Game Thread: Lady Vols vs. No. 1 South Carolina; 7PM Thurs, ESPN

[Orange007]

bottom line we hit lay ups and have a few less turnovers then we will this one. we need to get over the "big game" hump. this has been a reoccurring problem since Pat's last years until now. it's a mentality and the coaches have to find a way to break the cycle.

 

[volnationnj]

bottom line we hit lay ups and have a few less turnovers then we will this one. we need to get over the "big game" hump. this has been a reoccurring problem since Pat's last years until now. it's a mentality and the coaches have to find a way to break the cycle.

We only had 9 turnovers for the game. One of our lowest totals of the year.

 

[Lucy]

bottom line we hit lay ups and have a few less turnovers then we will this one. we need to get over the "big game" hump. this has been a reoccurring problem since Pat's last years until now. it's a mentality and the coaches have to find a way to break the cycle.

I totally agree. We have won big games since Pat but not consistently. I think Holly, bless her heart felt so much pressure she telegraphed her nervousness to the team/program. That playing tight at the wrong times persists today. I see periods , like Q1 today where we play with confidence but we can’t seem to maintain that for four quarters in big games. This, IMO, is Kellie’s biggest challenge. If Rikea had been here her whole careerI believe we would have solved this problem. Let’s face it, RJ is a bad, bad woman!

 

[ttharp]

Her Hoops Stats was 1 point off in their 74-60 prediction.

I wouldn't be surprised if this moved us up in the NET a spot or two, and I'd suspect we'll take over UConn with the #1 SOS now.

Agreed. The good thing is, tonight's performance didn't (or shouldn't) hurt our standing in the NET. If we take care of KY and make it to the SEC Championship game, I think we end up with a 5 seed. Right now, I think we're a solid 6. Gotta take care of business Sunday.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

It's depressing to see our fans jump on our coach and on Jordy for this loss, especially Horston. A look of the stats says the difference in the game was rebounding. Everything else was more or less even. Jordy got ELEVEN boards, and scored 13, second most points. By comparison, our post players had a combined total of 7. It isn't Jordy's fault that we are not able to compete with SC on the boards. She did all she could do.

We'll never know if Key would have made 13 points worth of difference. But it's likely she would have helped a significant amount.

This was a game against the undefeated, #1 team in the nation. SC is a juggernaut, the best program in the country. They are who we were in the nineties. It's not Kellie's fault they became the best program in the nation during Holly's decline of this program. It's ridiculous to be calling for her head because of this loss.

 

[kregman]

Sorry wrong forum

 

[Lucy]

It's depressing to see our fans jump on our coach and on Jordy for this loss, especially Horston. A look of the stats says the difference in the game was rebounding. Everything else was more or less even. Jordy got ELEVEN boards, and scored 13, second most points. By comparison, our post players had a combined total of 7. It isn't Jordy's fault that we are not able to compete with SC on the boards. She did all she could do.

We'll never know if Key would have made 13 points worth of difference. But it's likely she would have helped a significant amount.

This was a game against the undefeated, #1 team in the nation. SC is a juggernaut, the best program in the country. They are who we were in the nineties. It's not Kellie's fault they became the best program in the nation during Holly's decline of this program. It's ridiculous to be calling for her head because of this loss.

Preach!!
Say it again for the folks in the back row!

 

[turbovol]

It's depressing to see our fans jump on our coach and on Jordy for this loss, especially Horston. A look of the stats says the difference in the game was rebounding. Everything else was more or less even. Jordy got ELEVEN boards, and scored 13, second most points. By comparison, our post players had a combined total of 7. It isn't Jordy's fault that we are not able to compete with SC on the boards. She did all she could do.

We'll never know if Key would have made 13 points worth of difference. But it's likely she would have helped a significant amount.

This was a game against the undefeated, #1 team in the nation. SC is a juggernaut, the best program in the country. They are who we were in the nineties. It's not Kellie's fault they became the best program in the nation during Holly's decline of this program. It's ridiculous to be calling for her head because of this loss.

It's not this loss. This loss was expected, if we're honest. The problem is we haven't beaten one quality opponent all year.

 

[madtownvol]

It's depressing to see our fans jump on our coach and on Jordy for this loss, especially Horston. A look of the stats says the difference in the game was rebounding. Everything else was more or less even. Jordy got ELEVEN boards, and scored 13, second most points. By comparison, our post players had a combined total of 7. It isn't Jordy's fault that we are not able to compete with SC on the boards. She did all she could do.

