KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee coach Pat Summitt never hoped for a game without Candace Parker, but she and the No. 4 Lady Vols found it wasn't too bad.
Sidney Spencer scored 18 points and Shannon Bobbitt added 13 in Tennessee's 73-44 victory over Mississippi State on Thursday night.
Summitt said Parker had a respiratory illness, and the team doctor advised her not to play. She sat on the bench with her teammates wearing her warm-up suit during the game.
Parker was averaging 19.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. The sophomore had not missed a game since redshirting two years ago as a rookie because of a knee injury.
"I haven't been looking forward to a game without Parker," Summitt said. "It's not a bad thing for this team because obviously she's carried a tremendous load for us on the offensive end, and I think it really challenges other people to step up. We saw that from a number of players."
Alex Fuller, who started in place of Parker, and Alexis Hornbuckle each had 12 points for Tennessee (17-1, 4-0 Southeastern Conference).
Nicky Anosike added 10 rebounds for the Lady Vols, who outrebounded Mississippi State 45-30.
Marneshia Richard led Mississippi State (10-8, 1-3) with 14 points.
Imesia Jackson, the Lady Bulldogs' leading scorer at 11.8 points a game, was held to seven.
The game was ugly early, and the Lady Vols looked like they missed their leading scorer and rebounder until the second half when they put the game away.
"We did a lot of good things in the second half," Summitt said. "It did take a while to get going, however."
The players didn't think Parker's absence was hard to overcome.
"It was an adjustment, but it didn't take any time at all," Hornbuckle said. "We missed her scoring because that's 15 or 20-plus points a night given and people had to step up and I think our team handled it."
The Lady Bulldogs scrapped, but were unable to earn their first victory over Tennessee. They dropped to 0-26 in the series.
Mississippi State was missing two players because of injury -- Robin Porter and Miayorka Johnson -- and do not have any seniors.
"I think it's pretty simple. Rebounding and turnovers make a big difference," Mississippi State coach Sharon Fanning said. "For us to come out and scrap and have some flexibility and adjust to that adversity, I was very, very proud of them."
Richard said the game plan and attitude of her team didn't change with Parker not playing.
"Tennessee is Tennessee. We've got to go out there and play as a team no matter who's out there on the floor," she said.
The Lady Bulldogs got as close as 12 after halftime before Tennessee found a groove during a 10-0 run midway through the second half.
Hornbuckle had a steal and layup between 3-pointers by Bobbitt, the last giving the Lady Vols a 55-32 lead.
After Tennessee jumped out to a 14-4 lead early, Mississippi State went on a run to tie it at 15. The Lady Vols responded with a 7-0 run. During the spurt, Jackson had to go to the bench after picking up a third foul.
Mississippi State got within three afterward, but Tennessee scored the last 11 points of the first half and was up 33-19 at the break.
Parker looked antsy to get into the game. After the Lady Bulldogs cut Tennessee's lead to 22-17, she moved from her seat in the middle of the bench to the chair Summitt left to direct the team from the sideline. Parker moved back to her seat after a timeout.
Fuller, who redshirted the same season as Parker, left the game with 1:55 to go after appearing to hurt her left leg, but Summitt said after the game it was a back spasm and she would be OK.
Tennessee hopes to be at full strength Monday, when top-ranked Duke comes to town.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Lady Vols Coach Pat Summitt Talks Ahead Of Mississippi State & Duke
On Georgia and the upcoming games against Mississippi State and Duke:
“I thought the Georgia game was a very physical basketball game. In the first half we were not as composed as we needed to be and didn’t handle some of the defensive schemes that we saw. In the second half we had a lot more composure, and it was good to see Alexis Hornbuckle and Nicky Anosike step up and make some plays for us.
“We are excited to be back home and are looking forward to playing Mississippi State in Thompson-Boling on Thursday. Hopefully now that we’ve put ourselves in a good position in the conference, we understand how important each and every game is going to be and we will be ready to play on Thursday night. We had good preparation on Tuesday and hope to have the same today.
“We have Duke next Monday. It is important for us to take it one game at a time, but because we have two games in five days, we are preparing for both during this week’s practices.”
On Duke guard Lindsey Harding:
“Lindsey Harding is a great player. She looks even stronger watching her play this year. She has great skills and can score in a variety of ways. She makes her team better. She plays off the dribble in transition and is just a great guard. I think she is one of the best guards in the country.”
On the challenge of guarding Duke center Alison Bales:
“She certainly presents a challenge for our team and I would think for any team that Duke faces. Not many people can match up against a player like Bales in terms of her size, overall presence and ability to block shots. She is a very skilled player, not only on the block, but she can face up and shoot the ball. Without question we’ll have to be mindful of our defensive schemes and at times try to limit Alison’s touches. Again, she has a great presence on the inside and is shooting well from the line and the field and will be a real challenge for us. Watching the Maryland game, she’s got great hands and great composure and a variety of skills, in particular with her back to the basket.”
On Middle Tennessee getting into the rankings and their potential threat in the post season this year:
“Absolutely, I think this is a team that is skilled, very athletic and well coached. They play hard and are very dangerous. You look what they did last year in the post season and how they played, they are dangerous. Coach Rick Insell is building the program into what could be a perennial contender. You look at the talent in the state of Tennessee and in the surrounding states, there is a big talent pool of very skilled players and a lot of talented Division I players.”
How and why did the University of Tennessee make such an investment in women’s basketball:
“I think it came from the administration. We have separate programs with Joan Cronan leading the women’s side and Mike Hamilton on the men’s side. Doug Dickey preceded Hamilton and was very instrumental in encouraging the women’s basketball team to move the games to Thompson-Boling Arena when it was first built. I was skeptical as to whether it would draw fans. We had good attendance in Stokely Athletics Center, but Dickey strongly encouraged the move. To me that was a great springboard for our program. The administration got behind marketing our program and promoting throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee. The administrative support came from the president’s office all the way down. Once the commitment was in place to allow the women the same opportunities in sports that the men enjoyed, it made it possible for us to start the recruiting process both regionally and nationally. It’s all about players and recruiting talent. The players we recruited and the excitement of winning triggered crowd support. I’m still amazed when we go on the road how many Tennessee fans are there to cheer for us. There is UT orange all over the place. We have built a fan base all over the country.”
On the SEC dominance in the history of women’s basketball:
“When you look at the SEC as a conference, there is obviously tremendous history: the strength of the schedule, the coaching, and the post season representation, etc. I don’t see that changing. I think this year we’ll be a little deeper and stronger across the board. When you look at the ACC, there are three teams at the top who have separated themselves from the rest of their conference and it looks like that will probably hold true the rest of the season. Our conference has more depth and I think is a very strong conference, if not the best from top to bottom.”
What does the dunk mean to women’s basketball:
“I think the dunk has brought about some excitement and I’m sure some new fans, from the standpoint that it’s something that has not happened that frequently in the women’s game. I know from our standpoint of having a few players (Michelle Snow and Candace Parker), it does add excitement for the fans and brings excitement to the game.”
Is the dunk the next step in the evolution of the women’s game:
“I don’t know that it was the next step. I know that some critics to the women’s game say that we don’t play above or around the rim, while a lot of women’s basketball fans like the fact that we play fundamental basketball and have to work to play a team game. We haven’t had the dominant players or the dunk, but all in all I think the dunk is a good thing for the women’s game.”
What is the next step for women’s basketball:
“One thing that has helped the game is the parity. There are a number of quality teams that make it more exciting. It is not one or two teams dominating. Right now the ACC obviously has the top three ranked teams in the country. The parity has helped elevate the game and the interest overall in the game.”
On the 20th anniversary of the three-pointer this year:
“At the time, I was in favor of the three-point shot. I think about when Cindy Brogdon played here, if we had had that, she’d have broken all kinds of records. For a long time, the three-point shot was like our dunk, a very exciting part of the game. It allowed us to have a better halfcourt attack in general. We had dominant post players early on in the game on a lot of the top teams in the country. Now you add the three-point shooting and you give other teams a chance to compete against the teams that had the strong inside play versus the three-point shot. I think it is great for the women’s game.”
Are there adverse effects of the three-pointer:
“To me the three-point shot has been great for the game. That goes back to coaching and your philosophy. There are a lot of teams that have great inside-outside play. For us, to have people like Sidney Spencer that can shoot the three-ball as well as she does and then have Candace Parker on the inside, there is room for both. When teams have both, you’re looking at some of the best teams in the country. Duke and Maryland are good examples of inside-outside games and balance on teams.”
On the distance of the three-point line:
“I am happy with the distance of the three-point line and I think it would be a huge mistake to move it. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I haven’t looked at the numbers of late, but I know for us I think the line is where it needs to be. The only reason I think we’d move the line back is to mirror what the men are doing; it’s a matter of having an extra line on the floor. The three-pointer is a great addition to our game and I hope we recognize that in the women’s game and not feel a need to change.”
On that first season of the three-pointer:
“It was new for us. I don’t think we placed a lot of emphasis on it. I had been conditioned to establish the inside game first. I think as a coach I had to make a commitment to look at working on the three-point shot and bringing in three-point shooters. It was a learning experience for me.”
What do you look for in a three-point shooter:
“I look for players that have the range and the ability to get the ball off against pressure defense. Now you look for players that can come down, play off the dribble and shoot, or step back or come off screens and shoot quickly. There are a lot of high school players that work to make three-point shooting their specialty because it’s worth a scholarship. Of the teams we’ve played this year, they all have players that can shoot the three, and it’s a challenge for the defense. We’ve seen it here at UT, Shanna Zolman and Sidney Spencer have helped us there. We have two coming in that can shoot the three-ball very well and we want to continue to make it a priority in recruiting.”
Is TV one of the reasons young girls want to play basketball:
“I think we have more role models and more opportunities for people to see women’s basketball because of TV. People want to emulate Candace Parker and go to that next level. Without question, as we see more and more basketball, it inspires young people. I think the pro game is good for college players and the college game is great incentive to younger kids. I’m amazed at how many younger players come to our camps and buy our players’ jerseys. It’s great to see. It gives the collegiate players goals and things to work towards.”
On the potential of more women using basketball to further their careers, like Kara Lawson has done:
“Absolutely. I think Kara Lawson has been a great example of a former player being able to make it in terms of broadcasting, being in studio and talking about the game. I’ve had little kids come up to me and say they want to be like Kara. Kara is still playing at the pro level, but they were speaking in terms of being on the set on ESPN. We are really proud of her, especially with her work last week in the NBA game.”
“I thought the Georgia game was a very physical basketball game. In the first half we were not as composed as we needed to be and didn’t handle some of the defensive schemes that we saw. In the second half we had a lot more composure, and it was good to see Alexis Hornbuckle and Nicky Anosike step up and make some plays for us.
“We are excited to be back home and are looking forward to playing Mississippi State in Thompson-Boling on Thursday. Hopefully now that we’ve put ourselves in a good position in the conference, we understand how important each and every game is going to be and we will be ready to play on Thursday night. We had good preparation on Tuesday and hope to have the same today.
“We have Duke next Monday. It is important for us to take it one game at a time, but because we have two games in five days, we are preparing for both during this week’s practices.”
On Duke guard Lindsey Harding:
“Lindsey Harding is a great player. She looks even stronger watching her play this year. She has great skills and can score in a variety of ways. She makes her team better. She plays off the dribble in transition and is just a great guard. I think she is one of the best guards in the country.”
On the challenge of guarding Duke center Alison Bales:
“She certainly presents a challenge for our team and I would think for any team that Duke faces. Not many people can match up against a player like Bales in terms of her size, overall presence and ability to block shots. She is a very skilled player, not only on the block, but she can face up and shoot the ball. Without question we’ll have to be mindful of our defensive schemes and at times try to limit Alison’s touches. Again, she has a great presence on the inside and is shooting well from the line and the field and will be a real challenge for us. Watching the Maryland game, she’s got great hands and great composure and a variety of skills, in particular with her back to the basket.”
On Middle Tennessee getting into the rankings and their potential threat in the post season this year:
“Absolutely, I think this is a team that is skilled, very athletic and well coached. They play hard and are very dangerous. You look what they did last year in the post season and how they played, they are dangerous. Coach Rick Insell is building the program into what could be a perennial contender. You look at the talent in the state of Tennessee and in the surrounding states, there is a big talent pool of very skilled players and a lot of talented Division I players.”
How and why did the University of Tennessee make such an investment in women’s basketball:
“I think it came from the administration. We have separate programs with Joan Cronan leading the women’s side and Mike Hamilton on the men’s side. Doug Dickey preceded Hamilton and was very instrumental in encouraging the women’s basketball team to move the games to Thompson-Boling Arena when it was first built. I was skeptical as to whether it would draw fans. We had good attendance in Stokely Athletics Center, but Dickey strongly encouraged the move. To me that was a great springboard for our program. The administration got behind marketing our program and promoting throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee. The administrative support came from the president’s office all the way down. Once the commitment was in place to allow the women the same opportunities in sports that the men enjoyed, it made it possible for us to start the recruiting process both regionally and nationally. It’s all about players and recruiting talent. The players we recruited and the excitement of winning triggered crowd support. I’m still amazed when we go on the road how many Tennessee fans are there to cheer for us. There is UT orange all over the place. We have built a fan base all over the country.”
On the SEC dominance in the history of women’s basketball:
“When you look at the SEC as a conference, there is obviously tremendous history: the strength of the schedule, the coaching, and the post season representation, etc. I don’t see that changing. I think this year we’ll be a little deeper and stronger across the board. When you look at the ACC, there are three teams at the top who have separated themselves from the rest of their conference and it looks like that will probably hold true the rest of the season. Our conference has more depth and I think is a very strong conference, if not the best from top to bottom.”
What does the dunk mean to women’s basketball:
“I think the dunk has brought about some excitement and I’m sure some new fans, from the standpoint that it’s something that has not happened that frequently in the women’s game. I know from our standpoint of having a few players (Michelle Snow and Candace Parker), it does add excitement for the fans and brings excitement to the game.”
Is the dunk the next step in the evolution of the women’s game:
“I don’t know that it was the next step. I know that some critics to the women’s game say that we don’t play above or around the rim, while a lot of women’s basketball fans like the fact that we play fundamental basketball and have to work to play a team game. We haven’t had the dominant players or the dunk, but all in all I think the dunk is a good thing for the women’s game.”
What is the next step for women’s basketball:
“One thing that has helped the game is the parity. There are a number of quality teams that make it more exciting. It is not one or two teams dominating. Right now the ACC obviously has the top three ranked teams in the country. The parity has helped elevate the game and the interest overall in the game.”
On the 20th anniversary of the three-pointer this year:
“At the time, I was in favor of the three-point shot. I think about when Cindy Brogdon played here, if we had had that, she’d have broken all kinds of records. For a long time, the three-point shot was like our dunk, a very exciting part of the game. It allowed us to have a better halfcourt attack in general. We had dominant post players early on in the game on a lot of the top teams in the country. Now you add the three-point shooting and you give other teams a chance to compete against the teams that had the strong inside play versus the three-point shot. I think it is great for the women’s game.”
Are there adverse effects of the three-pointer:
“To me the three-point shot has been great for the game. That goes back to coaching and your philosophy. There are a lot of teams that have great inside-outside play. For us, to have people like Sidney Spencer that can shoot the three-ball as well as she does and then have Candace Parker on the inside, there is room for both. When teams have both, you’re looking at some of the best teams in the country. Duke and Maryland are good examples of inside-outside games and balance on teams.”
On the distance of the three-point line:
“I am happy with the distance of the three-point line and I think it would be a huge mistake to move it. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I haven’t looked at the numbers of late, but I know for us I think the line is where it needs to be. The only reason I think we’d move the line back is to mirror what the men are doing; it’s a matter of having an extra line on the floor. The three-pointer is a great addition to our game and I hope we recognize that in the women’s game and not feel a need to change.”
On that first season of the three-pointer:
“It was new for us. I don’t think we placed a lot of emphasis on it. I had been conditioned to establish the inside game first. I think as a coach I had to make a commitment to look at working on the three-point shot and bringing in three-point shooters. It was a learning experience for me.”
What do you look for in a three-point shooter:
“I look for players that have the range and the ability to get the ball off against pressure defense. Now you look for players that can come down, play off the dribble and shoot, or step back or come off screens and shoot quickly. There are a lot of high school players that work to make three-point shooting their specialty because it’s worth a scholarship. Of the teams we’ve played this year, they all have players that can shoot the three, and it’s a challenge for the defense. We’ve seen it here at UT, Shanna Zolman and Sidney Spencer have helped us there. We have two coming in that can shoot the three-ball very well and we want to continue to make it a priority in recruiting.”
Is TV one of the reasons young girls want to play basketball:
“I think we have more role models and more opportunities for people to see women’s basketball because of TV. People want to emulate Candace Parker and go to that next level. Without question, as we see more and more basketball, it inspires young people. I think the pro game is good for college players and the college game is great incentive to younger kids. I’m amazed at how many younger players come to our camps and buy our players’ jerseys. It’s great to see. It gives the collegiate players goals and things to work towards.”
On the potential of more women using basketball to further their careers, like Kara Lawson has done:
“Absolutely. I think Kara Lawson has been a great example of a former player being able to make it in terms of broadcasting, being in studio and talking about the game. I’ve had little kids come up to me and say they want to be like Kara. Kara is still playing at the pro level, but they were speaking in terms of being on the set on ESPN. We are really proud of her, especially with her work last week in the NBA game.”
Sunday, January 14, 2007
(4) Tennessee 52, (15) Georgia 41
ATHENS, Ga. -- No. 4 Tennessee knocked off another ranked team, this time with a stifling defensive performance.
On an off day for Candace Parker, the Lady Vols held No. 15 Georgia to its fewest points since 1974 in a 52-41 victory Sunday.
Alexis Hornbuckle and Nicky Anosike scored 14 points apiece for Tennessee (16-1, 3-0 Southeastern Conference), which has beaten seven ranked teams this season -- four of them on the road.
The Lady Vols' lone loss was at No. 2 North Carolina.
"This team is much more athletic and can cover a lot of ground," said coach Pat Summitt, whose career record improved to 929-178. "That has been the key for us and our success on the road. We're able to generate points off our defense. That's how you win ballgames."
Georgia (14-4, 2-2) shot only 32 percent from the field (15-of-47) and had just one player in double figures, Christy Marshall with 12 points.
The last time Georgia was held to fewer points was a 48-31 loss to Berry on Feb. 15, 1974 -- the debut season of a women's basketball program that developed into one of the nation's best.
Sunday, the Lady Bulldogs looked lost.
Georgia was 1-of-14 from 3-point range, committed 19 turnovers and allowed Tennessee to grab 18 offensive rebounds. The Lady Vols had their own offensive problems, connecting on just 21-of-53 shots (39.6 percent).
"There was a while where we let our offense affect our defense," Summitt said, "but not in the second half when we needed it."
Parker, who was averaging 20.3 points a game, was held to 10 on 4-of-13 shooting, matching her lowest output of the season. But two teammates picked up the slack, with Hornbuckle making a couple of key 3-pointers and Anosike dominating on the inside against Georgia's 6-foot-5 freshman, Angel Robinson.
"You're going to have games like that," Parker said. "This just proves we can play different styles."
Anosike scored 12 points in the second half to help the Lady Vols pull away.
"We're on the road. You've got to expect shots not to fall," the 6-4 junior said. "In that type of situation, you've got to bring your defense and bring it on the boards. That's why we won today."
Georgia's leading scorer, Cory Chambers, went 0-for-6 from the field, including five straight misses from 3-point range. She settled for four points -- all on free throws -- and was far below her season average of 16.4 per game.
Tasha Humphrey hit just 3-of-11 shots and finished with eight points, though she did do a good job defensively on Parker. Humphrey has failed to reach double figures in four straight games.
"We need to get her better at the offensive end," coach Andy Landers said.
Georgia has now lost 13 in a row to Top 10 teams -- five of those defeats delivered by Tennessee. The Lady Vols have won 15 of 17 against their SEC rival.
Landers delivered a blistering critique of his team, singling out seniors Chambers and Janese Hardrick for "standing around" and citing Robinson for "a lack of intensity."
"The thing that ought to be burning in her mind is 'I'm getting killed on the defensive boards,"' the coach said.
The Lady Bulldogs never led, and Landers was forced to call a quick timeout when Tennessee jumped on top 10-2. Georgia made a couple of runs in the second half, but the Lady Vols answered each time.
Trailing 29-25, the Lady Bulldogs had a chance to get closer when Ashley Houts came up with a steal to set up Hardrick and Robinson for a couple of easy attempts underneath. Both shots rolled off the rim, and Hornbuckle raced to the other end to hit a 3-pointer, sparking an 8-0 run.
Georgia responded with 10 straight points, closing to 37-35 on Humphrey's basket with 8:32 remaining.
