Game Thread: Lady Vols @ Auburn: Thurs Jan 4, 7:02 p.m. CT (8:02 Eastern) ; SECN+ Win 75-67

[VolFuture]

Sara was actually leading the team on-court huddles and talking a lot on the court in the 2nd half at moments during the game.

To be honest, not trying to sound confrontational but I looked hard during the replay and never saw her looking frustrated or unhappy. She was working constantly down low to gain position in the post and the guards did attempt to find her more in the 2nd half.

I could see her probably just wanting back a few missed opportunities but other than that she had a focused demeanor it seemed to me.

Auburn is fast Sara is faster than Karo. Just wasn’t a game to go 2 posts

 

[AllVols3]

Why do you keep watching in all honesty? You obviously can't stand her as a coach and critique her every move yet she is a d1 coach and I don't think you have been one. Not saying she's perfect but she sure can't do one thing right for you.

He's a wanna be D1 coach. Coached AAU and thinks he could run a D1 program, snh.

 

[madtownvol]

Sure she gets credit, just not much to go around right now. Her faults seem to far outweigh the good in year 20. Not sure beating Liberty and Auburn is warranted as an “atta girl” when we should beat Liberty and Auburn. Now…win the games you’re supposed to win and the team did, only thing that matters. My view on a coach in over her head in games that matter shouldn’t skew your chance to protect.

The Vegas betting line had the Lady Vols as a 2 point favorite (and that is much better metric than the random score predictions offered on this board). The LVs won by 8 which means they exceeded expectations in this match-up.

 

[Majors]

The Vegas betting line had the Lady Vols as a 2 point favorite (and that is much better metric than the random score predictions offered on this board). The LVs won by 8 which means they exceeded expectations in this match-up.

Who do you think I am protecting?

So she needs credit for a betting line of a 2 point favorite when both teams are above 60 in NET? Not sure our “atta girls” mean the same but beat the drum of all fans need to respect mediocrity.

Side note…Vegas at 2, falls in line with the frustrations and direction. It’s a pickem game

 

[dapeak]

Tigers see win streak end against Tennessee

After a dominant first half, Auburn women’s basketball struggled to carry momentum to the second half in the Tigers’ 75-67 loss to Tennessee in Neville Arena on Thursday night in

www.auburnvillager.com

Tigers hold their own vs. Lady Vols, prove their potential to make a splash in SEC

With Auburn having only played its first of 16 regular season conference games, there’s plenty of time for the Tigers to settle into the speed and intensity of SEC women’s basketball.

www.al.com

Good to see that other journalists in the SEC hold our coach in higher regard than half of the posters on VolNation...
"Considering Harper won three national titles as a player at Tennessee under the legendary Pat Summitt, Harper’s compliments shouldn’t be taken for granted. She’s seen good basketball, played good basketball and is now coaching good basketball with the Lady Vols, who were projected to finish third in the SEC this season."

Please. They barely watch. These are Alabama journalists who don’t pay attention to anything outside of the games they report on for Alabama teams. We won, so now we’re good to them.

 

[LV renaissance]

Enjoyed reading the thread except for the obvious rote reactions. I was so upset by the first half that I almost got on the game thread to release frustration, but I took my dogs for a peaceful walk instead. Both the team and I apparently got grounded during half time. Kellie said that she thought the team played rattled and soft during the first half, and emphasized that the team needed to toughen up. That's exactly right! I know we don't have the most athletic team, but part of our issue has been not having that tough defensive mindset. We showed we could do it even against a more athletic team in the 2nd half here. I think Spear will have games where she is on the bench quite a bit if she doesn't work on her defensive intensity.
It was thrilling to see Key be Key in a pivotal game. It almost seems like a miracle given where she was just weeks ago. I think is the perfect type of game for her where the opponent's strength is small penetrating guards with no skilled center. She is the swat patrol we need against this type of team. It will be interesting as the season progresses if she can also start challenging talented centers. I wouldn't put it past her given her progress.
I am not anti-Kellie and pleased with our progress here, but our team passing has always been below par no matter the personnel. Granted, some of it comes from an aggressive style play, but there are teams that play aggressive that still look efficeint in the way they pass the ball. Not only do we pass poorly, it seems like our point guards are told to drive, penetrate, and shoot no matter what rather than at times throw it back out for the open three. This is such a basic strategy that is confusing why we don't include in a game plan. It would also cut down the turnovers that come from the bulldozer approach.
I would not interpret Puckett's frustration as her being dissatisfaction with her position. She seems to be extremely critical of herself to her own detriment. I remember last year should look so upset much of the time some people wondered if she might transfer. However, there is no one who speaks more highly of Kellie and the LVs than Sara. She just has to work on her self-talk.
I am so looking forward to how this team develops. So many interesting things to follow with the development of Wynn, Powell, and Striplin, the recovery of Key, and the mystery of Hollingshead. Last night help put back the mojo in our season and my outlook.

