Game Thread: Lady Vols v NC State, Away, Wed., 4PM, ESPN2, Tues Nov 4th

#28
#28
How tight the refs call the game may play a role in this game. Last season we didn't get called for many fouls in our exhibition with C-N, but then got called for around 25 fouls per game in our first 4 regular season games. If we foul that much on Tuesday, stopping the game, that could allow NC State to play their starters more than we'd like them to be able to.

I felt like Wednesday we got away with a bit more contact than we're likely going to get away with against NC State, so an adjustment to how our real games ar going to be called will likely be necessary to not foul enough to affect our result. Last year we got tune-ups against Samford and UT-Martin to calibrate on how physical we can be, this year it's right into the mix with a top 20 opponent. (yeah, technically top 10 right now, but as others hav hinted, is it just hype or is there actual substance behind what NC State is being credited with? Leaning toward 'just hype')
 
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#30
#30
It says neutral court game, but NC St is only 54 miles away and Knoxville is 297 miles so it is definitely a game that favors them.

We have to win the boards and turnovers. Tennessee 84 NC St 78
I agree the team that wins the boards and have fewer turnovers will dictate the margin of victory. My take is that the LVs will win the battle of the boards as well as take care of the ball and have fewer turnovers. This game will not be close. LVs win big. GBO.
 
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#31
#31
it might be a little closer than some suspect. on paper we should win, but wes is such a good coach, he will have them ready. hopefully the girls can shut out the negative press of the ruby situation and just go play ball. 88-80 lady vols.
There's two small girls on this team that will set the tone and they are THE TWINS.

JUST WATCH!
 
#36
#36
will be interesting if this team does drive the paint as per coach wishes this year. the early games are about putting the system, players same page, all the real cliches used in the month of November. good test to later watch tape!
 
#38
#38
I agree. And I think it’s time for some fans to move on past that and understand in sports this happens to 99% of the teams one way or the other. If it happens before, during, or after heading into a new season this is the reality. No point in focusing on it. There were players capable of having bigger role and breaking out up and down this roster.
Last season, several players had career years. I have no doubt with this elite freshmen class and the #1 transfer portal class according to ESPN there will be multiple players including some of the returnees that have an outstanding season.

Even without Ruby, in my view, this game will not be close. GBO.
 
#39
#39
GBO solid🍊! The road to #9 starts now!!

She has always looked in shape, but it jumped out to me in the exhibition how she looks even more buff now and ready to dominate physically! It speaks a lot of her to put so much dedication to being prepared for the season. I would love to see her excel!
 
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#40
#40
I agree. And I think it’s time for some fans to move on past that and understand in sports this happens to 99% of the teams one way or the other. If it happens before, during, or after heading into a new season this is the reality. No point in focusing on it. There were players capable of having bigger role and breaking out up and down this roster.
Last season, several players had career years. I have no doubt with this elite freshmen class and the #1 transfer portal class according to ESPN there will be multiple players including some of the returnees that have an outstanding season.
Ruby was literally dismissed from the team in the last 48 hours. So, sorry if not enough fans have "moved on" for you. I agree that we have plenty of players who can step up and fill a bigger role. But Kim herself said they had a very short turnaround to adjust to Ruby's absence, so I don't think it's obscene of me (or me not "moving on") to think the game tomorrow might just be a few points closer without her.
 
#41
#41
I completely forgot NC St was where Qadence Samuels transferred to ... she never really made a huge impact at UConn. I wonder how she will perform for the Wolfpack and if she'll be a starter.

I'm interested to see what tweaks CKC has made to her system from last year. Particularly with how her team defends Pierre.
 
#42
#42
It's a high-emotion week for the Lady Vols, both players and staff, in so many ways. Ever since practice began you know they've all been building up to the first game of the season that also just happens to be against a tough, ranked opponent. Then Ruby gets stopped and that drama probably pushed NC St aside for them a bit. And then they got fantastic POSITIVE emotion-bringing news that Gabby Minus is going to be a Tennessee Lady Vol. And then yesterday, the happiness over Gabby was surely dulled with the news that their loved teammate and, for at least Zee, best friend was dismissed.

I'm nauseated just thinking about it, so I can't imagine how bumpy this emotional rollercoaster has been for the players. Staff, too. It was not lost on me that Kim's eyes appeared to be a little red like she'd been crying yesterday. Besides Ruby and her family, I doubt anyone's heart was more broken by the difficult decision Kim made than Kim was.

Ugh.

All this to say I will hope and pray to God, literally, that our fanship will show our team and staff a LOT of grace if they happen to lose to the Wolfpack. They all are dealing with mixed emotions, and it won't surprise me one bit if they come out looking unfocused.

At the other extreme, if they manage to overcome the craziness and somehow manage to take the floor as a focused, determined team of sisters, I'll feel strongly that we may have the stuff to have an amazing season. I mean, if they can focus after THIS insane week, Kim's gonna have to feel super blessed.

Win or lose, I know I'll be supportive and understanding.

GO LADY VOLS!
 
#43
#43
I completely forgot NC St was where Qadence Samuels transferred to ... she never really made a huge impact at UConn. I wonder how she will perform for the Wolfpack and if she'll be a starter.

I'm interested to see what tweaks CKC has made to her system from last year. Particularly with how her team defends Pierre.
Samuels started both of their exhibition games! She had 14/8 in the first game and 6/11 in the second. I'm surprised by her rebounding numbers.
 
#44
#44
Ruby was literally dismissed from the team in the last 48 hours. So, sorry if not enough fans have "moved on" for you. I agree that we have plenty of players who can step up and fill a bigger role. But Kim herself said they had a very short turnaround to adjust to Ruby's absence, so I don't think it's obscene of me (or me not "moving on") to think the game tomorrow might just be a few points closer without her.
💯
 
#45
#45
Samuels started both of their exhibition games! She had 14/8 in the first game and 6/11 in the second. I'm surprised by her rebounding numbers.
Appreciate the insight! I admit I don't usually pay too much attention to exhibition games. I'm a fake basketball fan. I think she is more of a rebounding threat than scoring threat though.
 
#49
#49
Did we scrimmage with NC State a week or so ago? If not, who was that? That is the game that was half court or something like that.

In any event, just asking.
 
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#50
#50
Did we scrimmage with NC State a week or so ago? If not, who was that? That is the game that was half court or something like that.

In any event, just asking.
You're correct... Three quarters of full court and one quarter of half court is my understanding
 
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