Hornbuckle missed a layup but got the ball back after yet another offensive rebound, taking advantage of the second chance to swish a 3. Georgia missed, and Parker scored an easy one off the fast break to force the Lady Bulldogs to call time.
Georgia never got closer than five the rest of the way.
Landers' frustration was evident when he was whistled for a technical with just under 13 minutes remaining, protesting a call by flipping his stat sheet high in the air.
At the end, he didn't even bother ordering his team to foul. The Lady Vols ran out the final minute while Georgia's coach simply leaned on the scoring table, watching the seconds tick off before he strolled down to give Summitt a quick handshake.
On an off day for Candace Parker, the Lady Vols held No. 15 Georgia to its fewest points since 1974 in a 52-41 victory Sunday.
Alexis Hornbuckle and Nicky Anosike scored 14 points apiece for Tennessee (16-1, 3-0 Southeastern Conference), which has beaten seven ranked teams this season -- four of them on the road.
The Lady Vols' lone loss was at No. 2 North Carolina.
"This team is much more athletic and can cover a lot of ground," said coach Pat Summitt, whose career record improved to 929-178. "That has been the key for us and our success on the road. We're able to generate points off our defense. That's how you win ballgames."
Georgia (14-4, 2-2) shot only 32 percent from the field (15-of-47) and had just one player in double figures, Christy Marshall with 12 points.
The last time Georgia was held to fewer points was a 48-31 loss to Berry on Feb. 15, 1974 -- the debut season of a women's basketball program that developed into one of the nation's best.
Sunday, the Lady Bulldogs looked lost.
Georgia was 1-of-14 from 3-point range, committed 19 turnovers and allowed Tennessee to grab 18 offensive rebounds. The Lady Vols had their own offensive problems, connecting on just 21-of-53 shots (39.6 percent).
"There was a while where we let our offense affect our defense," Summitt said, "but not in the second half when we needed it."
Parker, who was averaging 20.3 points a game, was held to 10 on 4-of-13 shooting, matching her lowest output of the season. But two teammates picked up the slack, with Hornbuckle making a couple of key 3-pointers and Anosike dominating on the inside against Georgia's 6-foot-5 freshman, Angel Robinson.
"You're going to have games like that," Parker said. "This just proves we can play different styles."
Anosike scored 12 points in the second half to help the Lady Vols pull away.
"We're on the road. You've got to expect shots not to fall," the 6-4 junior said. "In that type of situation, you've got to bring your defense and bring it on the boards. That's why we won today."
Georgia's leading scorer, Cory Chambers, went 0-for-6 from the field, including five straight misses from 3-point range. She settled for four points -- all on free throws -- and was far below her season average of 16.4 per game.
Tasha Humphrey hit just 3-of-11 shots and finished with eight points, though she did do a good job defensively on Parker. Humphrey has failed to reach double figures in four straight games.
"We need to get her better at the offensive end," coach Andy Landers said.
Georgia has now lost 13 in a row to Top 10 teams -- five of those defeats delivered by Tennessee. The Lady Vols have won 15 of 17 against their SEC rival.
Landers delivered a blistering critique of his team, singling out seniors Chambers and Janese Hardrick for "standing around" and citing Robinson for "a lack of intensity."
"The thing that ought to be burning in her mind is 'I'm getting killed on the defensive boards,"' the coach said.
The Lady Bulldogs never led, and Landers was forced to call a quick timeout when Tennessee jumped on top 10-2. Georgia made a couple of runs in the second half, but the Lady Vols answered each time.
Trailing 29-25, the Lady Bulldogs had a chance to get closer when Ashley Houts came up with a steal to set up Hardrick and Robinson for a couple of easy attempts underneath. Both shots rolled off the rim, and Hornbuckle raced to the other end to hit a 3-pointer, sparking an 8-0 run.
Georgia responded with 10 straight points, closing to 37-35 on Humphrey's basket with 8:32 remaining.
Hornbuckle missed a layup but got the ball back after yet another offensive rebound, taking advantage of the second chance to swish a 3. Georgia missed, and Parker scored an easy one off the fast break to force the Lady Bulldogs to call time.
Georgia never got closer than five the rest of the way.
Landers' frustration was evident when he was whistled for a technical with just under 13 minutes remaining, protesting a call by flipping his stat sheet high in the air.
At the end, he didn't even bother ordering his team to foul. The Lady Vols ran out the final minute while Georgia's coach simply leaned on the scoring table, watching the seconds tick off before he strolled down to give Summitt a quick handshake.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Baylor Boys Overtake Knox Webb, 42-33
The Baylor School boys' basketball team overcame an early deficit to defeat Knoxville Webb Friday night on the road, 42-33.
The Baylor girls, meanwhile, lost to the Lady Spartans, the top-rated girls team in the Knoxville area, by a score of 59-15. Leading the way for Coach John Gibson�s Lady Red Raiders were Teal Nabors with 7 points, Nina Davenport and Katie Wilson with 3 each, and Conley Crimmins with 2.
In the boys' game, Baylor appeared initially as if it might also suffer a convincing loss. Webb led 9-4 at the end of the first quarter and the Red Raider deficit continued to expand well into the second quarter.
But after the score reached 13-5, Baylor made a steal and appeared to become a different team. It began playing defense tight and up close, and Alan Owsley started playing offense successfully from far away, His three 3-pointers in the first half helped Baylor take an 18-17 lead at intermission.
The Red Raiders would eventually take a 29-22 lead at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Webb cut the deficit to six with about 1:25 left. However, a dunk by a wide-open Sydney Tarver on a fast break with 45 seconds left in the game put Baylor back up by nine and figuratively slammed the door shut on Webb.
Although Baylor head coach Austin Clark admitted he was happy to win a road game, he still sounded like a film critic offering a mixed review.
"I don't think we played as well as we could have by any stretch," he said. "We are still getting the kinks out. But a win on the road is good."
He also does not have long to enjoy the win, as top-ranked Brentwood Academy comes to Baylor's Duke Arena on Saturday.
Leading the way for Baylor were Tarver and James Feher with 13 points each. Tarver also had 10 rebounds, while Feher had 8. Other scorers for Baylor, which moved to 4-8 on the season and 1-0 in region play, were Owsley, with 9 points, and University of Tennessee football commitment Kevin Cooper, who had 7.
Another UT connection at the game was Lady Vols' basketball head coach Pat Summitt. Her son, sophomore Tyler Summitt, was the starting point guard for Webb. The diminutive-but-stocky player did not score any points but he did bark out offensive plays and orders in a loud and authoritative way on several occasions.
His well-known mother watched the game closely but with more much more reserve than when she coaches.
Former UT player coach Clark, meanwhile, was typically very intense and animated, sometimes running as much up and down the sideline as his players did on the court.
The Baylor girls, meanwhile, lost to the Lady Spartans, the top-rated girls team in the Knoxville area, by a score of 59-15. Leading the way for Coach John Gibson�s Lady Red Raiders were Teal Nabors with 7 points, Nina Davenport and Katie Wilson with 3 each, and Conley Crimmins with 2.
In the boys' game, Baylor appeared initially as if it might also suffer a convincing loss. Webb led 9-4 at the end of the first quarter and the Red Raider deficit continued to expand well into the second quarter.
But after the score reached 13-5, Baylor made a steal and appeared to become a different team. It began playing defense tight and up close, and Alan Owsley started playing offense successfully from far away, His three 3-pointers in the first half helped Baylor take an 18-17 lead at intermission.
The Red Raiders would eventually take a 29-22 lead at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Webb cut the deficit to six with about 1:25 left. However, a dunk by a wide-open Sydney Tarver on a fast break with 45 seconds left in the game put Baylor back up by nine and figuratively slammed the door shut on Webb.
Although Baylor head coach Austin Clark admitted he was happy to win a road game, he still sounded like a film critic offering a mixed review.
"I don't think we played as well as we could have by any stretch," he said. "We are still getting the kinks out. But a win on the road is good."
He also does not have long to enjoy the win, as top-ranked Brentwood Academy comes to Baylor's Duke Arena on Saturday.
Leading the way for Baylor were Tarver and James Feher with 13 points each. Tarver also had 10 rebounds, while Feher had 8. Other scorers for Baylor, which moved to 4-8 on the season and 1-0 in region play, were Owsley, with 9 points, and University of Tennessee football commitment Kevin Cooper, who had 7.
Another UT connection at the game was Lady Vols' basketball head coach Pat Summitt. Her son, sophomore Tyler Summitt, was the starting point guard for Webb. The diminutive-but-stocky player did not score any points but he did bark out offensive plays and orders in a loud and authoritative way on several occasions.
His well-known mother watched the game closely but with more much more reserve than when she coaches.
Former UT player coach Clark, meanwhile, was typically very intense and animated, sometimes running as much up and down the sideline as his players did on the court.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Fourth-Ranked Lady Vols Rip Florida 80-58
Tennessee’s Sidney Spencer tied her career high with 21 points and Alexis Hornbuckle narrowly missed becoming the first Lady Vol to accomplish a triple-double in leading UT to an avenging 80-58 victory over Florida Thursday night in Gainesville in a Southeastern Conference showdown that UT was eagerly anticipating since last season’s stunning overtime loss to the Gators in Knoxville.
The fourth-ranked Lady Vols (15-1, 2-0 SEC) scored the first 25 points in winning their ninth straight game and not even Florida’s (6-10, 02 SEC) 17-0 run to close out the opening half would prevent UT from winning their ninth consecutive game.
Spencer, the 6’3” senior forward from Hoover, Ala., was five of seven from three point range which tied for the ninth best performance ever by a Lady Vol from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Hornbuckle, the 5’11” junior guard from Charleston, WV, almost became the first Lady Vol in the 33 year history of the program to have a triple-double.
Hornbuckle scored 10 points and assists and grabbed nine rebounds. She also extended her stealing streak to 52 games with four against UF.
Sophomore All-American and Player of the Year candidate Candace Parker finished with 14 points despite playing for just 19 minutes.
Despite the victory, the Lady Vols had their worst game of the season at the free throw line connecting on just 5 of 12 attempts for 41.7 percent.
Marshae Dotson led Gator scoring with 20 points followed by Depree Bowden’s 16.
The Lady Vols will travel to Athens on Sunday to battle 15th ranked Georgia in a 1 p.m. contest which will be televised on FSN (Fox Sports Network). UT has won the last four games against the Lady Bulldogs.
The win...
Improves the Lady Vols to 15-1 on the season, 2-0 in the SEC
Improves Pat Summitt's career record to 928-178 in 33 seasons at UT
Gives the Lady Vols a 35-2 lead in the series with the Gators
Gives Tennessee its ninth straight win this season
Notes...
Tennessee jumped out to a 25-0 lead before Florida scored with 12:20 left on the clock in the first half. It was the second longest opening drought by a UT opponent this season. Tennessee-Martin did not score until the clock read 11:44 and Tennessee had an 18-0 lead.
The 41.7 percent from the foul line was UT's worst mark this season.
Sidney Spencer...
Scored in double figures for the 12th time this season, the 39th time of her career.
Scored a career-high-tying 21 points
Made four of her first five three-point attempts... finished the game 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Her five treys tie a career high and tie for the ninth-most in a game by a Lady Vol.
Alexis Hornbuckle...
Extended her streak of games with a steal to 52
Earned season and SEC career highs in rebounds (9) and assists (10)
Moved into 20th place in the UT record books for career assists (290)
Moved past Mary Ostrowski and into 14th place in the UT record books for career steals (209)
Earned her first double-double in assists (10) and points (10)...
Other Lady Vols with double-doubles in points and assists:
Clower, Susan Jr. 10 10 N.C. State 2/21/81
Henry, Lea So. 14 10 Valdosta State 11/29/80
Hornbuckle, Alexis Jr. 10 10 Florida 1/11/07
Marciniak, Michelle Jr. 10 10 Florida A&M 3/16/95
Marsh, Dawn Sr. 11 11 Memphis State 1/27/88
McGhee, Carla Jr. 12 10 South Carolina 1/25/90
Warlick, Holly Sr. 10 10 Mississippi 2/10/80
Zolman, Shanna Sr. 22 10 Florida 2/26/06
Candace Parker...
Scored in double figures for the 30th straight game.
Cait McMahan...
Tied a career-high with seven points.
Alex Fuller...
Her eight rebounds matched her career-best.
The fourth-ranked Lady Vols (15-1, 2-0 SEC) scored the first 25 points in winning their ninth straight game and not even Florida’s (6-10, 02 SEC) 17-0 run to close out the opening half would prevent UT from winning their ninth consecutive game.
Spencer, the 6’3” senior forward from Hoover, Ala., was five of seven from three point range which tied for the ninth best performance ever by a Lady Vol from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Hornbuckle, the 5’11” junior guard from Charleston, WV, almost became the first Lady Vol in the 33 year history of the program to have a triple-double.
Hornbuckle scored 10 points and assists and grabbed nine rebounds. She also extended her stealing streak to 52 games with four against UF.
Sophomore All-American and Player of the Year candidate Candace Parker finished with 14 points despite playing for just 19 minutes.
Despite the victory, the Lady Vols had their worst game of the season at the free throw line connecting on just 5 of 12 attempts for 41.7 percent.
Marshae Dotson led Gator scoring with 20 points followed by Depree Bowden’s 16.
The Lady Vols will travel to Athens on Sunday to battle 15th ranked Georgia in a 1 p.m. contest which will be televised on FSN (Fox Sports Network). UT has won the last four games against the Lady Bulldogs.
The win...
Improves the Lady Vols to 15-1 on the season, 2-0 in the SEC
Improves Pat Summitt's career record to 928-178 in 33 seasons at UT
Gives the Lady Vols a 35-2 lead in the series with the Gators
Gives Tennessee its ninth straight win this season
Notes...
Tennessee jumped out to a 25-0 lead before Florida scored with 12:20 left on the clock in the first half. It was the second longest opening drought by a UT opponent this season. Tennessee-Martin did not score until the clock read 11:44 and Tennessee had an 18-0 lead.
The 41.7 percent from the foul line was UT's worst mark this season.
Sidney Spencer...
Scored in double figures for the 12th time this season, the 39th time of her career.
Scored a career-high-tying 21 points
Made four of her first five three-point attempts... finished the game 5-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Her five treys tie a career high and tie for the ninth-most in a game by a Lady Vol.
Alexis Hornbuckle...
Extended her streak of games with a steal to 52
Earned season and SEC career highs in rebounds (9) and assists (10)
Moved into 20th place in the UT record books for career assists (290)
Moved past Mary Ostrowski and into 14th place in the UT record books for career steals (209)
Earned her first double-double in assists (10) and points (10)...
Other Lady Vols with double-doubles in points and assists:
Clower, Susan Jr. 10 10 N.C. State 2/21/81
Henry, Lea So. 14 10 Valdosta State 11/29/80
Hornbuckle, Alexis Jr. 10 10 Florida 1/11/07
Marciniak, Michelle Jr. 10 10 Florida A&M 3/16/95
Marsh, Dawn Sr. 11 11 Memphis State 1/27/88
McGhee, Carla Jr. 12 10 South Carolina 1/25/90
Warlick, Holly Sr. 10 10 Mississippi 2/10/80
Zolman, Shanna Sr. 22 10 Florida 2/26/06
Candace Parker...
Scored in double figures for the 30th straight game.
Cait McMahan...
Tied a career-high with seven points.
Alex Fuller...
Her eight rebounds matched her career-best.
Summitt uses loss to Gators as motivation
KNOXVILLE — Tennessee women's basketball Coach Pat Summitt told her players earlier this week the only thing they really needed to know about Florida.
This was the team that kept them out of the Final Four for the first time in five years.
Summitt maintains that the Gators' 95-93 victory in a regular-season finale last year kept the Lady Vols from getting a top seed in the NCAA Tournament and ultimately led to their Elite Eight loss to No. 1-overall seed North Carolina.
Fourth-ranked Tennessee (14-1, 1-0 SEC), fresh off its 70-64 win Saturday over archrival Connecticut, gets its first shot at revenge against the Gators (6-10, 0-1) at 6 p.m. tonight at the O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.
"All of the returning players understand how costly that loss was," Summitt said. "I think they're mindful of that. I've got to believe we'll be ready to play, probably even more so because of what happened last year."
Florida's come-from-behind, overtime win Feb. 26 was Tennessee's first loss to an unranked team at Thompson-Boling Arena, which opened in 1987.
It also might have been one of the Lady Vols' most damaging regular-season losses in recent memory.
Still not forgotten
A Tennessee team already sputtering into the postseason with a depleted backcourt was dropped to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Cleveland Region, which most experts considered the most difficult of the four regions.
If not for the Florida loss, a No. 1 seed could have been within reach for the Lady Vols, who played the nation's toughest schedule. They could have avoided playing North Carolina in the Elite Eight, perhaps making a fifth straight Final Four appearance a more realistic goal.
"It kept us from getting a No. 1 seed," senior forward Sidney Spencer said. "Who knows where we would have ended up?
"That's such great motivation, and I'm glad that (Summitt) brought it up."
Even before Summitt mentioned it during Monday's practice, no one needed a reminder.
"I never thought they would ever beat us," said senior forward Dominique Redding, who grew up in Clearwater, Fla., about two hours from Gainesville.
Easier time
A loss to Florida might not be as much of a threat for UT this year.
The Gators have dropped their last three games and six of their last eight, including last week's SEC opener against Georgia. But don't expect Tennessee to overlook Florida this time.
"They took away our one seed," junior guard Alexis Hornbuckle said. "We don't want that to be repeated this year."
Still no Moats: Summitt said freshman forward Nicci Moats, who hasn't played since Dec. 22, will not travel with the team for tonight's game. It will be the fourth straight game missed by Moats, who returned to campus Monday after leaving Dec. 28 for undisclosed personal reasons.
Junior guard/forward Alberta Auguste, meanwhile, is expected to play after briefly leaving practice Monday with a shoulder injury.
This was the team that kept them out of the Final Four for the first time in five years.
Summitt maintains that the Gators' 95-93 victory in a regular-season finale last year kept the Lady Vols from getting a top seed in the NCAA Tournament and ultimately led to their Elite Eight loss to No. 1-overall seed North Carolina.
Fourth-ranked Tennessee (14-1, 1-0 SEC), fresh off its 70-64 win Saturday over archrival Connecticut, gets its first shot at revenge against the Gators (6-10, 0-1) at 6 p.m. tonight at the O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.
"All of the returning players understand how costly that loss was," Summitt said. "I think they're mindful of that. I've got to believe we'll be ready to play, probably even more so because of what happened last year."
Florida's come-from-behind, overtime win Feb. 26 was Tennessee's first loss to an unranked team at Thompson-Boling Arena, which opened in 1987.
It also might have been one of the Lady Vols' most damaging regular-season losses in recent memory.
Still not forgotten
A Tennessee team already sputtering into the postseason with a depleted backcourt was dropped to a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Cleveland Region, which most experts considered the most difficult of the four regions.
If not for the Florida loss, a No. 1 seed could have been within reach for the Lady Vols, who played the nation's toughest schedule. They could have avoided playing North Carolina in the Elite Eight, perhaps making a fifth straight Final Four appearance a more realistic goal.
"It kept us from getting a No. 1 seed," senior forward Sidney Spencer said. "Who knows where we would have ended up?
"That's such great motivation, and I'm glad that (Summitt) brought it up."
Even before Summitt mentioned it during Monday's practice, no one needed a reminder.
"I never thought they would ever beat us," said senior forward Dominique Redding, who grew up in Clearwater, Fla., about two hours from Gainesville.
Easier time
A loss to Florida might not be as much of a threat for UT this year.
The Gators have dropped their last three games and six of their last eight, including last week's SEC opener against Georgia. But don't expect Tennessee to overlook Florida this time.
"They took away our one seed," junior guard Alexis Hornbuckle said. "We don't want that to be repeated this year."
Still no Moats: Summitt said freshman forward Nicci Moats, who hasn't played since Dec. 22, will not travel with the team for tonight's game. It will be the fourth straight game missed by Moats, who returned to campus Monday after leaving Dec. 28 for undisclosed personal reasons.
Junior guard/forward Alberta Auguste, meanwhile, is expected to play after briefly leaving practice Monday with a shoulder injury.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Lady Vols Travel To Florida
The #4-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols (14-1, 1-0 SEC), riding an eight-game winning streak, travels to face unranked Florida (6-10, 0-1 SEC) in the first SEC road game of the year at Gainesville, Fla., on Friday at 7 p.m.
LADY VOLS AT A GLANCE
This is the Lady Vols' 33rd season under Head Coach Pat Summitt...She has compiled a staggering 927-178 overall record... Is just 73 wins away from a remarkable 1,000 career victories...Collected her 900th coaching win with a 80-68 decision over #19-ranked Vanderbilt on Jan. 19, 2006... She passed Dean Smith (879 wins) for most NCAA collegiate basketball wins of all-time with a 75-54 victory over Purdue on Mar. 22, 2005 ...Her 2005-06 squad advanced to the NCAA Elite...Finished with a 31-5 overall record and were the SEC Tournament Champions...
