What impressed former Lady Vols coach Kellie Harper about Tennessee’s victory over Mississippi State

When the Tennessee Lady Vols defeated Mississippi State in a crucial SEC matchup, the victory was more than just a statement on the scoreboard. It was a testament to the program’s growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Tennessee legacy. For former Lady Vols head coach Kellie Harper, who now leads the Missouri Tigers, the game provided a unique lens through which she could assess the Lady Vols’ performance and the strides they’ve made since her tenure as the head coach of Tennessee.

Having been at the helm of Tennessee from 2013 to 2019, Harper is deeply familiar with the high expectations and pressures of the program, as well as the competitive nature of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Tennessee’s recent victory over Mississippi State, a team that has been a consistent contender in the SEC, was not only a great win for the Lady Vols but also a key moment in showcasing the team’s potential. While Harper was certainly invested in the outcome of the game, her professional perspective provided a deeper insight into what made Tennessee’s performance so impressive.

Tennessee’s Defense: A Testament to Grit and Tenacity

One of the most striking aspects of Tennessee’s victory over Mississippi State was its defense. Defense has always been the cornerstone of Lady Vols basketball, and Harper, known for her emphasis on defensive discipline during her time in Knoxville, would undoubtedly have been impressed by how the team executed this aspect of the game.

The Lady Vols held Mississippi State to just 59 points, which is a remarkable feat, considering the offensive firepower that Mississippi State has traditionally brought to the court under head coach Nikki McCray-Penson. Harper would have appreciated the way Tennessee controlled the tempo of the game through suffocating defense, forcing turnovers and limiting Mississippi State’s ability to execute offensively. The Lady Vols forced 17 turnovers, which was a direct reflection of their high-pressure defense, something that has become a hallmark of Tennessee basketball, even post-Harper.

Tennessee’s defense was particularly effective in the paint, where they stifled Mississippi State’s inside game. The Lady Vols’ ability to challenge shots at the rim and contest every drive to the basket prevented Mississippi State from getting comfortable in the post, where they typically excel. Tennessee’s defensive schemes were fluid, as they adjusted to Mississippi State’s offensive sets throughout the game. For Harper, a defensive-minded coach, this commitment to defensive execution would have been one of the most notable takeaways from the win.

Balanced Scoring: A Key to Tennessee’s Success

Another aspect of Tennessee’s victory over Mississippi State that would have impressed Kellie Harper was the balanced offensive attack the Lady Vols displayed. Under head coach Kelly Harper and now coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee has worked hard to foster a more dynamic and versatile offense, blending individual scoring talent with team-oriented ball movement.

The Lady Vols had four players in double figures, including standouts like Jasmine Powell, Jordan Horston, and Rae Burrell, who all contributed significantly to the offensive effort. Harper would have been particularly impressed by how these players played within the team structure, making the most of their opportunities without forcing the issue. This approach to scoring, in which multiple players contribute at different points in the game, has become a trademark of Tennessee basketball under Kelly Harper’s leadership, and it was evident in their most recent victory.

What stood out the most in the scoring department was Horston’s ability to control the game. Her leadership and court awareness were key in Tennessee’s offensive rhythm. Horston, who has been one of the team’s most consistent players, showcased her all-around game, scoring when necessary and also facilitating the offense. Harper, who has seen Horston develop over the years, would have been particularly impressed by her growth as a leader on both ends of the court.

In terms of overall team offense, Tennessee showed significant improvement in shot selection, patience, and spacing. The Lady Vols took good shots and did a great job of finding open players, making Mississippi State work on defense. This style of play is something that Harper helped instill in the program during her time at Tennessee, and it’s clear that the Lady Vols have continued to build on these principles.

Rebounding and Second-Chance Opportunities

Another element of Tennessee’s victory that would have caught Harper’s attention was their performance on the boards. Tennessee dominated the rebounding battle, collecting 45 rebounds compared to Mississippi State’s 35. The Lady Vols secured several crucial offensive rebounds, converting them into second-chance points, which kept the Bulldogs from gaining any momentum during the game.

Harper has always placed an emphasis on the importance of rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass. In her tenure at Tennessee, she made sure the Lady Vols were known for their physicality and aggressiveness on the boards, a strategy that helped them win games and control tempo. Tennessee’s success in this department against Mississippi State was a direct reflection of that mentality. With players like Tamari Key and Alexus Dye fighting for rebounds and securing key possessions, Tennessee was able to prevent Mississippi State from turning defensive stops into easy transition opportunities.

While Tennessee’s defense and offense were crucial to the win, their dominance in the rebounding department allowed them to control the flow of the game. By consistently gathering rebounds and limiting second-chance opportunities for Mississippi State, the Lady Vols were able to minimize the Bulldogs’ ability to respond offensively and dictate the tempo themselves.

Efficient Shooting and Offensive Execution

One of the key takeaways for Kellie Harper from Tennessee’s victory over Mississippi State would have been the team’s efficient shooting. The Lady Vols shot a solid 46% from the field, including a respectable 35% from beyond the arc. Efficiency has been one of Tennessee’s goals over the past few seasons, and this victory showed that they’ve made strides in that area.

Harper, who knows how crucial it is to capitalize on scoring opportunities, would have been particularly impressed by the Lady Vols’ decision-making in half-court sets. Tennessee moved the ball well, showing patience in their offensive execution, and took quality shots rather than settling for contested or low-percentage looks. This balance between offensive flow and high shooting percentages is something that will be important for Tennessee as the season progresses, and it’s clear that the Lady Vols are becoming more comfortable with this style of play.

Poise and Composure Under Pressure

Another aspect of Tennessee’s performance that would have impressed Harper was the team’s ability to maintain poise and composure under pressure. Mississippi State made several runs during the game, but Tennessee’s ability to stay focused and respond to those runs was a sign of maturity and growth.

As a coach who has experienced the intensity and pressure of SEC basketball, Harper understands the mental toughness required to win games in a tough conference. Tennessee’s ability to not only weather the storm when Mississippi State attempted to cut into their lead but also respond with key plays, showed that they were mentally sharp and prepared for the challenge. This resilience was especially evident in the final minutes of the game when Tennessee was able to maintain their lead despite Mississippi State’s late surge.

Tennessee’s Future Under Kelly Harper

While Kellie Harper is now leading the Missouri Tigers, her connection to the Lady Vols remains strong, and she no doubt took pride in the team’s impressive victory over Mississippi State. Tennessee’s victory was a sign that the Lady Vols are building something special under their current coaching staff, and that they have the potential to compete at the highest level in the SEC.

The win over Mississippi State demonstrated that Tennessee’s program has all the tools to succeed: solid defense, balanced offense, a relentless rebounding effort, and the mental toughness needed to perform in clutch moments. These qualities are the foundation for any championship-caliber team, and Harper would have been encouraged to see the Lady Vols executing them so effectively.

For Tennessee fans, the future is bright. With players like Jordan Horston, Rae Burrell, and Jasmine Powell, the Lady Vols are primed for success in the SEC and on the national stage. Under the leadership of coach Kelly Harper, the program has the potential to build on the foundations laid by previous coaches and continue its legacy as one of the most dominant forces in college basketball.

In conclusion, Kellie Harper’s admiration for Tennessee’s victory over Mississippi State is rooted in the program’s commitment to executing fundamental basketball—something that was a staple of her tenure as head coach. Tennessee’s all-around performance, especially their defense, rebounding, and offensive efficiency, not only secured the win but showed that they are a team to be reckoned with in the SEC. For Harper, this game was a reminder of the Lady Vols’ enduring strength and potential for success in the future.