 

[Coach Jumper]

Enjoyed reading the thread except for the obvious rote reactions. I was so upset by the first half that I almost got on the game thread to release frustration, but I took my dogs for a peaceful walk instead. Both the team and I apparently got grounded during half time. Kellie said that she thought the team played rattled and soft during the first half, and emphasized that the team needed to toughen up. That's exactly right! I know we don't have the most athletic team, but part of our issue has been not having that tough defensive mindset. We showed we could do it even against a more athletic team in the 2nd half here. I think Spear will have games where she is on the bench quite a bit if she doesn't work on her defensive intensity.
It was thrilling to see Key be Key in a pivotal game. It almost seems like a miracle given where she was just weeks ago. I think is the perfect type of game for her where the opponent's strength is small penetrating guards with no skilled center. She is the swat patrol we need against this type of team. It will be interesting as the season progresses if she can also start challenging talented centers. I wouldn't put it past her given her progress.

people who watched theentire game know that it turned on twoplays,,the 3 back to back turnovers followed by the elbow to Kea

and the Aub breakaway that was missed and turned into a downcourt pass to Tess,,,the 5 point swing

Both happened before halftime,,,halftime just continued what was started

 

[mudcat1973]

Not even close. CPS led a 2005-2006 that played most the season without a PG, due to the transfer of SWG to Maryland and a broken arm for Alexis Hornbuckle, to an SEC conference title and an elite 8 finish. You know who filled in as the PG for much of that stretch --CP3 while leading the team in points, rebounds and blocks. In some ways, that was the most amazing team carrying performance since Holdsclaw almost single-handedly carried her team to an NCAA championship in her sophomore year (with a very talent challenged team).

Candace then led the team to back to back championships when UCONN and LSU were powerhouses.

Simply no comparison. Candace in her prime would be an upgrade over Rickea, which is no shame because Candace would be an upgrade over just about anyone who has played WCBB.

Parker that 6 6 girl of LSU in national semi championship game. ifSSWG doesn't transfer. Parker and other Vols might have join the Holdsclaw and Jollie club of three. Time championships lady Vols. Parker red shirted freshmen year. Softmore year you done say about Hornblende hand. Junior and senior year won Championshis. Parker left UT as a redshirt junior. Parker could have played Anthony year. Now I'm a big Kellie supporter but Kellie was bad point guard her freshmen year.BBut her softmore year Tennessee doesn't Win 97without kellie She held back unconn when Holdsclaw was in foul trouble. Just watch Kellie had a big game vs unconn. And With Kellie back Tennessee when from one of the girls to Cinderella of the NCAA tournament. And clock did not strike Midnight to they won 97champship. Kellie wasn't a one hit wonder she had a good play all six NCAA tournament games. Not going to Go over 98but Kellie was big part of that one to. Kellie was a backup point guard her fresh year not a bad point guard. Its hard edit On streaming boxes.Maybe Tennessee wins 96without Kellie Jolly But 97 they do not. 98 not for sure either without jollie Kellie doesn't get enough credit for Tennesse Three in a row championship run. Holdsclaw was the best player on the team. But Kellie was more than a hitchhiker on Tennessee THREE in a row championships

 

[mudcat1973]