This season, UT returned six letterwinners, welcomed a senior manager turned player, two junior college transfers and a pair of rookies...The 2006-07 season marks the Lady Vol debut for former senior manager #10 Elizabeth Curry, JC transfers #00 Shannon Bobbitt and #33 Alberta Auguste...True freshman, #2 Cait McMahan, a 5-4 guard from Maryville, Tenn., and #34 Nicci Moats, a 6-2 forward from Daleville, Va., also see their first action in the Orange and White this season.
THE 4-1-1 ON THE GATORS
In the Florida Gators (6-10, 0-1 SEC) last outing before facing Tennessee, UF's Marshae Dotson scored a career-high 22 points to go along with nine rebounds but it wasn't enough to overcome a significant halftime deficit as the Gators dropped an 89-57 decision to the #14-ranked Georgia Bulldogs on Jan. 4 in Athens, Ga. The Bulldogs ended the first half on a 20-2 run to take a commanding 52-23 halftime lead. Florida sophomore Sha Brooks reached double-figures for the 10th straight game, contributing 10 points, as eight of the nine Gators scored in the game. For Dotson, it was her third career 20-point game, while she also collected a team-high nine rebounds. Georgia capitalized on 22 Florida miscues and scored 23 points off the mistakes. The Gators connected on just 36.4 percent from the field and hit 2-15 three pointers (13%). Georgia controlled the boards 43-39 but both teams tallied 24 points in the paint on the offensive end.
OUR SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
This week, the Lady Vols return to SEC play traveling to Gainesville to face the Florida Gators (Jan. 11) and then head down to Athens to meet #15 Georgia (Jan. 14) in a TV match-up.
LADY VOLS ON TV
A record 21 Lady Vol regular season games are slated for national/regional television this season. Five non-televised games will be available as streaming video with voice-over from Mickey Dearstone on utladyvols.com. UT is 9-1 on TV this season.
ON THIS DAY
UT is 8-1 in games played on Jan. 11. The Lady Vols are 5-0 at home, 3-1 on the road and 0-0 on neutral courts. The last time out on Jan. 11, the Lady Vols registered an 61-53 victory at Miss. State, in 2004.
LOOKING BACK
Last year at this time, the Lady Vols were 15-0 and had just defeated Connecticut, 89-80, in Knoxville.
PLAYING 14 RANKED TEAMS
Tennessee will play 14 teams in 16 games and five of the nation's top 10 teams who have been ranked at some point this season in the AP and USA TODAY ESPN polls: North Carolina, Duke, UConn, Georgia, LSU, Stanford, Arizona St., Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Arkansas, UCLA, George Washington, Texas and Middle Tennessee. All have been ranked or are currently ranked.
UT'S OFFENSIVE OPPORTUNITIES
In all games, this is how Tennessee has shot from the field: 50%FG: Chattanooga (.579), MTSU (.565), Arizona St. (.548), UCLA (.531), ODU/UT-Martin (.509), Stanford (.500); 40%FG: Louisiana Tech (.483), GWU (.482), Alabama1 (.464), West Virginia (.431), Texas (.429); 30%FG: Notre Dame (.381), UConn (.371), North Carolina (.362)
DEEE ----- FENSE
In all games, this is how the opposition has shot from the field: 50%FG: none, 40%FG: GWU (.472), Arizona St. (.469), Stanford (.456), MTSU (.453), UCLA (.451), North Carolina (.444), UConn (.433), Chattanooga (.431), Notre Dame (.407), 30%FG: ODU (.396), West Virginia (.352), Alabama1 (.369), Texas (.308); 20%FG: Louisiana Tech (.295), UT-Martin (.204)
2006-07 WON-LOSS DIFFERENTIAL
Wins: +56 (1), +36 (1), +30 (1), +24 (2), +23 (2), +21 (2), +17 (1), + 16 (1), +15 (1), +9 (1), +6 (1).
Losses: -13 (1)
PARKER EARNS SEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Lady Vol sophomore All-American Candace Parker earned SEC Co-Player of the Week honors for her performances against Alabama and #5-ranked Connecticut (week of Jan. 1-7). She shared the accolade with Mississippi's Armintie Price. Against Alabama on Jan. 3, Parker picked off a career-best five steals. She also added 15 points, five rebounds and five blocks; all in a limited 24 minutes of playing time. Tennessee took its 31st consecutive win against the Tide with the 72-36 routing. On Jan. 6, the Lady Vols defeated #5-ranked Connecticut, 70-64. In the victory, Parker was named the CBS and Lady Vol player of the game for her 30 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks and four assists in her first 40-minute game of the season. One of the many 6-4 sophomore's highlights was a dunk early in the second half to put UT up by 16. Parker previously captured player of the week honors on Nov. 20 and Nov. 27 of this season.
UPCOMING OPPONENT - GEORGIA
Before facing #4-ranked Tennessee in Athens, Ga., on Jan. 14, #15-ranked Georgia visits Mississippi St. on Jan. 11. The Lady Bulldogs will be looking to get back on the winning track after falling at #6-ranked LSU, 57-55, on Jan. 7. LSU's Sylvia Fowles scored with 54 seconds remaining in the game to give the Lady Tigers the victory. In the final seconds, Georgia had two chances to score. On their first, Janese Hardrick missed a 3-pointer with the shot clock running out. Then after LSU's Allison Hightower missed the front end of a one-and-one, Humphrey missed a driving layup with 3 seconds left. Reserve Christy Marshall led Georgia (13-3, 1-0) with 12 points on the afternoon while Humphrey grabbed eight rebounds.
FLORIDA NOTEBOOK
The Florida Gators (6-10, 0-1 SEC) have enjoyed the last week off with a seven day break between their loss to #15 Georgia on Jan. 4 and the meeting with #4-ranked Tennessee on Jan. 11. The Gators are looking to break a three-game losing streak and will be playing in their SEC home opener.
DATE RANK SITE W/L SCORE
2/8/80 5/nr H W 118-44
11/28/81 2/nr A W 85-73
2/1/82 H W 83-67
1/23/83 8/nr A W 94-62
2/2/83 8/nr H W 70-69
1/8/84 8/nr A W 78-70
1/31/84 9/nr H W 69-49
1/21/85 H W 69-61
2/10/85 A W 83-74
2/2/86 10/nr H W 82-60
1/17/87 2/nr A W 90-72
2/21/88 3/nr H W 108-53
2/18/89 3/nr A W 85-52
2/17/90 4/nr H W 75-42
3/3/90 3/nr N51 W 81-56
1/16/91 4/nr A W 71-70(OT)
2/22/92 2/nr H W 90-69
2/21/93 1/nr A W 88-75
12/18/93 1/nr H W 84-69
2/1/95 2/14 A W 76-69
1/2/96 4/21 H W 87-67
3/3/96 5/18 N65 W 74-63
1/21/97 8/19 A L 62-71
1/10/98 1/12 H W 99-60
1/21/99 1/21 A W 77-64
2/26/99 2/nr N65 W 92-80
2/13/00 2/nr H W 97-78
3/3/00 2/nr N65 W 91-79
2/11/01 2/6 A W 103-73
1/3/02 2/15 A W 88-64
1/31/02 2/12 H W 86-66
1/19/03 5/nr A W 94-53
2/9/03 3/nr H W 79-40
2/19/04 3/nr H W 88-79
2/3/05 5/nr A W 91-82(OT)
2/26/06 5/nr H L 93-95(OT)
FLORIDA SERIES
Tennessee leads the series with Florida, 34-2. UT has gone to overtime with the Gators in the last two meeting. Last season, Florida became the first unranked team to deal the Lady Vols a loss in Thompson-Boling Arena and the second home loss by an unranked team, ever. The other Gator victory came in the 1997 meeting in Gainesville where Florida upended the eventual 1997 NCAA Champs, 71-62. The Gators win last season broke a 12 game winning run by the Lady Vols.
AVERAGE SCORE
The average score of all UT-Florida games is 86.2 (UT) and 65.3 (UF).
SUNSHINE GIRLS
Currently, only one Lady Vol hails from the state of Florida - senior Dominique Redding from Clearwater. Former Lady Vols from Florida include slam-dunk queen Michelle Snow (Pensacola), Lady Vol Hall of Famer Bridgette Gordon (DeLand) and Pam Marr (Winter Park).
FACING THE RANKED
Tennessee faced their seventh ranked opponent of the 2006-07 season in the game at #5-ranked Connecticut. UT is 6-1 in games versus ranked teams out of 15 total contests. Meanwhile Florida will be taking on their fifth ranked opponent in 17 games when they face #4 Tennessee. UF is 0-4 vs. ranked losing to then #18 Cal, #14/12 Rutgers, #16/14 Louisville and #15 Georgia.
TENNESSEE FLORIDA
OVERALL RECORD 14-1 6-10
CONFERENCE RECORD 1-0 0-1
RPI/SOS 1/1 135/49
SCORING 77.3 70.9
SCORING DEFENSE 56.7 71.1
POINT MARGIN +20.5 - 2.0
REBOUNDS 36.9 40.1
OPP. REBOUNDS 33.1 42.6
REBOUND MARGIN + 3.9 - 2.5
FG% .475 .390
OPPONENT FG% .394 .419
THREE POINT FG% .417 .305
OPPONENT 3FG% .338 .312
FT% .729 .712
OPPONENT FT% .657 .644
ASSISTS 16.9 11.4
BLOCKS AVERAGE 6.5 3.4
STEALS AVERAGE 13.4 10.7
OUR LAST MEETING
The Lady Vols closed out the 2005-06 regular season Feb. 26, 2006 with a 95-93 overtime loss to Florida on Senior Day. Candace Parker scored a career-high for the Lady Vols, netting 25 of her 34 points in the second half. Shanna Zolman and Tye'sha Fluker accounted for 44 points, 22 rebounds and 10 assists in their last game in Thompson- Boling Arena. Parker, Fluker and Zolman each finished with a double-double. The #5-ranked Lady Vols lost at home to an unranked team for the second time in school history and first time in 22 years. On top of that, Tennessee lost to two unranked teams in one season for the first time since the women's rankings started in 1976. Its first loss to an unranked team this year came at Kentucky, 66-63 on Jan. 26. The Lady Vols (25-4, 11-3 Southeastern Conference) had never lost to an unranked team in Thompson-Boling Arena. Unranked Cincinnati beat then-No. 12 Tennessee 72-69 on Nov. 26, 1984, in the university's old arena, Stokely Athletics Center. It was only the 16th loss for Tennessee in Thompson-Boling Arena. Florida's Brittany Davis scored a career-high 29 points and Sha Brooks added 25 for the Gators (20-7, 8-6). Sarah Lowe added 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and no turnovers while playing the entire 45 minutes. Florida utilized a full-court press that forced most of Tennessee's season high 28 turnovers and further exposed the loss of point guard Alexis Hornbuckle. Florida had a season-high 20 steals. The Gators grabbed the lead early in the second half and didn't trail again until overtime. But that only lasted 15 seconds. Candace Parker converted a three-point play to put Tennessee ahead 87-84 with 3 minutes left in the extra period. Davis hit her only 3 of the game and then made the second of two free throws on the ensuing possession to give the lead back to Florida, and the Gators held on to win. Florida went up 51-50 on Brooks' 3 with 13:29 left in regulation, starting a 13-0 run. Santos capped it with a 3 that pushed the Gators' lead to 11. The Lady Vols got back in it with a 10-2 run to cut it to 65-64 with 6:46 left. Tennessee cut it to one three more times before Eshe made two free throws with 34.4 seconds left to push it to 81-76. Tennessee led 34-30 at the break but needed Zolman's 3 with 8.4 seconds left to send the game into extra periods. Tennessee out-rebounded Florida 54-38 and shot 49 percent compared to the Gators 40 percent, but turnovers and 63 percent FT-shooting lost the game in the end.
FACING THE UNRANKED
When taking on an unranked opponent such as Florida, the odds have typically tipped in Tennessee's favor. In her 33 years at the helm of the Lady Vols, UT head coach Pat Summitt has fashioned a 552-32 (.947) record when going up against unranked teams. The victory over Old Dominion was Summitt's 550th over an unranked foe.
LAST TIME IN GAINESVILLE
Playing in its first overtime game of the season, the fifth-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols scored 22 points in the extra session to earn a 91-82 victory against Florida at the O'Connell Center on Feb. 3, 2005. With the victory, UT had won 41 consecutive regular-season SEC games. Additionally, the Big Orange improved its all-time record against the Gators to 34-1. Early in the contest, both teams struggled at the offensive end of the floor as they combined to miss on their first 11 attempts. By the second media timeout, Tennessee appeared to have found its rhythm as Shanna Zolman connected on a three-pointer to give UT a six-point lead, 15-9. While UF fought back to even the score at 21 with 7:39 showing, the Lady Vols responded with a 9-0 run, capped by an Alexis Hornbuckle spinning layin, to push the advantage to 30-21. However, the Gators answered with an 8-0 spurt of their own to narrow the gap to just one point before Tennessee finally headed to the locker room clinging to a 34-32 lead. Following the intermission, Florida hung tough and took its first lead of the game, 41-40, after a three-pointer by Tamia Williams. While the teams exchanged the lead on four occasions, the Lady Vols finally put some breathing room between the two teams following a Shyra Ely layup with 9:05 to play to go ahead 56-50. With a little more than three minutes remaining in regulation, UT still held a six-point advantage, 67-61, but scored just two more points as Florida drew even and sent the game to overtime. UF forward Bernice Mosby had a chance to win the game in regulation, but she missed on a running one-hander as the buzzer sounded. In the extra session, Tennessee connected on its first three shot attempts and built a four-point lead just 45 seconds into the frame. UT never relinquished the lead and sealed the victory at the charity stripe, hitting 13-of-15 attempts in OT.
RANDOM UT-UF NOTES
With the upset win over Tennessee in Knoxville last season, Florida reached 20 wins for the first time since the 2000-01 season, and the first time under Carolyn Peck... Peck is also no stranger to the Tennessee sideline...The Jefferson City, Tenn., native and Vanderbilt grad was an assistant with the Lady Vols for the 1994 and 1995 seasons....Coach Peck definitely has some experience in breaking Lady Vol fans' hearts...Prior to the 95-93 overtime win by Florida in Knoxville last season, the first ever by an unranked opponent in Thompson-Boling Arena, Peck pulled the winning trick while at Purdue. On Nov. 15, 1998, Peck's Purdue Boilermakers ended Tennessee's 46-game winning streak with a 78-68 victory in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue would go on to win the 1999 NCAA Championship.
RANDOM QUICK HITTERS AFTER 15 GAMES
For all of its offensive potential, the Lady Vols currently have just two players averaging double-figure scoring, Candace Parker (20.4 ppg) and Sidney Spencer (12.1 ppg)...Alexis Hornbuckle averaged over 10.0 ppg in the first six games of the season and in two of the last five contests...Hornbuckle is averaging 9.3 ppg currently...Lady Vol coach Pat Summitt has been on the warpath regarding the team's rebounding prowess of late - or lack thereof... UT has been outrebounded in 8 games this season and the last five consecutive contests (44-40 vs. UConn, 34-32 vs. Alabama, 40-39 vs. Notre Dame, 34-30 at ODU, 38-36 vs. WVU, 43-33 at UNC, 46-37 at La Tech and 37-27 vs. Chattanooga)...Tennessee holds an uncharacteristic and scant 3.9 rebounding advantage over the its foes...Year-in and year-out, UT teams are usually noted for pounding the ball in the paint for the majority of its points...Times, they are a'changing...This season, one-fourth of Tennessee's makes and attempts have come from three-point range (93-223 three-pointers and 420-884 for all shots)...Senior Sidney Spencer has led the nation for a majority of the season with a gaudy shooting percentage between 52% and 65% from three-point land...The 6'3" senior forward is a tough match-up and has found ways to get herself open for good looks at the trey...Spencer suffered a mini drought in back-to-back games versus West Virginia and at Old Dominion when she didn't hit any threes...After a four-game hiatus from playing a ranked team, the Lady Vols will be facing four ranked teams in its next eight games in the month of January...UT faces: at #5 Connecticut (a 70-64 win), at #15 Georgia, versus #3 Duke and at #14/12 Vanderbilt...January finds the Lady Vols on the road for five tough games and at home for three big match-ups...
HOPE TO DO BETTER IN THE SEC SLATE THIS SEASON
The Tennessee Lady Vols hope to turn in a better showing in the Southeastern Conference regular season slate in 2006-07. Last season, UT lost an uncharacteristic three games in the SEC - at Kentucky (66-63), at home to LSU (72-69) and Florida (95-93 OT). Eight points separated UT from a perfect 14-0 mark to a nine-season low 11-3 SEC record. In fact, from the 1997-98 season until the 2004-05 campaign, Tennessee lost a total of four SEC games in the regular season.
PARKER RACING THROUGH THE RECORD BOOKS
Lady Vol sophomore All-American Candace Parker is rapidly racing through the Tennessee record books. Through 51 career games, the Naperville, Ill., native has recorded the following totals: 928 points, 432 rebounds and 127 blocks, ranking sixth all-time in the latter category. When she reaches the 1,000-point plateau, she will become just the 29th Lady Vol ever to do so. If she does it before her 57th career game, she will be the fastest Pat Summitt-coached player to amass 1,000 tallies. Chamique Holdsclaw did so in 57 games and Tamika Catchings in 58.
THE BOOK ON BOBBITT
The scouting report on Lady Vol junior Shannon Bobbitt has undergone some revisions of late. In the last four games, Bobbitt has emerged into more of a scoring role. The diminutive New Yorker has averaged 11.8 ppg, 44% FG, 60% three-pointers, 100% from the free throw line in contests against Old Dominion, Notre Dame, Alabama and #5-ranked Connecticut. Against the Irish, Bobbitt connected for a career high 17 points. In the win over UConn, Bobbitt drilled three treys in the opening stanza.
UT DOGS UCONN
Tennessee's 70-64 victory over #5-ranked Connecticut on Jan. 6, 2007 was the Lady Vols third in a row over the Huskies. The victory also marked Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt's 325th "W" over a ranked team all-time. In the game, Tennessee had a season low 10 miscues on the afternoon -- just four turnovers in the first 25 minutes of the game but had six in the last 15 minutes. Interestingly, UConn had just 13 fouls called on them for the game... seven of which were called on someone who fouled Candace Parker. Individually, Sidney Spencer...reached double figures for the 11th time this season, the 38th time of her career...had a career-high-tying nine rebounds and moved into eighth place in the UT record books for career three-pointers (104); Candace Parker...DUNKED! For the first time on the road against a ranked opponent this season and against the highest ranked opponent in her career. The dunk is the fourth on the season and the sixth in her career. The dunk came after a Sidney Spencer steal found Parker open and alone down the court early in the second stanza. Parker's first basket of the game gave her career-point No. 900...she reached double-figures for the 15th game this season, the 29th time in a row...Collected 30+ points for the second time this season, the third time in her career...had her eighth double-double of the season, the 18th of her career; Alexis Hornbuckle...Extended her streak of games with a steal to 51. She now has at least one steal in 72 of 79 career games...moved into a tie for 21st place in the UT record books for career assists (281); Nicky Anosike...moved into eighth place in the UT record books for career blocks (104) and Shannon Bobbitt...made three consecutive treys in the first half to help the Lady Vols obtain a 12-point halftime lead.
SEC TWOSIES
The SEC plays a 14-game regular season schedule with each team playing everyone in the league once, a natural rival twice and designated rotating teams from the SEC East and West once extra time. The Lady Vols face Vanderbilt twice each season as its natural rival and this year will once again face Georgia and Alabama twice. Last season, Tennessee went 6-0 in these games during the regular season.
UT WINNING STREAKS VS. SEC TEAMS
Alabama, 31 in a row, since 3-23-1984
Arkansas, 12 in row, since 1-1-1998
Auburn, 14 in a row, since 2-14-1998
Georgia, 4 in a row, since 1-31-2005
LSU, 1 in a row, since 3-5-2006
Mississippi, 13 in a row, since 3-2-1996
Mississippi St., 25 in a row, since 2-22-1986
South Carolina, 32 in a row, since 3-7-1980
Vanderbilt, 11 in a row, since 2-16-2002
THE SEC REGULAR SEASON STORY
UT's last SEC win at home: Alabama, 72-36, 1-3-07
UT's last SEC win away: Alabama, 82-65, 2-19-06
UT's last SEC loss at home: Florida, 95-93 OT, 2-26-06
UT's last SEC loss away: Kentucky, 66-63, 1-26-06
AGAINST THE SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
Tennessee owns a 366-57 record all-time record vs. 12 teams from the Southeastern Conference. The Lady Vols maintain a winning record against every team in the SEC.
