By Charlie Rath
Lady Vols basketball has started to connect. After struggling to show any consistency in prior games, Tennessee has now delivered its first comfortable performance, helped by Kaylene Smikle’s 30-point game.
With a final score of 110-64, the Lady Vols are showing that they are a 3-point-first team. Attempting 23 in the first half and 27 in the second, they finished with a weak 21.2% shooting percentage at the end of regulation.
In the first quarter, the Lady Vols set the pace on both ends of the floor.
Tennessee shot 10-of-19 from the field in the first, capitalizing on Middle Tennessee’s 12 turnovers.
At the end of the quarter, Smikle stole the ball and took it downhill for a buzzer-beater finish. Ending the quarter with a 10-point lead, the Lady Vols were on pace to control.
In the second quarter, Tennessee extended its lead to 57-34. Forcing 10 turnovers in this quarter was the deciding factor in the continued dominance.
One thing that’s changed from the game versus New Haven is free-throw efficiency, as they finished 100% this game compared to 57.1% in the previous game.
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell emphasized the importance of the team’s improved execution following its previous game.
“I was really proud of our team’s response to our game the other night. I thought they really took it to heart; our ball pressure was better,” Caldwell said.
As they carried this momentum out of the half and into the third quarter, the Lady Vols maintained their advantage, outscoring Middle Tennessee 22-14 to enter the final period with a 79-48 lead.
Middle Tennessee struggled, shooting 26.7% from the field while giving away 11 turnovers. Tennessee gave up only two turnovers in the quarter and six steals.
Caldwell said the team’s ability to execute its defensive rotations together was something to be excited about.
“Tonight was the best we looked rotating together,” Caldwell said.
Continuing to create opportunities, Tennessee’s fast-paced offense allowed it to thrive. Smikle mentioned that this aggressive system directly complements her skill set.
“Tennessee, we play in transition, so I guess I’m a transition player,” Smikle said.
Tennessee’s defensive pressure created numerous opportunities for this offense to thrive and draw fouls, as the Lady Vols finished 15-for-15 from the charity stripe.
The Lady Vols saved their highest-scoring quarter for last, taking 31 shots and making 14. This high-volume offense created a historic stat line for the Lady Vols, as they won by 46, which is the highest win margin in Tennessee vs. Middle Tennessee series history.
Caldwell was asked about the offensive pressure and the ability to move through missed shots.
“They shared the ball consistently throughout the whole game, even when shots weren’t falling,” Caldwell said.
The Lady Vols’ defense was a team effort, with multiple players contributing to Tennessee’s 30 steals and 43 forced turnovers.
Caldwell stated that the dominance on defense came from the entire team working together.
“And again, it was a team effort. We don’t get those 30 steals if five people aren’t playing together,” Caldwell said.
NEXT UP: The Lady Vols will be traveling to Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 17 to take on Belmont at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN+.