Even though the Lady Vols defeated Missouri, their performance was lacking.
In the world of college basketball, especially within the prestigious ranks of women’s NCAA basketball, even a win can be overshadowed by less-than-ideal performances. This was the case when the Tennessee Lady Vols secured a victory over the Missouri Tigers in a game that ultimately ended in their favor, but left much to be desired in terms of execution and team chemistry. Despite the positive outcome, Tennessee’s performance was a far cry from what fans and analysts expect from a program of their caliber, especially one with championship aspirations.
The game against Missouri, while showcasing the Lady Vols’ ability to persevere and claim a win, revealed several weaknesses and areas of concern that could come back to haunt them as the season progresses. From inefficient shooting to defensive lapses, there were noticeable flaws that head coach Kelly Harper and her team will need to address moving forward. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the game, how the Lady Vols managed to get the win, and what their lackluster performance could mean for the team as they look ahead to tougher competition.
A Rocky Start for the Lady Vols
The game started with promise for the Lady Vols, as they were facing off against a Missouri team that, while competitive, had not been viewed as a top contender in the SEC. Tennessee entered the game as heavy favorites, riding high on their strong season and impressive performances in prior matchups. However, from the opening tip, it became clear that the Lady Vols were not firing on all cylinders.
While Tennessee opened the game with some early success, their offense quickly became stagnant. The ball movement was slow, and too many possessions ended with rushed or ill-advised shots, many of which missed the mark. The team shot just 38% from the field in the first half, which is far below the standard of a top-tier program like the Lady Vols. The lack of offensive execution, combined with missed opportunities and turnovers, allowed Missouri to stay within striking distance throughout the first two quarters.
Tennessee’s defense also showed vulnerability, with players failing to close out on Missouri shooters and allowing too many uncontested attempts from beyond the arc. Although Missouri didn’t capitalize on all of these mistakes, the Lady Vols’ inability to assert their dominance on both ends of the court allowed the Tigers to hang around and make the game more competitive than it should have been.
Missed Opportunities on Offense
One of the key issues for the Lady Vols in their win over Missouri was their offensive inefficiency. Despite securing a victory, their offense was far from the well-oiled machine that has been the hallmark of successful Tennessee teams in the past. Jordan Horston, one of the Lady Vols’ standout players, was visibly frustrated throughout the game. While she still managed to contribute, her usual high-level playmaking and scoring ability were notably absent.
Horston and her teammates seemed to struggle with their shooting touch. The team finished the game with a subpar shooting percentage overall, including a 26% success rate from beyond the arc. Their inability to hit open shots from distance disrupted their offensive flow and allowed Missouri to focus on defending the paint, making it even harder for the Lady Vols to find consistent scoring.
The Lady Vols also had difficulty maintaining ball movement. At times, they settled for isolation plays rather than relying on their typical high-tempo offensive sets, which would have forced Missouri’s defense to work harder and create more open opportunities. Ball movement was sluggish, with too many possessions ending in one-on-one attempts, which ultimately made the offense easier to defend. The lack of an efficient offensive system, coupled with individual struggles, hindered the Lady Vols’ ability to build a commanding lead early on.
Additionally, Tennessee’s execution in transition was far from perfect. Their fast break opportunities, which have been a strong suit of the team in recent seasons, were often thwarted by missed passes, bad decisions, and turnovers. This failure to capitalize on fast break situations prevented Tennessee from taking control of the game and extending their lead in the way that top-ranked teams are expected to do when playing against inferior opponents.
Defensive Lapses and Missouri’s Fight
Despite the victory, the Lady Vols were far from dominant defensively. While they managed to get the stops they needed when it mattered most, their defense was not nearly as stifling as fans have come to expect. Missouri took advantage of Tennessee’s defensive lapses, particularly in the second and third quarters. The Lady Vols allowed the Tigers to get open looks from the perimeter and failed to close out on shooters with the urgency that would have made a difference.
The Lady Vols’ defense, especially in the paint, was also lacking at times. Missouri exploited Tennessee’s defense with well-timed cuts and post moves that resulted in easy buckets. Tennessee’s inability to consistently contest shots or deny space in the paint allowed the Tigers to remain competitive and maintain a presence in the game.
Although Tennessee eventually regained their defensive focus in the second half, Missouri’s resilience and fight throughout the game exposed the weaknesses in the Lady Vols’ defensive strategy. This is an issue that Coach Kelly Harper will certainly need to address moving forward, as their defense could be a major liability when facing stronger teams later in the season or during the postseason.
Tennessee’s Resilience in the Second Half
One of the bright spots for the Lady Vols was their ability to bounce back in the second half. Although their performance left much to be desired in the opening two quarters, they did manage to settle down and execute better in the latter stages of the game. Tennessee improved their shooting in the second half, finishing with a 44% shooting percentage overall for the game, which helped them extend their lead over Missouri.
Horston, despite her struggles early on, found her rhythm as the game wore on and contributed key plays for the Lady Vols. Her leadership on the court helped Tennessee settle into a more fluid offensive rhythm and regain confidence on both ends. The team’s ability to regroup after a lackluster first half demonstrated their resilience and mental toughness, qualities that will serve them well as the season continues.
The Lady Vols also benefited from strong performances by other players who picked up the slack when the stars faltered. Tessa Johnson played a crucial role in the second half, contributing both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Her ability to hit key shots and make critical defensive stops helped push Tennessee to victory despite the overall lackluster performance.
However, even though Tennessee showed signs of improvement in the second half, they were never able to fully dominate the game in the way that fans have come to expect from one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. The win was a relief, but it highlighted several areas where the team could and should improve.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Improve
The Lady Vols may have come away with a win, but they certainly have plenty to work on as they move forward in the season. For a team with aspirations of competing for a national championship, these flaws cannot go unaddressed.
- Offensive Efficiency:
Tennessee must become more consistent with their shooting. A team with championship aspirations cannot afford to shoot poorly, especially in a conference as competitive as the SEC. They need to focus on creating better offensive flow, ensuring that the ball is moving freely, and getting the best possible shot on each possession. - Defense:
The defense will need to be more aggressive and cohesive. Tennessee cannot afford to allow easy baskets or give up open looks to opponents, especially when facing teams with more potent offenses. Better closeouts, more intensity in the paint, and faster rotations will be essential moving forward. - Transition Play:
The Lady Vols must take full advantage of their transition opportunities. When they play at a fast pace and capitalize on turnovers or missed shots, they are at their best. However, their execution in these moments must improve. The team’s ability to push the ball and convert fast-break opportunities could be a key factor in future games. - Leadership and Consistency:
The team will need to rely on their veterans, particularly Horston, to take charge and lead by example. While the Lady Vols have young talent that can contribute, they’ll need their upperclassmen to step up consistently and set the tone in both practice and games.
A Win But Not the Best Showing
Despite the Lady Vols’ victory over Missouri, the performance left much to be desired. It was a game that showed the potential for greatness, but also highlighted the areas where the team has room for improvement. A win is a win, and the Lady Vols are certainly not in danger of falling off track, but as they continue their journey through a highly competitive SEC schedule and eventually into the postseason, they will need to play with more focus, consistency, and energy.
Coach Kelly Harper and her staff will no doubt use this game as a learning experience to help refine their game plan and prepare for tougher challenges ahead. As long as they address the inefficiencies, the Lady Vols still have the talent and the resilience to make a deep run into the postseason. For now, though, the Missouri game will serve as a reminder that, even in victory, the road to a championship is never a straight path.
