University of Tennessee Athletics
TENNESSEE TRAVELS TO PUERTO RICO FOR SAN JUAN SHOOTOUT
November 27, 2002 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 27, 2002
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| San Juan Shootout
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PROBABLE UT STARTERS UT RESERVES GAMES IN THE SAN JUAN SHOOT-OUT The #4/5-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols (2-1) travel to the Caribbean for the first time in program history. The destination? Puerto Rico and the San Juan Shoot-Out where the Lady Vols will join Army, Saint Louis and host school Puerto Rico-Mayaguez for five days of sun, fun and hoops. IN OUR LAST GAME PRIOR TO SAN JUAN The #4/5-ranked Tennessee Lady Vol basketball team rebounded from its first loss of the season to overwhelm #21 George Washington, 83-61, in Thompson-Boling Arena on Nov.26, 2002. UT led from the tip-off as George Washington struggled to get good looks at the basket, shooting just 10-of-27 from the field in the first half. Tennessee went ahead 9-0 and then had a quick 10-0 run two minutes later to stretch its lead to 26-7. Gwen Jackson hit a jumper and a driving lay up, followed by two straight 3-pointers by Brittany Jackson to give the Lady Vols a 19-point lead with 11:42 left before halftime. Determined to get better play out of UT's five starters from the Duke loss, UT coach Pat Summitt waited 10 minutes to sub before Shyra Ely came into the game to replace Brittany Jackson with 9:52 left before halftime. The Lady Vols were already ahead by 21 points. Big play came from seniors Gwen Jackson who scored 20 of her 29 points in the first half and Kara Lawson added 16 for the Lady Vols. At the half, UT led 51-30 after connecting on 61% from the field. The Lady Vols stretched a 21-point lead at halftime to 29 on Gwen Jackson's basket with 16:18 left, but George Washington carved into the lead after Michaela Leary hit a 3, and Erica Lawrence made a basket and a 3-pointer to start a 16-2 run, capped by Liz Dancause's 3 that cut it to 63-48 with 12 minutes remaining. Summitt called two timeouts during the spurt and after the second timeout, Gwen Jackson ended Tennessee's five-minute scoring drought with a three-point play. Lawson stole the ball from Cathy Joens, leading to another basket by Gwen Jackson, and Loree Moore hit a jumper to stretch the Lady Vols' lead back to 20 with 8:50 to go. GWU couldn't get any closer. On the night, Loree Moore joined the seniors in double-figures adding 11 points and dishing eight assists. Gwen Jackson paced UT on the boards with 11 rebounds and got help from Ashley Robinson who collected 10 boards and had four blocks. UT shot 54% from the field and outrebounded GWU, 43-27. The Lady Vols had 13 steals and 22 miscues. OUR SCHEDULE THIS WEEK The Tennessee Lady Vols travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to participate in the San Juan Shoot Out, Nov. 29-Dec. 1. It marks the first time that the Lady Vols have played in the Caribbean. While in the islands, Tennessee faces the host team, Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Army and Saint Louis. UT returns home on Dec. 2 but turns right around and heads to Ruston, La., to face #15/10 Louisiana Tech on Dec. 4. GET THOSE BAGS PACKED The Tennessee Lady Vols will be on the road for nine of the next 10 games traveling to Puerto Rico, Ruston, La., Los Angeles, Austin, Texas, Indianapolis, Hartford, Conn., and Norfolk, Va. The Lady Vols lone game at home in December comes against seventh-ranked Stanford on Dec. 18. Tennessee finally returns home again on Jan. 12, 2003, to face Auburn in the SEC opener in Thompson-Boling Arena. IS IT TOUGH ENOUGH? The Lady Vols 2002-03 schedule is littered with 15 teams (in 16 games) who were ranked in the preseason Associated Press and ESPN/USA TODAY Top 25 polls. The Lady Vols will face #1/1 Duke, #3/4 LSU, $4/3 Connecticut, #6/6 Stanford, #9/9 Georgia, #10/12 Notre Dame, #11/11 Texas, #12/10 Vanderbilt (twice), #16/15 Louisiana Tech, #17/16 Arkansas, #NR/20 TCU, #21/25 George Washington, #22/19 Oklahoma, #23/NR Old Dominion, and #24/NR Mississippi State. ON THESE DAYS On Nov. 29th, the Lady Vols have produced a 5-1 record all-time. UT's most recent game on this day was a 88-70 victory over Stanford in 1997. On Nov. 30, the Lady Vols have produced a 5-2 record all-time. UT's most recent game on this day was a 92-73 win over Louisiana Tech in 1998. On Dec. 1, the Lady Vols have produced a 5-3 record all-time. UT's most recent game on this day was a 77-42 victory over UAB in Kona, Hawaii in 1995.
