University of Tennessee Athletics
Lady Vol Hoops Report (1/4/17)
January 04, 2017 | Women's Basketball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Head Coach Holly Warlick and junior center Mercedes Russell met with the media on Wednesday as the Lady Vols prepare to travel to the state capital to play Vanderbilt on Thursday night. The game will tip off at 8 p.m. CT (9 ET) at Memorial Gym and will be televised by the SEC Network.
This is Tennessee’s first road game since traveling to Texas on Dec. 11. After a five-game home stand, the Lady Vols hold a five-game winning streak that includes wins over two ranked opponents.
Head Coach Holly Warlick Quotes
(On biggest difference over the last five games for the team)
“We are playing harder, we are playing smarter and we are playing together. We have simplified things. I just think we have gotten a lot out of them at practice, and they’re carrying that over to game situations. They are growing up, and people are stepping up and being leaders.”
(On whether she said anything to the team following the loss to Baylor)
“I didn’t have to say anything after the Baylor game. We were embarrassed. I didn’t have to come up with a profound statement. The end result spoke volumes to all of us. I think since that game, you have seen us pick up our tempo and focus. I thought we played a solid game at Texas. They played hard, and that is what I ask them to do. Since the Baylor game, we have competed. As long as we are putting it all out there and have great effort, I am good with it.”
(On running an up-tempo offense)
“I think it’s the best thing for this group. I’m not looking at the fact that we only have nine players. I’m looking at it and thinking about how we are going to win the basketball game. I think that means going up-tempo, throwing in presses and mixing up your defense. Everybody knows that we are going to try and go inside, and we should. That doesn’t mean we are only going to try and throw it to Mercedes Russell. We are going to try and get paint points by attacking, penetrating and getting to the free throw line. The tempo is important to us. We are in great shape, so there is no reason for us to not do the things that we are good at.”
RS Junior Mercedes Russell Quotes
(On the confidence level of the team)
“It’s pretty good right now. I think the five-game winning streak has really helped us and also the way we are playing together. Overall, we are playing together, we are playing smart and we are playing hard.”
(On getting turnovers down)
“I think just knowing that was an area that we needed to improve on. There were a couple of games where he had 20-plus, and that is never good for a basketball game. We always talk about how in order to win big games we need to have lower turnovers. I think we have been doing a good job with that the past few games.”
(On playing at a fast pace)
“I would definitely say transition offense is an identity of ours. We have been doing that pretty well over the past few games. The easier buckets come in transition. I think playing fast is a key for us in every single game.”