We'll never know if Key would have made 13 points worth of difference. But it's likely she would have helped a significant amount.

This was a game against the undefeated, #1 team in the nation. SC is a juggernaut, the best program in the country. They are who we were in the nineties. It's not Kellie's fault they became the best program in the nation during Holly's decline of this program. It's ridiculous to be calling for her head because of this loss.

No doubt, the boards killed us. We played good defense on a number of possessions only for SC to get 2nd and 3rd chances. The LVs only had 9 TOs (versus 13 for SC) so we can take away that positive. But shooting 4-12 (from the 2) is not good enough when you are matched up against a team that has that much size in the paint. It amazing we got as many paint points as we did. But we needed more shots from the outside. I think the hot first quarter because a double edged sword because the team thought they could keep winning in the paint but that was not sustainable.

Jordan only had 2 TOs, though from the comments you think it was 20. She did force some shots. Some of those were her bad decision making and some were due to not having many other options. SC is a really good defensive team. I agree this is the game where we missed a healthy Key the most all season. Key + Hollingshead would have been more of a fair fight in the paint.

SC's size bothered the LVs in another way. They missed a lot very makeable shots at the rim because I think they were rushing it.

The only part of this game that bothers is the 3rd quarter. It seemed the LVs were anticipating disaster-- "like, oh crap, here it comes!!" and completely lost their composure, They found their courage a bit in the 4th to make it a respectable game. On the next one--this team need to obliterate KY.

 

[Volfan1000]

The Lady Volunteers came out of the gate with good energy but South Carolina has too many horses for the Lady Volunteers to pull off the upset last night.

 

[ttharp]

It's depressing to see our fans jump on our coach and on Jordy for this loss, especially Horston. A look of the stats says the difference in the game was rebounding. Everything else was more or less even. Jordy got ELEVEN boards, and scored 13, second most points. By comparison, our post players had a combined total of 7. It isn't Jordy's fault that we are not able to compete with SC on the boards. She did all she could do.

We'll never know if Key would have made 13 points worth of difference. But it's likely she would have helped a significant amount.

This was a game against the undefeated, #1 team in the nation. SC is a juggernaut, the best program in the country. They are who we were in the nineties. It's not Kellie's fault they became the best program in the nation during Holly's decline of this program. It's ridiculous to be calling for her head because of this loss.

People aren't calling for Kellie's head because of this loss alone. South Carolina did to us what they've done to every team this season. However, Kellie's coaching still leaves A LOT to be desired like it has in every single loss.

Also, people's criticism of her coaching isn't the only reason people are calling for a change. Have you been following the HS recruiting cycles since she's been HC?

I do think that in THIS particular game, Key would've made a difference. Not sure if it would've been enough to win the game though.

As for Jordan Horston- I'm quick to praise her when she plays like the #2 recruit and a top 10 draft pick. I'll also offer criticism when she doesn't live up to that by a wide margin. In tonight's game, I saw both versions. For every great thing Jordan does, she makes up for it with bad shots and poor passes/turnovers. I just don't think that should be the case in year 4.

 

[glv98]

So Carolina is a class act. Intense but calm and professional. Not in need of antics. Dawn still gives me a pain, but I like them. No drama, just awesome, machine like play. They are beatable though.

Anyone who says lack of effort is just stupid. This was a battle royale and all players were laying it out there at all times. How about Striplin! Yes she got beat a few times but what a warrior down low. I never thought we'd hold their posts down that well but then dang along comes Zia with a great game. And wth Fletcher stepping up on us? So Car played great D after the 1st, had alot to do w the 2nd qtr meltdown.

Speaking of that, what if Jordan Horston had Rickea Jackson's poise and control? Jordy is a rebounding wonder and we couldn't do without her. But she does force offense and make questionable decisions when RJ is out. Also the lack of a reliable high level PG hurt. Bad night for Tess to go missing. Which left us with hero ball.

Good thing Rickea is an offensive super hero. Never thought she'd be able to get paint points against them and what an effort. Wish her mid range had been falling! She keeps getting better and playing harder. This was her best game against an elite team. Sad that this was probably our last time to see her play in person, she is truly a special player. Calling it now, I think she lays 30 on KY.

Mostly I thought the talent gap was the difference in the game but I did have a big problem with KJH's continuing inability to figure out how to use Jordy and Kea together. And why the effff she took Kea out at all in the 4th qtr.

