Game Thread: (23/24) Lady Vols 105 - Eastern Kentucky 71

[madtownvol]

It isn't going to happen until Tennessee shows consistent dominance. That's how attendance goes in women's basketball. The amount of mediocre basketball is higher in the women's game than it is the men's, and folks are not going to go out of their way for mediocre women's basketball. Shooting 50% from the free throw line, turning the ball over 20 times, or missing 10 layups in a game - people don't want to watch that. It's just how it is.

The fact that Tennessee continued to draw 10,000-ish for so many years after Pat retired is a credit to her legacy and to the stubborn support the long-time fans showed the program. An absolute credit. And make no mistake, they did genuinely draw 10,000+ for several years after Holly took over.

Oh but all that said, I agree about the attendance. It looked very sparse on screen. Very sparse. Hope that changes some day.

Thanksgiving break. Most students being occupied is another factor.

 

[madtownvol]

This game, while against an unranked opponent, did show the team is continuing to progress. The major obstacle was always the potential for Jordan and Rickea to be incompatible. I can't see that now. They were unselfish today and effective as a tandem and team. Once those two figure out things, everyone else will work into place. Love to see the players step up especially the subs. Right now, the pressing issue is getting some of the reserves focused PT to build their confidence. Jillian, Marta, Brooklyn and Justine. Really nice to see Justine has not lost the shooting eye. All in all, a good win that will get them closer to gelling as a team.

Yes! Jordan H. and Rickea are starting to play with a collective swagger, like "we are the best players on the floor, let's go get it!" I underestimated Jillian and kudos for the staff for figuring the role where she can be effective. Justine took some strides forward. She look more composed and made decisions much quicker than her last outing. She is working hard on defense and for her all it is all about positioning. She is mismatched against smaller, quicker players and just has to be really dialed on keep the defensive angles right. She is tall enough that she can give some space and still contest a shot if the opponent goes for a pull-up jumper. Brooklyn is a defensive beast. When the LVs need to go on all out press, her number should be called.

 

[luballer]

I agree with you because TK had a pretty good mid range shot last year. The offense KJH is running is making TK a one dimensional paint scorer. Usually teams sag around TK making it difficult for her to score. Post players like Boston, Brink and Suarez of Iowa State can score in and out of the paint. This makes them more dangerous and also frees other players, like Horston and Jackson, to score in the post. Also when teams sag on TK there should be a player open for TK to pass to.

I disagree that it’s the offense. TK has to continue to build confidence in taking the shot. She is often open but doesn’t shoot it. Every other post has ran the same offense and took and hit the mid range shot. Look at Jillian the last few games playing the 5. She and Karoline both have hit the open midrange shot.

 

[luballer]

It isn't going to happen until Tennessee shows consistent dominance. That's how attendance goes in women's basketball. The amount of mediocre basketball is higher in the women's game than it is the men's, and folks are not going to go out of their way for mediocre women's basketball. Shooting 50% from the free throw line, turning the ball over 20 times, or missing 10 layups in a game - people don't want to watch that. It's just how it is.

The fact that Tennessee continued to draw 10,000-ish for so many years after Pat retired is a credit to her legacy and to the stubborn support the long-time fans showed the program. An absolute credit. And make no mistake, they did genuinely draw 10,000+ for several years after Holly took over.

Oh but all that said, I agree about the attendance. It looked very sparse on screen. Very sparse. Hope that changes some day.

Attendance has been good overall for the competition. I expect the Virgina Tech game to have better attendance. Lady Vols had two games that sandwiched a Vols football game in Nashville over the long holiday weekend. Many fans stayed over in Nashville. Not saying all of them would’ve attended the game but many season ticket holders did and where trying to give tickets away to the game against EKU.

 

[VA_VOLFAN]

Directional schools typically boost wins.

what does that have to do with less comments? I would still think you could assess certain aspects of the game. For example we gotta get better at free throws for sure but also there was much less iso ball in this game.

 

[Volfan2012]

Coach Harper said that starting Tuesday the team will be working on defense all of this week. She knows this is exactly where the problems are and hopefully this week can really improve by gametime Sunday. I would say we had at least 15 defensive breakdowns in the game yesterday. Your going to have some every game but when they get into double digits then you still have problems. I haven't been concerned about the offense far better than last season. When we get the defense where it needs to be then this team will be elite.

The first group is almost there it is when we have to sub that we start running into problems. Were getting better and I know were gonna get there just have to make a lot of progress this week Va Tech is very good offensively. We have to limit their scoring and that will mean a lot better than what we showed today on the defensive end. Was a fun game Hollingshead had a breakout game she is developing into a player that could really be a factor down the road. Jackson and Horston are both defending and scoring. Both also had five assists they are more than willing to pass to an open player. I wish Walker and Suarez would pick up on that both seemed determined to shoot the ball even if they have to do it while being guarded by most of the other team. Glad to get a convincing win need to keep it going could see a lot of improvement in this team between now and when we play Stanford.

