The Tennessee Lady Vols dribble drive offense led the Vols past Paige Bueckers and the Connecticut Huskies to a 80-76 victory.

Paige Bueckers scored 14 points but was 5-16 (31%) from the field. Sarah Strong led the Huskies with 18 points but had 5 key turnovers and an untimely foul when the Vols had 9 seconds left in the shot clock to close out the 4th quarter. Sarah Strong foul reset the shot clock to 20 seconds which allowed the Volunteers to drain the clock down and score a layup giving the vols the 80-76 victory.

Tennessee showed poise and adjusted to a bad shooting night from the three-point line. The volunteers were below 20% from three in the 1st half. Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell adjusted by emphasizing paint touches and layups during her half time adjustments.

Tennessee utilizes an uptempo system designed to wear out the opponent in the 2nd half. Volunteer players are asked to sacrifice playing team and other buy into the hockey style substitutions which are intended to keep volunteer players fresh in the 2nd half.

UCONN did not back down from the fight and played an up tempo style. Connecticut picked up full court after made baskets. UCONN pressure was intended to turn and wear down the opposing point guard. Traps were used sparingly and Connecticut forced 19 turnovers.

How Did The Volunteers Defend Page Bueckers

Playing up tempo fed into Tennessee’s style. Connecticut struggled from the three-point line shooting 25% (5-20).

The Huskies had offensive success when they ran offense and moved the ball but in the fourth quarter the Volunteers size played a key role in keeping Paige Bueckers off balance and challenging her midrange pull up.

Bueckers attacked using iso’s and Tennessee thwarted her attacks because the isolation engaged all five Tennessee defenders due to the lack of movement.

Tennessee defenders gapped, pocked and prodded at the ball and repelled Bueckers attacks.

Tennessee’s style won out. The Volunteers size and their ability to have multiple players break down defenders with the dribble drive, combined with Zee Spearman’s 16 points was too much for the Huskies.

Teachable Moments for Both Teams

Each team walked away with a teachable moment.

The Huskies were efficient and unstoppable when they moved the ball and moved bodies. Tennessee’s defense broke down due to miscommunication and over aggression. Connecticut ran into trouble when they attacked the Tennessee press by settling for three-point shots instead of attacking the rim and resetting their offense if they did not have a layup.

The volunteers learned from their shooting slump against the Gamecocks. Against South Carolina, Tennessee had a double digit lead in the 2nd quarter but the lead evaporated when the Volunteers went cold and were quick to take the first shot.

Against the Huskies, Tennessee used multiple dribble drive attacks and took advantage of switches to get into the paint. Tennessee made tough shots because Volunteer players were under control and balanced.

The ceiling for the Volunteers can be high if the Volunteer can shoot above 33% from the three-point line on a consistent basis. If the three-point shot starts to fall for the Volunteers, their style, size and athleticism will be problematic in the NCAA tournament.