Overall, the game was alot more fun than I thought it would be, espec that memorable 1st qtr. That was the best LV crowd of the year at that point, very loud and into it. But of course we all knew it wouldn't last. Still I think this game ends up helping more than hurting.

 

[madtownvol]

People aren't calling for Kellie's head because of this loss alone. South Carolina did to us what they've done to every team this season. However, Kellie's coaching still leaves A LOT to be desired like it has in every single loss.

Also, people's criticism of her coaching isn't the only reason people are calling for a change. Have you been following the HS recruiting cycles since she's been HC?

I do think that in THIS particular game, Key would've made a difference. Not sure if it would've been enough to win the game though.

As for Jordan Horston- I'm quick to praise her when she plays like the #2 recruit and a top 10 draft pick. I'll also offer criticism when she doesn't live up to that by a wide margin. In tonight's game, I saw both versions. For every great thing Jordan does, she makes up for it with bad shots and poor passes/turnovers. I just don't think that should be the case in year 4.

Okay, lets' clarify this "coaching" criticism (And i have been critical of Kellie). But for this game, there was no top secret, brilliant coach X & O scheme or fantastic inspirational talk that was going to turn this game. Kellie is committed (for this season at least) to a particular style of play and it just happens to be exactly the way that Dawn and SC play. Kellie's players aren't as good at it as SC (and Key's absence really tips that scale). But, at this point in the season, it is too late realistically to change what the team does. So, you are now at the point where you have to double down and get as good as you can in implementing this game plan

We are finally seeing the Horston-Jackson combo get significant minutes. The Hollingshead/Striplin post combo is getting more productive. Powell is getting a bit more in the groove. So, a strong finish is still possible. I could see this team making it to the SEC finals. The path to the final four is not going to be easy but I have more confidence that can survive that gauntlet than i had a few weeks.

 

[madtownvol]

So Carolina is a class act. Intense but calm and professional. Not in need of antics. Dawn still gives me a pain, but I like them. No drama, just awesome, machine like play. They are beatable though.

Anyone who says lack of effort is just stupid. This was a battle royale and all players were laying it out there at all times. How about Striplin! Yes she got beat a few times but what a warrior down low. I never thought we'd hold their posts down that well but then dang along comes Zia with a great game. And wth Fletcher stepping up on us? So Car played great D after the 1st, had alot to do w the 2nd qtr meltdown.

Speaking of that, what if Jordan Horston had Rickea Jackson's poise and control? Jordy is a rebounding wonder and we couldn't do without her. But she does force offense and make questionable decisions when RJ is out. Also the lack of a reliable high level PG hurt. Bad night for Tess to go missing. Which left us with hero ball.

Good thing Rickea is an offensive super hero. Never thought she'd be able to get paint points against them and what an effort. She keeps getting better and playing harder. This was her best game against an elite team. Sad that this was probably our last time to see her play in person, she is truly a special player. Calling it now, I think she lays 30 on KY.

Mostly I thought the talent gap was the difference in the game but I did have a big problem with KJH's continuing inability to figure out how to use Jordy and Kea together. And why the effff she took Kea out at all in the 4th qtr.

Overall, the game was alot more fun than I thought it would be, espec that memorable 1st qtr. That was the best LV crowd of the year at that point, very loud and into it. But of course we all knew it wouldn't last. Still I think this game ends up helping more than hurting.

I think some of those spot subs for Rickea and Jordan were basically giving them a little recovery time. They were matching up against big, fast bodies. Rickea was giving up probably 50 pounds or more when she got matched up against Boston.

Per Jordan H, I am pretty sure the instructions to her we "we need your max effort" and she was having play to 100 miles an hour to create (speed vs. size) advantages. And sometimes yeah she got in caught in too high of a gear but to your main point- this loss was not due to a lack of trying.

 

[glv98]

Okay, lets' clarify this "coaching" criticism (And i have been critical of Kellie). But for this game, there was no top secret, brilliant coach X & O scheme or fantastic inspirational talk that was going to turn this game. Kellie is committed (for this season at least) to a particular style of play and it just happens to be exactly the way that Dawn and SC play. Kellie's players aren't as good at it as SC (and Key's absence really tips that scale). But, at this point in the season, it is too late realistically to change what the team does. So, you are now at the point where you have to double down and get as good as you can in implementing this game plan

We are finally seeing the Horston-Jackson combo get significant minutes. The Hollingshead/Striplin post combo is getting more productive. Powell is getting a bit more in the groove. So, a strong finish is still possible. I could see this team making it to the SEC finals. The path to the final four is not going to be easy but I have more confidence that can survive that gauntlet than i had a few weeks.

