Game Thread: Lady Vols host Vandy ; Sunday Jan 21, 3PM; SEC Network ;...Win 73-64

[Volfan1000]

Congrats to Coach Harper on obtaining her 100th win as Tennessee head coach today.

 

[VolFuture]

You seriously need an attitude adjustment. That is not my idea of fun. And like another poster stated, Justine only played here one year. Give the girl a break.

Has nothing to do with her… u haven’t been to very many basketball games have u

 

[madtownvol]

Thank you! Just scanning through this thread I kept reading that the announcers never mentioned she was gone. That was just too bizarre to imagine.

Man she was having such a great game, not just scoring but rebounding, steals, some really good D. Tough break to not get to finish that out. Sure hope she's ok.

Sam and Tamika first mentioned her absence around 6 minutes to go, stating that Rickea has been out a long time and then a bit they reported she was not on the bench.

That was a close one. Having to play the 4th quarter without Rickea is a little nerve racking. Powell and Spear stepped up big in her absence.

When you look at the box score, it does not look like a formula for winning. No offensive production from Jillian or Kaiya (who kind of took a step back today). Only 7 from Puckett and 4 from Strip.

That is a game that could have slipped away if not for RJ getting it done in 3 quarters and Key channeling her inner Kareem with those jump hooks (and Tess hit 2 clutch 3s).

This team fought hard to defend its home court.

I am not going to rant about the officiating except for some of those post calls against TK. She has the right to post up. A lot more post-up contact goes in every game without getting called. The refs were too quick to whistle on Vandy flops.

Last but not least, what the heck is going on with Rickea's asthma regime. I speaks as someone who had 2 kids play college soccer (and one who was pro for the three seasons) and both had asthma.

An attack like that does not need to happen if she is under control. First line of defense is an albuterol inhaler (often known as a rescue inhaler) for attacks like she had.

However, there are really effective longer term inhalers like aerobid which you take to prevent attacks in the first place plus oral meds like singular which have the same effect (though that one is not effective for everyone).

I hope the med staff is not just trying to get by on a rescue inhaler. I say that knowing that a lot of trainers and GP doctors just aren't that well versed in asthma treatments. Get Rickea to a specialist!!!!

 

[mudcat1973]

We remember what happened against Vanderbilt the last time Holly coached against them at Thompson bowling arena in 2019 in our 8th place SEC finish. Do you think Holly would have had three first round draft picks in a row had she coached them? I think not. As the program was imploding we got the Kamera Harris, Emily Saunders and Jessie Rennie's who hardly fit top tier D-1 programs. I would have imagined Evina Westbrook and Mimi Collins stock probably would have raised as well had they stayed and played under Kelly Harper. Rennia Davis and Ray burrell's draft were both much higher than what they were ranked out of high school. Heck Rae Burrell was ranked number 47 and hadn't had the same coach 2 years in a row the four years previous to Tennessee and hardly saw the court under Holly due to her ranking her freshman year. I wonder how Tamari would have developed under Holly considering how Mercedes Russell was coached to play defense with her hands at her shoulders throughout her time at Tennessee at 6 foot 7. I doubt Tamari would be the top shot blocker in Lady Vol history.

Yes Hollie left Kellie a sinking ship.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

It{

I listened to Coach's post game interview and didn't hear that ....guess I need a hearing aid .

Don’t need a hearing aid, it’s in the post game quotes.

 

[Volfaninfl2]

Ok, in the interest of fairness, about Justine and Kellie in the line after the game, I watched the replay at basically a frame at a time. For someone on the fan side, I can see how it might look differently, but what I watched was from the court/camera side.

They were walking quickly toward each other, both with their right hand up to high five, which they did. Right after that, you see Justine turn and reach toward Kellie with her left hand. You cannot see from this angle if Kellie said something. By this time, they have passed each other, and then you see Kellie turn and reach back toward Justine.

My guess is that it was all sort of a miscommunication. Justine may not have expected more than a high five, and when she turned, Kellie had still been walking, and was past her. When Kellie realized Justine had reached for her, she turned as well, and reached for Justine who had also walked on.

Since they had hugged before the game, doesn’t sound like they were on bad terms.

 

[Volfan2012]

Possessions in this game were Tennessee 64 and Vanderbilt 63. Fairly even across the board so it became a shooting match. Tennessee 47.3 percent and Vandy 41.7. We had 26 field goals to their 25 but their 9 threes to our 4 gave them a 3 point overall advantage. The free throw line went to us by 12 thus giving us a 9 point win. Most of that came in the fourth quarter when we started driving the ball. Vandy was way over their usual three point makes in a game. Something about TBA that opponents just seem to love when it comes to three point shooting. Well played game by both teams as far as effort for a full forty minutes. Turnovers Striplin 4, Puckett 4, Key 4 some very questionable calls on Key. The rest of the team just 7 turnovers. Overall rebounds Tennessee 35 to Vandy 25. Both teams had 7 steals.