 

[Rickster]

Just to put attendance into perspective, even though maybe not everyone who was a season ticket holder showed up, (I do not know exactly how the attendance is counted, or if it is the same way for all schools, but it should be), our attendance for the Eastern Kentucky game was listed at 7,014. LSU‘s most recent game with UAB was listed at 259. Yes, you read that correctly, 259. Our attendance looking pretty good.

Not to mention it's the last day of a loooong weekend and probably many were just tired from the holiday festivities and travel.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Coach Harper said that starting Tuesday the team will be working on defense all of this week. She knows this is exactly where the problems are and hopefully this week can really improve by gametime Sunday. I would say we had at least 15 defensive breakdowns in the game yesterday. Your going to have some every game but when they get into double digits then you still have problems. I haven't been concerned about the offense far better than last season. When we get the defense where it needs to be then this team will be elite.

The first group is almost there it is when we have to sub that we start running into problems. Were getting better and I know were gonna get there just have to make a lot of progress this week Va Tech is very good offensively. We have to limit their scoring and that will mean a lot better than what we showed today on the defensive end. Was a fun game Hollingshead had a breakout game she is developing into a player that could really be a factor down the road. Jackson and Horston are both defending and scoring. Both also had five assists they are more than willing to pass to an open player. I wish Walker and Suarez would pick up on that both seemed determined to shoot the ball even if they have to do it while being guarded by most of the other team. Glad to get a convincing win need to keep it going could see a lot of improvement in this team between now and when we play Stanford.

We can still need to get better on breaking the press and turnovers.

 

[Amb3096]

This game, while against an unranked opponent, did show the team is continuing to progress. The major obstacle was always the potential for Jordan and Rickea to be incompatible. I can't see that now. They were unselfish today and effective as a tandem and team. Once those two figure out things, everyone else will work into place. Love to see the players step up especially the subs. Right now, the pressing issue is getting some of the reserves focused PT to build their confidence. Jillian, Marta, Brooklyn and Justine. Really nice to see Justine has not lost the shooting eye. All in all, a good win that will get them closer to gelling as a team.

Didn't see the game or the previous one, but it seems based on the box scores that this is helped by Powell playing more of a distributor role than a scorer. She only took 5 combined shots vs. 24 each for Rickea and Jordan. That will definitely help with chemistry.

 

[Volfan2012]

We can still need to get better on breaking the press and turnovers.

Take out the very first game and it is only 15 a game which has to be acceptable if your going to play fast. Plus after that first game where we lost the turnover battle by 16 we are now averaging less turnovers than our opponent. We've also been much better against the press in recent games.

 

[LV renaissance]

Just to put attendance into perspective, even though maybe not everyone who was a season ticket holder showed up, (I do not know exactly how the attendance is counted, or if it is the same way for all schools, but it should be), our attendance for the Eastern Kentucky game was listed at 7,014. LSU‘s most recent game with UAB was listed at 259. Yes, you read that correctly, 259. Our attendance looking pretty good.

Attendance is tickets sold. I think UT was aiming to get about 6000 season ticket holders, which is pretty good. Only a few teams have higher numbers. LSU has near that number too, but slightly lower. That 259 Attendance was for a tournament game in a remote location.

 

[Rickster]

Didn't see the game or the previous one, but it seems based on the box scores that this is helped by Powell playing more of a distributor role than a scorer. She only took 5 combined shots vs. 24 each for Rickea and Jordan. That will definitely help with chemistry.

We shot better to start the game. Jordan and Rickea were playing off each other. Powell played okay but the game was decided by others. Powell is fine and has a role she and the team understands. Just needs minutes to get used to what others are doing and going to do.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Attendance is tickets sold. I think UT was aiming to get about 6000 season ticket holders, which is pretty good. Only a few teams have higher numbers. LSU has near that number too, but slightly lower. That 259 Attendance was for a tournament game in a remote location.

You are absolutely correct, thank you for pointing that out. I did not notice the game was in the Bahamas. Too good, and funny, to be true, I guess. Our last game at home, before the holidays, was on November 14, and our attendance was listed at 7,768. LSU ‘s last game, before the holidays was November 20, and the listed attendance was 5,318, still a nice difference. Will be interesting to see our attendance in the biggest games, wish I could be there.

 

[Jax_Vol]

Outside of Jordan and Rickea, who would start on any top team? I live this team but they aren’t that talented.

At 6'7", Key would start for most anyone outside maybe the top five.

I mean, our men's team is very good (beat Kansas easy) and they start Uros.

Why?
Because he is tall basically. Key scores more than Uros. Key blocks more shots than Uros. Key gets more rebounds than Uros.

 

[rogatl]

Coach Harper said that starting Tuesday the team will be working on defense all of this week. She knows this is exactly where the problems are and hopefully this week can really improve by gametime Sunday. I would say we had at least 15 defensive breakdowns in the game yesterday. Your going to have some every game but when they get into double digits then you still have problems. I haven't been concerned about the offense far better than last season. When we get the defense where it needs to be then this team will be elite.

