Why Lady Vols Basketball Looks Like a Different Team Going Into SEC Play
After a disappointing non-conference slate that saw them fall to 8-5, the Tennessee Lady Vols are showing signs of life as they prepare to open SEC play. In their last three games, they have beaten three ranked opponents by an average of 22 points, including a 20-point win over No. 5 Texas on Sunday.
So what has changed for the Lady Vols? Here are a few reasons why they look like a different team going into SEC play:
1. Improved Defense
The Lady Vols have been much better defensively in their last three games. They are forcing more turnovers, holding opponents to a lower shooting percentage, and rebounding the ball better.
In their first nine games of the season, the Lady Vols allowed opponents to shoot 46.5% from the field. In their last three games, they have held opponents to just 34.6% shooting.
2. More Balanced Scoring
The Lady Vols are no longer a one-woman show. In their first nine games, Tamari Key was the only player averaging in double figures. In their last three games, four players have averaged in double figures, including Key, Sara Puckett, Alexus Dye, and Rickea Jackson.
This balanced scoring attack makes the Lady Vols much more difficult to defend. Opponents can no longer focus on just stopping Key. They have to be aware of several players who can hurt them.
3. Improved Rebounding
The Lady Vols have been much better on the boards in their last three games. They are outrebounding opponents by an average of 8.3 rebounds per game.
Rebounding is a key to success in basketball. It gives you more opportunities to score and it prevents your opponents from getting second chances.
The Lady Vols have a lot of size and athleticism on their roster. When they rebound the ball well, they are a very tough team to beat.
4. More Confident
The Lady Vols are playing with more confidence now than they were at the beginning of the season. They know they are a good team, and they are starting to believe in themselves.
Confidence is a key ingredient for success in any sport. When a team is confident, it plays loose and relaxed. They are not afraid to take risks and make mistakes.
The Lady Vols are starting to play with more confidence, and it is showing in their results.
Conclusion
The Lady Vols are a different team than they were at the beginning of the season. They are playing better defense, they are scoring the ball more efficiently, they are rebounding the ball better, and they are playing with more confidence.
All of those factors are coming together to make the Lady Vols a legitimate contender in the SEC this season.