UT IS AMAZING AT HOME VERSUS THE SEC
Since Tennessee began contesting games with Southeastern Conference opponents, the Lady Vols have produced a 151-11 record in all games played at home. Only six SEC teams have ever managed a victory over the Lady Vols in Knoxville - Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU and Ole Miss. Georgia has won three games on UT's turf while Auburn, Kentucky and Ole Miss have registered two wins each and LSU and Florida one win. Georgia was the only team to defeat UT at home in the 1990s - the Lady Bulldogs turned the trick in 1991 and 1996. LSU and Florida are the only SEC teams to defeat UT at home in the 21st century.
WOW--13 SEASONS OF AT LEAST 10 SEC VICTORIES
In the win over Alabama on Feb. 19, 2006, Tennessee claimed its 10th SEC victory of the year. The Lady Vols have now registered double-digit victories in conference play an incredible 13 times. Since the 1991-92 season when SEC play expanded, the Lady Vols have won at least 10 games in the following years: 1992-10 wins, 1993-11 wins, 1994-11 wins, 1995-11 wins, 1998-14 wins, 1999-13 wins, 2000-13 wins, 2001- 14 wins, 2002- 13 wins, 2003- 14 wins, 2004-14 wins, 2005- 13 wins and 2006-11 wins.
SPOILED, I TELL YOU
Prior to last season, It had been nine years since the Lady Vols dropped three SEC league games during a season. In the 1996-97 HBO documentary campaign of "The Cinderella Season: The Lady Vols Fight Back," Tennessee went 8-4 in the SEC. All-time in 25 years of league play, Tennessee has lost two or more SEC games just seven times. Conversely, the Lady Vols have tallied seven perfect league campaigns in SEC play.
SEC LEAGUE PLAY
UT owns a league best record of 240-33 against all SEC teams dating back to the 1982-83 season.
THIS IS AMAZING
From 1980-1997, the Lady Vols claimed a total of six SEC regular season titles in 17 years. From 1998-2004, Tennessee captured seven consecutive SEC regular season crowns producing an amazing 109-4 record. UT's only league losses were to Vandy, Georgia and LSU (twice) during this stretch.
AP POLL NOTES
This is the 31st year of the Associated Press women's basketball rankings. The first Associated Press poll released of the 2005-06 season marked the 500th all-time poll. Since the poll was started in 1976, UT has failed to appear in just 14 of the total of 527 polls through the years. Currently, UT has been ranked in 385 consecutive polls. Since the 1986-87 season, the Lady Vols have been in the top 10 for all but one poll. UT is the only team to have been ranked every year for the last 31 years of the poll. UT has appeared at least once per season over the poll's history.
375TH WIN OVER A RANKED TEAM IN GAME VS. UCONN
Lady Vol coach Pat Summitt collected her 375th all-time win over a ranked team when #4-ranked Tennessee defeated #5-ranked Connecticut on Jan. 6. Summitt has a ridiculous 72 percent winning percentage in ranked games (375-146).
UT A BIG EAST MEMBER... WELL, JUST FOR 3 GAMES
The Tennessee Lady Vols were a southern extension member of the BIG EAST Conference this season and collected a perfect 3-0 record. UT played West Virginia (Dec. 20, a 66-51 win), Notre Dame (Dec. 30, a 78-54 win) and traveled to #5 Connecticut (Jan. 6, a 70-64 victory). Earlier in the season, Tennessee was an ex officio member of the Pac-10 and finished their slate with a 3-0 record against three ranked teams in consecutive games. UT recorded a stretch of wins over #20/21 UCLA (83-60), at #11 Arizona State (83-74) and against #11 Stanford (77-60), Nov. 16-24.
SLOPPY WIN TO START SEC SLATE
Tennessee and Alabama were the first SEC teams in action to start the 2007 slate and UT walked away with a 72-36 victory. The win gave UT a 38-2 lead in the series with UA, and upped the winning streak to 31 consecutive...The Lady Vols held Bama to just 14 first half points which tied for the ninth-fewest by a UT opponent in program history. It ties the Tides' performance on Jan. 6, 2000 and is the lowest point total reached in an opening period against UT by an SEC team. In the game, Tennessee forced a season high 35 turnovers which generated 28 UT points. Individually, Sidney Spencer... Moved into a tied for 10th place in the UT record books for career three-pointers (101); Candace Parker...Scored in double figures for the 47th time in her career and the 28th time in a row and had a career-high five steals; Alexis Hornbuckle...Extended her streak of games with a steal to 50 and now has 204 career thefts, good for 15th place in the UT record books. Tied a season-best in assists with seven tonight Alberta Auguste...Reached double figure scoring for the third time this season
ALL-TIME OPENING DAY RECORD IN SEC PLAY
The Tennessee Lady Vols have produced a 23-5 opening day record in SEC play dating back to the 1979-80 season. UT is 11-2 in home SEC openers and 12-3 on the road. Georgia (1984 and 1996) and Auburn (1988 and 1989) each ambushed the Lady Vols in two SEC opening games, while Vanderbilt turned the trick in 1990. The Lady Vols have not dropped an SEC opener since 1996 when Georgia escaped with a 94-93 overtime victory in Knoxville on Dec. 8, 1996.
PARKER'S A FOUL MAGNET
Lady Vol sophomore All-American Candace Parker has been a foul magnet in 2006-07. With all of the double and triple-teaming she has seen this season, 25 percent of the opponent's 287 total fouls have been inflicted on her. In 15 games this season, Parker has drawn 85 fouls. In the game against Notre Dame, she was fouled 10 times by the Irish, eclipsing nine fouls whistled against players from Arizona State, Stanford and North Carolina. To date, Parker has visited the charity strip 93 times this season -six times a game. Against UConn, seven of the Huskies total of 13 fouls came while trying to stop Parker.
LADY VOLS IN NCAA STATS
Tennessee appears in a number of categories in the latest NCAA stats (thru 1/7/07). UT ranks fourth in the nation in three-point field goal accuracy, eighth in the nation in field goal accuracy, sixth in blocked shots with 6.5 bpg, eighth in steals with 13.4, 10th in scoring margin at +20.5 ppg, 20th in scoring with 77.3 ppg, and 24th in assists with 16.9 per game. Individually, Sidney Spencer ranks third the nation in three-point field goal accuracy with 52.4 percent, Alexis Hornbuckle is 12th in steals with 3.3 thefts and Candace Parker is 16th nationally with 20.4 ppg and 15th in 2.7 blocks per game.
UT LEADS IN HOME ATTENDANCE
Tennessee, once again, leads the NCAA women's basketball attendance race. UT easily passed the 100,000 mark in home attendance before the new year with 19,092 versus Notre Dame. The current attendance standings: 1.Tennessee 13,038 (117,338/9), 2. Connecticut 11,947 (107,526/9), 3. Texas Tech 10,914 (76,398/7), 4.Oklahoma 9,994 (49,969/5) and 5. New Mexico 9,202 (73,612/8).
ELITE COMPANY FOR BIG NICK
Junior post Nicky Anosike has moved into an elite Lady Vol club. "Big Nick" has joined Tennessee greats Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings as the only Lady Vols all-time to accumulate at least 500+ points, 400+ rebounds, 80+ blocked shots, 100+ assists and 100+ steals. The mobile 6-4 Anosike has generated 608 points, 489 rebounds, 104 blocked shots, 137 assists, and 121 steals in 86 career games.
LADY VOLS: THE BEST AND THE WORST OF 2006-07
MOST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN A GAME:1 02 points ....vs. Chattanooga (11/12)
LEAST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN A GAME: 57 points .........at UNC (12/3)
MOST POINTS BY AN OPPONENT IN A GAME: 74 points ....at Arizona St. (11/19)
LEAST POINTS BY AN OPPONENT IN A GAME: 29 points ...... vs. UT-Martin (12/5)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE LEAD:
57 points............85-28 vs. UT-Marin (12-5)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE DEFICIT:
15 points .............55-70 at UNC (12/3)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE LEAD IN A LOSS: 5 points.....9-4 at UNC (12/3)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE DEFICIT IN A WIN: 6 points ......13-7 vs. MTSU (11/26)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE HALFTIME LEAD: 30 points.....43-13 vs. UT-Martin (12-5)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE HALFTIME DEFICIT: 5 points...25-30 at UNC (12/3)
BEST TENNESSEE 1ST HALF FG%:
.636 (21-33) ....... vs. MTSU (11/26)
WORST TENNESSEE 1ST HALF FG%:
.314(11-35) ............. at Texas (12/17)
BEST TENNESSEE 2ND HALF FG%:
.609 (14-23) .............. vs. Stanford (11/24)
WORST TENNESSEE 2ND HALF FG%:
.345 (10-29) ........... at UConn (1/6)
MOST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN 1ST HALF: 59 points ......vs. Chattanooga (11/12)
LEAST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN 1ST HALF: 25 points ......... at UNC (12/3)
MOST POINTS BY OPPONENT IN 1ST HALF: 38 points.......at Arizona St. (11/19)
LEAST POINTS BY OPPONENT IN 1ST HALF: 13 points ..... vs. UT-Martin (12-5)
MOST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN 2ND HALF: 49 points .....vs. Notre Dame(12/30)
LEAST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN 2ND HALF: 29 points ........at UConn (1/6) and at La Tech (11/28)
MOST POINTS BY OPPONENT IN 2ND HALF: 41 points .........vs. Chattanooga (11/12)
LEAST POINTS BY OPPONENT IN 2ND HALF: 16 points ........vs. UT-Martin (12-5)
TENNESSEE has led in the first half of every game ...
TENNESSEE has never trailed in the first half of 12 games...
TENNESSEE has led at halftime of 14 games...
TENNESSEE has trailed at halftime of 1 game
TENNESSEE has led in the second half of 14 games...
TENNESSEE has never led in the second half of 1 game...
TENNESSEE has led in rebounding in 7 games...
TENNESSEE has been outrebounded in 8 games (44-40 vs. UConn, 34-32 vs. Alabama, 40-39 vs. Notre Dame, 34-30 at ODU, 38-36 vs. WVU, 43-33 at UNC, 46-37 at La Tech and 37-27 vs. Chattanooga)...
ALREADY BYPASSED 100,000 IN HOME ATTENDANCE
The Tennessee Lady Vols have eclipsed 100,000 in home attendance for the 13th consecutive season and the earliest in program history. Through nine home games, UT has recorded a total attendance of 117,338 for a nation-leading average of 13,038.
TRAILED AT HOME FOR JUST SEVEN MINUTES
During the Lady Vols nine home contests, they have trailed their opponent on the scoreboard just seven times for a total of 7:02. Tennessee has been tied or ahead 97.8% of the time (3:12:58 of 360 minutes), including every second of play in the second half of each game. The largest deficit for UT was six points (13-7) against Middle Tennessee State on Nov. 26. Tennessee fell behind against UCLA (:10), Stanford (2:10), MTSU (4:18) and West Virginia (:24), but never trailed against Chattanooga, UT-Martin, George Washington, Notre Dame or Alabama.
SUMMITT GETS 927TH WIN
While Texas Tech's Bobby Knight finally reached 880 wins on the men's side, Lady Vol coach Pat Summitt recorded her 927th victory with a 70-64 win over Connecticut on Jan. 6, 2007. Summitt recorded her 880th win, passing North Carolina's Dean Smith on Mar. 22, 2005 with a 75-54 victory over Purdue in the NCAA Tournament. Summitt has registered 47 wins since then. Summitt is a season and a half of wins ahead of Coach Knight.
SURPRISE! UT IS #1 IN SOS/RPI
I know it is a huge surprise but the Tennessee Lady Vols hold a large percentile advantage in both the Ratings Percentage Index and the Strength of Schedule through the first 15 games of the season. Also listed are UT's opponents this season.
RANK TEAM RPI SOS
1 Tennessee .7518 1-- .6913
3 Duke .6967 15--.5955
4 G. Washington .6915 4-- .6363
6 Stanford .6884 2--.6512
9 LSU .6608 37--.5685
11 Arizona St .6578 23--.5853
12 Vanderbilt .6573 26--.5847
14 MTSU .6544 14--.6016
15 Connecticut .6507 51--.5581
18 North Carolina .6442 109--.5256
19 Georgia .6413 27--.5842
29 Notre Dame .6173 25--.5850
39 Auburn .6048 74--.5471
42 Arkansas .6039 105--.5274
46 Texas .5988 60--.5539
53 Mississippi .5852 112--.5254
55 Chattanooga .5844 70--.5500
79 Old Dominion .5582 18--.5904
81 UCLA .5581 32--.5575
82 West Virginia .5542 67--.5515
83 Alabama .5533 85--.5417
97 Kentucky .5449 205--.4765
104 S. Carolina .5397 135--.5113
106 Mississippi St .5386 166--.4959
109 La Tech .5375 48--.5611
135 Florida .5140 49--.5603
217 UT-Martin .4596 305-.4224
ONE LOSS CAMPAIGNS -- HEADING INTO JANUARY
Traditionally, Tennessee teams take most of its losses in the month of December when Coach Pat Summitt loads up on some tough non-conference opposition to prepare the team for the rigors of the postseason. Last year, the Lady Vols carried an undefeated record into January marking the sixth time the Lady Vols went undefeated in the months of November and December. This year, the team carries one loss into the month of January. Previously, nine other Lady Vol teams have carried one loss all-time into the month of January.
2006-07: 12-1 lost to North Carolina
2003-04: 8-1 lost to Texas
2000-01: 11-1 lost to UConn
1999-00: 9-1 lost to La Tech
1998-99: 10-1 lost to Purdue
1995-96: 10-1 lost to Stanford
1992-93: 7-1 lost to Maryland
1991-92: 6-1 lost to Stanford
1987-88: 7-1 lost to Texas
1986-87: 8-1 lost to Texas
CONFERENCE CALL
In addition to the 14-game Southeastern Conference schedule, Tennessee will take on teams from 10 other conferences this season. The Lady Vols will be doing their best impression as members of the Pac-10 and the BIG EAST facing three opponents from each of those conferences. UT will play two foes from the ACC and one each from the Atlantic 10, Big 12, Colonial, Ohio Valley, Southern, Sun Belt and WAC.
STEALS, STEALS EVERYWHERE
The Pat Summitt mantra of "let your defense start your offense" hasn't fallen on deaf ears with the Lady Vols so far this season. Tennessee has 201 thefts on the year against quality opposition for an average of 13.4 spg. Alexis Hornbuckle is leading the team individually with just under four steals per game.
TENNESSEE TOPS AP ALL-TIME
The Tennessee Lady Vols are the top-ranked team in the history of the Top 25 rankings in the Associated Press poll. The poll, now in its 31st season, has found Pat Summitt's Tennessee Lady Vols ranked in 513 of a possible 527 polls. Through the poll released on Jan. 9, the top five team poll rankings are:
1. Pat Summitt, TENNESSEE 513
(missed just 14 polls in entire AP history)
2. Andy Landers, Georgia 405
3. Jody Conradt, Texas 392
4. C.Vivian Stringer (Cheyney, Iowa, Rutgers) 349
5. Rene Portland (St. Joseph, Penn St.) 336
THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA
WELCOME TO "THE SUMMITT"
The playing court in the Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus donned a new look for the 2005-06 season. After Lady Vol coach Pat Summitt passed Dean Smith for most NCAA collegiate basketball wins of all-time with a 75-54 win over Purdue on Mar. 22, 2005, UT named the TBA court, "The Summitt." The floor had a complete overhaul with permanent logos of both the Lady Vols and Vols painted directly in front of the scorer's table; the free throw lanes were painted orange with "SEC" reversed out; the giant jump circle/mid-court TENNESSEE was given a new brighter color scheme, and "The Summitt," Coach Summitt's actual signature adorns the sidelines opposite the team benches.
ON OUR WAY TO 300 WINS
Tennessee recorded its 200th win in Thompson-Boling Arena when the Lady Vols defeated the University of Southern California on Nov. 18, 2001, 106-66. UT has now amassed a 274-16 (.943) record since the Orange and White moved into the Thompson-Boling Arena to start the 1987-88 season 19-years ago. Along the way, the Lady Vols have produced nine flawless home records in 1988-89 (15-0), 1991-92 (14-0), 1992-93 (13-0), 1993-94 (15-0), 1994-95 (15-0), 1997-98 (16-0), 1998-99 (14-0), 2000-01 (15-0) and 2002-03 (16-0). UT also registered an NCAA record 69-game home court-winning streak from Feb. 1, 1991 thru Jan. 2, 1996.
JUST 16 LOSSES
The Tennessee Lady Vols rarely lose at home. In fact, since moving to the Thompson-Boling Arena for the 1987-88 campaign, UT has lost two games in one season just six times. UT lost two games in TBA during the inaugural 1987-88 campaign, 1996-97, 1999-00, 2001-02, 2003-04 and the 2005-06 seasons. The 16 all-time losses at Thompson-Boling Arena have come at the hands of just nine teams: Florida (2006), LSU (2006), Duke (2004), Connecticut (2004, 2002, 2000, 1996), Louisiana Tech (1999, 1989), Georgia (1996, 1991), Texas (2003, 2002, 1987), Stanford (1996) and Auburn (1988).
HOME SWEET HOME -- 400th HOME WIN
The victory over Georgia on Jan. 31, 2005, was the Lady Vols 400th home win since Pat Summitt took over as head coach in 1974. Summitt has won 91.4 percent of all home games in 33 years producing a 426-40 overall record. Home losses (in the Summitt era) include: six in Alumni Gym from 1974-76; 18 in Stokely Athletics Center from 1976-87; and 16 in Thompson-Boling Arena since 1987.
225 OF 238 AT HOME
UT has won 225 of their last 238 games in Thompson-Boling Arena dating back to 2-1-91. UT's 13 losses during this time have been to Florida, LSU, Duke, Louisiana Tech, UConn (four times), Stanford, Texas (three times) and Georgia (OT).
500 GAMES VERSUS RANKED
Tennessee's game versus #13 Georgia on Feb. 16, 2006 was the Lady Vols' 500th all-time versus a ranked team since the inception of the polls in 1976. UT is an amazing 3754-146 (.703) versus ranked teams. Last year, Tennessee was 13-3 versus ranked teams.
LADY VOL STREAKS
The last time the Lady Vols lost at home was against Florida, 95-93 OT on Feb. 26, 2006 -- since then, UT has won nine games at home. The last time UT lost on the road was on Dec. 3, 2006 at UNC, since then, UT is 3-0 on the road. The last time the Lady Vols lost on a neutral court was against North Carolina, 75-63, in the NCAA Elite 8 game on Mar. 28, 2006 Since then, UT has not played on a neutral court.
LAST LOSS TO AN UNRANKED TEAM?
Florida became the second unranked team in the 2005-06 season to knock off the Lady Vols, when they won 95-93 OT on Feb. 26, 2006. Exactly one month earlier, unranked Kentucky turned the trick with a 66-63 win over #1/3-ranked Tennessee on Jan. 26, 2006 at Rupp Arena. Previously, it had been four years since an unranked team upset the Lady Vols. So before Florida and Kentucky had their way with UT, when was the last time Tennessee lost to an unranked team? That would have been to LSU on Mar. 2, 2002 at the SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tenn. LSU had been in and out of the Top 25 polls in late January and February. Prior to that, UT's last loss to an unranked team was five years previous (to the day) losing to Auburn on Mar. 2, 1997 at the SEC Tournament.
100 POINT GAMES
Since 1974, the Lady Vols have gone over the century mark 72 times. Last season, UT eclipsed 100 points in two games - Princeton, 107 and #16/18 Texas, 102. The 1987-88 team hit triple digits in seven games to lead the NCAA.
IN OVERTIME
The Lady Vols are 24-13 all-time in overtime games. The most OT games in a year was tied in 2003-04 with four as the Lady Vols went 3-1 in overtime losing to Georgia, 68-66, and defeating Auburn, 68-61, DePaul, 96-89, and Stanford, 70-66. It tied the mark set in 1996-97, when the Lady Vols were 3-1 in overtime contests losing to Georgia, 94-93, and defeating Texas, 68-65, Vanderbilt, 92-79 and LSU, 100-99. UT's 22 points in the OT against Florida (2-3-05), was the most ever scored by the Lady Vols in a single overtime. UT's most recent OT affair was a 95-93 loss to Florida on 2-26-06.
LADY VOLS AT A GLANCE
This is the Lady Vols' 33rd season under Head Coach Pat Summitt...She has compiled a staggering 927-178 overall record... Is just 73 wins away from a remarkable 1,000 career victories...Collected her 900th coaching win with a 80-68 decision over #19-ranked Vanderbilt on Jan. 19, 2006... She passed Dean Smith (879 wins) for most NCAA collegiate basketball wins of all-time with a 75-54 victory over Purdue on Mar. 22, 2005 ...Her 2005-06 squad advanced to the NCAA Elite...Finished with a 31-5 overall record and were the SEC Tournament Champions...
