw tonight.
switcher76 writes:
Hold it together girls and play smart basketbaall.....you can do it!!! GO LADY VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe Taber can get out there and give them a few minutes and a few three pointers!
hatethevols writes:
Go Irish!!!
johnlg00 writes:
The idea that the LVs need fairness, or even mere competence, from the refs to win at ND sounds like grasping at straws to me. When you start with the demonstrable truth that women's basketball refs are incompetent, IMHO, and the fact that ND's home crowd will be big, loud, and raucous, about all we can really hope for is that UT will have enough players to finish the game, either from fouling out or being crippled by uncalled muggings. It will take every bit of the LVs' resolve, patience, and toughness to win this game, and I just HOPE they have enough of these. Make no mistake, a win at ND will turn this team's season around and how they are regarded nationwide--if they survive it.
butch31 writes:
Why hate the Vols and come to our board? LOL here's a quote from ur IRISH:
"This game was hard to play before Tennessee," McGraw said. "We learned nothing; we're not going to use anything we did today against Tennessee, and certainly offensively it's going to be a lot different look. It really was a bad game to have two days before Tennessee. We're going to have to switch gears."
Despite the overwhelming disparity in favor of Tennessee in wins and championships, Notre Dame earned its first ever win over the Lady Volunteers in the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament last season. Irish junior guard Skylar Diggins scored a game-high 24 points, leading the Irish to the Final Four in the 73-59 victory.
"We understand that they're going to be after us," Diggins said. "I think that loss is in the front of their minds, and the win is in the front of ours. We've got to prepare for them like every other team, and not make it too special, but understand that they are a good team that is capable of beating us."
KennyGVolsFan writes:
These ladies are gonna have to play with all their heart tonight!! It's gonna be a rough one!! We need to play some great onball defense against Diggins and deny the post the to Peters!! We have a lot of work ahead of us. They have great shooters and passers!!
Glory will do her work on the boards. We just need the guards to step up and outdefend!!!! Pat says... "Championships are won on defense and rebouding" We are gonna need to defend like our life is at stake here!!! Come on ladies, we all believe in you!! Get out their and work!!!
Jephry writes:
Ya know, if you would actually take time to read butch31's post(s), you would realize that he or she really cares about the Lady Vols and knows basketball to boot. I suggest you leave your snarky attitude on your gamer sites and come here with respect, especially for long-time, knowledgeable posters.
Most of us who come to this board want nothing but the very best for our Lady Vols, and any frustrations, upset or advice we share is out of respect for CPS and our girls. I know I would relish seeing our LVs get #9 this year (heck, and another ever year until Pat retires). If you're coming to this board, I would hope you agree.
Go Lady Vols!!! Beat the Irish!
wigmeister writes:
Someone said ND has swagger!
We used to have some major swagger!!!!!
richvol writes:
The girls will have to hit 8 or 9 threes to win this game. They will also have to keep their turnovers under 10 for the game. Let's see if they can do it.
Mike_In_Storrs_CT writes:
I really dont think Tenn has much of a chance against this Notre Dame team..Actually it would help Uconn if Tenn did win, (not that ratings this time of year matter) But Notre Dame is probably the best team in the country right now. I dont care about Baylor..Baylor beat Notre Dame and Uconn both at home..Play us on a neutral court and see what happens..But Notre Dame is awfully good, and the only team in the entire country I dont want to see in the NCAA tourney..As a Uconn fan..
r2d2 writes:
The LVs can defeat ND if they are a legitimate candidate for a NC. They must have a tenacious defense, a solid offense and a go-to player. I am not certain that the LVs have all 3 of these requirements.
SoddyVol writes:
Of all games, I can't see this one due to an appointment I can't break. Vols, please use your head(Brain) on both ends tonight. Actually, if the game is close, I will stay healthier not seeing it.
jt45 writes:
Would lik to see Spani back on the floor we could sure use her 3 point shooting about now. I hope Burdick comes in shooting well. Its about time for Strickland to have another big game. If these girls could get everyone clicking at the same time they can win this one.
butch31 writes:
I didn't think UConn had a chance of coming back from being twenty points down to the Lady Vols in 2008, after Candace SLAM DUNK, but u all did, and we only won by 6...in Storrs, CT.
After UConn has rested in peace, until they won back to back titles. So some times u do stand a chance. LOL
UT will win this game...If UConn had their chances against Notre Dame and BLEW IT, it doesn't mean the Lady Vols will. Tennessee is better than UConn. Everyone knows it too. That's why we get EVERYONE's BEST SHOT.
