These spots will be crucial for SEC success
Knoxville, Tenn. – Call this one a dress rehearsal, because after Winthrop Sunday afternoon, it’s SEC play and UConn the rest of the way. For the Lady Vols, being the stronger, more physical team continues to be a work in progress.
Through 11 games this season, the Lady Vols continue to struggle in the rebound battle. Only five times this season has the margin been wider than 10.
Two of those times came against opponents like UT Martin and Western Carolina.
Their margin should’ve been much wider against Florida state, it was 11, an awful third quarter that swung most of the numbers in favor of the Seminoles.
Caldwell continues to reiterate that they’re going to have to lose that battle before they believe her that it’s an area that needs great improvement.
Jillian Hollingshead is one player that needs to contribute a lot more.
She’s 9th on the team with just 29, granted she only averages 13.7 minutes a game, which is also 9th on the team.
But at 6’5″, she should be winning more of those battles.
“She looked really good the last couple of games being up in front of the press, she’s playing hard. But I think her rebound numbers, for her size, are really low,” said Caldwell.
Two numbers where Caldwell is encouraged are the assist and turnover ratio.
Specifically with Samara Spencer, the point guard leads the team in assists with 61 while committing just 16 turnovers. Talaysia Cooper is not far behind with 41 assists.
Only twice this season has an opponent shared the ball better.
Spencer’s ability to find her teammates has been key to their success.
“People love playing for her,” said Caldwell. “And that’s a testament to her as well because she didn’t start the season that way. She was turning it over a lot in our scrimmages, a lot at the beginning of the year. She just kind of found her pace and found her role, and has gotten a lot better at that.”
Now, as far as the dress rehearsal is concerned.
Winthrop, coached by LVFL Semeka Randall Lay, is a tough team, can play in transition, and will test the Lady Vols greatly with their ability to switch up their defense.
Winthrop can also drive to the rim pretty efficiently as well.
On top of winning those battles, Caldwell is looking for sustained urgency.
“I think our leadership could still get a little bit better heading into conference play,” said Caldwell. “Just playing with more sense of urgency because it’s time now to really see where we stand. And we will meet on that when we get back after this game.”