TOURNAMENTS & INVITATIONALS Since 1969, the Lady Vols have played in 47 regular season tournaments or invitationals and sport 27 cham-pionships and 13 runner-up honors. During the Pat Summitt era (since 1974), the Lady Vols have been crowned champions 27 times.
UT'S RECORD ON ISLANDS This marks the sixth journey for the Tennessee Lady Vols to play basketball on "Islands." Previously, UT traveled to the Hawaiian Islands five times where the team has accumulated an 13-0 record. The most recent trip to Hawaii was in 1999 to Maui where the UT defeated Clemson and Illinois. It is also where Michelle Snow first dunked in a game on live television. Previously, UT captured the title on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1995 at the Kona Women's Invitational. Prior to that, UT posted an 8-0 record in all games played on the island of Oahu. UT traveled first to Hawaii in December 1985 and recorded two wins. The next two trips found the Lady Vols winning the Rainbow Wahine Classic in 1988 and 1992. WE'VE HAD A PRETTY PRODUCTIVE NOVEMBER In two November exhibition games, the Lady Vols put up some pretty solid numbers. They outscored the opposition by 42.3 points per game, 105.3 to 63.0 and outrebounded the visitors as well, 46.5 to 29.0. Also impressive was UT's .559 accuracy from the field and .484 from the three-point line. The Lady Vols avoided the exhibition sloppy play syndrome committing just 15.5 miscues in each game while managing 13.5 steals. Individually, five players averaged double-digit scoring as Gwen Jackson, Shanna Zolman, Shyra Ely and Tye'sha Fluker averaged 15.0 ppg and Kara Lawson 10.5 ppg. G. Jackson was the top rebounder at 8.5 rpg while Lawson averaged 6.5 assists. LADY VOLS HAVE THE NATION'S BEST SCHEDULE/RPI The 2002-03 preseason WBCA/Summerville Strength of Schedule rating has the Lady Vols on top with a score of .678. The top five are: 2. Texas Tech .630, 3. Arkansas .624, 4. N.C. State .620 and 5. Kentucky .613. The Summerville/WBCA RPI also looked at each school's non-conference strength of schedule. The Lady Vols are also on top with an index of .734. Following UT are: 2. Southern Cal (.733), 3. Stephen F. Austin (.688), 4. TCU (.665), and 5. N.C. State (.655). PUERTO RICO PRIMER The UT Lady Vols take their first trip to the Caribbean with a journey to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the San Juan Shoot Out, Nov.29-Dec. 1. Here's a little history of the country. To protect the transportation of gold, silver and jewels, on its route from America to Spain, the Spaniards built a series of forts in the Caribbean. The beautiful city of San Juan was founded in 1521. A massive wall and forts were built around the city to protect it from the enemy. The city was used as a stopover for ships that came from Spain and a stronghold to prevent the enemy from taking control of the island and making Puerto Rico an enemy base. These walls and fortifications are part of the heritage left by Spain to Puerto Rico. Today the cobblestone streets, interior patios, hanging balconies, plazas, and chapels make of this historic city a charming and picturesque place to visit. Military Adventures of San Juan: In 1595, Sir Francis Drake attacked San Juan in pursuit of gold and silver stored in "La Fortaleza". The artillery in "El Morro" effectively defended the city and punished the invaders sending them away with many casualties. In 1598, Sir George Clifford, Count of Cumberland, landed in San Juan and sieged the city but could not take El Morro. After suffering exhaustion and sickness they were forced to leave. Even the Dutch, commanded by General Boudewin Hendricksz, landed on San Juan in 1625, the Spanish resistance at El Morro made it impossible for them to take over. The Dutch burned down the city, including La Fortaleza, and left. COOL PLACES TO VISIT A leisurely walk through Old San Juan is one of the most pleasant experiences anyone could have in Puerto Rico. The colonial architecture of hanging balconies and cobble stone streets make you feel like you have gone back in time. Here are only some of the nice places to visit in Old San Juan.