I hope the lady vols put the metal to the pedal, and drive all night!!!
butch31 writes:
Oh but wait...aren't we 20-1 against Notre Dame? Our only loss was in 2011, on a neutral site *(thanks to Kelly Cain)* meaning WE ARE UNDEFEATED in SOUTH BEND hehehehehehe, and we want to keep that way.
butch31 writes:
At the 1st TV time out 15:11 left in the 1st half and Ariel & Alicia both look scared. I have no clue why any substitutions were not made. Ariel keeps fumbling the ball, Alicia has thrown 3 bricks, we have dumb turnovers, and no one will guard McBride.
ps11824 writes:
18 points in the half, how did we get so bad? Seriously, 20% shooting? Are they not embarrassed? Have they no heart?
jt45 writes:
Pathetic doesn't begin to describe how bad they are playing on offense, no plays are being run and it looks like the LVs dont have any help from the coaching staff. Where is Strickland these days, because she seems slow and has no confidence these last few games. Fouls shots and point blank bloopers are being missed over and over. Thank god ND isn't playing that great either or it would be a blowout, wich it will be if they continue with this fiasco performance.
butch31 writes:
Meighan Simmons was the lady vol who came to play! We look like we're playing for WNIT bid...SMDH@the coaches, can we rotate some bodies please? Obviously, Alicia, Vicki and Shekinna didn't come to play. I really feel like Shekinna needs come off the bench, until she takes her role seriously on this team.
We're leaving shooter wide open, we let Peters and McBride kill our post players...This is coaching error to the 5th power. Lets see what's to happen in the 2nd half. We shot 20% from the field, 40% from the free throw line in the 1st hald. This is is a clear indication of being scared in the 1st half, this is solely bad preparation. I would hope Holly Warlick would sit down the 2nd half.
SummerfieldVol writes:
Tennessee looks like they have never played college ball. Turnovers, lack of moving the ball, can't hit a lay-up or a putt back right under the basket. We have to be the worst top ten foul shooting team. I don't know who is doing the coaching, but it lacks alot. Lack of team effort. The overall team play is just about as bad as I have ever seen out of a Tennessee team. They are not moving the ball by passing it until you hit the open player.
itsgolden writes:
poor playing, poor coaching, poor everything. 11 missed layups in the 1st half. didn't the coaches see massengale was rattled in the first half? i haven't seen much worse than this. harrison is no replacement for glory. why is glory on the bench?
itsgolden writes:
nobody is switching on defense. i was thinking this team wasn't as bad as Stanford made it look, but i was wrong. this has to be one of the worst lady vols teams ever.
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
Sick to my stomach.
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
The only thing I enjoyed watching is the ND assistant in the blue dress. Hot!!
itsgolden writes:
this team has set many records (ones they don't want to be remembered by).
ps11824 writes:
I wish Pat did not have to deal with this. I feel so bad for her to see this group of veterans lay down in fear. It is just unacceptable. I never thought I would see this poor a spectacle from my Lady Vols. Never. They have no guts. No heart.
maxvolfan#217855 writes:
Embarrassing blowout. Now Doris Burke is talking trash about Pat maybe retiring and a easier schedule. Sad times in Tennessee. I hate this. ....GLV...
423tiger18 writes:
a 28 point loss...you gotta be kidding me..piss poor effort.
itsgolden writes:
agree...moreover, i can imagine pat is wondering how these assistants could be on her staff for so long and be able to manage this team any better than they do.
coffy73 writes:
I just knew after Pat's announcement that this team would stand up, get behind the coach, and come out firing on all cylinders this season. That her illness would be a rallying cry for this under-achieving team, to come out and make what might possibly be her last year coaching, a good one. Well, I can put that dream to rest! I've been they would get better as they mature, but this team has gotten worse!
Mike_In_Storrs_CT writes:
Do you still have anything too say now Big Mouth??You just got whoopped big time in front of the world by 28 points.. Second biggest loss in Tenn. History, LOL,, maybe next time you will think before you say stuff.....
underthehill writes:
Never saw a team shoot as many lay ups against the Lady Vols..should've been solved with one timeout..no excuse for letting this ND team be more physical don't matter how many fouls they called..should not have backed down.
butch31 writes:
Big Mouth? for saying Candace Parker DUNKED on UConn in 2008 in Storrs, CT? Get over it...hey r u a fan of any team that beat Tennessee? LOL...obviously we had a let down tonight, but I guarantee u this: Lady Vols will not be losing anymore games, we should end up 27-5 before the tourney. Hopefully, we'll end up 33-5 with that 9th championship trophy! I know we will be good!!!
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