Game Thread: (13/10) Lady Vols 76 - Missouri 62

[youcancallmeAl]

Coach Pat used to send Kyra Elzy out there and she would be all over their best shooters. She would drive them crazy. Miles is smaller but reminds you of Kyra with her hustle. They need to find somebody to put on the shooters. That Ramirez from Arkansas hurt them in both games, even though she got in foul trouble In game 1. The Lady Vols just refused to lose both of those games.

The best defender we have is Horston, whether it be down low or on the perimeter. Pre-injury Rae is also a good perimeter defender. There really isn't anyone else. Miles, who is so short she will get posted up, and Walker, who isn't quick and also doesn't have length, are the only other guards. Tess plays pretty good team defense, but is not a one-on-one defender against quick guards. It's a problem, and I don't know what the solution is. We're gonna have to keep plugging away until Rae gets back to defensive form, if she ever does this season.

 

[Raebo]

I feel pretty good about this game. Hopefully they will take better shots and not drive and just throw the basketball toward the rim. No reason not to control the paint. Would be nice to play a good 1st quarter And settle into the game flow. Play good team ball and pass to an open player.

 

[KrazyVolFan]

she said shoter is going shot or score. but she said she was not the best shoter. it was on one of tenn post game interview. anybody can see not shoter in women college basketball. you can not say she best in college basketball. she is our best player but not on parker leval.

Huh

 

[Darth_Vol]

I agree, Horston is the best player on the team but not on Parker's level.

 

[VOLPAT]

Don't think we have enought foot speed to press full court. However, willing to try anything to get the ladies to play stiffling team defense.

Like the idea of better, longer maintained and harder set screens. Would like to see Key and Horston run a pick and roll on every possession. Currently, pick and roll is not effective because Key is not a threat to shoot from the high post. As a result, her defender does not follower her away from the basket.

I think Tamari is the key both literally and metaphorically. Would like to see her shoot that 10 foot shot from the high post on every catch ( as Volfan2012 and I described in earlier posts) we must make the defense play Key honest. A productive pick and roll or pick and pop for Key could make up for Keyen's lost production, which must, be addressed.

Double teams have reduced Tamari effectiveness. Entry pass turnovers and limited utilization of her skills have emboldened defenses to believe she is guard able. She is not. Hope we take advantage.

Pressure defenses have disrupted our guards abilities to initiate our offense. Kellie has addressed this in the last two press conference. So it's time to change the narrative. Give the ball to Tamari at the high post and demand she shoot. Pick and roll and pick and pop with Tamari until she is guarded. Open and space the floor as a result. Just my opinion.

Teams have scouted Tennessee and are attacking perceived weaknesses. Those teams have weakness too. Major problem has been growing worse is shooting. Key needs to show up ready to be tough and stop missing bunnies. No excuse. She’s too good. She needs to lead.

 

[VOLPAT]

The best defender we have is Horston, whether it be down low or on the perimeter. Pre-injury Rae is also a good perimeter defender. There really isn't anyone else. Miles, who is so short she will get posted up, and Walker, who isn't quick and also doesn't have length, are the only other guards. Tess plays pretty good team defense, but is not a one-on-one defender against quick guards. It's a problem, and I don't know what the solution is. We're gonna have to keep plugging away until Rae gets back to defensive form, if she ever does this season.

I see your point but regular season is running out and the time is now to figure out what they need to do find some confidence and attitude. They are the LADY VOLS……let Missouri know that from the tip.

 

[VOLPAT]

This was the most glaring difference I've noticed BK ("Before Keyen") and AK. Their defense is pedestrian. And let's face it, their offense is not pretty. They were winning because their defensive efforts made even the better offenses look even uglier. If they can't get that defensive intensity back, then I don't see them making a strong push. It starts with Tamari. She looks afraid to foul...only 1 block vs. UConn, and it was a gimme that they tossed right at her. She needs to be fearless, and Emily/Karoline really need to step up and show up so that Tamari can be Tamari when she's on the court.

She needs to stand her ground and remember that if they’re doubling her, somebody is free. She had this amazing game last year and clearly had the attitude, with almost a chip on her shoulder ……..the paint is mine and I’m taking it. She was being aggressive. I loved seeing some “step aside, your in my way” from her.

 

[VOLPAT]

Huh

Not many people on planet earth are on Parker’s level. Let’s face it.

 

[Amb3096]

She needs to stand her ground and remember that if they’re doubling her, somebody is free. She had this amazing game last year and clearly had the attitude, with almost a chip on her shoulder ……..the paint is mine and I’m taking it. She was being aggressive. I loved seeing some “step aside, your in my way” from her.

I meant more on defense. Tamari's defense has taken a BIG step backwards. Offense was a bonus, but it was really her defense and rebounding that set the tone for the team.

 

[Chippo]

Guess we just will have to wait and see if
1. home court advantage helps.
2. A few days rest.
3. Coach Harper has adressed the deficiencies
or at least some of them.

