Game Thread: Lady Vols Vs So. Car. ; Mon Jan 27th ; Home game; 7 PM Eastern; ESPN2

[KnoxLikeUs]

Cooper took 21 SHOTS. Made 5 of them.

If you’re going to critique every single game, every single shot, every single decision of a team/player understand you won’t ever truly be able to enjoy the sport.
I’ve seen some of the best to play the game have one of those nights.
This wasn’t Coop best game or moment in the spotlight I’m for certain she knows that.
But at some point fans have to learn to let it go and expect any player, even the most talented ones have a game as Coop had last night.
And guess what it won’t be the last time. We see players on other teams that we give the benefit of doubt and say we wish were at Tennessee that have had this same kind of performance.
I mean heck we give a platform here to every opposing recruit with a committable or non committable offer.
Take the good with the bad and move on to the next game when it’s one of our own.
GBO ‘solid’!

 

[GameTime]

Hitting just 11.5 % from the 3 point line, and just 30% from everywhere else, will not get it done against most foes....

 

[volsagain]

Hitting just 11.5 % from the 3 point line, and just 30% from everywhere else, will not get it done against most foes....

SCs defense is really good. We took some bad shots and forced to many but give them credit they play hard noised defense. I think we'll get better and better as we learn to play together.

 

[knoxvol52]

I don't think Dawn took her foot off the pedal. But I am not familiar enough with her lineup to say for sure. But the announcers kept emphasizing that their top 5 subs outscore their starters. I think she intended to leave a mark. Because that's competition. And she may play us again. I think our rally was psychologically important.

Individuals will grasp at straws, some are dying for Lady Vols to get their doors blew off in a game so they can spew "I told you so". Petty individuals everywhere..

 

[Majors]

Too much dribbling, too many passes, too many not wanting to take shots, too many veteran players not providing offense. Puckett, Darby and Spear can’t combine for 9 points in a game like that.

 

[Volfan2012]

3 for 26 from the three is the story of the game. They don't let you get layups or good looks in the paint so you have to make some three pointers. 3 for 26 just terribly inconsistent and certainly should lose you any game. In a night when we had 18 offensive rebounds to their 7 and 13 turnovers to their 17 we just couldn't make shots. If your taking 26 three pointers the law of averages says you should make 25 percent and well that is 6 threes so add that nine points and that alone makes the game more interesting.

To add two players Cooper and Spencer took 33 shots and made 7. They were 2 of 13 from the three. Jewell only made 1 of 5. So onward we go inconsistent in everyway and a long way to go if we can't share the ball better and get better shots at the basket. The defense and rebounding was superior to any we have played this season.

 

[LV renaissance]

First of all, we played an outstanding team who has dominated all the rated teams they have played since that early loss to UCLA. I actually think they look even better than last year's championship team. It is so hard to score against them, even for two of the top scoring teams in the country - LSU and the LVs. It is near impossible to get inside shots against their set defense given how they clog the lanes and block or alter so many shots. This is one game I could understand why we took so many outside shots, as we failed so many times when we went inside. Unfortunately, this backfired in that we couldn't make any threes due to great defense and also rushing shots out of fear of their defense.

The 4th quarter comeback was impressive but bittersweet at best given that this has been our trend yet it hasn't resulted in any wins lately. Yes, I think it is partly due to the gamecocks not playing quite as hard. However, the consistency lately that we have played well in the 4th quarter against even the best teams is a tribute to the idea that our system is working to give us fresher legs by then. LSU and Texas among other teams did not lay off in the 4th quarter given that those games will still very much in contention, and we still played well in the 4th. It seems we get out of our heads and just get more focused on beating the other team. Against SC, it showed that moving the ball quickly before SC can set their defense is the best approach against them. We even had some assists, which were sorely lacking the rest of the game.

The game was a reminder that although our new players this year are really good athletes, are 10 deep rotation currently has players who are not nearly as athletic as the top teams we are playing. Thus, it is hard for our system to be fully effective, and the press is more easily broken. I think this will be just a one year problem given who we are bringing in.

