Smokey may be the only one associated with the UT Lady Vols not celebrating the 95-43 victory Saturday March 22 against Alabama State University’s Lady Hornets to advance to the second round of the NCAA Mid-East Regional Tournament against Virginia on Monday March 24, 2003. That’s because compared to the Hornet mascot’s enthusiasm and jamming dance routines, Smokey appeared to be lazing away his Saturday on the porch like any good hound. Luckily, Pat had her players dialed up and ready to rumble.
The Lady Vols controlled the tip off and went on to score the first twelve points before Shameeka Jackson, the SWAC Player of the Year, put ASU on the board with 16:57 left in the first half. The Vols certainly showed the results of two uninterrupted weeks in the gym with Coach Summitt, roaring to a first half lead of 52-28. The Lady Hornets played with excellent hustle and composure, but possibly the only team able to run with the Vols on Saturday would have been Wilma Rudolph and the Tiger Belles.
As a team, the Vols managed double figures in every category: 10 blocks, 14 steals, 19 assists, 49 rebounds, almost 51% shooting from the floor and 44% from 3-point land. Statistically, there are only three things that must be listed in the “needs work” column: 19 turnovers are far too many for the playoffs, 16 offensive rebounds are not enough, and shooting less than 80% from the line – well, anyone who has ever played any level of competitive basketball can fill in that blank.
This was a team effort, with four players in double figures, led by Shyra Ely with 17 and Brittany Jackson with 16, followed by three more Lady Vols scoring 9 points each. Shyra and guard Loree Moore led the team with 8 each. Kara Lawson handed out 8 assists on offense, Ashley Robinson managed 3 blocked shots and 4 rebounds in just 12 minutes of play.
Crystal Kitt led the Lady Hornets with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 1 block, closely followed by Shameeka Jackson’s 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. This may have been ASU’s first trip to the March dance, but expect Head Coach Freeman-Jackson to have them back soon.
On Monday the Lady Vols completed the next step along the road to Atlanta and the Final Four by defeating the Virginia Lady Cavaliers 81-51 at Thompson-Boling Arena. The win clinches a 13th 30-win season for the Lady Vols and brings coach Summitt to 77-15 in overall NCAA tournament action.
The first half was a down and dirty defensive battle by both teams. UVA gave it everything they had and managed to pull within three points at the 2:39 minute mark, only to have Tennessee go on an 8-point 40-second scoring run to close the half at 33-24. After the break, UT scored 7 straight in the first 1:26 to set the tempo for the remainder of the game.
UT had 5 players with double digit scoring, led by Shyra Ely with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Kara Lawson had 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Gwen Jackson added 13 points, 8 boards, and 4 steals. UVA’s top scorer was Cherrise Graham with 14.
With the win, UT advanced to play the in the third round of the Mideast Regionals to be held in Thompson-Boling Arena March 29 and 31.

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