 

[Volfan2012]

I think you will know really soon in this game how we play defensively. Were not beating many teams that can score 70 on us so we better get in there and stop them from scoring. Were a weak offensive team can't score. When we can't stop the other team from scoring to a certain point amount we lose. If we decide were not going to defend the three point line tonight I would look for a loss. Teams are 37 of 109 from the three in the last four games and that includes two teams that usually make minimal threes.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

If anyone watched the men's game last night, Barnes has them playing a really good half-court offense now. They pass more than dribble. One commentator said on one of their possessions they had 5 passes in the 1st 10 seconds of the shot clock and they always are finding an open shooter. LV's just dribble way too much which leads to TO's. Wish Kelly would at least note what men's team is doing now.

They still hit a drought spot every game but it doesn't last long.

 

[Majors]

If anyone watched the men's game last night, Barnes has them playing a really good half-court offense now. They pass more than dribble. One commentator said on one of their possessions they had 5 passes in the 1st 10 seconds of the shot clock and they always are finding an open shooter. LV's just dribble way too much which leads to TO's. Wish Kelly would at least note what men's team is doing now.

They still hit a drought spot every game but it doesn't last long.

Barnes won that game in the end by coaching decisions. Went zone at the right time and got his small/scoring lineup in at the right time.

 

[djohnnyg]

I have been harsh in my assessment of this team...maybe too harsh...but let's be honest. We should by all accounts be on a 4 game losing streak...with 3 of those losses to unranked teams. I think this team has imploded and is basically done for the year. I'm not trying to be negative...just honest and realistic. One player shouldn't destroy a team...but since losing Green this team has fallen apart in every way. It appears she was an absolutely crucial part of the team....and it exposes these ladies as a team with zero depth. If Arky makes two free throws w under 10 secs left or nails that 3 at the end...it's a 4 game losing streak. This team might lose to Austin Peay if they played now. Heck...they might loss to a Junior College team. How much of this is on Kellie I don't know...but it doesn't look good on her. I'm not gonna be duped into thinking this team has a chance at.... ANYTHING. I'll continue to root for them...but it's obvious they are done....even w the size and talent...which again reflects badly on Kellie that they are such a dumpster fire. Disappointing and disheartening that losing ONE PLAYER like Green...just destroys you as a team....but the reality is this isn't even a top 25 team. Not even close.

 

[VOLPAT]

I meant more on defense. Tamari's defense has taken a BIG step backwards. Offense was a bonus, but it was really her defense and rebounding that set the tone for the team.

Oh absolutely, defense. Someone said she was afraid of fouling . I wish she would take charge.

 

[VOLPAT]

I have been harsh in my assessment of this team...maybe too harsh...but let's be honest. We should by all accounts be on a 4 game losing streak...with 3 of those losses to unranked teams. I think this team has imploded and is basically done for the year. I'm not trying to be negative...just honest and realistic. One player shouldn't destroy a team...but since losing Green this team has fallen apart in every way. It appears she was an absolutely crucial part of the team....and it exposes these ladies as a team with zero depth. If Arky makes two free throws w under 10 secs left or nails that 3 at the end...it's a 4 game losing streak. This team might lose to Austin Peay if they played now. Heck...they might loss to a Junior College team. How much of this is on Kellie I don't know...but it doesn't look good on her. I'm not gonna be duped into thinking this team has a chance at.... ANYTHING. I'll continue to root for them...but it's obvious they are done....even w the size and talent...which again reflects badly on Kellie that they are such a dumpster fire. Disappointing and disheartening that losing ONE PLAYER like Green...just destroys you as a team....but the reality is this isn't even a top 25 team. Not even close.

Yes that’s pretty harsh. They seemed to have lost their confidence, backed down on defense and rebounding. CKH need to put her foot down and someone needs to step up and lead. Maybe make K . Green a student coach. She is getting her Doctorate soon.

 

[Rixxx]

IMO,it "makes no never mind " (old adage ) about past stats in this game .....it will all be about handling the ball and confidence built as the game unfolds.

Most importantly, production MUST come from the guards.

 

[Volfan2012]

I have been harsh in my assessment of this team...maybe too harsh...but let's be honest. We should by all accounts be on a 4 game losing streak...with 3 of those losses to unranked teams. I think this team has imploded and is basically done for the year. I'm not trying to be negative...just honest and realistic. One player shouldn't destroy a team...but since losing Green this team has fallen apart in every way. It appears she was an absolutely crucial part of the team....and it exposes these ladies as a team with zero depth. If Arky makes two free throws w under 10 secs left or nails that 3 at the end...it's a 4 game losing streak. This team might lose to Austin Peay if they played now. Heck...they might loss to a Junior College team. How much of this is on Kellie I don't know...but it doesn't look good on her. I'm not gonna be duped into thinking this team has a chance at.... ANYTHING. I'll continue to root for them...but it's obvious they are done....even w the size and talent...which again reflects badly on Kellie that they are such a dumpster fire. Disappointing and disheartening that losing ONE PLAYER like Green...just destroys you as a team....but the reality is this isn't even a top 25 team. Not even close.

