Kim Caldwell Hoped Lady Vols Turned Corner After Beating UConn. Loss to LSU Showed Otherwise: A Reality Check for Tennessee”

“Kim Caldwell Hoped Lady Vols Turned Corner After Beating UConn. Loss to LSU Showed Otherwise: A Reality Check for Tennessee”

 

The Tennessee Lady Vols’ 84-73 victory over the UConn Huskies on January 26 was a statement win for the program. It marked the Lady Vols’ first win over the Huskies since 2007 and gave fans hope that the team had finally turned the corner.

 

However, the Lady Vols’ 82-77 loss to the LSU Tigers on February 8 served as a harsh reality check for the program. Despite a strong effort from senior guard Jordan Horston, who scored 25 points, the Lady Vols were unable to overcome the Tigers’ dominant performance in the paint.

 

“A Tough Lesson to Learn”

 

The loss to LSU was a tough lesson to learn for the Lady Vols, who had been riding high after their win over UConn. However, it served as a reminder that there is still much work to be done if the team hopes to achieve its goals.

 

“We took a step back tonight,” Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell said after the game. “We didn’t play with the same level of intensity and focus that we had against UConn. We have to learn from this and move forward.”

 

“LSU’s Dominance in the Paint”

 

The Tigers’ dominance in the paint was a major factor in the Lady Vols’ loss. LSU’s Angel Reese and LaDazhia Williams combined for 42 points and 21 rebounds, with Reese recording a double-double.

 

The Lady Vols struggled to contain the Tigers’ bigs, who consistently found ways to score in the paint. Tennessee’s defense, which had been solid against UConn, was exposed by LSU’s physicality and athleticism.

 

“A Lack of Depth”

 

The Lady Vols’ lack of depth was also a major issue against LSU. Tennessee’s bench scored just 10 points, compared to 24 points for the Tigers’ bench.

 

The Lady Vols’ starters played heavy minutes, with Horston and junior forward Rickea Jackson each playing over 35 minutes. The lack of depth and fresh legs ultimately took its toll on the Lady Vols, who were unable to keep up with the Tigers’ pace.

 

“A Reality Check”

 

The loss to LSU served as a reality check for the Lady Vols, who had been feeling good about themselves after their win over UConn. However, it also provided a valuable learning experience for the team.

 

“We can’t get too high or too low,” Caldwell said. “We have to stay even-keel and focus on the next game. We have to learn from our mistakes and move forward.”

 

“What’s Next for Tennessee?”

 

The Lady Vols will look to bounce back from their loss to LSU when they host the Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday. Tennessee will need to regroup and refocus if they hope to get back on track and make a deep run in the SEC tournament.

 

“Conclusion”

 

In conclusion, the Tennessee Lady Vols’ loss to the LSU Tigers served as a harsh reality check for the program. Despite a strong effort from Jordan Horston, the Lady Vols were unable to overcome the Tigers’ dominance in the paint. The loss provided a valuable learning experience for the team, and they will look to bounce back against Alabama on Thursday.