This season, UT returned six letterwinners, welcomed a senior manager turned player, two junior college transfers and a pair of rookies...The 2006-07 season marks the Lady Vol debut for former senior manager #10 Elizabeth Curry, JC transfers #00 Shannon Bobbitt and #33 Alberta Auguste...True freshman, #2 Cait McMahan, a 5-4 guard from Maryville, Tenn., and #34 Nicci Moats, a 6-2 forward from Daleville, Va., also see their first action in the Orange and White this season.
THE 4-1-1 ON THE GATORS
In the Florida Gators (6-10, 0-1 SEC) last outing before facing Tennessee, UF's Marshae Dotson scored a career-high 22 points to go along with nine rebounds but it wasn't enough to overcome a significant halftime deficit as the Gators dropped an 89-57 decision to the #14-ranked Georgia Bulldogs on Jan. 4 in Athens, Ga. The Bulldogs ended the first half on a 20-2 run to take a commanding 52-23 halftime lead. Florida sophomore Sha Brooks reached double-figures for the 10th straight game, contributing 10 points, as eight of the nine Gators scored in the game. For Dotson, it was her third career 20-point game, while she also collected a team-high nine rebounds. Georgia capitalized on 22 Florida miscues and scored 23 points off the mistakes. The Gators connected on just 36.4 percent from the field and hit 2-15 three pointers (13%). Georgia controlled the boards 43-39 but both teams tallied 24 points in the paint on the offensive end.
OUR SCHEDULE THIS WEEK
This week, the Lady Vols return to SEC play traveling to Gainesville to face the Florida Gators (Jan. 11) and then head down to Athens to meet #15 Georgia (Jan. 14) in a TV match-up.
LADY VOLS ON TV
A record 21 Lady Vol regular season games are slated for national/regional television this season. Five non-televised games will be available as streaming video with voice-over from Mickey Dearstone on utladyvols.com. UT is 9-1 on TV this season.
ON THIS DAY
UT is 8-1 in games played on Jan. 11. The Lady Vols are 5-0 at home, 3-1 on the road and 0-0 on neutral courts. The last time out on Jan. 11, the Lady Vols registered an 61-53 victory at Miss. State, in 2004.
LOOKING BACK
Last year at this time, the Lady Vols were 15-0 and had just defeated Connecticut, 89-80, in Knoxville.
PLAYING 14 RANKED TEAMS
Tennessee will play 14 teams in 16 games and five of the nation's top 10 teams who have been ranked at some point this season in the AP and USA TODAY ESPN polls: North Carolina, Duke, UConn, Georgia, LSU, Stanford, Arizona St., Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Arkansas, UCLA, George Washington, Texas and Middle Tennessee. All have been ranked or are currently ranked.
UT'S OFFENSIVE OPPORTUNITIES
In all games, this is how Tennessee has shot from the field: 50%FG: Chattanooga (.579), MTSU (.565), Arizona St. (.548), UCLA (.531), ODU/UT-Martin (.509), Stanford (.500); 40%FG: Louisiana Tech (.483), GWU (.482), Alabama1 (.464), West Virginia (.431), Texas (.429); 30%FG: Notre Dame (.381), UConn (.371), North Carolina (.362)
DEEE ----- FENSE
In all games, this is how the opposition has shot from the field: 50%FG: none, 40%FG: GWU (.472), Arizona St. (.469), Stanford (.456), MTSU (.453), UCLA (.451), North Carolina (.444), UConn (.433), Chattanooga (.431), Notre Dame (.407), 30%FG: ODU (.396), West Virginia (.352), Alabama1 (.369), Texas (.308); 20%FG: Louisiana Tech (.295), UT-Martin (.204)
2006-07 WON-LOSS DIFFERENTIAL
Wins: +56 (1), +36 (1), +30 (1), +24 (2), +23 (2), +21 (2), +17 (1), + 16 (1), +15 (1), +9 (1), +6 (1).
Losses: -13 (1)
PARKER EARNS SEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Lady Vol sophomore All-American Candace Parker earned SEC Co-Player of the Week honors for her performances against Alabama and #5-ranked Connecticut (week of Jan. 1-7). She shared the accolade with Mississippi's Armintie Price. Against Alabama on Jan. 3, Parker picked off a career-best five steals. She also added 15 points, five rebounds and five blocks; all in a limited 24 minutes of playing time. Tennessee took its 31st consecutive win against the Tide with the 72-36 routing. On Jan. 6, the Lady Vols defeated #5-ranked Connecticut, 70-64. In the victory, Parker was named the CBS and Lady Vol player of the game for her 30 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks and four assists in her first 40-minute game of the season. One of the many 6-4 sophomore's highlights was a dunk early in the second half to put UT up by 16. Parker previously captured player of the week honors on Nov. 20 and Nov. 27 of this season.
UPCOMING OPPONENT - GEORGIA
Before facing #4-ranked Tennessee in Athens, Ga., on Jan. 14, #15-ranked Georgia visits Mississippi St. on Jan. 11. The Lady Bulldogs will be looking to get back on the winning track after falling at #6-ranked LSU, 57-55, on Jan. 7. LSU's Sylvia Fowles scored with 54 seconds remaining in the game to give the Lady Tigers the victory. In the final seconds, Georgia had two chances to score. On their first, Janese Hardrick missed a 3-pointer with the shot clock running out. Then after LSU's Allison Hightower missed the front end of a one-and-one, Humphrey missed a driving layup with 3 seconds left. Reserve Christy Marshall led Georgia (13-3, 1-0) with 12 points on the afternoon while Humphrey grabbed eight rebounds.
FLORIDA NOTEBOOK
The Florida Gators (6-10, 0-1 SEC) have enjoyed the last week off with a seven day break between their loss to #15 Georgia on Jan. 4 and the meeting with #4-ranked Tennessee on Jan. 11. The Gators are looking to break a three-game losing streak and will be playing in their SEC home opener.
DATE RANK SITE W/L SCORE
2/8/80 5/nr H W 118-44
11/28/81 2/nr A W 85-73
2/1/82 H W 83-67
1/23/83 8/nr A W 94-62
2/2/83 8/nr H W 70-69
1/8/84 8/nr A W 78-70
1/31/84 9/nr H W 69-49
1/21/85 H W 69-61
2/10/85 A W 83-74
2/2/86 10/nr H W 82-60
1/17/87 2/nr A W 90-72
2/21/88 3/nr H W 108-53
2/18/89 3/nr A W 85-52
2/17/90 4/nr H W 75-42
3/3/90 3/nr N51 W 81-56
1/16/91 4/nr A W 71-70(OT)
2/22/92 2/nr H W 90-69
2/21/93 1/nr A W 88-75
12/18/93 1/nr H W 84-69
2/1/95 2/14 A W 76-69
1/2/96 4/21 H W 87-67
3/3/96 5/18 N65 W 74-63
1/21/97 8/19 A L 62-71
1/10/98 1/12 H W 99-60
1/21/99 1/21 A W 77-64
2/26/99 2/nr N65 W 92-80
2/13/00 2/nr H W 97-78
3/3/00 2/nr N65 W 91-79
2/11/01 2/6 A W 103-73
1/3/02 2/15 A W 88-64
1/31/02 2/12 H W 86-66
1/19/03 5/nr A W 94-53
2/9/03 3/nr H W 79-40
2/19/04 3/nr H W 88-79
2/3/05 5/nr A W 91-82(OT)
2/26/06 5/nr H L 93-95(OT)
FLORIDA SERIES
Tennessee leads the series with Florida, 34-2. UT has gone to overtime with the Gators in the last two meeting. Last season, Florida became the first unranked team to deal the Lady Vols a loss in Thompson-Boling Arena and the second home loss by an unranked team, ever. The other Gator victory came in the 1997 meeting in Gainesville where Florida upended the eventual 1997 NCAA Champs, 71-62. The Gators win last season broke a 12 game winning run by the Lady Vols.
AVERAGE SCORE
The average score of all UT-Florida games is 86.2 (UT) and 65.3 (UF).
SUNSHINE GIRLS
Currently, only one Lady Vol hails from the state of Florida - senior Dominique Redding from Clearwater. Former Lady Vols from Florida include slam-dunk queen Michelle Snow (Pensacola), Lady Vol Hall of Famer Bridgette Gordon (DeLand) and Pam Marr (Winter Park).
FACING THE RANKED
Tennessee faced their seventh ranked opponent of the 2006-07 season in the game at #5-ranked Connecticut. UT is 6-1 in games versus ranked teams out of 15 total contests. Meanwhile Florida will be taking on their fifth ranked opponent in 17 games when they face #4 Tennessee. UF is 0-4 vs. ranked losing to then #18 Cal, #14/12 Rutgers, #16/14 Louisville and #15 Georgia.
TENNESSEE FLORIDA
OVERALL RECORD 14-1 6-10
CONFERENCE RECORD 1-0 0-1
RPI/SOS 1/1 135/49
SCORING 77.3 70.9
SCORING DEFENSE 56.7 71.1
POINT MARGIN +20.5 - 2.0
REBOUNDS 36.9 40.1
OPP. REBOUNDS 33.1 42.6
REBOUND MARGIN + 3.9 - 2.5
FG% .475 .390
OPPONENT FG% .394 .419
THREE POINT FG% .417 .305
OPPONENT 3FG% .338 .312
FT% .729 .712
OPPONENT FT% .657 .644
ASSISTS 16.9 11.4
BLOCKS AVERAGE 6.5 3.4
STEALS AVERAGE 13.4 10.7
OUR LAST MEETING
The Lady Vols closed out the 2005-06 regular season Feb. 26, 2006 with a 95-93 overtime loss to Florida on Senior Day. Candace Parker scored a career-high for the Lady Vols, netting 25 of her 34 points in the second half. Shanna Zolman and Tye'sha Fluker accounted for 44 points, 22 rebounds and 10 assists in their last game in Thompson- Boling Arena. Parker, Fluker and Zolman each finished with a double-double. The #5-ranked Lady Vols lost at home to an unranked team for the second time in school history and first time in 22 years. On top of that, Tennessee lost to two unranked teams in one season for the first time since the women's rankings started in 1976. Its first loss to an unranked team this year came at Kentucky, 66-63 on Jan. 26. The Lady Vols (25-4, 11-3 Southeastern Conference) had never lost to an unranked team in Thompson-Boling Arena. Unranked Cincinnati beat then-No. 12 Tennessee 72-69 on Nov. 26, 1984, in the university's old arena, Stokely Athletics Center. It was only the 16th loss for Tennessee in Thompson-Boling Arena. Florida's Brittany Davis scored a career-high 29 points and Sha Brooks added 25 for the Gators (20-7, 8-6). Sarah Lowe added 15 points, seven rebounds, six assists and no turnovers while playing the entire 45 minutes. Florida utilized a full-court press that forced most of Tennessee's season high 28 turnovers and further exposed the loss of point guard Alexis Hornbuckle. Florida had a season-high 20 steals. The Gators grabbed the lead early in the second half and didn't trail again until overtime. But that only lasted 15 seconds. Candace Parker converted a three-point play to put Tennessee ahead 87-84 with 3 minutes left in the extra period. Davis hit her only 3 of the game and then made the second of two free throws on the ensuing possession to give the lead back to Florida, and the Gators held on to win. Florida went up 51-50 on Brooks' 3 with 13:29 left in regulation, starting a 13-0 run. Santos capped it with a 3 that pushed the Gators' lead to 11. The Lady Vols got back in it with a 10-2 run to cut it to 65-64 with 6:46 left. Tennessee cut it to one three more times before Eshe made two free throws with 34.4 seconds left to push it to 81-76. Tennessee led 34-30 at the break but needed Zolman's 3 with 8.4 seconds left to send the game into extra periods. Tennessee out-rebounded Florida 54-38 and shot 49 percent compared to the Gators 40 percent, but turnovers and 63 percent FT-shooting lost the game in the end.
FACING THE UNRANKED
When taking on an unranked opponent such as Florida, the odds have typically tipped in Tennessee's favor. In her 33 years at the helm of the Lady Vols, UT head coach Pat Summitt has fashioned a 552-32 (.947) record when going up against unranked teams. The victory over Old Dominion was Summitt's 550th over an unranked foe.
LAST TIME IN GAINESVILLE
Playing in its first overtime game of the season, the fifth-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols scored 22 points in the extra session to earn a 91-82 victory against Florida at the O'Connell Center on Feb. 3, 2005. With the victory, UT had won 41 consecutive regular-season SEC games. Additionally, the Big Orange improved its all-time record against the Gators to 34-1. Early in the contest, both teams struggled at the offensive end of the floor as they combined to miss on their first 11 attempts. By the second media timeout, Tennessee appeared to have found its rhythm as Shanna Zolman connected on a three-pointer to give UT a six-point lead, 15-9. While UF fought back to even the score at 21 with 7:39 showing, the Lady Vols responded with a 9-0 run, capped by an Alexis Hornbuckle spinning layin, to push the advantage to 30-21. However, the Gators answered with an 8-0 spurt of their own to narrow the gap to just one point before Tennessee finally headed to the locker room clinging to a 34-32 lead. Following the intermission, Florida hung tough and took its first lead of the game, 41-40, after a three-pointer by Tamia Williams. While the teams exchanged the lead on four occasions, the Lady Vols finally put some breathing room between the two teams following a Shyra Ely layup with 9:05 to play to go ahead 56-50. With a little more than three minutes remaining in regulation, UT still held a six-point advantage, 67-61, but scored just two more points as Florida drew even and sent the game to overtime. UF forward Bernice Mosby had a chance to win the game in regulation, but she missed on a running one-hander as the buzzer sounded. In the extra session, Tennessee connected on its first three shot attempts and built a four-point lead just 45 seconds into the frame. UT never relinquished the lead and sealed the victory at the charity stripe, hitting 13-of-15 attempts in OT.
RANDOM UT-UF NOTES
With the upset win over Tennessee in Knoxville last season, Florida reached 20 wins for the first time since the 2000-01 season, and the first time under Carolyn Peck... Peck is also no stranger to the Tennessee sideline...The Jefferson City, Tenn., native and Vanderbilt grad was an assistant with the Lady Vols for the 1994 and 1995 seasons....Coach Peck definitely has some experience in breaking Lady Vol fans' hearts...Prior to the 95-93 overtime win by Florida in Knoxville last season, the first ever by an unranked opponent in Thompson-Boling Arena, Peck pulled the winning trick while at Purdue. On Nov. 15, 1998, Peck's Purdue Boilermakers ended Tennessee's 46-game winning streak with a 78-68 victory in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue would go on to win the 1999 NCAA Championship.
RANDOM QUICK HITTERS AFTER 15 GAMES
For all of its offensive potential, the Lady Vols currently have just two players averaging double-figure scoring, Candace Parker (20.4 ppg) and Sidney Spencer (12.1 ppg)...Alexis Hornbuckle averaged over 10.0 ppg in the first six games of the season and in two of the last five contests...Hornbuckle is averaging 9.3 ppg currently...Lady Vol coach Pat Summitt has been on the warpath regarding the team's rebounding prowess of late - or lack thereof... UT has been outrebounded in 8 games this season and the last five consecutive contests (44-40 vs. UConn, 34-32 vs. Alabama, 40-39 vs. Notre Dame, 34-30 at ODU, 38-36 vs. WVU, 43-33 at UNC, 46-37 at La Tech and 37-27 vs. Chattanooga)...Tennessee holds an uncharacteristic and scant 3.9 rebounding advantage over the its foes...Year-in and year-out, UT teams are usually noted for pounding the ball in the paint for the majority of its points...Times, they are a'changing...This season, one-fourth of Tennessee's makes and attempts have come from three-point range (93-223 three-pointers and 420-884 for all shots)...Senior Sidney Spencer has led the nation for a majority of the season with a gaudy shooting percentage between 52% and 65% from three-point land...The 6'3" senior forward is a tough match-up and has found ways to get herself open for good looks at the trey...Spencer suffered a mini drought in back-to-back games versus West Virginia and at Old Dominion when she didn't hit any threes...After a four-game hiatus from playing a ranked team, the Lady Vols will be facing four ranked teams in its next eight games in the month of January...UT faces: at #5 Connecticut (a 70-64 win), at #15 Georgia, versus #3 Duke and at #14/12 Vanderbilt...January finds the Lady Vols on the road for five tough games and at home for three big match-ups...
HOPE TO DO BETTER IN THE SEC SLATE THIS SEASON
The Tennessee Lady Vols hope to turn in a better showing in the Southeastern Conference regular season slate in 2006-07. Last season, UT lost an uncharacteristic three games in the SEC - at Kentucky (66-63), at home to LSU (72-69) and Florida (95-93 OT). Eight points separated UT from a perfect 14-0 mark to a nine-season low 11-3 SEC record. In fact, from the 1997-98 season until the 2004-05 campaign, Tennessee lost a total of four SEC games in the regular season.
PARKER RACING THROUGH THE RECORD BOOKS
Lady Vol sophomore All-American Candace Parker is rapidly racing through the Tennessee record books. Through 51 career games, the Naperville, Ill., native has recorded the following totals: 928 points, 432 rebounds and 127 blocks, ranking sixth all-time in the latter category. When she reaches the 1,000-point plateau, she will become just the 29th Lady Vol ever to do so. If she does it before her 57th career game, she will be the fastest Pat Summitt-coached player to amass 1,000 tallies. Chamique Holdsclaw did so in 57 games and Tamika Catchings in 58.
THE BOOK ON BOBBITT
The scouting report on Lady Vol junior Shannon Bobbitt has undergone some revisions of late. In the last four games, Bobbitt has emerged into more of a scoring role. The diminutive New Yorker has averaged 11.8 ppg, 44% FG, 60% three-pointers, 100% from the free throw line in contests against Old Dominion, Notre Dame, Alabama and #5-ranked Connecticut. Against the Irish, Bobbitt connected for a career high 17 points. In the win over UConn, Bobbitt drilled three treys in the opening stanza.
UT DOGS UCONN
Tennessee's 70-64 victory over #5-ranked Connecticut on Jan. 6, 2007 was the Lady Vols third in a row over the Huskies. The victory also marked Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt's 325th "W" over a ranked team all-time. In the game, Tennessee had a season low 10 miscues on the afternoon -- just four turnovers in the first 25 minutes of the game but had six in the last 15 minutes. Interestingly, UConn had just 13 fouls called on them for the game... seven of which were called on someone who fouled Candace Parker. Individually, Sidney Spencer...reached double figures for the 11th time this season, the 38th time of her career...had a career-high-tying nine rebounds and moved into eighth place in the UT record books for career three-pointers (104); Candace Parker...DUNKED! For the first time on the road against a ranked opponent this season and against the highest ranked opponent in her career. The dunk is the fourth on the season and the sixth in her career. The dunk came after a Sidney Spencer steal found Parker open and alone down the court early in the second stanza. Parker's first basket of the game gave her career-point No. 900...she reached double-figures for the 15th game this season, the 29th time in a row...Collected 30+ points for the second time this season, the third time in her career...had her eighth double-double of the season, the 18th of her career; Alexis Hornbuckle...Extended her streak of games with a steal to 51. She now has at least one steal in 72 of 79 career games...moved into a tie for 21st place in the UT record books for career assists (281); Nicky Anosike...moved into eighth place in the UT record books for career blocks (104) and Shannon Bobbitt...made three consecutive treys in the first half to help the Lady Vols obtain a 12-point halftime lead.
SEC TWOSIES
The SEC plays a 14-game regular season schedule with each team playing everyone in the league once, a natural rival twice and designated rotating teams from the SEC East and West once extra time. The Lady Vols face Vanderbilt twice each season as its natural rival and this year will once again face Georgia and Alabama twice. Last season, Tennessee went 6-0 in these games during the regular season.
UT WINNING STREAKS VS. SEC TEAMS
Alabama, 31 in a row, since 3-23-1984
Arkansas, 12 in row, since 1-1-1998
Auburn, 14 in a row, since 2-14-1998
Georgia, 4 in a row, since 1-31-2005
LSU, 1 in a row, since 3-5-2006
Mississippi, 13 in a row, since 3-2-1996
Mississippi St., 25 in a row, since 2-22-1986
South Carolina, 32 in a row, since 3-7-1980
Vanderbilt, 11 in a row, since 2-16-2002
THE SEC REGULAR SEASON STORY
UT's last SEC win at home: Alabama, 72-36, 1-3-07
UT's last SEC win away: Alabama, 82-65, 2-19-06
UT's last SEC loss at home: Florida, 95-93 OT, 2-26-06
UT's last SEC loss away: Kentucky, 66-63, 1-26-06
AGAINST THE SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
Tennessee owns a 366-57 record all-time record vs. 12 teams from the Southeastern Conference. The Lady Vols maintain a winning record against every team in the SEC.