They sure lost something mentally and confidence wise after the Green injury. If they are unable to put that aside and come to play defense and boards tonight then evidently the season is not going to end well.

 

[Majors]

They sure lost something mentally and confidence wise after the Green injury. If they are unable to put that aside and come to play defense and boards tonight then evidently the season is not going to end well.

Crossroads. Injuries happen on each team, some can absorb the loss better than others. Next player(s) up, scheming, finding the production in the stat sheet by individual/committee. I do believe they will come out and play better tonight if they don't like that UConn showed they aren't back yet. This needs to be a statement game for the rest of the season by players and coaches. Barely winning won't stop the direction, this game needs to be a big win with USC looming.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

I have been harsh in my assessment of this team...maybe too harsh...but let's be honest. We should by all accounts be on a 4 game losing streak...with 3 of those losses to unranked teams. I think this team has imploded and is basically done for the year. I'm not trying to be negative...just honest and realistic. One player shouldn't destroy a team...but since losing Green this team has fallen apart in every way. It appears she was an absolutely crucial part of the team....and it exposes these ladies as a team with zero depth. If Arky makes two free throws w under 10 secs left or nails that 3 at the end...it's a 4 game losing streak. This team might lose to Austin Peay if they played now. Heck...they might loss to a Junior College team. How much of this is on Kellie I don't know...but it doesn't look good on her. I'm not gonna be duped into thinking this team has a chance at.... ANYTHING. I'll continue to root for them...but it's obvious they are done....even w the size and talent...which again reflects badly on Kellie that they are such a dumpster fire. Disappointing and disheartening that losing ONE PLAYER like Green...just destroys you as a team....but the reality is this isn't even a top 25 team. Not even close.

Thanks for cheering me up.

 

[lvocd]

As others have pointed out, the team didn't just lose a crucial player in Green, but also a whole lot of a second player -- Key -- at the same time. Where we had two strong defenders and, together, what equaled one strong offensive player's production, now we have, in essense, one half of a player. Key is having to play half as aggressively since she isn't confident in the backups. So, we went from two players to a tentative half of one.

We'll begin to see soon enough what the team is working on to solve the post-depth problems. The problem won't be solved overnight as I suspect there will be some players being trained for new responsibilities, and then there will have to be time allowed for game-time training.

Fortunately there's a little time left to build a new look/confidence. Would it be a lot better if they weren't having to work out new major roles for players during the meat of the tough SEC schedule? Yep. But it'll still be fun for this supporter to see if they get it figured out at least well enough to win a game or two in the postseason.

Speaking of the postseason, regardless of what happened in the past few games, I still believe most opposing coaches won't see a game against Tennessee as a gimme.

 

[creekdipper]

I miss Sophie.

 

[Nute Gunray]

As others have pointed out, the team didn't just lose a crucial player in Green, but also a whole lot of a second player -- Key -- at the same time. Where we had two strong defenders and, together, what equaled one strong offensive player's production, now we have, in essense, one half of a player. Key is having to play half as aggressively since she isn't confident in the backups. So, we went from two players to a tentative half of one.

We'll begin to see soon enough what the team is working on to solve the post-depth problems. The problem won't be solved overnight as I suspect there will be some players being trained for new responsibilities, and then there will have to be time allowed for game-time training.

Fortunately there's a little time left to build a new look/confidence. Would it be a lot better if they weren't having to work out new major roles for players during the meat of the tough SEC schedule? Yep. But it'll still be fun for this supporter to see if they get it figured out at least well enough to win a game or two in the postseason.

Speaking of the postseason, regardless of what happened in the past few games, I still believe most opposing coaches won't see a game against Tennessee as a gimme.

Very perceptive analysis of the LV's implosion, Ivocd.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

There’s so much we can say about this game. Two things I would like to see are: 1. I would like to see Alexus shoot and make her shots near the basket, and 2. I would like to see Rae shoot and make more of her shots away from the basket. This would really help our offense and since they’ve had a little rest before this game, I’m thinking they might have the energy to do this.

A win here would certainly help the team, no game is easy, either fold or fight.

GO LADY VOLS!!!

 

[mudcat1973]

to all of jordan horston fans and bashers. we all like to see better urnovers as well outside shooting. but only jordan knows how much her back hurts her.
i

Really need this win and a few more to play at home first two games on the NCAA. A loss here will go a long way of stopping that from happening. I think we should have the energy and the desire after a few days at home I hope were ready to go. Were certainly not in any trouble on not making the NCAA Tourney no matter what happens here on in, but playing at home would be our best shot at reaching the sweet sixteen. Have to see a better defensive effort. Offense has not been very good all year it was always defense and rebounding. We have to get that back it has disappeared in the last few games.

i belive she would be lot better if not for her back. and turnovers is spell this way .