The Lady Vols basketball team is facing a tough stretch, dropping their fifth consecutive game with an 89-73 loss to No. 6 LSU. Tennessee's head coach, Kim Caldwell, offered insights into the game and the challenges her team is navigating.
Caldwell noted that the Lady Vols started strong, particularly in the first half. "We were moving the ball well and dominating the offensive glass," she said.
However, LSU's increased effort after halftime, especially on the boards, proved to be a game-changer. The Lady Vols couldn't match LSU's 14 second-chance points in the second half, a stark contrast to their earlier performance.
When asked about her interactions with LSU's coach Kim Mulkey, Caldwell kept it brief, saying, "She can share that if she wants to."
Discussing the first half, Caldwell highlighted the team's effective ball movement and rebounding. Yet, LSU's adjustments made it difficult for Tennessee to maintain their momentum, leading to multiple offensive rebounds for the Tigers.
Guarding LSU's Mikaylah Williams posed another challenge. Caldwell praised Williams as a "great three-level scorer," noting the difficulties in defending her mid-range game.
On the defensive side, Caldwell acknowledged some improvement in fouling discipline but stressed the need for more consistency. "We need to find a balance," she explained, pointing out struggles with transition defense and opponents attacking the rim.
Looking ahead, Caldwell addressed the challenge of facing MiLaysia Fulwiley, a top player known for her aggressive drives to the basket. She emphasized the importance of preparing for Vanderbilt's strong guard play, focusing on defensive strategies like "two dribble wars" to disrupt their rhythm.
Former Lady Vol Andraya Carter's comments on GameDay about the team were also mentioned. Caldwell expressed understanding, saying, "It's fair for those who built this program to be critical," and acknowledged her own self-critique and the resilience within her team.
Finally, Caldwell touched on the team's perimeter shooting. Despite an improved shooting percentage, translating those stats into victories remains elusive, partly due to a challenging schedule and defensive setbacks.
The Lady Vols are in a period of reflection and adjustment, as they look to turn their fortunes around in the coming games.