UT IS AMAZING AT HOME VERSUS THE SEC
Since Tennessee began contesting games with Southeastern Conference opponents, the Lady Vols have produced a 151-11 record in all games played at home. Only six SEC teams have ever managed a victory over the Lady Vols in Knoxville - Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU and Ole Miss. Georgia has won three games on UT's turf while Auburn, Kentucky and Ole Miss have registered two wins each and LSU and Florida one win. Georgia was the only team to defeat UT at home in the 1990s - the Lady Bulldogs turned the trick in 1991 and 1996. LSU and Florida are the only SEC teams to defeat UT at home in the 21st century.
WOW--13 SEASONS OF AT LEAST 10 SEC VICTORIES
In the win over Alabama on Feb. 19, 2006, Tennessee claimed its 10th SEC victory of the year. The Lady Vols have now registered double-digit victories in conference play an incredible 13 times. Since the 1991-92 season when SEC play expanded, the Lady Vols have won at least 10 games in the following years: 1992-10 wins, 1993-11 wins, 1994-11 wins, 1995-11 wins, 1998-14 wins, 1999-13 wins, 2000-13 wins, 2001- 14 wins, 2002- 13 wins, 2003- 14 wins, 2004-14 wins, 2005- 13 wins and 2006-11 wins.
SPOILED, I TELL YOU
Prior to last season, It had been nine years since the Lady Vols dropped three SEC league games during a season. In the 1996-97 HBO documentary campaign of "The Cinderella Season: The Lady Vols Fight Back," Tennessee went 8-4 in the SEC. All-time in 25 years of league play, Tennessee has lost two or more SEC games just seven times. Conversely, the Lady Vols have tallied seven perfect league campaigns in SEC play.
SEC LEAGUE PLAY
UT owns a league best record of 240-33 against all SEC teams dating back to the 1982-83 season.
THIS IS AMAZING
From 1980-1997, the Lady Vols claimed a total of six SEC regular season titles in 17 years. From 1998-2004, Tennessee captured seven consecutive SEC regular season crowns producing an amazing 109-4 record. UT's only league losses were to Vandy, Georgia and LSU (twice) during this stretch.
AP POLL NOTES
This is the 31st year of the Associated Press women's basketball rankings. The first Associated Press poll released of the 2005-06 season marked the 500th all-time poll. Since the poll was started in 1976, UT has failed to appear in just 14 of the total of 527 polls through the years. Currently, UT has been ranked in 385 consecutive polls. Since the 1986-87 season, the Lady Vols have been in the top 10 for all but one poll. UT is the only team to have been ranked every year for the last 31 years of the poll. UT has appeared at least once per season over the poll's history.
375TH WIN OVER A RANKED TEAM IN GAME VS. UCONN
Lady Vol coach Pat Summitt collected her 375th all-time win over a ranked team when #4-ranked Tennessee defeated #5-ranked Connecticut on Jan. 6. Summitt has a ridiculous 72 percent winning percentage in ranked games (375-146).
UT A BIG EAST MEMBER... WELL, JUST FOR 3 GAMES
The Tennessee Lady Vols were a southern extension member of the BIG EAST Conference this season and collected a perfect 3-0 record. UT played West Virginia (Dec. 20, a 66-51 win), Notre Dame (Dec. 30, a 78-54 win) and traveled to #5 Connecticut (Jan. 6, a 70-64 victory). Earlier in the season, Tennessee was an ex officio member of the Pac-10 and finished their slate with a 3-0 record against three ranked teams in consecutive games. UT recorded a stretch of wins over #20/21 UCLA (83-60), at #11 Arizona State (83-74) and against #11 Stanford (77-60), Nov. 16-24.
SLOPPY WIN TO START SEC SLATE
Tennessee and Alabama were the first SEC teams in action to start the 2007 slate and UT walked away with a 72-36 victory. The win gave UT a 38-2 lead in the series with UA, and upped the winning streak to 31 consecutive...The Lady Vols held Bama to just 14 first half points which tied for the ninth-fewest by a UT opponent in program history. It ties the Tides' performance on Jan. 6, 2000 and is the lowest point total reached in an opening period against UT by an SEC team. In the game, Tennessee forced a season high 35 turnovers which generated 28 UT points. Individually, Sidney Spencer... Moved into a tied for 10th place in the UT record books for career three-pointers (101); Candace Parker...Scored in double figures for the 47th time in her career and the 28th time in a row and had a career-high five steals; Alexis Hornbuckle...Extended her streak of games with a steal to 50 and now has 204 career thefts, good for 15th place in the UT record books. Tied a season-best in assists with seven tonight Alberta Auguste...Reached double figure scoring for the third time this season
ALL-TIME OPENING DAY RECORD IN SEC PLAY
The Tennessee Lady Vols have produced a 23-5 opening day record in SEC play dating back to the 1979-80 season. UT is 11-2 in home SEC openers and 12-3 on the road. Georgia (1984 and 1996) and Auburn (1988 and 1989) each ambushed the Lady Vols in two SEC opening games, while Vanderbilt turned the trick in 1990. The Lady Vols have not dropped an SEC opener since 1996 when Georgia escaped with a 94-93 overtime victory in Knoxville on Dec. 8, 1996.
PARKER'S A FOUL MAGNET
Lady Vol sophomore All-American Candace Parker has been a foul magnet in 2006-07. With all of the double and triple-teaming she has seen this season, 25 percent of the opponent's 287 total fouls have been inflicted on her. In 15 games this season, Parker has drawn 85 fouls. In the game against Notre Dame, she was fouled 10 times by the Irish, eclipsing nine fouls whistled against players from Arizona State, Stanford and North Carolina. To date, Parker has visited the charity strip 93 times this season -six times a game. Against UConn, seven of the Huskies total of 13 fouls came while trying to stop Parker.
LADY VOLS IN NCAA STATS
Tennessee appears in a number of categories in the latest NCAA stats (thru 1/7/07). UT ranks fourth in the nation in three-point field goal accuracy, eighth in the nation in field goal accuracy, sixth in blocked shots with 6.5 bpg, eighth in steals with 13.4, 10th in scoring margin at +20.5 ppg, 20th in scoring with 77.3 ppg, and 24th in assists with 16.9 per game. Individually, Sidney Spencer ranks third the nation in three-point field goal accuracy with 52.4 percent, Alexis Hornbuckle is 12th in steals with 3.3 thefts and Candace Parker is 16th nationally with 20.4 ppg and 15th in 2.7 blocks per game.
UT LEADS IN HOME ATTENDANCE
Tennessee, once again, leads the NCAA women's basketball attendance race. UT easily passed the 100,000 mark in home attendance before the new year with 19,092 versus Notre Dame. The current attendance standings: 1.Tennessee 13,038 (117,338/9), 2. Connecticut 11,947 (107,526/9), 3. Texas Tech 10,914 (76,398/7), 4.Oklahoma 9,994 (49,969/5) and 5. New Mexico 9,202 (73,612/8).
ELITE COMPANY FOR BIG NICK
Junior post Nicky Anosike has moved into an elite Lady Vol club. "Big Nick" has joined Tennessee greats Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings as the only Lady Vols all-time to accumulate at least 500+ points, 400+ rebounds, 80+ blocked shots, 100+ assists and 100+ steals. The mobile 6-4 Anosike has generated 608 points, 489 rebounds, 104 blocked shots, 137 assists, and 121 steals in 86 career games.
LADY VOLS: THE BEST AND THE WORST OF 2006-07
MOST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN A GAME:1 02 points ....vs. Chattanooga (11/12)
LEAST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN A GAME: 57 points .........at UNC (12/3)
MOST POINTS BY AN OPPONENT IN A GAME: 74 points ....at Arizona St. (11/19)
LEAST POINTS BY AN OPPONENT IN A GAME: 29 points ...... vs. UT-Martin (12/5)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE LEAD:
57 points............85-28 vs. UT-Marin (12-5)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE DEFICIT:
15 points .............55-70 at UNC (12/3)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE LEAD IN A LOSS: 5 points.....9-4 at UNC (12/3)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE DEFICIT IN A WIN: 6 points ......13-7 vs. MTSU (11/26)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE HALFTIME LEAD: 30 points.....43-13 vs. UT-Martin (12-5)
BIGGEST TENNESSEE HALFTIME DEFICIT: 5 points...25-30 at UNC (12/3)
BEST TENNESSEE 1ST HALF FG%:
.636 (21-33) ....... vs. MTSU (11/26)
WORST TENNESSEE 1ST HALF FG%:
.314(11-35) ............. at Texas (12/17)
BEST TENNESSEE 2ND HALF FG%:
.609 (14-23) .............. vs. Stanford (11/24)
WORST TENNESSEE 2ND HALF FG%:
.345 (10-29) ........... at UConn (1/6)
MOST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN 1ST HALF: 59 points ......vs. Chattanooga (11/12)
LEAST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN 1ST HALF: 25 points ......... at UNC (12/3)
MOST POINTS BY OPPONENT IN 1ST HALF: 38 points.......at Arizona St. (11/19)
LEAST POINTS BY OPPONENT IN 1ST HALF: 13 points ..... vs. UT-Martin (12-5)
MOST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN 2ND HALF: 49 points .....vs. Notre Dame(12/30)
LEAST POINTS BY TENNESSEE IN 2ND HALF: 29 points ........at UConn (1/6) and at La Tech (11/28)
MOST POINTS BY OPPONENT IN 2ND HALF: 41 points .........vs. Chattanooga (11/12)
LEAST POINTS BY OPPONENT IN 2ND HALF: 16 points ........vs. UT-Martin (12-5)
TENNESSEE has led in the first half of every game ...
TENNESSEE has never trailed in the first half of 12 games...
TENNESSEE has led at halftime of 14 games...
TENNESSEE has trailed at halftime of 1 game
TENNESSEE has led in the second half of 14 games...
TENNESSEE has never led in the second half of 1 game...
TENNESSEE has led in rebounding in 7 games...
TENNESSEE has been outrebounded in 8 games (44-40 vs. UConn, 34-32 vs. Alabama, 40-39 vs. Notre Dame, 34-30 at ODU, 38-36 vs. WVU, 43-33 at UNC, 46-37 at La Tech and 37-27 vs. Chattanooga)...
ALREADY BYPASSED 100,000 IN HOME ATTENDANCE
The Tennessee Lady Vols have eclipsed 100,000 in home attendance for the 13th consecutive season and the earliest in program history. Through nine home games, UT has recorded a total attendance of 117,338 for a nation-leading average of 13,038.
TRAILED AT HOME FOR JUST SEVEN MINUTES
During the Lady Vols nine home contests, they have trailed their opponent on the scoreboard just seven times for a total of 7:02. Tennessee has been tied or ahead 97.8% of the time (3:12:58 of 360 minutes), including every second of play in the second half of each game. The largest deficit for UT was six points (13-7) against Middle Tennessee State on Nov. 26. Tennessee fell behind against UCLA (:10), Stanford (2:10), MTSU (4:18) and West Virginia (:24), but never trailed against Chattanooga, UT-Martin, George Washington, Notre Dame or Alabama.
SUMMITT GETS 927TH WIN
While Texas Tech's Bobby Knight finally reached 880 wins on the men's side, Lady Vol coach Pat Summitt recorded her 927th victory with a 70-64 win over Connecticut on Jan. 6, 2007. Summitt recorded her 880th win, passing North Carolina's Dean Smith on Mar. 22, 2005 with a 75-54 victory over Purdue in the NCAA Tournament. Summitt has registered 47 wins since then. Summitt is a season and a half of wins ahead of Coach Knight.
SURPRISE! UT IS #1 IN SOS/RPI
I know it is a huge surprise but the Tennessee Lady Vols hold a large percentile advantage in both the Ratings Percentage Index and the Strength of Schedule through the first 15 games of the season. Also listed are UT's opponents this season.
RANK TEAM RPI SOS
1 Tennessee .7518 1-- .6913
3 Duke .6967 15--.5955
4 G. Washington .6915 4-- .6363
6 Stanford .6884 2--.6512
9 LSU .6608 37--.5685
11 Arizona St .6578 23--.5853
12 Vanderbilt .6573 26--.5847
14 MTSU .6544 14--.6016
15 Connecticut .6507 51--.5581
18 North Carolina .6442 109--.5256
19 Georgia .6413 27--.5842
29 Notre Dame .6173 25--.5850
39 Auburn .6048 74--.5471
42 Arkansas .6039 105--.5274
46 Texas .5988 60--.5539
53 Mississippi .5852 112--.5254
55 Chattanooga .5844 70--.5500
79 Old Dominion .5582 18--.5904
81 UCLA .5581 32--.5575
82 West Virginia .5542 67--.5515
83 Alabama .5533 85--.5417
97 Kentucky .5449 205--.4765
104 S. Carolina .5397 135--.5113
106 Mississippi St .5386 166--.4959
109 La Tech .5375 48--.5611
135 Florida .5140 49--.5603
217 UT-Martin .4596 305-.4224
ONE LOSS CAMPAIGNS -- HEADING INTO JANUARY
Traditionally, Tennessee teams take most of its losses in the month of December when Coach Pat Summitt loads up on some tough non-conference opposition to prepare the team for the rigors of the postseason. Last year, the Lady Vols carried an undefeated record into January marking the sixth time the Lady Vols went undefeated in the months of November and December. This year, the team carries one loss into the month of January. Previously, nine other Lady Vol teams have carried one loss all-time into the month of January.
2006-07: 12-1 lost to North Carolina
2003-04: 8-1 lost to Texas
2000-01: 11-1 lost to UConn
1999-00: 9-1 lost to La Tech
1998-99: 10-1 lost to Purdue
1995-96: 10-1 lost to Stanford
1992-93: 7-1 lost to Maryland
1991-92: 6-1 lost to Stanford
1987-88: 7-1 lost to Texas
1986-87: 8-1 lost to Texas
CONFERENCE CALL
In addition to the 14-game Southeastern Conference schedule, Tennessee will take on teams from 10 other conferences this season. The Lady Vols will be doing their best impression as members of the Pac-10 and the BIG EAST facing three opponents from each of those conferences. UT will play two foes from the ACC and one each from the Atlantic 10, Big 12, Colonial, Ohio Valley, Southern, Sun Belt and WAC.
STEALS, STEALS EVERYWHERE
The Pat Summitt mantra of "let your defense start your offense" hasn't fallen on deaf ears with the Lady Vols so far this season. Tennessee has 201 thefts on the year against quality opposition for an average of 13.4 spg. Alexis Hornbuckle is leading the team individually with just under four steals per game.
TENNESSEE TOPS AP ALL-TIME
The Tennessee Lady Vols are the top-ranked team in the history of the Top 25 rankings in the Associated Press poll. The poll, now in its 31st season, has found Pat Summitt's Tennessee Lady Vols ranked in 513 of a possible 527 polls. Through the poll released on Jan. 9, the top five team poll rankings are:
1. Pat Summitt, TENNESSEE 513
(missed just 14 polls in entire AP history)
2. Andy Landers, Georgia 405
3. Jody Conradt, Texas 392
4. C.Vivian Stringer (Cheyney, Iowa, Rutgers) 349
5. Rene Portland (St. Joseph, Penn St.) 336
THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA
WELCOME TO "THE SUMMITT"
The playing court in the Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus donned a new look for the 2005-06 season. After Lady Vol coach Pat Summitt passed Dean Smith for most NCAA collegiate basketball wins of all-time with a 75-54 win over Purdue on Mar. 22, 2005, UT named the TBA court, "The Summitt." The floor had a complete overhaul with permanent logos of both the Lady Vols and Vols painted directly in front of the scorer's table; the free throw lanes were painted orange with "SEC" reversed out; the giant jump circle/mid-court TENNESSEE was given a new brighter color scheme, and "The Summitt," Coach Summitt's actual signature adorns the sidelines opposite the team benches.
ON OUR WAY TO 300 WINS
Tennessee recorded its 200th win in Thompson-Boling Arena when the Lady Vols defeated the University of Southern California on Nov. 18, 2001, 106-66. UT has now amassed a 274-16 (.943) record since the Orange and White moved into the Thompson-Boling Arena to start the 1987-88 season 19-years ago. Along the way, the Lady Vols have produced nine flawless home records in 1988-89 (15-0), 1991-92 (14-0), 1992-93 (13-0), 1993-94 (15-0), 1994-95 (15-0), 1997-98 (16-0), 1998-99 (14-0), 2000-01 (15-0) and 2002-03 (16-0). UT also registered an NCAA record 69-game home court-winning streak from Feb. 1, 1991 thru Jan. 2, 1996.
JUST 16 LOSSES
The Tennessee Lady Vols rarely lose at home. In fact, since moving to the Thompson-Boling Arena for the 1987-88 campaign, UT has lost two games in one season just six times. UT lost two games in TBA during the inaugural 1987-88 campaign, 1996-97, 1999-00, 2001-02, 2003-04 and the 2005-06 seasons. The 16 all-time losses at Thompson-Boling Arena have come at the hands of just nine teams: Florida (2006), LSU (2006), Duke (2004), Connecticut (2004, 2002, 2000, 1996), Louisiana Tech (1999, 1989), Georgia (1996, 1991), Texas (2003, 2002, 1987), Stanford (1996) and Auburn (1988).
HOME SWEET HOME -- 400th HOME WIN
The victory over Georgia on Jan. 31, 2005, was the Lady Vols 400th home win since Pat Summitt took over as head coach in 1974. Summitt has won 91.4 percent of all home games in 33 years producing a 426-40 overall record. Home losses (in the Summitt era) include: six in Alumni Gym from 1974-76; 18 in Stokely Athletics Center from 1976-87; and 16 in Thompson-Boling Arena since 1987.
225 OF 238 AT HOME
UT has won 225 of their last 238 games in Thompson-Boling Arena dating back to 2-1-91. UT's 13 losses during this time have been to Florida, LSU, Duke, Louisiana Tech, UConn (four times), Stanford, Texas (three times) and Georgia (OT).
500 GAMES VERSUS RANKED
Tennessee's game versus #13 Georgia on Feb. 16, 2006 was the Lady Vols' 500th all-time versus a ranked team since the inception of the polls in 1976. UT is an amazing 3754-146 (.703) versus ranked teams. Last year, Tennessee was 13-3 versus ranked teams.
LADY VOL STREAKS
The last time the Lady Vols lost at home was against Florida, 95-93 OT on Feb. 26, 2006 -- since then, UT has won nine games at home. The last time UT lost on the road was on Dec. 3, 2006 at UNC, since then, UT is 3-0 on the road. The last time the Lady Vols lost on a neutral court was against North Carolina, 75-63, in the NCAA Elite 8 game on Mar. 28, 2006 Since then, UT has not played on a neutral court.
LAST LOSS TO AN UNRANKED TEAM?
Florida became the second unranked team in the 2005-06 season to knock off the Lady Vols, when they won 95-93 OT on Feb. 26, 2006. Exactly one month earlier, unranked Kentucky turned the trick with a 66-63 win over #1/3-ranked Tennessee on Jan. 26, 2006 at Rupp Arena. Previously, it had been four years since an unranked team upset the Lady Vols. So before Florida and Kentucky had their way with UT, when was the last time Tennessee lost to an unranked team? That would have been to LSU on Mar. 2, 2002 at the SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tenn. LSU had been in and out of the Top 25 polls in late January and February. Prior to that, UT's last loss to an unranked team was five years previous (to the day) losing to Auburn on Mar. 2, 1997 at the SEC Tournament.
100 POINT GAMES
Since 1974, the Lady Vols have gone over the century mark 72 times. Last season, UT eclipsed 100 points in two games - Princeton, 107 and #16/18 Texas, 102. The 1987-88 team hit triple digits in seven games to lead the NCAA.
IN OVERTIME
The Lady Vols are 24-13 all-time in overtime games. The most OT games in a year was tied in 2003-04 with four as the Lady Vols went 3-1 in overtime losing to Georgia, 68-66, and defeating Auburn, 68-61, DePaul, 96-89, and Stanford, 70-66. It tied the mark set in 1996-97, when the Lady Vols were 3-1 in overtime contests losing to Georgia, 94-93, and defeating Texas, 68-65, Vanderbilt, 92-79 and LSU, 100-99. UT's 22 points in the OT against Florida (2-3-05), was the most ever scored by the Lady Vols in a single overtime. UT's most recent OT affair was a 95-93 loss to Florida on 2-26-06.
Coach Summitt Teleconference Quotes
Tennessee prepares for Florida and Georgia
On what the team has done between returning from Connecticut and two SEC games this week...
"We had a day off on Sunday and went back to work Monday trying to prepare for both Florida and Georgia. We looked at tape on each team's style of play, and spent quite a bit of time in our preparation on Monday and Tuesday so I feel good about that. We're traveling to Gainesville today."
On the team refocusing this week after the big win at Connecticut...
"I was very pleased this week. I think we've had two very good practices. Monday in particular, we didn't even talk about the Connecticut game; we went right into Florida and Georgia. We've had great energy and really good preparation overall."
On what the staff has shown this team from the Florida game last year...