Agree. This is a game where just Key's presence in the middle would have helped. I can see them making a run in the SEC as well. RJ's only real tourney experience was in the SEC tourney as a freshman where she ran wild. Can see her bookending that. I was just sitting here thinking Greeneville is not that far away and next Saturday night against LSU . . .

 

[ttharp]

Okay, lets' clarify this "coaching" criticism (And i have been critical of Kellie). But for this game, there was no top secret, brilliant coach X & O scheme or fantastic inspirational talk that was going to turn this game. Kellie is committed (for this season at least) to a particular style of play and it just happens to be exactly the way that Dawn and SC play. Kellie's players aren't as good at it as SC (and Key's absence really tips that scale). But, at this point in the season, it is too late realistically to change what the team does. So, you are now at the point where you have to double down and get as good as you can in implementing this game plan

We are finally seeing the Horston-Jackson combo get significant minutes. The Hollingshead/Striplin post combo is getting more productive. Powell is getting a bit more in the groove. So, a strong finish is still possible. I could see this team making it to the SEC finals. The path to the final four is not going to be easy but I have more confidence that can survive that gauntlet than i had a few weeks.

Once again, I said people's criticism of her coaching in TONIGHT'S game alone isn't the *only* reason some fans are calling for a change.

 

[glv98]

I think some of those spot subs for Rickea and Jordan were basically giving them a little recovery time. They were matching up against big, fast bodies. Rickea was giving up probably 50 pounds or more when she got matched up against Boston.

I thought the spot subs for RJ at the end of qtrs were good, using the qtr break to extend it. And I do realize how much weight she gives up to everyone, espec in the post. Great body for a supermodel, not so much for a D1 post. She was getting pounded. But I still don't think she should have been taken out in the 4th.

 

[BowlBrother85]

They played a little better than I expected. That was a great 1st quarter, anyway. South Carolina should win the National Championship again. They have the best team.

 

[SmokeyTheBear]

That’s what I want to know. She should only be in if we are in foul trouble. I guess our coach is too nice and wants to give everyone a chance.[/QUOTE

Wrong. Did you miss watching the game and how karos Physicality helped hold AB to 4 pts in the first half. Karos versabilty opens lanes for Kia and Jordy. Can’t you not see this????

 

[SmokeyTheBear]

Kellie Harper is not the answer time to get a real coach

* keyboard Warrior*

 

[youcancallmeAl]

People aren't calling for Kellie's head because of this loss alone. South Carolina did to us what they've done to every team this season. However, Kellie's coaching still leaves A LOT to be desired like it has in every single loss.

Also, people's criticism of her coaching isn't the only reason people are calling for a change. Have you been following the HS recruiting cycles since she's been HC?

I do think that in THIS particular game, Key would've made a difference. Not sure if it would've been enough to win the game though.

As for Jordan Horston- I'm quick to praise her when she plays like the #2 recruit and a top 10 draft pick. I'll also offer criticism when she doesn't live up to that by a wide margin. In tonight's game, I saw both versions. For every great thing Jordan does, she makes up for it with bad shots and poor passes/turnovers. I just don't think that should be the case in year 4.

A stat line of 14 points (6/17), with 11 boards, 2/2 FT's, only 2 TOs and 3 blocks is a damn good stat line for any player in their fourth year. Again, she's pressing to try to help mitigate for the lack of a deep post player that can compete with the SCs of this world.

 

[WVU05UT09]

This was a game against the undefeated, #1 team in the nation. SC is a juggernaut, the best program in the country. They are who we were in the nineties. It's not Kellie's fault they became the best program in the nation during Holly's decline of this program. It's ridiculous to be calling for her head because of this loss.

This game was lost on national signing day. Plain and simple.

 

[youcancallmeAl]

People aren't calling for Kellie's head because of this loss alone. South Carolina did to us what they've done to every team this season. However, Kellie's coaching still leaves A LOT to be desired like it has in every single loss.

Then why is it no one calls for her head after a win? BTW, there have been 20 of them.

 

[SmokeyTheBear]

A lot of key board warrior on herEZ

 

[knoxvol52]

* keyboard Warrior*

Lol [VIDEO=][/VIDEO]