The first group is almost there it is when we have to sub that we start running into problems. Were getting better and I know were gonna get there just have to make a lot of progress this week Va Tech is very good offensively. We have to limit their scoring and that will mean a lot better than what we showed today on the defensive end. Was a fun game Hollingshead had a breakout game she is developing into a player that could really be a factor down the road. Jackson and Horston are both defending and scoring. Both also had five assists they are more than willing to pass to an open player. I wish Walker and Suarez would pick up on that both seemed determined to shoot the ball even if they have to do it while being guarded by most of the other team. Glad to get a convincing win need to keep it going could see a lot of improvement in this team between now and when we play Stanford.

Agree 100%. Walker and Suarez dribble WAY too much. Pass the ball!. It's such a contrast watching Rick Barnes team the way the pass the ball around. Lots of crisp movement. That has been a LV issue for years and I can't for the life of me figure out why they can't correct it?

 

[Jax_Vol]

Agree 100%. Walker and Suarez dribble WAY too much. Pass the ball!. It's such a contrast watching Rick Barnes team the way the pass the ball around. Lots of crisp movement. That has been a LV issue for years and I can't for the life of me figure out why they can't correct it?

I've already given up getting too much out of Walker or Miles. And Powell isn't far behind.

We seem better without a true PG on the floor. Let them wing it until we run into a pressure defense.

 

[alexvol]

You got to be a special kind of person to try to convince yourself that Tamari Key, Jasmine Powell, Jillian Hollingshead, Sara Puckett, Jasmine Franklin( before the injury) and Marta Suarez couldn’t start for multiple ranked teams. Go somewhere with this foolishness.

I do not see Marta Suarez making most teams at the college or JC level must less starting.This is her 3rd year...she can not rebound,shoot ,handle the ball or play defense .Other than that she is pretty good....maybe start for some high school teams.

 

[madtownvol]

I do not see Marta Suarez making most teams at the college or JC level must less starting.This is her 3rd year...she can not rebound,shoot ,handle the ball or play defense .Other than that she is pretty good....maybe start for some high school teams.

That is pretty harsh. She literally got rebounds and points last game. Overall, her shot looks good but like Sara Puckett's it just had not been dropping (though both hit 3's against Eastern ky).

I do think Marta is trying too hard and as a result is dribbling into double teams and forcing some bad shots. It seems like she enters the game "I have to make an impact" rather than just going with the flow of the game. That mental error can be corrected. She aldo missed a whole year so she also needs some time to get back up to speed.

 

[Lucy]

I do not see Marta Suarez making most teams at the college or JC level must less starting.This is her 3rd year...she can not rebound,shoot ,handle the ball or play defense .Other than that she is pretty good....maybe start for some high school teams.

You lose credibility making such far fetched statements. She lost all of last year with an injury so that doesn’t count as a year and I believe she was on the SEC all freshman team. She has a lot of positives and a high motor.

 

[Rickster]

I do not see Marta Suarez making most teams at the college or JC level must less starting.This is her 3rd year...she can not rebound,shoot ,handle the ball or play defense .Other than that she is pretty good....maybe start for some high school teams.

Really don't agree with any of your assessment...no offense. I believe Marta is doing what she has been told to do which is take the ball to the basket. She can and does rebound, she has a good handle and does play defense. She's is a bit rusty from not playing much the past couple of years.

 

[alexvol]

Really don't agree with any of your assessment...no offense. I believe Marta is doing what she has been told to do which is take the ball to the basket. She can and does rebound, she has a good handle and does play defense. She's is a bit rusty from not playing much the past couple of years.

We certainly have a difference of opinion on her .All I have seen ( after 3 yrs in the program ) is a non scorer ( either a shooter or going to the basket ) ,poor defense and rarely a rebounder and certainly not a good ball handler.To me she is not an SEC player and never will be.

 

[alexvol]

You lose credibility making such far fetched statements. She lost all of last year with an injury so that doesn’t count as a year and I believe she was on the SEC all freshman team. She has a lot of positives and a high motor.

I have lost no credibility at all ...maybe to you and a few others but to anyone who has an objective view of her talent and actual play on the court when the lights are turned on....her motor may be high but needs a lot of course tuning .....That's okay to have differences of opinion.My question to you is what has she done to receive such accolades from you in actual positive impact on the team after three years in the program

 

[Rickster]

We certainly have a difference of opinion on her .All I have seen ( after 3 yrs in the program ) is a non scorer ( either a shooter or going to the basket ) ,poor defense and rarely a rebounder and certainly not a good ball handler.To me she is not an SEC player and never will be.

Still disagree with your inaccurate assessment. Agree this is all about your opinion though so I'll just agree to disagree and leave it at that.

 

[Prophet1]

Not talking about starters here, but I think this would be an interesting combo...

Powell
Jackson
Horston
Franklin
Hollingshead

Keys instead of Hollingshead.

 

[alexvol]

Still disagree with your inaccurate assessment. Agree this is all about your opinion though so I'll just agree to disagree and leave it at that.

Inaccurate.....that is in the eye of the beholder .