"We watch film the day of the game, but they all get tapes before then, so I suspect some of them have looked at that game from last year. I think that game was very telling for us in terms of losing at home and losing late in the season; it probably cost us a No. 1 seed. That was last year's team. We have a lot of the same players, but we're a different team. It was a good lesson for us. Florida deserved that win; they came in and played very well against us. As a team we understand that we have to bring it every night whether it's our home court or not. That was senior night and a tough loss that I'm sure we've not forgotten."
On the Florida game last year being a motivation for this year's game...
"That game should be motivation for this year's team. Without question they understand what happened and what can happen if you're not ready to play. Florida is not a team that they will take lightly. This team respects Florida, and hopefully we'll be ready to play. I would expect us to be ready."
On keeping the team focused on Florida when it is between road games at Connecticut and Georgia...
"I think you always caution against a let down when you have a big road win like we had on Saturday. You rely on the maturity of the team and leadership of upperclassmen to understand that the Connecticut win is in the past. This is all about what we want to accomplish in SEC play. Our goal is to win the league and if we're going to do that, we have to be able to come in and play. Again, I rely on the leadership and the maturity of our basketball team; I think we are much more mature than last year's team."
On the Lady Vols' declining field goal percentage and lack of board control this season...
"We have been inconsistent with our field goal percentage. Certainly, Candace Parker and Sidney Spencer have been our go-to players. I think part of that is the schedule we play. We've played against some tough defenses. Connecticut's defense was very challenging for us and we did not shoot the ball as well as we did earlier this season. The tougher competition has something to do with it, but I think we have to be more efficient from the outside. In particular Alexis Hornbuckle and Alberta Auguste need to be able to put up big numbers and be more consistent from the two-guard spot. That is probably my biggest concern, outside of the fact that Nicky Anosike and Alex Fuller are the players who need to do a better job offensively on the boards. If I had to say what players need to do a better job offensively, it would be those four. Rebounding is a lot about heart and desire and pursuing the ball. I thought we did a much better job against Connecticut than, for example, playing against North Carolina. Both of those teams are extremely athletic and aggressive and physical on the boards. I thought we matched the intensity of Connecticut much better than we did against North Carolina in terms of rebounding. Hopefully we're getting better."
On the longtime rivalry and close matchups with Georgia...
"We always have close and hard fought games against Georgia. They are strong year-in and year-out and they play well against us. I think we play well against them and the intensity and competitiveness there and the physical play involved. We've been fortunate to make some big plays down the stretch, but there have been games that in many cases could have gone either way. That's the past. Now it's just two teams going at it. This is new and different, they have new players, we have new players, but it's still Tennessee and Georgia and it's been a longstanding, intense rivalry in the Southeastern Conference and I don't expect it to be any different on Sunday."
On the possible intimidation of playing a consistently top-five team and strong program, such as Tennessee...
"In some cases yes, but with us and Georgia, no. They are very competitive and tough minded and I don't see them being intimidated by any team, anywhere, anytime. They take on the mindset of Coach Andy Landers and they will be ready to play a very competitive style of basketball and do so with a lot of confidence."
On the polls this week being top-heavy with ACC teams...
"I think it will be interesting to see Maryland, North Carolina and Duke play one another as the ACC season gets underway. Those will be great games and it will be interesting to see if anyone will run the table and who will be the best of the three. I haven't seen any of the teams enough, except North Carolina, to make an assessment on how I would rank those teams."
On what the team has done between returning from Connecticut and two SEC games this week...
"We had a day off on Sunday and went back to work Monday trying to prepare for both Florida and Georgia. We looked at tape on each team's style of play, and spent quite a bit of time in our preparation on Monday and Tuesday so I feel good about that. We're traveling to Gainesville today."
On the team refocusing this week after the big win at Connecticut...
"I was very pleased this week. I think we've had two very good practices. Monday in particular, we didn't even talk about the Connecticut game; we went right into Florida and Georgia. We've had great energy and really good preparation overall."
On what the staff has shown this team from the Florida game last year...
"We watch film the day of the game, but they all get tapes before then, so I suspect some of them have looked at that game from last year. I think that game was very telling for us in terms of losing at home and losing late in the season; it probably cost us a No. 1 seed. That was last year's team. We have a lot of the same players, but we're a different team. It was a good lesson for us. Florida deserved that win; they came in and played very well against us. As a team we understand that we have to bring it every night whether it's our home court or not. That was senior night and a tough loss that I'm sure we've not forgotten."
On the Florida game last year being a motivation for this year's game...
"That game should be motivation for this year's team. Without question they understand what happened and what can happen if you're not ready to play. Florida is not a team that they will take lightly. This team respects Florida, and hopefully we'll be ready to play. I would expect us to be ready."
On keeping the team focused on Florida when it is between road games at Connecticut and Georgia...
"I think you always caution against a let down when you have a big road win like we had on Saturday. You rely on the maturity of the team and leadership of upperclassmen to understand that the Connecticut win is in the past. This is all about what we want to accomplish in SEC play. Our goal is to win the league and if we're going to do that, we have to be able to come in and play. Again, I rely on the leadership and the maturity of our basketball team; I think we are much more mature than last year's team."
On the Lady Vols' declining field goal percentage and lack of board control this season...
"We have been inconsistent with our field goal percentage. Certainly, Candace Parker and Sidney Spencer have been our go-to players. I think part of that is the schedule we play. We've played against some tough defenses. Connecticut's defense was very challenging for us and we did not shoot the ball as well as we did earlier this season. The tougher competition has something to do with it, but I think we have to be more efficient from the outside. In particular Alexis Hornbuckle and Alberta Auguste need to be able to put up big numbers and be more consistent from the two-guard spot. That is probably my biggest concern, outside of the fact that Nicky Anosike and Alex Fuller are the players who need to do a better job offensively on the boards. If I had to say what players need to do a better job offensively, it would be those four. Rebounding is a lot about heart and desire and pursuing the ball. I thought we did a much better job against Connecticut than, for example, playing against North Carolina. Both of those teams are extremely athletic and aggressive and physical on the boards. I thought we matched the intensity of Connecticut much better than we did against North Carolina in terms of rebounding. Hopefully we're getting better."
On the longtime rivalry and close matchups with Georgia...
"We always have close and hard fought games against Georgia. They are strong year-in and year-out and they play well against us. I think we play well against them and the intensity and competitiveness there and the physical play involved. We've been fortunate to make some big plays down the stretch, but there have been games that in many cases could have gone either way. That's the past. Now it's just two teams going at it. This is new and different, they have new players, we have new players, but it's still Tennessee and Georgia and it's been a longstanding, intense rivalry in the Southeastern Conference and I don't expect it to be any different on Sunday."
On the possible intimidation of playing a consistently top-five team and strong program, such as Tennessee...
"In some cases yes, but with us and Georgia, no. They are very competitive and tough minded and I don't see them being intimidated by any team, anywhere, anytime. They take on the mindset of Coach Andy Landers and they will be ready to play a very competitive style of basketball and do so with a lot of confidence."
On the polls this week being top-heavy with ACC teams...
"I think it will be interesting to see Maryland, North Carolina and Duke play one another as the ACC season gets underway. Those will be great games and it will be interesting to see if anyone will run the table and who will be the best of the three. I haven't seen any of the teams enough, except North Carolina, to make an assessment on how I would rank those teams."
Monday, January 08, 2007
Candace Parker Named SEC Player of the Week
KNOXVILLE, TENN. - The Southeastern Conference office announced Monday that Tennessee basketball star Candace Parker earned co-player of the week honors for her performances against Alabama and fifth-ranked Connecticut. She shares the accolade with Mississippi's Armintie Price.
The Lady Vol media relations office also tabbed Parker the Lady Vol Athlete of the Week on Monday.
Against Alabama on Jan. 3, Parker picked off a career-best five steals. She also added 15 points, five rebounds and five blocks; all in a limited 24 minutes of playing time. Tennessee took its 31st consecutive win against the Tide with the 72-36 routing.
On Jan. 6, the Lady Vols defeated No. 5 Connecticut, 70-64. In the victory, Parker was named the CBS and Lady Vol player of the game for her 30 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks and four assists in her first 40-minute game of the season. One of the many 6-4 sophomore's highlights was a dunk early in the second half to put UT up by 16.
The Naperville, Ill., native is quickly ascending the Tennessee record books. Through just 51 career games, Parker has 928 points, 432 rebounds and 127 blocks, ranking sixth all-time in the latter category. When she reaches the 1,000-point plateau, she will become just the 29th Lady Vol ever to do so. If she does it before her 57th career game, she will be the fastest Pat Summitt-coached player to amass 1,000 tallies. Chamique Holdsclaw did so in 57 games and Tamika Catchings in 58.
Parker previously captured player of the week honors on Nov. 20 and Nov. 27 of this season.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
(4) Tennessee 70, (5) Connecticut 64
HARTFORD, Conn. -- Candace Parker left an emphatic mark on Tennessee's storied rivalry with Connecticut.
Parker scored 30 points, including the sixth dunk of her career, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked six shots to help No. 4 Tennessee hold off fifth-ranked Connecticut 70-64 on Saturday at the Hartford Civic Center.
Sidney Spencer added 14 points for the Lady Vols (14-1), who have now beaten their rivals three straight times.
Charde Houston scored 23 points to lead Connecticut (12-1). Leading scorer Renee Montgomery struggled from the field. She was held to four points on 2-for-11 shooting.
It was Parker's fourth dunk this season and came with 18:20 left in the second half, giving Tennessee a 45-29 lead.
Parker is the fifth woman to dunk in a college game and has dunked the most. She joins Michelle Snow of Tennessee, Sancho Lyttle of Houston, Charlotte Smith of North Carolina and Georgeann Wells of West Virginia.
Her dunk seemed to ignite Connecticut, which went on a 31-15 spurt to tie the game at 60 with 4:04 left. Houston had 12 points during the spurt.
Spencer answered with a 3-pointer to give Tennessee a 63-60 edge with 3:40 left. After drawing an offensive foul on Brittany Hunter, Parker scored on a driving layup to just beat the shot clock and extend the lead to five.
Houston answered with a layup to cut the deficit to three, but the Huskies could get no closer.
This was the 22nd meeting between the rivals with Connecticut holding a 13-9 edge.
Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma said the scope of the rivalry isn't what it used to be because there are more teams that could win the national championship. Neither squad made the Final Four last season -- the first time that had happened since 1999.
"In some sense, a small sense, it's still the Red Sox and the Yankees. It still is," Auriemma said. "But there's still a lot more good things going on in college basketball now. That's just the reality of it."
Auriemma challenged his team before the game, reminding them that none of them had beaten Tennessee, a benchmark that separates his good teams from the great ones.
"He just pointed everybody out and said, `You, you, you, you, you, you, you' have never beaten Tennessee," said Hunter, who played her first game after missing the last three with a sore knee. "That was just like a dagger in the heart."
These Huskies still haven't.
They were looking to open the season with 13 wins for the first time since 2002-03 -- the last time Connecticut had no seniors. That team went on to win the first of two straight national championships.
The game got off to a slow start with both teams struggling from the field. Auriemma tried to inspire his team, drawing a technical after an offensive foul on Tina Charles with 7:20 left in the first half and the Lady Vols leading 20-17.
Tennessee maintained a 26-24 edge with 4:13 left before closing the half on a 15-5 run, spurred on by Shannon Bobbitt and Parker.
Bobbitt hit three 3-pointers and Parker had three layups as the Lady Vols went into the break up 41-29.
Parker had 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in the first half.
Auriemma was presented with a ball before the game commemorating his 600th victory, which he reached Sunday in his 22nd season. He became the fastest coach to achieve the mark, surpassing Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, who did it in 23 seasons.
Parker scored 30 points, including the sixth dunk of her career, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked six shots to help No. 4 Tennessee hold off fifth-ranked Connecticut 70-64 on Saturday at the Hartford Civic Center.
Sidney Spencer added 14 points for the Lady Vols (14-1), who have now beaten their rivals three straight times.
Charde Houston scored 23 points to lead Connecticut (12-1). Leading scorer Renee Montgomery struggled from the field. She was held to four points on 2-for-11 shooting.
It was Parker's fourth dunk this season and came with 18:20 left in the second half, giving Tennessee a 45-29 lead.
Parker is the fifth woman to dunk in a college game and has dunked the most. She joins Michelle Snow of Tennessee, Sancho Lyttle of Houston, Charlotte Smith of North Carolina and Georgeann Wells of West Virginia.
Her dunk seemed to ignite Connecticut, which went on a 31-15 spurt to tie the game at 60 with 4:04 left. Houston had 12 points during the spurt.
Spencer answered with a 3-pointer to give Tennessee a 63-60 edge with 3:40 left. After drawing an offensive foul on Brittany Hunter, Parker scored on a driving layup to just beat the shot clock and extend the lead to five.
Houston answered with a layup to cut the deficit to three, but the Huskies could get no closer.
This was the 22nd meeting between the rivals with Connecticut holding a 13-9 edge.
Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma said the scope of the rivalry isn't what it used to be because there are more teams that could win the national championship. Neither squad made the Final Four last season -- the first time that had happened since 1999.
"In some sense, a small sense, it's still the Red Sox and the Yankees. It still is," Auriemma said. "But there's still a lot more good things going on in college basketball now. That's just the reality of it."
Auriemma challenged his team before the game, reminding them that none of them had beaten Tennessee, a benchmark that separates his good teams from the great ones.
"He just pointed everybody out and said, `You, you, you, you, you, you, you' have never beaten Tennessee," said Hunter, who played her first game after missing the last three with a sore knee. "That was just like a dagger in the heart."
These Huskies still haven't.
They were looking to open the season with 13 wins for the first time since 2002-03 -- the last time Connecticut had no seniors. That team went on to win the first of two straight national championships.
The game got off to a slow start with both teams struggling from the field. Auriemma tried to inspire his team, drawing a technical after an offensive foul on Tina Charles with 7:20 left in the first half and the Lady Vols leading 20-17.
Tennessee maintained a 26-24 edge with 4:13 left before closing the half on a 15-5 run, spurred on by Shannon Bobbitt and Parker.
Bobbitt hit three 3-pointers and Parker had three layups as the Lady Vols went into the break up 41-29.
Parker had 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in the first half.
Auriemma was presented with a ball before the game commemorating his 600th victory, which he reached Sunday in his 22nd season. He became the fastest coach to achieve the mark, surpassing Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, who did it in 23 seasons.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Coach Summitt answers questions about UConn
On the team getting ready for the game at Connecticut...
"I think this is a team that has been challenged with our schedule from time to time. In particular we've benefited from going on the road. We have been to Arizona State, Texas, Old Dominion, and North Carolina. Certainly this trip to Connecticut will be a big test for our basketball team. It will be a post-season environment. It is always good to test our team early and see where they are. This will be a big challenge for us; we have to match their toughness. They are a great rebounding team, the push tempo and they are committed to defense. We're looking forward to the match up."
On significance of this Connecticut-Tennessee rivalry to college women's basketball...
"If you look at the rivalry and the stage that we've been on since we started playing, it has been year-in and year-out the one game that has brought more viewers to sit and watch. It has generated a rivalry that is known throughout the country. It is a match up between two powerhouse programs that have been consistent over the years. It is good for women's basketball. There is no question that it has meant a lot to the game in terms of exposure and that national platform."
Do you think it would elevate or benefit this Connecticut-Tennessee rivalry if it were to be played at Madison Square Gardens?
"I haven't really thought about that. If you look at the venues where we play, in Knoxville and in Hartford, it's certainly very appealing from a spectator's standpoint. We've had a number of sold out games. It's something to think about in terms of going to MSG and seeing what kind of appeal it might have. If you take the game away from Connecticut or Tennessee, would it have the same appeal? It has the national TV audience but we've never had it away from either team's venue. If any teams would benefit, it's possible these two could."
On the open looks of shooters like Mel Thomas...
"First of all, I think Connecticut's Mel Thomas and (UT's) Sidney Spencer are two known three-point shooters and players that can knock down big shots and players you have to guard. We understand that Mel is a priority in our defensive scheme. Now, saying you want to do it and doing it are two different things. I think in the game tomorrow you'll see two terrific outside long range shooters who will be a priority for the defenses on the floor. It will be interesting to see how the schemes play out and who is successful."
What do you think was the defining moment when you knew Connecticut was going to be a strong contender on the women's college basketball scene...
"I think when we lost to them in the NCAA Title game in 1995 in Minneapolis, I knew they were going to be a consistently good program."
On the schedule today...
"Our schedule is always a challenge, I think in particular with the state of women's basketball today versus 10-15 years ago. There are a lot more competitive teams out there that can be successful on any given night. It has increasingly become a bigger challenge from game to game. I ask myself sometimes why I keep doing this. This scheduling has been a formula for us at UT for years. To be the best, you have to play the best. I think in the end if we want to be in post season and make the final four and win a championship, then we have to be put in a position to know what it takes."
On the observations of the teams in the SEC this year...
"I think the SEC appears to be deeper than it's been in the past few years. Immediately teams that come to mind are Arkansas, Auburn and Kentucky. I think what coach Mickie DeMoss did last year at UK is carrying over. The Big Four in the league right now are Louisiana State, Tennessee, Georgia and Vanderbilt... in no particular order until we play each other and know how deep we are. But to me, right now, those four are where they need to be in terms of rankings. The league hasn't gone as deep with other schools in the past. It's one thing to have a league with a couple good teams but it's another to have one that can compete deep in the numbers and I think we have that this year."
On Bob Knight's breaking of the men's Division I victory record...
"Coach Knight and I got to know each other because of our international experience. He coached the men's team and I coached the women's team in the 1984 Olympics. I had the opportunity to be around him a lot. He is an incredible teacher of the game and motivator and from time to time we talk. I have not talked to him since he broke the record, but I intend to make contact with him. I am sure he's been overwhelmed. I'm proud of what he has accomplished. He is someone that has had a great impact on the game and has had influence in terms of his teaching and how he presents his x's and o's on the court."
"I think this is a team that has been challenged with our schedule from time to time. In particular we've benefited from going on the road. We have been to Arizona State, Texas, Old Dominion, and North Carolina. Certainly this trip to Connecticut will be a big test for our basketball team. It will be a post-season environment. It is always good to test our team early and see where they are. This will be a big challenge for us; we have to match their toughness. They are a great rebounding team, the push tempo and they are committed to defense. We're looking forward to the match up."
On significance of this Connecticut-Tennessee rivalry to college women's basketball...
"If you look at the rivalry and the stage that we've been on since we started playing, it has been year-in and year-out the one game that has brought more viewers to sit and watch. It has generated a rivalry that is known throughout the country. It is a match up between two powerhouse programs that have been consistent over the years. It is good for women's basketball. There is no question that it has meant a lot to the game in terms of exposure and that national platform."
Do you think it would elevate or benefit this Connecticut-Tennessee rivalry if it were to be played at Madison Square Gardens?
"I haven't really thought about that. If you look at the venues where we play, in Knoxville and in Hartford, it's certainly very appealing from a spectator's standpoint. We've had a number of sold out games. It's something to think about in terms of going to MSG and seeing what kind of appeal it might have. If you take the game away from Connecticut or Tennessee, would it have the same appeal? It has the national TV audience but we've never had it away from either team's venue. If any teams would benefit, it's possible these two could."
On the open looks of shooters like Mel Thomas...
"First of all, I think Connecticut's Mel Thomas and (UT's) Sidney Spencer are two known three-point shooters and players that can knock down big shots and players you have to guard. We understand that Mel is a priority in our defensive scheme. Now, saying you want to do it and doing it are two different things. I think in the game tomorrow you'll see two terrific outside long range shooters who will be a priority for the defenses on the floor. It will be interesting to see how the schemes play out and who is successful."
What do you think was the defining moment when you knew Connecticut was going to be a strong contender on the women's college basketball scene...
"I think when we lost to them in the NCAA Title game in 1995 in Minneapolis, I knew they were going to be a consistently good program."
On the schedule today...
"Our schedule is always a challenge, I think in particular with the state of women's basketball today versus 10-15 years ago. There are a lot more competitive teams out there that can be successful on any given night. It has increasingly become a bigger challenge from game to game. I ask myself sometimes why I keep doing this. This scheduling has been a formula for us at UT for years. To be the best, you have to play the best. I think in the end if we want to be in post season and make the final four and win a championship, then we have to be put in a position to know what it takes."
On the observations of the teams in the SEC this year...
"I think the SEC appears to be deeper than it's been in the past few years. Immediately teams that come to mind are Arkansas, Auburn and Kentucky. I think what coach Mickie DeMoss did last year at UK is carrying over. The Big Four in the league right now are Louisiana State, Tennessee, Georgia and Vanderbilt... in no particular order until we play each other and know how deep we are. But to me, right now, those four are where they need to be in terms of rankings. The league hasn't gone as deep with other schools in the past. It's one thing to have a league with a couple good teams but it's another to have one that can compete deep in the numbers and I think we have that this year."