Parker that 6 6 girl of LSU in national semi championship game. ifSSWG doesn't transfer. Parker and other Vols might have join the Holdsclaw and Jollie club of three. Time championships lady Vols. Parker red shirted freshmen year. Softmore year you done say about Hornblende hand. Junior and senior year won Championshis. Parker left UT as a redshirt junior. Parker could have played Anthony year. Now I'm a big Kellie supporter but Kellie was bad point guard her freshmen year.BBut her softmore year Tennessee doesn't Win 97without kellie She held back unconn when Holdsclaw was in foul trouble. Just watch Kellie had a big game vs unconn. And With Kellie back Tennessee when from one of the girls to Cinderella of the NCAA tournament. And clock did not strike Midnight to they won 97champship. Kellie wasn't a one hit wonder she had a good play all six NCAA tournament games. Not going to Go over 98but Kellie was big part of that one to. Kellie was a backup point guard her fresh year not a bad point guard. Its hard edit On streaming boxes.Maybe Tennessee wins 96without Kellie Jolly But 97 they do not. 98 not for sure either without jollie Kellie doesn't get enough credit for Tennesse Three in a row championship run. Holdsclaw was the best player on the team. But Kellie was more than a hitchhiker on Tennessee THREE in a row championships

@madtownvol The Tennessee championship teams : 1987/1989/1991 those teams had some ladys who won two. Tennessee Championship Teams : 1996/1997/1998 had players who two and three. Tennessee Championship Teams : 2007/2008 had players win two. Players responsible for leading the most Tennessee to the promised land NCAA Tournament Championships. My take #Holdsclaw number one. #Parker number two. If only in she didn't hurt her keen freshmen year or they had a point guard not hurt her softmore year. Maybe would be tied with Holdsclaw. Parker pro WNBA was post Lady Vols . That's why give the to Holdsclaw vs Parker. Next Bridgette Gordon Top THREE for lead Tennessee two Championships. Bridgette Gordon 1985-1989 (18.0 ppg) (6.7 rpg) two time had All-AMERICAN) , led Tennessee two titans and 2nd All time scoring player with (2460) points. There others who won two Deadra Janel Charles 1991 wade trophy winner. Can Rickey Jackson lead Tennessee to the promised land NCAA tournament this April then the debate starts where her spot is for players leading Tennessee to a championship. Right now she one of many good players to ware the Orange and Lady Vols jersey.

 

[glv98]

Can Rickey Jackson lead Tennessee to the promised land NCAA tournament this April then the debate starts where her spot is for players leading Tennessee to a championship. Right now she one of many good players to ware the Orange and Lady Vols jersey.

Obviously Rickea is not going to go down in LV history for leading the LVs to championships. Leading us to any kind of championship this year would be a major miracle. But she should go down as much more than one of many good players to wear the jersey.. RJ should be remembered as one of the top 3 offensive players of the modern (last 25 yrs) LV era, right beside Parker and Holdsclaw. Also as one of most naturally talented LVs in program history.

Rickea is already in the LV record books for most attempted and made fts in a game and in a tourney, going 13-13 in reg season and 14-14 in SEC tourney last year. But a more memorable record, and a record she came within one game of breaking last year, is most consecutive 20 pt games. Last year she tied CP for second with 8 in a row. Could/should equal and break Chamique's 9 consec 20 pt games this year. Already has two, 8 to go. I really, really hope this happens so RJ will leave with a solid piece of LV history in the books.

 

[Majors]

Obviously Rickea is not going to go down in LV history for leading the LVs to championships. Leading us to any kind of championship this year would be a major miracle. But she should go down as much more than one of many good players to wear the jersey.. RJ should be remembered as one of the top 3 offensive players of the modern (last 25 yrs) LV era, right beside Parker and Holdsclaw. Also as one of most naturally talented LVs in program history.

Rickea is already in the LV record books for most attempted and made fts in a game and in a tourney, going 13-13 in reg season and 14-14 in SEC tourney last year. But a more memorable record, and a record she came within one game of breaking last year, is most consecutive 20 pt games. Last year she tied CP for second with 8 in a row. Could/should equal and break Chamique's 9 consec 20 pt games this year. Already has two, 8 to go. I really, really hope this happens so RJ will leave with a solid piece of LV history in the books.