Paseo de la Princesa - A great place to spend weekend afternoons. Local artisans display and sell their work. Also there is live music early Sunday evenings and on many other occasions. Massive City Wall - Construction of this 42-foot-high wall that surrounded the city began in the 1630s. It is made of solid sandstone blocks and held together with mortar, limestone, sand and water. La Puerta de San Juan - The San Juan Gate was constructed in 1520. This strong, heavy wooden door was the official entrance for those who came to Puerto Rico on wooden sailing ships during the colonization. Up the block is La Catedral de San Juan where Mass would be held to thank God for allowing them to make the journey. La Fortaleza - Originally built as a defense fort, this small castle has been utilized as the governor's mansion for centuries. Guided tours Monday through Friday. La Catedral de San Juan - This beautiful Cathedral, built in 1540 is a good example of Gothic architecture in the New World. Here in a marble tomb lie the remains of Juan Ponce de Leon. El Morro - Six level castle 140 ft above the sea, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and San Juan Bay. San Cristobal Fort - Completed in 1771, this castle was designed to protect the city from land invasions. Teatro Tapia - This is one of the oldest theaters in the Western Hemisphere. Performances of plays, ballets and concerts are held regularly. Museums - Old San Juan is full of museums. Art exhibits and collections of historic items can easily be found throughout this historic neighborhood. These are just a few. Institute of Puerto Rican Culture - Puerto Rican paintings and sculptures. Museo de Las Americas - Archaelogical findings, santos (woodcarvings of saints), crafts and more. Located in El Cuartel Ballaj?. Museo de Arte e Historia - Exhibits Puerto Rican art and music. Many concerts and festival are held here. Casa del Libro - Displays the art of printing and bookmaking. On display also, is a rare collection of books from the 16th century. La Princesa - This restored building was formerly a jail. Today it is the headquarters for the Puerto Rico Tourism Department. On exhibit is Puerto Rican Art. La Casa Blanca - This house was built as a home for Governor Juan Ponce de Leon who died in Florida before he could live there. His family lived here for 250 years LADY VOL STREAKS The last time the Lady Vols lost at home was against Texas, 69-66, on Feb. 12, 2002 -- since then, UT has won six games played at home. The last time UT lost on the road was on Feb. 2, 2002, at Vanderbilt, 59-76, since then the team has won three road games. The last time the Lady Vols lost on a neutral court was against Duke, 76-55, in the Jimmy V Classic on Nov. 24, 2002. Since then, UT has not played on a neutral court. GOT OUR 300TH VICTORY AGAINST A RANKED TEAM The Tennessee Lady Vols recorded their 300th all-time win versus a ranked team with the victory over fifth-ranked Louisiana Tech, 90-75, on Nov. 23, 2001. With the win over #21 George Washington on Nov. 26, 2002, the Lady Vols now stand 317-128 (.710) overall against ranked foes since the polls began in 1976.
A "REAL" GAME EARLIER The 2002-03 Tennessee Lady Vols officially opened the season on Nov. 10 in the State Farm TipOff Classic in Knoxville, Tenn. UT defeated #22-ranked and 2002 Final Four participant Oklahoma, 94-68, as senior post Gwen Jackson exploded for 29 points and eight rebounds. Joining Jackson in double-figures were Brittany Jackson with 13 points, Kara Lawson with a dozen and Loree Moore with 10 points. UT led 36-28 at the half but then exploded for 58-second half points en route to the win. A sore spot for coach Pat Summitt was losing the rebounding wars, 44-41. 2003 CLASS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED The 2003 Women's Senior CLASS (Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School) nominees have been announced. Among the 30 senior finalists is Lady Vol guard Kara Lawson. Winners will be announced at the NCAA Final Four in Atlanta, GA. Jordan Adams (New Mexico), Chantelle Anderson (Vanderbilt), Kristine Austgulen (Virginia Commonwealth), Gunta Basko (Siena), Tamara Bowie (Ball State), Syretta Bromfield (Michigan State), Coretta Brown (North Carolina), Courtney Coleman (Ohio State), Molly Creamer (Bucknell), Angela Davidson.