 

[TnVolsX4]

Ok, in the interest of fairness, about Justine and Kellie in the line after the game, I watched the replay at basically a frame at a time. For someone on the fan side, I can see how it might look differently, but what I watched was from the court/camera side.

They were walking quickly toward each other, both with their right hand up to high five, which they did. Right after that, you see Justine turn and reach toward Kellie with her left hand. You cannot see from this angle if Kellie said something. By this time, they have passed each other, and then you see Kellie turn and reach back toward Justine.

My guess is that it was all sort of a miscommunication. Justine may not have expected more than a high five, and when she turned, Kellie had still been walking, and was past her. When Kellie realized Justine had reached for her, she turned as well, and reached for Justine who had also walked on.

Since they had hugged before the game, doesn’t sound like they were on bad terms.

Apparently there should have been a post game hug line for Pissott, lined with VN posters to console her for the loss. Look Pissott could have gone to almost any other program and gotten little to no reaction from the fanbase but she didn't, she went to our hated in state rival. Maybe she didn't understand what it means to wear the orange. I'm pretty sure Tess and TK do.

The next 5 or 6 games are a crucial stretch for this team with the loaded back end of the schedule. Got to go on the road in conference in January and February and find some wins. GBO.

 

[Majors]

We remember what happened against Vanderbilt the last time Holly coached against them at Thompson bowling arena in 2019 in our 8th place SEC finish. Do you think Holly would have had three first round draft picks in a row had she coached them? I think not. As the program was imploding we got the Kamera Harris, Emily Saunders and Jessie Rennie's who hardly fit top tier D-1 programs. I would have imagined Evina Westbrook and Mimi Collins stock probably would have raised as well had they stayed and played under Kelly Harper. Rennia Davis and Ray burrell's draft were both much higher than what they were ranked out of high school. Heck Rae Burrell was ranked number 47 and hadn't had the same coach 2 years in a row the four years previous to Tennessee and hardly saw the court under Holly due to her ranking her freshman year. I wonder how Tamari would have developed under Holly considering how Mercedes Russell was coached to play defense with her hands at her shoulders throughout her time at Tennessee at 6 foot 7. I doubt Tamari would be the top shot blocker in Lady Vol history.

So a long winded list of hypotheticals? Which player did Kellie coach that made it to the WNBA prior to Tennessee? That might give you a better answer to back up this scenario/rant.

Did you go on record as saying CKH would have prepared Westbrook for the pros better than Geno?

 

[Deebowbear]

Sam and Tamika first mentioned her absence around 6 minutes to go, stating that Rickea has been out a long time and then a bit they reported she was not on the bench.

That was a close one. Having to play the 4th quarter without Rickea is a little nerve racking. Powell and Spear stepped up big in her absence.

When you look at the box score, it does not look like a formula for winning. No offensive production from Jillian or Kaiya (who kind of took a step back today). Only 7 from Puckett and 4 from Strip.

That is a game that could have slipped away if not for RJ getting it done in 3 quarters and Key channeling her inner Kareem with those jump hooks (and Tess hit 2 clutch 3s).

This team fought hard to defend its home court.

I am not going to rant about the officiating except for some of those post calls against TK. She has the right to post up. A lot more post-up contact goes in every game without getting called. The refs were too quick to whistle on Vandy flops.

Last but not least, what the heck is going on with Rickea's asthma regime. I speaks as someone who had 2 kids play college soccer (and one who was pro for the three seasons) and both had asthma.

An attack like that does not need to happen if she is under control. First line of defense is an albuterol inhaler (often known as a rescue inhaler) for attacks like she had.

However, there are really effective longer term inhalers like aerobid which you take to prevent attacks in the first place plus oral meds like singular which have the same effect (though that one is not effective for everyone).

I hope the med staff is not just trying to get by on a rescue inhaler. I say that knowing that a lot of trainers and GP doctors just aren't that well versed in asthma treatments. Get Rickea to a specialist!!!!

Without Key in fourth quarter we loose

 

[mudcat1973]

So a long winded list of hypotheticals? Which player did Kellie coach that made it to the WNBA prior to Tennessee? That might give you a better answer to back up this scenario/rant.

Did you go on record as saying CKH would have prepared Westbrook for the pros better than Geno?