On Bob Knight's breaking of the men's Division I victory record...
"Coach Knight and I got to know each other because of our international experience. He coached the men's team and I coached the women's team in the 1984 Olympics. I had the opportunity to be around him a lot. He is an incredible teacher of the game and motivator and from time to time we talk. I have not talked to him since he broke the record, but I intend to make contact with him. I am sure he's been overwhelmed. I'm proud of what he has accomplished. He is someone that has had a great impact on the game and has had influence in terms of his teaching and how he presents his x's and o's on the court."
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
(4) Tennessee 72, Alabama 36
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- An easy win gave fourth-ranked Tennessee time to plan ahead for its next game.
The Lady Vols travel to No. 5 Connecticut on Saturday in what has become the premiere rivalry in women's college basketball.
Their official preparations began after beating Alabama 72-36 on Wednesday night to open the Southeastern Conference season, but coach Pat Summitt got a head start by giving her reserves extra playing time and by toying with different lineups.
"I thought we had a number of different looks. All in all we maintained our intensity, and I anticipated going that route if we had an opportunity to do so," Summitt said. "I just felt like going into a game like Connecticut and going into that environment that we needed some quality minutes (for the bench)."
Tennessee (13-1) beat Alabama for the 31st straight game and the Crimson Tide (10-6) fell to 2-38 all-time against the Lady Vols.
Candace Parker led Tennessee with 15 points while reserve Alberta Auguste added 11. Alexis Hornbuckle had seven assists.
The Lady Vols led by 20 early but looked bland. They came out with more intensity in the opening minutes of the second half when the lead ballooned to 30. Alabama could not keep pace.
Parker had 10 points in the first half and was 7-of-14 from the floor. She didn't play much after halftime.
Talisha Chandler led Alabama with 14 points.
"I think our defense really was key tonight. We set the tone defensively," Parker said. "The SEC schedule is going to be hard, and every team is going to be coming at us. We just have to bring defense and rebounding and we'll be fine."
Tennessee has won seven in a row since losing at No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 3. The wins include George Washington, Texas and Old Dominion.
Playing one of the lower-tier teams in the SEC was not particularly exciting for fans. The Lady Vols had 20 turnovers while Alabama had 35 and were uncharacteristically outrebounded 34-32.
One of the largest cheers from the crowd came when a malfunctioning scoreboard that beeped uncontrollably was turned off in the first half.
The game got more interesting when Tennessee guard Cait McMahan had an acrobatic basket. She dribbled behind her back and then scooped the ball around Alabama's 6-foot-4 Courtney Strauthers and into the basket late in the second half.
"I just saw an open shot through the lane, and I guess I shot it," McMahan, a freshman, said.
Hornbuckle added: "I couldn't believe the shot went in. I walked to the end of the bench and just stood there for a second. You don't see that shot go in very much."
Earlier, Auguste scored when she inbounded the ball to herself by bouncing it off the back of an Alabama player.
The Tide's leading scorer, Navonda Moore, was well off her average of 14 points a game. She was held to five points. Kate Mastin, who was averaging 13.8 points, was scoreless.
Alabama coach Stephany Smith lamented having six freshmen.
"We are a work in progress," she said. "I had no idea how we'd be in our first SEC basketball game. You compound that by your first SEC basketball (game) being Tennessee and you compound that by being in Knoxville, Tenn. We didn't respond as well as I thought."
Tennessee was leading 25-5 midway through the first half. Afterward, the lead dipped below 20 and was sloppy on both sides for a few minutes while the Lady Vols had most of their starters out of the game.
Tennessee went up 35-14 at halftime. The Tide's first half total was the lowest by an SEC team against the Lady Vols.
Alabama had 21 turnovers and made only 6-of-22 field goals in the first half.
The Lady Vols travel to No. 5 Connecticut on Saturday in what has become the premiere rivalry in women's college basketball.
Their official preparations began after beating Alabama 72-36 on Wednesday night to open the Southeastern Conference season, but coach Pat Summitt got a head start by giving her reserves extra playing time and by toying with different lineups.
"I thought we had a number of different looks. All in all we maintained our intensity, and I anticipated going that route if we had an opportunity to do so," Summitt said. "I just felt like going into a game like Connecticut and going into that environment that we needed some quality minutes (for the bench)."
Tennessee (13-1) beat Alabama for the 31st straight game and the Crimson Tide (10-6) fell to 2-38 all-time against the Lady Vols.
Candace Parker led Tennessee with 15 points while reserve Alberta Auguste added 11. Alexis Hornbuckle had seven assists.
The Lady Vols led by 20 early but looked bland. They came out with more intensity in the opening minutes of the second half when the lead ballooned to 30. Alabama could not keep pace.
Parker had 10 points in the first half and was 7-of-14 from the floor. She didn't play much after halftime.
Talisha Chandler led Alabama with 14 points.
"I think our defense really was key tonight. We set the tone defensively," Parker said. "The SEC schedule is going to be hard, and every team is going to be coming at us. We just have to bring defense and rebounding and we'll be fine."
Tennessee has won seven in a row since losing at No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 3. The wins include George Washington, Texas and Old Dominion.
Playing one of the lower-tier teams in the SEC was not particularly exciting for fans. The Lady Vols had 20 turnovers while Alabama had 35 and were uncharacteristically outrebounded 34-32.
One of the largest cheers from the crowd came when a malfunctioning scoreboard that beeped uncontrollably was turned off in the first half.
The game got more interesting when Tennessee guard Cait McMahan had an acrobatic basket. She dribbled behind her back and then scooped the ball around Alabama's 6-foot-4 Courtney Strauthers and into the basket late in the second half.
"I just saw an open shot through the lane, and I guess I shot it," McMahan, a freshman, said.
Hornbuckle added: "I couldn't believe the shot went in. I walked to the end of the bench and just stood there for a second. You don't see that shot go in very much."
Earlier, Auguste scored when she inbounded the ball to herself by bouncing it off the back of an Alabama player.
The Tide's leading scorer, Navonda Moore, was well off her average of 14 points a game. She was held to five points. Kate Mastin, who was averaging 13.8 points, was scoreless.
Alabama coach Stephany Smith lamented having six freshmen.
"We are a work in progress," she said. "I had no idea how we'd be in our first SEC basketball game. You compound that by your first SEC basketball (game) being Tennessee and you compound that by being in Knoxville, Tenn. We didn't respond as well as I thought."
Tennessee was leading 25-5 midway through the first half. Afterward, the lead dipped below 20 and was sloppy on both sides for a few minutes while the Lady Vols had most of their starters out of the game.
Tennessee went up 35-14 at halftime. The Tide's first half total was the lowest by an SEC team against the Lady Vols.
Alabama had 21 turnovers and made only 6-of-22 field goals in the first half.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Pat Summitt On Notre Dame, Opening SEC Play
UT Lady Vol Coach Pat Summitt:
On teams performance against Notre Dame...
"I thought considering we had a good number of days off, we got back in the gym and really worked hard to prepare for Notre Dame. In the first half we had a sub-par performance, but the second half we really did a great job of extending our defense and disrupting what they wanted to do in the full and half courts. It was good for us to understand the difference in how we played and how we needed to play."
On starting SEC play tomorrow...
"We're looking forward to opening the SEC, starting with Alabama. As I look at them statistically, they are a team that has a lot of different people as far as scoring. It's very spread out and I think for us it all starts with our defense and what we have to do to bring the intensity in that aspect. It'll be nice to be at home to open the conference."
On facing Connecticut on Saturday...
"Going to Connecticut will be another good road game for us. Our other road games this season have been challenging but for us. To get outside of our environment and be in Hartford, that will allow us to see where we are and how we handle that type of environment and a very fine opponent."
On Shannon Bobbitt...
"I think guard play is key for this team. If you go back to Arizona State and evaluate Shannon's play and Cait McMahan's performance, they were both very unsettled throughout that game. Bobbitt got better in the second half of that game. Against North Carolina they both had better games and at Texas some good things happened. I do think that's where we have to have stability from our guard play, not just the point guards, but getting Alexis Hornbuckle and Alberta Auguste in the mix and to be able to rely on the guard positions is key for us as we move forward into league play and playing at Hartford and that type of environment this weekend."
On the tough road schedule helping guards develop...
"This weekend at Hartford will probably be the biggest crowd that they've played in front of on the road and I think it's good for them, that is why we choose to play a lot of tough road games. We'll learn a lot more about them and our team from this game."
On Cait McMahan coming back from being sick...
"I thought yesterday was her best practice. We need for her to be healthy and we need to have two point guards ready to play."
On Connecticut's team this year...
"The numbers are very impressive, looking at them statistically and the balance that they present. Renee Montgomery has improved, she was an up-tempo guard last year but she has a more aggressive mindset now. Kalana Greene is a lot better as well. If you're just looking at their team, those two have really improved. The addition of Tina Charles has been significant and Kaili McLaren started in the last game and she is a player that brings in a lot of size and physical presence for them."
On Connecticut's dominating the boards this season...
"It presents a concern for us; we've been very inconsistent in that aspect of the game. If we can't match their physical intensity on the boards, it will be a long afternoon for us. That's always a key step when you play an opponent like Connecticut and particularly one that is dedicated to rebounding like they are. They generate a lot of points off their defense and rebounding."
On winning 30 games in a row over Alabama...
"I think the one thing that has been a constant for this program has been the emphasis that we place on the conference games and the consistency that we've had in winning road games in the SEC. That's the big challenge. You expect to win at home, but you don't always win at home. You really have to put a lot of emphasis as a coach and as a program on winning road games. We've had some tough ones over the years, but I'm pleased that our players, year in and year out have understood what they have to do on the floor both home and away."
On breaking up the SEC schedule with non-conference games...
"I think when you play the series like Connecticut one, which has been a set CBS game for a while and the Duke game as well on ESPN; it's a situation when you have those kinds of marquis matchups that television gets the priority on where to place the game. We can and have benefited from having TV games and the great exposure for our program. Our conference schools and other schools have always been accommodating to us and to TV. A lot of times with TV games, the final say is trying to work out the best window of opportunity."
Comparing the Connecticut game to the UNC game...
"I think it will be a good read on the accountability of our players. We have to have players across the board step up and play every night. In games like this when you're on the road, accountability is a must and in particular, for us, taking care of the basketball and we have to pound the boards. Watching tape on our rebounding, we'll sometimes go to the glass, but we're not fighting or jockey for position. To me that is what we have to do a better job of."
Is this team across the board not an instinctive rebounding team...
"They are a better offensive rebounding team, we're pursuing the ball there and not on the defensive end. I feel like we have to be consistent on both ends and our numbers reflect that we are not. Rebounding is all about heart and desire to play defense and having a nose for the ball and that kind of mentality. I think a lot of people sit around and watch Candace Parker go to the boards. Nicky Anosike and Alex Fuller have to be as committed to rebounding as Parker is. Alexis Hornbuckle to me should be one of the best rebounding guards in the country. Alberta Auguste, who backs her up is a pretty instinctive rebounder. She is always making an effort to get to the paint and rebound. Shannon Bobbitt is not getting rebounds to speak of and you may say that's her size but I've always encouraged defensive rebounding from point guards, because they can help start the break. That is something we're going to have to watch and pinpoint and be aware of as we play through games. Bobbitt is just not involved in rebounding at all; she's more involved in positioning herself for an outlet. With her speed, she and Cait McMahan both, could position for rebounds and still lead the breakout."
On teams performance against Notre Dame...
"I thought considering we had a good number of days off, we got back in the gym and really worked hard to prepare for Notre Dame. In the first half we had a sub-par performance, but the second half we really did a great job of extending our defense and disrupting what they wanted to do in the full and half courts. It was good for us to understand the difference in how we played and how we needed to play."
On starting SEC play tomorrow...
"We're looking forward to opening the SEC, starting with Alabama. As I look at them statistically, they are a team that has a lot of different people as far as scoring. It's very spread out and I think for us it all starts with our defense and what we have to do to bring the intensity in that aspect. It'll be nice to be at home to open the conference."
On facing Connecticut on Saturday...
"Going to Connecticut will be another good road game for us. Our other road games this season have been challenging but for us. To get outside of our environment and be in Hartford, that will allow us to see where we are and how we handle that type of environment and a very fine opponent."
On Shannon Bobbitt...
"I think guard play is key for this team. If you go back to Arizona State and evaluate Shannon's play and Cait McMahan's performance, they were both very unsettled throughout that game. Bobbitt got better in the second half of that game. Against North Carolina they both had better games and at Texas some good things happened. I do think that's where we have to have stability from our guard play, not just the point guards, but getting Alexis Hornbuckle and Alberta Auguste in the mix and to be able to rely on the guard positions is key for us as we move forward into league play and playing at Hartford and that type of environment this weekend."
On the tough road schedule helping guards develop...
"This weekend at Hartford will probably be the biggest crowd that they've played in front of on the road and I think it's good for them, that is why we choose to play a lot of tough road games. We'll learn a lot more about them and our team from this game."
On Cait McMahan coming back from being sick...
"I thought yesterday was her best practice. We need for her to be healthy and we need to have two point guards ready to play."
On Connecticut's team this year...
"The numbers are very impressive, looking at them statistically and the balance that they present. Renee Montgomery has improved, she was an up-tempo guard last year but she has a more aggressive mindset now. Kalana Greene is a lot better as well. If you're just looking at their team, those two have really improved. The addition of Tina Charles has been significant and Kaili McLaren started in the last game and she is a player that brings in a lot of size and physical presence for them."
On Connecticut's dominating the boards this season...
"It presents a concern for us; we've been very inconsistent in that aspect of the game. If we can't match their physical intensity on the boards, it will be a long afternoon for us. That's always a key step when you play an opponent like Connecticut and particularly one that is dedicated to rebounding like they are. They generate a lot of points off their defense and rebounding."
On winning 30 games in a row over Alabama...
"I think the one thing that has been a constant for this program has been the emphasis that we place on the conference games and the consistency that we've had in winning road games in the SEC. That's the big challenge. You expect to win at home, but you don't always win at home. You really have to put a lot of emphasis as a coach and as a program on winning road games. We've had some tough ones over the years, but I'm pleased that our players, year in and year out have understood what they have to do on the floor both home and away."
On breaking up the SEC schedule with non-conference games...
"I think when you play the series like Connecticut one, which has been a set CBS game for a while and the Duke game as well on ESPN; it's a situation when you have those kinds of marquis matchups that television gets the priority on where to place the game. We can and have benefited from having TV games and the great exposure for our program. Our conference schools and other schools have always been accommodating to us and to TV. A lot of times with TV games, the final say is trying to work out the best window of opportunity."
Comparing the Connecticut game to the UNC game...
"I think it will be a good read on the accountability of our players. We have to have players across the board step up and play every night. In games like this when you're on the road, accountability is a must and in particular, for us, taking care of the basketball and we have to pound the boards. Watching tape on our rebounding, we'll sometimes go to the glass, but we're not fighting or jockey for position. To me that is what we have to do a better job of."
Is this team across the board not an instinctive rebounding team...
"They are a better offensive rebounding team, we're pursuing the ball there and not on the defensive end. I feel like we have to be consistent on both ends and our numbers reflect that we are not. Rebounding is all about heart and desire to play defense and having a nose for the ball and that kind of mentality. I think a lot of people sit around and watch Candace Parker go to the boards. Nicky Anosike and Alex Fuller have to be as committed to rebounding as Parker is. Alexis Hornbuckle to me should be one of the best rebounding guards in the country. Alberta Auguste, who backs her up is a pretty instinctive rebounder. She is always making an effort to get to the paint and rebound. Shannon Bobbitt is not getting rebounds to speak of and you may say that's her size but I've always encouraged defensive rebounding from point guards, because they can help start the break. That is something we're going to have to watch and pinpoint and be aware of as we play through games. Bobbitt is just not involved in rebounding at all; she's more involved in positioning herself for an outlet. With her speed, she and Cait McMahan both, could position for rebounds and still lead the breakout."
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Summit gives wake-up call to Lady Vols
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - If Tennessee needed a wake-up call Saturday afternoon, Coach Pat Summitt supplied it at halftime. The Lady Vols led by two at the half, but after the break was a different story.
Candace Parker had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Shannon Bobbitt had a season-high 17 points to lead No. 4 Tennessee to a 78-54 rout of Notre Dame.
"At halftime, Pat stressed the fact that we looked dead out there," Bobbitt said. "We weren't putting an emphasis on defense first and the boards first, so we had a little meeting among ourselves and we just went out there and were going to show it the second half."
Sidney Spencer added 17 points for the Lady Vols, who were playing a final non-conference game before their Southeastern Conference opener at home against Alabama on Wednesday.
Notre Dame (9-4), led by Charel Allen with 16 points, fell to 0-18 against Tennessee.
Bobbitt was 5-of-7 from 3-point range. She came in averaging 6.6 points.
"Basically, I'm guessing every scouting report against me is I don't have a consistent jump shot, but everybody kind of plays off me," Bobbitt said. "I just take what the defense gives me, and I was shooting it good."
The Lady Vols had 12 blocks, including five by Parker.
Tennessee (12-1) led the entire first half but never by more than eight points. Alexis Hornbuckle hit a 15-footer in transition with 4:11 left to give the Lady Vols a 27-19 lead, but Notre Dame finished the half with an 8-2 run, closing to within 29-27.
The Lady Vols shot just 34.5 percent from the field in the first half and Notre Dame shot 46.2 percent. Tennessee had 11 points off turnovers in the first half.
"At halftime we talked about having energy," Summitt said. "We have to have five people playing with energy. At times we have three people playing hard and a couple not covering passing lanes. We have so many breakdowns because people aren't on the same page as far as intensity."
The Lady Vols opened the second half with an 11-2 run, taking a 40-29 lead on Spencer's two free throws with 16:25 left.
Bobbitt, who hit four 3-pointers in the first 10 minutes of the second half, scored eight straight points in a span of 26 seconds to extend the lead to 26 points. She hit a 3-pointer with 10:38 left, made two foul shots after being intentionally fouled by Tulyah Gaines on a drive, and hit another 3-pointer with 10:12 to play for a 64-38 lead with 10:12 left.
That came during a 22-2 run by the Lady Vols, who rolled to the victory in the last 10 minutes. The Fighting Irish finished with 29 turnovers and the Lady Vols with 15.
"We didn't bring the energy and intensity until the second half," Summitt said. "In the first half, Notre Dame got the shots they wanted. They got good looks. When this team understands that they can generate points off their defense, that will be good."
Candace Parker had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Shannon Bobbitt had a season-high 17 points to lead No. 4 Tennessee to a 78-54 rout of Notre Dame.
"At halftime, Pat stressed the fact that we looked dead out there," Bobbitt said. "We weren't putting an emphasis on defense first and the boards first, so we had a little meeting among ourselves and we just went out there and were going to show it the second half."
Sidney Spencer added 17 points for the Lady Vols, who were playing a final non-conference game before their Southeastern Conference opener at home against Alabama on Wednesday.
Notre Dame (9-4), led by Charel Allen with 16 points, fell to 0-18 against Tennessee.
Bobbitt was 5-of-7 from 3-point range. She came in averaging 6.6 points.
"Basically, I'm guessing every scouting report against me is I don't have a consistent jump shot, but everybody kind of plays off me," Bobbitt said. "I just take what the defense gives me, and I was shooting it good."
The Lady Vols had 12 blocks, including five by Parker.
Tennessee (12-1) led the entire first half but never by more than eight points. Alexis Hornbuckle hit a 15-footer in transition with 4:11 left to give the Lady Vols a 27-19 lead, but Notre Dame finished the half with an 8-2 run, closing to within 29-27.
The Lady Vols shot just 34.5 percent from the field in the first half and Notre Dame shot 46.2 percent. Tennessee had 11 points off turnovers in the first half.
"At halftime we talked about having energy," Summitt said. "We have to have five people playing with energy. At times we have three people playing hard and a couple not covering passing lanes. We have so many breakdowns because people aren't on the same page as far as intensity."
The Lady Vols opened the second half with an 11-2 run, taking a 40-29 lead on Spencer's two free throws with 16:25 left.
Bobbitt, who hit four 3-pointers in the first 10 minutes of the second half, scored eight straight points in a span of 26 seconds to extend the lead to 26 points. She hit a 3-pointer with 10:38 left, made two foul shots after being intentionally fouled by Tulyah Gaines on a drive, and hit another 3-pointer with 10:12 to play for a 64-38 lead with 10:12 left.
That came during a 22-2 run by the Lady Vols, who rolled to the victory in the last 10 minutes. The Fighting Irish finished with 29 turnovers and the Lady Vols with 15.
"We didn't bring the energy and intensity until the second half," Summitt said. "In the first half, Notre Dame got the shots they wanted. They got good looks. When this team understands that they can generate points off their defense, that will be good."
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