_Updating Lady Vols rankings in college basketball polls after losses to Kentucky, Georgia_
The Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team has taken a tumble in the latest college basketball polls, following back-to-back losses to Kentucky and Georgia.
In the Associated Press Top 25 poll, the Lady Vols dropped from No. 5 to No. 12. The team also fell from No. 4 to No. 11 in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll.
The Lady Vols’ losses to Kentucky and Georgia marked their first consecutive losses of the season. Tennessee had been one of the hottest teams in the country, with a 16-game winning streak that dated back to November.
However, the team’s offense struggled in both losses, scoring just 58 points against Kentucky and 63 points against Georgia. The Lady Vols’ defense also had trouble containing the opposing teams’ top scorers, with Kentucky’s Rhyne Howard and Georgia’s Jenna Staiti combining for 43 points in the two games.
Despite the losses, the Lady Vols are still in good position to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The team has a strong resume, with wins over top-ranked teams like UConn and Louisville.
“We’re not going to let two losses define our season,” said Lady Vols coach Kellie Harper. “We’re going to learn from our mistakes and move forward. We’re still a very good team, and we’re going to keep working to get better.”
The Lady Vols will look to bounce back from their losses when they host Vanderbilt on Thursday. The team will then travel to Missouri on Sunday for a rematch with the Tigers.
Tennessee’s drop in the polls was not unexpected, given the team’s recent losses. However, the Lady Vols are still considered one of the top teams in the country, and they will look to prove themselves in the coming weeks.
“We’re not worried about our ranking,” said Harper. “We’re worried about getting better and making a run in the tournament. We’re going to focus on one game at a time and take care of business.”
The Lady Vols’ schedule will not get any easier in the coming weeks, with games against ranked teams like South Carolina and Mississippi State. However, Tennessee is confident in its ability to compete with anyone in the country.
“We’re a very good team, and we’re going to keep working to get better,” said Harper. “We’re excited for the challenges ahead, and we’re looking forward to making a deep run in the tournament.”
The Lady Vols’ drop in the polls is a minor setback for a team that has its sights set on a national championship. With a strong schedule and a talented roster, Tennessee is still considered one of the top teams in the country.
“We’re not going to let two losses define our season,” said Harper. “We’re going to keep working, keep grinding, and make a run in the tournament. That’s what we’re focused on.”
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