She would make here.
Under Kellie.
With Westbrook Rae Key Davis Horseton
Kellie would have for sure pass the Sweet Sixteen NCAA tournament round
Final four run not out of the question

 

[Klclark]

Without Key in fourth quarter we loose

In my opinion the 4th quarter was dominated by Powell and Spear.

 

[glv98]

Sam and Tamika first mentioned her absence around 6 minutes to go, stating that Rickea has been out a long time and then a bit they reported she was not on the bench.

I watched replay looking specifically for a mention and the first I heard was at just under 4 mins. Whatever, no wonder folks on the game thread were flipping their s*it and wondering if KJH had lost her mind completely this time. If you were there, it was obvious she was sick.

Get Rickea to a specialist!!!!

I cannot believe this hasn't already happened, both with the allergies and the asthma, which I've never heard of being an issue w her. I'm sure LV med staff is all over both at this point. What happened yesterday was very sudden onset, I wonder if it was a combination of allergy, sports induced asthma and the flu like symptoms she's battled the last week or so. Just a respiratory mess.

We'll know more when she comes on the radio later. I just hate it so much for her. Just like her coach, Rickea simply cannot get a break this year. Such a shame for such a talented player.

In my opinion the 4th quarter was dominated by Powell and Spear.

Man, J freakin P. Never say KJH cannot develop players. She can't develop ALL players, but they have developed the hell out of this one. Have wrung every ounce of her talent out of her. Where in the world would this team be right now without the stepped up play of JP? She's even become effective on those down the lane dives we've hated so much. Best of all, you can tell alot of her improvement is bc her mentality is just dawg, dawg, dawg. IMO playing beside Jordan Walker really helped in that aspect.

Just to make it better, JP is extremely impressive in post game interviews; another graduate working on her Masters. So happy and proud of her.

 

[Coach Jumper]

I watched replay looking specifically for a mention and the first I heard was at just under 4 mins. Whatever, no wonder folks on the game thread were flipping their s*it and wondering if KJH had lost her mind completely this time. If you were there, it was obvious she was sick.

I sat 14 rows up middle court behind the bench-side...Saw Rickea with head down and towel over her head. I could tell she was hurt, but did not know what it was. My heart sank when I saw she wasn't getting back up during the stretch. A million things went through my mind. . . Did not read about the Asthma thing until I got home

It was a very Looooooooooooooong drive.

 

[glv98]

I sat 14 rows up middle court behind the bench-side...Saw Rickea with head down and towel over her head. I could tell she was hurt, but did not know what it was. My heart sank when I saw she wasn't getting back up during the stretch. A million things went through my mind. . . Did not read about the Asthma thing until I got home

It was a very Looooooooooooooong drive.

Man you sit way too close for comfort to me.

Yeah, it reminded me of the Memphis game when RJ just wasn't there and everyone was diving for phones to see what Cora knew. Cora didn't know anything this time and what we could see wasn't good. At least it was obvious it was illness and not injury. So weak and wobbly it took a minute to even get her off the bench and back to the lockerroom. Then yeah, when they brought her back she was just crushed and visably upset till they finally just took her off again.

 

[Majors]

I watched replay looking specifically for a mention and the first I heard was at just under 4 mins. Whatever, no wonder folks on the game thread were flipping their s*it and wondering if KJH had lost her mind completely this time. If you were there, it was obvious she was sick.

I cannot believe this hasn't already happened, both with the allergies and the asthma, which I've never heard of being an issue w her. I'm sure LV med staff is all over both at this point. What happened yesterday was very sudden onset, I wonder if it was a combination of allergy, sports induced asthma and the flu like symptoms she's battled the last week or so. Just a respiratory mess.

We'll know more when she comes on the radio later. I just hate it so much for her. Just like her coach, Rickea simply cannot get a break this year. Such a shame for such a talented player.

Man, J freakin P. Never say KJH cannot develop players. She can't develop ALL players, but they have developed the hell out of this one. Have wrung every ounce of her talent out of her. Where in the world would this team be right now without the stepped up play of JP? She's even become effective on those down the lane dives we've hated so much. Best of all, you can tell alot of her improvement is bc her mentality is just dawg, dawg, dawg. IMO playing beside Jordan Walker really helped in that aspect.

Just to make it better, JP is extremely impressive in post game interviews; another graduate working on her Masters. So happy and proud of her.

Two questions

1. If she has asthma, why is she not taking her inhaler prior to the game. Typical inhaler gives 4-5 hours. She’s been here two years and now seems to be an issue that wasn’t here last season.