I hope that there will be a growing trend the rest of the year into next year that we will capitalize more on Boyd's and Latham's speed to get layups. We absolutely need this when our three-point shooting is woeful. Boyd especially is so quick that she got a couple of easy layups against the staunch SC defense. Latham still seems intimidated by some shots she had blocked earlier in the year, as I have noticed that she has passed up some good opportunities to get potential layups. I hope her confidence and effectiveness can improve, as her speed is undeniable.

Finally, I am getting worn out by the mixed bag of emotions each game produces. It is getting old to feel good about certain quarters and lousy about losses and quarters where we seem so discombobulated. Think about how great it will feel to win one or more of these big games. I haven't given up hope.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Individuals will grasp at straws, some are dying for Lady Vols to get their doors blew off in a game so they can spew "I told you so". Petty individuals everywhere..

Exactly.
I remember all season a year ago it was “well next season without Rickea Jackson this won’t even be a winning team….” notion thrown around time after time.
Fast forward the team is currently ranked and continuing to build during a head coaching pregnancy in year 1.
Three McDonald’s All-Americans named yesterday in CKC, Lazo, and Tubner first recruiting class.
Repeatedly we listen to the same complaint “we need BIGS” next season by proclaimed LV fans every single game whether it’s a win or loss. I can’t see how people actually think they know the team needs better than a staff that secured an elite portal class and top HS recruiting class in 8/9 months.
It’s not too much to support, encourage, and let these people do their jobs.
Some people won’t ever be satisfied even when the 6’3, 6’4, 6’5, and 6’6 etc. post players are on the roster.

 

[Volfan2012]

100 percent must win at Missouri and they pulled out a win over Mississippi State last night. Put everything behind us and go get that win we still have to win some games to make the NCAA Tourney and a loss to a very bad Missouri team certainly would upset that greatly. A week off to prepare we should be ready to play well.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

What makes you think South Carolina defenders wouldn't do to Johnson or Fulwiley what they did to Cooper and Spear tonight? Taking away what opponents do best is what South Carolinas defense does. You notice every three was well contested tonight. Tennessee didn't just go out and take crappy shots, every shot was contested, especially the threes.

We got back in the game when we stopped shooting the threes. Also, our defense had a lot to do with the comeback. Contested threes are difficult to make, but we also missed a lot of bunnies.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Exactly.
I remember all season a year ago it was “well next season without Rickea Jackson this won’t even be a winning team….” notion thrown around time after time.
Fast forward the team is currently ranked and continuing to build during a head coaching pregnancy in year 1.
Three McDonald’s All-Americans named yesterday in CKC, Lazo, and Tubner first recruiting class.
Repeatedly we listen to the same complaint “we need BIGS” next season by proclaimed LV fans every single game whether it’s a win or loss. I can’t see how people actually think they know the team needs better than a staff that secured an elite portal class and top HS recruiting class in 8/9 months.
It’s not too much to support, encourage, and let these people do their jobs.
Some people won’t ever be satisfied even when the 6’3, 6’4, 6’5, and 6’6 etc. post players are on the roster.

Texas beat us with their bigs. We had no way to stop their rebounding and shooting layups. We actually played a better game against Texas than we did last night. Last night, we shot a lot of air balls because we were playing out of control for 2 of the four quarters. Play 4 quarters like we did in the first and fourth quarters, we win by 15.

 

[glv98]

I can’t see how people actually think they know the team needs better than a staff that secured an elite portal class and top HS recruiting class in 8/9 months.
It’s not too much to support, encourage, and let these people do their jobs.

Says the person who has repeatedly berated the staff that playing Latham more is the key to success. Which they did last night btw and she played well but was not the panacea you predicted. Do you do it on purpose or do you really not see the irony?

Also, we have zero influence or control on whether these people do their jobs. We do not "let" jack sh*t.

 

[SGMVols]

We made more free throws than SC attempted and out-rebounded them by 9.

If you told me before the game we’d do that, I’d have said we pulled the upset. Sucks we had a horrendous night from 3 because we win that if we shoot anywhere near our season average.

