UT runs by Penn State, Villanova on way to Final Four

The Lady Vols have made a very clear statement about their commitment to rebounding and defensive pressure. In Saturday’s Sweet Sixteen match up, the Lady Vols pulled down as many offensive rebounds with 24 as Penn State had in total, while managing to out-rebound the Lady Lions by 30 and set a new Mideast Regional record in the 86-58 win to advance to Monday’s Elite Eight game against Villanova at Thompson-Boling Arena. In UT’s first meeting against Villanova in the NCAA tournament, the Lady Vols tied the NCAA Regional record for rebounding margin of 35 boards set by UT in 1989 and upped its Mideast Regional record as well. The 73-49 victory propels UT into its fourteenth Final Four appearance to face Duke. Kara Lawson played tenacious and smothering defense on Big Ten Player of the Year Kelly Mazzante, holding her to just 3 points in the first half and 12 overall, Mazzante’s 3rd lowest point total all season. Lawson also contributed 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in addition to her outstanding defensive play and invaluable leadership skills. The assist award goes to Tasha Butts who dished out 6 to her teammates in only 21 minutes of play, while adding 9 points. Shyra Ely had her 3rd straight double digit point game with 14, pulling down 9 rebounds. The Lady Vol Player of the Game had to be Gwen Jackson, who shot 10-16 from the floor, 2-2 from 3-point land, contributed 24 points, 14 rebounds (8 of which were offensive), and came up with 1 steal. She demonstrated incredible courage, maturity, and team leadership despite the loss of her grandmother last week. Penn State had four players in double figures led by point guard Jess Strom with 18 who also dished out 6 assists. Starting center Hazel Joseph was held to zero points on only two attempts by UT’s stifling post defense. UT held the Lady Lions to a mere 36.5% shooting on 23-63 attempts from the floor. UT had three players in double figures against the Villanova Wildcats. Gwen Jackson who is “determined to leave everything on the court” had 20 points and 8 rebounds; Kara Lawson had 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists; and Shyra Ely who contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals. Coach Summitt mentioned a rumor that Kara Lawson has offered to buy Shyra Ely dinner for every double/double she has during the tournament. UT set two more NCAA regional and Mideast Regional Tournament records by committing only five fouls and five turnovers in the Villanova game. Trish Juhline and Courtney Mix both scored 17 points to lead the Wildcats, but Tennessee’s smothering defense prevented any other Cat from scoring more than 3 points. Villanova hung tough the first half, but when UT stepped up its defensive pressure and intensity in the second, it produced a 26-3 run to hold the Cats scoreless for 7:15. This was the pivotal point in the game: UT managed to acquire a 21 point lead and Villanova never recovered. Gwen Jackson was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Regional finals and was joined on the all-tournament team by Kara Lawson and Shyra Ely of the Lady Vols, as well as Trish Juhline and Courtney Mix of the Villanova Lady Wildcats.