Personally can’t put her ahead of Tamika

 

[glv98]

Personally can’t put her ahead of Tamika

Offensively I would put RJ ahead of Catch. But not overall.

Catch wasn't the naturalborn instictive scorer CH, CP, and RJ were. Catch was the ultimate blue collar, hard worker. Never fancy.

RJ is not the defender nor rebounder Catch was. Not yet.

 

[Majors]

Offensively I would put RJ ahead of Catch. But not overall.

Catch wasn't the naturalborn instictive scorer CH, CP, and RJ were. Catch was the ultimate blue collar, hard worker. Never fancy.

RJ is not the defender nor rebounder Catch was. Not yet.

Tamika had better overall players around her. She didn’t need to carry the team each night, she just needed to know when to carry the team and when to contribute to the team.

 

[Mr.Vol2U]

people who watched theentire game know that it turned on twoplays,,the 3 back to back turnovers followed by the elbow to Kea

and the Aub breakaway that was missed and turned into a downcourt pass to Tess,,,the 5 point swing

Both happened before halftime,,,halftime just continued what was started

False. The 5 point swing happened with 1:33 left to play in the 3rd quarter

 

[Lucy]

Obviously Rickea is not going to go down in LV history for leading the LVs to championships. Leading us to any kind of championship this year would be a major miracle. But she should go down as much more than one of many good players to wear the jersey.. RJ should be remembered as one of the top 3 offensive players of the modern (last 25 yrs) LV era, right beside Parker and Holdsclaw. Also as one of most naturally talented LVs in program history.

Rickea is already in the LV record books for most attempted and made fts in a game and in a tourney, going 13-13 in reg season and 14-14 in SEC tourney last year. But a more memorable record, and a record she came within one game of breaking last year, is most consecutive 20 pt games. Last year she tied CP for second with 8 in a row. Could/should equal and break Chamique's 9 consec 20 pt games this year. Already has two, 8 to go. I really, really hope this happens so RJ will leave with a solid piece of LV history in the books.

If Rikea had come here out of hs (like she should have) we would have at least one or two more natties. RJ, Jordy, TK, Rae all healthy for three years, can you imagine?!? Who knows what Rikea’s legacy among the top 5 LVs of all time would be? Also, what could Jordy have done with Rikea as a running mate!?!.

 

[Lucy]

Does anyone have any knowledge of how St Louis Vol is? She was always one of my favorite posters. I believe someone felt like she was having a significant health issue.
I think of her on occasion. Hope she is better.

 

[Coach Jumper]

False. The 5 point swing happened with 1:33 left to play in the 3rd quarter

Yeah okay

 

[Volfan2012]

My new take on the team is that they can do quite a bit of damage the rest of the way if they can control the turnovers. Team is very capable of putting up eighty, but you can't do it with 23 turnovers a game. Watching the Auburn game again Kaiya is trying to play to fast she needs to slow it down a little and make better decisions. She had 0 turnovers against Liberty then went for 7 against Auburn. She was much more under control in the Liberty game and though their defense is not near as good as Auburn's she had plenty of better options with the ball than the ones she chose on several possessions. That aside when have we ever got over 20 ppg from the point guard position? It has been a long time and between her and Powell they got 26 versus Auburn and 17 against LIberty. Anything in the 15 to 20 range from that position is awesome for our team. Point guard had half of our turnovers in the Auburn game. If they could cut that down five or six possessions that just adds anywhere from 6 to 10 points to our final total.

More encouragement comes from the way Tamari is progressing. This and the play of Karoline continues to play makes the post promising effective play going forward. This without even including Puckett and Hollingshead who except for a few rebounds aren't giving us anything in the last three games in the way of scoring. If they come around again eventually and Tess can hit two or three of her shots with Jewell contributing 8 to 10 this team is very strong offensively. Going with the nine player rotation is where we should stay for the rest of the season. I think we played at about 80 percent of what were capable of in the Auburn game. Rickea Jackson cures a lot of problems that the team has continued to repeat in many of the games. So for the first time in a while actually looking forward to the games again. Hopefully we can continue to play as well as the last two games minus about half of the turnovers.