To be fair to SC a lot of that was thanks to their D though. We didn’t get a lot of great looks.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

100 percent must win at Missouri and they pulled out a win over Mississippi State last night. Put everything behind us and go get that win we still have to win some games to make the NCAA Tourney and a loss to a very bad Missouri team certainly would upset that greatly. A week off to prepare we should be ready to play well.

I know that’s the cliche of stating it’s a must win but I don’t think most people realize that this year’s team is on the cusp of greatness.
They have not folded in a single challenge all year long and understand what’s at stake.
This is a team capable on any given night to beat any WBB team.
This is a team talented enough right now to win a SEC title and National title in year 1 of the Coach Caldwell era.
GBO ‘solid’!

After a tough loss to the National Championship favorite Samara Spencer was shooting in the gym following the game. This team is just built different. Ain’t no folding up.

 

[SGMVols]

100 percent must win at Missouri and they pulled out a win over Mississippi State last night. Put everything behind us and go get that win we still have to win some games to make the NCAA Tourney and a loss to a very bad Missouri team certainly would upset that greatly. A week off to prepare we should be ready to play well.

A loss to Mizzou would be a 2 seed penalty in the dance. Losing to them might end up popping Miss State’s bubble. They are capital A awful. We cannot lose to them even on the road.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I just don’t see how Coop’s bad shot selections are usually the ones brought up???? If y’all don’t like her just say that but let’s not pretend our losses and bad stretches of play is solely on her.

I guess it is because we all know that she is are most aolented player at this time, and she can play very well when she dos not play out of control. She could have had a lot of assists last night, especially n the second and third quarters when they were covering her like a blanket. I know she wanted that game more than any she has ever played, but she plays on a team. She can not do it all by herself.

 

[glv98]

Too much dribbling, too many passes, too many not wanting to take shots, too many veteran players not providing offense. Puckett, Darby and Spear can’t combine for 9 points in a game like that.

So you think they should have chucked even more shots without passing? Interesting. I think next year, at least early on, you and other "system purists" will get your wish. Quantity, not quality on offense. And truthfully, almost total dependance on points produced on defense, which is how we made that late run.

Depending on pts off defense is scary bc it's exactly what caused Pat to get passed by Geno back in the day. Bad nights at the shooting office makes it almost impossible to beat good teams in that system bc you can't set the press as well off chunked shots.

Agree about the vets. Great people, but sadly all three have histories of not showing at all in big games. No question upgrades with more athletic players next year will make the pure version of the system more workable. But I maintain they still will need a CONSISTENT 3 pt shooter or two to get all the way to the mountaintop.

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

We made more free throws than SC attempted and out-rebounded them by 9.

If you told me before the game we’d do that, I’d have said we pulled the upset. Sucks we had a horrendous night from 3 because we win that if we shoot anywhere near our season average.

To be fair to SC a lot of that was thanks to their D though. We didn’t get a lot of great looks.

You made some excellent points.
I do think a good amount of the looks from 3 were pretty good though.
I’m encouraged by what I saw from Samara Spencer following the loss last night she went out and got shots off in an empty gym. Of course some folks will critique her extra practice but at the end of the day she’s trying to get back in rhythm.
People don’t realize that just 20 games with a new head coach, new system, and several newcomers this LV team is on the cusp of greatness.
Find me one other collegiate team in any sport, any sport male or female in year 1 that has built as strong of a foundation in the present and future to compete for national championships?
I’m proud of this group.
GBO ‘solid’!

 

[glv98]

100 percent must win at Missouri and they pulled out a win over Mississippi State last night. Put everything behind us and go get that win we still have to win some games to make the NCAA Tourney and a loss to a very bad Missouri team certainly would upset that greatly. A week off to prepare we should be ready to play well.

We won't lose to Missouri. Period. It's a much needed get well game and we'll pound them. Probably shoot the lights out fm 3. It's the kind of game Tess, Jewel and Sara can do well in.

We made more free throws than SC attempted and out-rebounded them by 9.