2. Is she battling pneumonia (stretch but worth mentioning with the flu,/weather)

 

[glv98]

2. Is she battling pneumonia (stretch but worth mentioning with the flu,/weather)

Thought about that. The new nightmare. I'm hoping the fact she's on radio this morning instead of at UT hospital undergoing respiratory therapy is a good sign.

 

[Tnphil]

I started noticing and commenting to my friends that something was off with Pat about three years before the diagnosis.

I did too...I had followed her in her entire career...and even watched her play when she was in college at UTM. She just started doing things that wasn't her and it gradually got worse.

 

[turbovol]

Without Key in fourth quarter we loose

It's 'lose," not loose.

 

[creekdipper]

Ok, in the interest of fairness, about Justine and Kellie in the line after the game, I watched the replay at basically a frame at a time. For someone on the fan side, I can see how it might look differently, but what I watched was from the court/camera side.

They were walking quickly toward each other, both with their right hand up to high five, which they did. Right after that, you see Justine turn and reach toward Kellie with her left hand. You cannot see from this angle if Kellie said something. By this time, they have passed each other, and then you see Kellie turn and reach back toward Justine.

My guess is that it was all sort of a miscommunication. Justine may not have expected more than a high five, and when she turned, Kellie had still been walking, and was past her. When Kellie realized Justine had reached for her, she turned as well, and reached for Justine who had also walked on.

Since they had hugged before the game, doesn’t sound like they were on bad terms.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[37620VOL]

It's 'lose," not loose.

Is 'lose French for pedantic?

 

[creekdipper]

Dup post...sorry.

 

[VolBall09]

Ok, in the interest of fairness, about Justine and Kellie in the line after the game, I watched the replay at basically a frame at a time. For someone on the fan side, I can see how it might look differently, but what I watched was from the court/camera side.

They were walking quickly toward each other, both with their right hand up to high five, which they did. Right after that, you see Justine turn and reach toward Kellie with her left hand. You cannot see from this angle if Kellie said something. By this time, they have passed each other, and then you see Kellie turn and reach back toward Justine.

My guess is that it was all sort of a miscommunication. Justine may not have expected more than a high five, and when she turned, Kellie had still been walking, and was past her. When Kellie realized Justine had reached for her, she turned as well, and reached for Justine who had also walked on.

Since they had hugged before the game, doesn’t sound like they were on bad terms.

Didn’t look like anything to me. Just looked like Kellie being the bigger person and giving her a kind word. I’m not sure Justine expected it but I suspect Kellie paid her a compliment and she said thank you.

No need for bad blood between the two.


Now….for the fans, I think we are well within our right to boo her anytime she’s in Knoxville. She’s a tough kid she had to expect that. You don’t transfer to an instate arch rival without getting some lip. She was talking a fair bit of trash out there as well but our players were talking back. Seemed mostly friendly/competitive and not outright bad blood.

I know Sarah said something before she made a 3 before she was giving her the “what was that!?” Sign on the way back down.

I maintain she’s no better than she was at UT and is a true waste of her frame. It’s a shame to be 6’5” in wbb and only averaging 2.0 reb a game. Only a 30% shooter and has a low release, unless she makes significant changes over the next two years we are seeing all she has to offer at the moment. Lots of potential there but it is yet unrealized.

Do believe she must have had some sort of guarantee to start at Vandy. The way they play her doesn’t make much sense. She’s never in the game during important stretches of play. Mostly that is Pierre who is much more of a go to when in the ballgame.

Also interesting how much Allen’s minutes dropped. She played a lot last season. Does she have an injury? If not I’d expect to see her in the portal.

 

[creekdipper]

It's 'lose," not loose.

You don't speak Jive?

 

[Coach Jumper]

Two questions

1. If she has asthma, why is she not taking her inhaler prior to the game. Typical inhaler gives 4-5 hours. She’s been here two years and now seems to be an issue that wasn’t here last season.

2. Is she battling pneumonia (stretch but worth mentioning with the flu,/weather)

I don't have ANY ailments even close to Asthma and when I get some of these "Knoxville area viruses",,they can knock me down for a couple of hours or a couple of weeks.

There is one, particularly that weakens the person and makes everything you eat or drink make you nauseous...You get to where you don't want anything to eat or drink and if you don't force yourself to replenish your electrolytes during the span of that virus you can even wind up in E.R.

Those that have experienced this knows the virus in which I speak.

I am a very healthy 63 year old. Walk 2 miles 3X's a week and followup each walk with 15-30 minutes of cardio playing basketball...And when this virus hits me, I am on my recliner for 1-2 weeks.

That said, I can't even imagine what someone subject to lingering ailments like asthma/bronchitis or the like,, would go through.