 

[Volfan2012]

Auburn is fast Sara is faster than Karo. Just wasn’t a game to go 2 posts

A smart move to go with the best matchups you have versus the other team. Against Kentucky we might have to go a little smaller as well. I think they start three players under 5'10" tall.

 

[Volfan2012]

The Vegas betting line had the Lady Vols as a 2 point favorite (and that is much better metric than the random score predictions offered on this board). The LVs won by 8 which means they exceeded expectations in this match-up.

We kept Auburn in the game with 23 turnovers. Lucky for us they only scored 15 points off the 23 turnovers. Basketball is a crazy sport if we turn it over just 12 times and make good on half the other 11 possessions we win by 18. That is where we have to get better. I can live with 15 or less if were going to run up and down the court, but we can't go higher just going to bite us if we do.

 

[Volfan2012]

One of the big glaring differences between Pat's coaching and Kellie's is after about that third of fourth quarter in the first quarter Pat would've called timeout and lit the team up in a very strong way. Having 14 at halftime wouldn't want to be in the locker room with Pat. I don't mine Kellie's milder coaching style , but would like to see her refocus the team with a timeout when they are playing as badly as the first half of the Auburn game. She seemed to get it done at halftime would've liked to see it done sooner.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

One of the big glaring differences between Pat's coaching and Kellie's is after about that third of fourth quarter in the first quarter Pat would've called timeout and lit the team up in a very strong way. Having 14 at halftime wouldn't want to be in the locker room with Pat. I don't mine Kellie's milder coaching style , but would like to see her refocus the team with a timeout when they are playing as badly as the first half of the Auburn game. She seemed to get it done at halftime would've liked to see it done sooner.

That’s her personality, if u listen to the players they ay she’s so nice and that’s what they like about her. As for a coach like Mulkey, her players say she pushes them and challenges them. I think she picks players that are similar to the way she is.

 

[madtownvol]

Yeah okay

"False" was a little harsh but the poster is correct. The play to Tess was part of the momentum swing that happened in the 2nd half.

Just admit a mistake and move on. It's not that hard.

 

[Volfan2012]

Offensively I would put RJ ahead of Catch. But not overall.

Catch wasn't the naturalborn instictive scorer CH, CP, and RJ were. Catch was the ultimate blue collar, hard worker. Never fancy.

RJ is not the defender nor rebounder Catch was. Not yet.

She will belong in the group of Catchings, Holdsclaw, Parker and now Jackson.

Catch scored 2113 points in 127 games and Rickea has 1856 in 107 games. Catch had 1004 career rebounds and Rickea has 625. Rickea thus far 17.3 ppg and Catch 16.6 for her career. Looks like Catch is the better rebounder as you said and Rickea just slightly better scorer. Rickea will have to do some work to get to 800 rebounds for her career, but she should easily go over 2113 points. I guess you could make an argument for Catchings that she had a lot of other option scorers on her team which probably kept her career points down. Both players will be all time greats at Tennessee even if Rickea was only here two seasons.

 

[madtownvol]

Tamika had better overall players around her. She didn’t need to carry the team each night, she just needed to know when to carry the team and when to contribute to the team.

That was a long time ago and it is easy to forget the legacy. Catch was a four time AA and the only LV, other than Holdsclaw, with 2000pts and 1000 rebounds. In her four years, she won an NC as a freshman as part of the Meeks, lost an elite 8 game to Duke in a huge upset (Holdsclaw had her worst game ever). But she led the team to the championship game the next season (losing to the team that shall not be named) and her senior season, which was going fantastically, was ended early with an ACL tear (The Lvs made it to the S16 without her). She is definitely on the LV Mount Rushmore --with Holdsclaw, CP3, and Daedra Charles.

I think Rickea is firmly in the next tier of LV greats. If you put together a dream team of 12 LV greats, she would be on the squad.