What, the refs didn't get the memo to cheat against the LVs this time?

After tough loss to the National Championship favorite Samara Spencer was shooting in the gym following the game. This team is just built different. Ain’t no folding up.

Putting up shots after losses where you shot horribly isn't different. Players do it all the time, have done for years, and it's always tweeted about by their teams. It's almost a ritual now. Again, it's a good gesture by team leaders, JJJ and Santi did it all the time last year. But it doesn't mean previous teams didn't care or "folded".

 

[Orange Maniac]

Personally, I think the girls played hard against a very talented and deep team. What I saw was too much "Hero" ball in the second quarter. It seemed like every possession was one on one, I'm shooting the ball no matter what. Ball movement is the key to success.

 

[Majors]

So you think they should have chucked even more shots without passing? Interesting. I think next year, at least early on, you and other "system purists" will get your wish. Quantity, not quality on offense. And truthfully, almost total dependance on points produced on defense, which is how we made that late run.

Depending on pts off defense is scary bc it's exactly what caused Pat to get passed by Geno back in the day. Bad nights at the shooting office makes it almost impossible to beat good teams in that system bc you can't set the press as well off chunked shots.

Agree about the vets. Great people, but sadly all three have histories of not showing at all in big games. No question upgrades with more athletic players next year will make the pure version of the system more workable. But I maintain they still will need a CONSISTENT 3 pt shooter or two to get all the way to the mountaintop.

Believe when time works against you, dribbling, passing, dribbling, open, tick..tick..tick, dribble, pass, open, pass..tick…tick..tick isn’t the best offense.

 

[Sudden Impact]

This game was called fairly decent by the refs so no real complaints should come from either side.
Achilles Heal for this game were the missed layups and those missed shots around the rim.
This team is going to be good at the end of the year. They just need to fine tune.

 

[Rons1989]

Great breakdown of the statistics. I would stay still that offensively Tennessee is one of the most explosive teams in WBB.
Keep in mind SC held LSU to 56 points.
Tennessee and LSU for most of the season were the top two scoring offenses in the country.
The low scoring tonight was dictated by SC’s defense.
Tennessee got some good looks but couldn’t get any rhythm going from the tough shooting night.
We have to learn from tonight and find another way to attack strong defensive teams with more balance.
I still feel we should run offense on the block to the top of the key with Latham and Spearman. Can’t always be a drive to the basket or kick out as the primary option.

Facts agree....i said all week im not impressed with south carolina starting lineup at all and we would have to contain fulwiley, tessa, and edwards we could not contain edwards and that was backbreaking....not really upset about the offense especially against south carolina i was upset with the no player movement and the one on one offense we have to fix that....they also need to understand offense come and goes so defense and rebounding would keep them in every game because they are a legit team they have to believe that we are RIGHT there...i thought they defended pretty good besides for edwards

 

[KnoxLikeUs]

Personally, I think the girls played hard against a very talented and deep team. What I saw was too much "Hero" ball in the second quarter. It seemed like every possession was one on one, I'm shooting the ball no matter what. Ball movement is the key to success.

Valid point.
On the other hand, I think it’s part of the process of this team figuring out what it takes to get to the next level.
This isn’t something we haven’t seen teams with years of experience struggle playing together through in big games.
This is a lesson learned.
Also, I can’t help but think every single day how the transfer portal in the present and high school recruiting in the future in 8/9 months completely flipped the narrative along with an excellent hire.
For all the talk about bigs, South Carolina played 6 guards last night. That’s been their formula for success in the Staley era. Yes Coach Staley has had AA post players but in order to play with a dominant SC team you must have excellent guard play.
The staff is focused on building consistency and keeping this current team together for years to come.
CKC next season will have 5 McDonald’s AA guards, 8 Top 30 prospects, 9 Top 50 prospects, and 11 Top 100 prospects returning before the Spring transfer portal signing period.

 

[dillyo51]

Spearman, Whitehorn, Boyd were solid and competed.

I’ll add Latham to your list. Needs more playing time.