(Northwestern State), Tamika Dudley (Long Island), Crissy Floyd (Clemson), Cheryl Ford (Louisiana Tech), Caton Hill (Oklahoma), Constance Jinks (UNLV), Trish Juhline (Villanova), Kara Lawson (Tennessee), Sonja Mallory (Georgia Tech), Ashley McElhiney (Vanderbilt), Loree Payne (Washington), Jocelyn Penn (South Carolina), Alicia Ratay (Notre Dame), Ayisha Smith.(Louisiana State), Kate Smith (Nevada-Reno), Brianne Stepherson (Boston College), LaToya Thomas (Mississippi State), Erin Thorn (Brigham Young), Shaquala Williams (Oregon), Lindsey Wilson (Iowa State) and Katie Wolfe (Oakland). THIS WASN'T OUR EARLIEST 1 VS. 2 MATCHUP Tennessee has been involved in nine 1 vs. 2 match-ups when the Lady Vols were ranked #1 (5-4 overall) and 10, 1 vs. 2 match-ups when ranked #2 (4-6 overall). The earliest 1 vs. 2 contest for the Lady Vols occurred on Nov. 21, 1997, when #1 UT def. #2 Louisiana Tech, 75-61 in Knoxville. The earliest 2 vs. 1 game was against #1 Stanford on Dec. 6, 1992, when #2 UT claimed a 74-73 overtime win in Hawaii. JIMMY V. CLASSIC The top three women's basketball teams competed in the inaugural Jimmy V Women's Basketball Classic Presented by Pontiac. The annual early-season doubleheader, held Sunday, Nov. 24 at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., saw #1 Duke defeat #2 Tennessee, 76-55 on ESPN2, followed by #3 Connecticut knocking off North Carolina State, 78-50 on ESPN. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefitted The V Foundation for Cancer Research. THE POLLING PLACE In the first Associated Press and USA TODAY/ESPN polls of the year on Nov. 5, the Tennessee Lady Vols began the 2001-02 season as the number two (AP) and (USA TODAY/ESPN) ranked team in the country. It marks the seventh time that UT has started the season in the second spot in at least one of the polls. This season, the Lady Vols will play 16 games against teams who are ranked in the current Top 25 polls. 169 WINS IN OUR LAST 185 GAMES The Lady Vols have won an amazing 169 games in their last 185 basketball contests (.914) spanning six seasons (starting with NCAA Tournament play in 1997). UT was 6-0 in the 1997 NCAA Tourney, ran the table with a 39-0 record in 1997-98, turned in a 31-3 worksheet in 1998-99, a 33-4 mark in 1999-2000, a 31-3 overall record in 2000-01, 29-5 in 2001-02 and 2-1 in 2002-03. LAST SEASON, THREE ROOKIES GOT THE NOD Lady Vol Coach Pat Summitt liked what she saw out of the 2001-02 rookie class as three players earned starting nods: Loree Moore played in all 34 games with 12 starting assignments, Shyra Ely played in 33 games with 23 starts and Brittany Jackson played in 32 contests with her first starting assignments coming in the 2002 NCAA Tournament. This trio became the 45th, 46th and 47th rookies all-time to earn starting assignments at UT. The last class to have three rookies start was in 1997-98 as Tamika Catchings, Semeka Randall and Teresa Geter all earned starting nods in the perfect 39-0 season - the last time the Lady Vols brought home an NCAA title. ELITE COMPANY When Pat Summitt started freshman forward Shyra Ely against Tennessee-Chattanooga on Nov. 16, 2001, it marked only the ninth time in her coaching career that a freshman started her very first game at Tennessee. The list of opening day rookie starters: Ashley Robinson 2000, Gwen Jackson 1999, Semeka Randall 1997, Kyra Elzy 1996, Chamique Holdsclaw 1995, Tiffani Johnson 1994, Bridgette Gordon and Sheila Frost 1985. PLAYED OUR 10TH DEFENDING NATIONAL CHAMP Since the 1976 season, the Lady Vols have contested 32 games against current defending AIAW or NCAA Champions and produced a 20-12 record all-time. The last national championship team Tennessee took on was the 2001 NCAA Women's Basketball Champion - Notre Dame. Tennessee is 9-3 in games played at home, 4-3 away and 7-6 at neutral sites. In all, UT has played 10 defending champions in 32 games in various title defense seasons. UT's record versus defending champs: Connecticut (2-2), Delta State (1-0), Louisiana Tech (2-3), Notre Dame (1-0), Old Dominion (4-3), Purdue (1-0), Southern Cal (1-3), Stanford (5-0), Texas (1-1) and UCLA (2-0). UT has defended six NCAA titles and produced an overall record of 186-25 in the six seasons following a championship. This number reflects the 29-10 campaign of the 1996-97 season which skews the numbers due to the high number of losses. However, following the 1997 championship season, UT went 39-0 in winning the 1998 title. This season, the Lady Vols will face 2002 NCAA Champ UConn in Hartford on Jan. 5, 2003. NAISMITH LIST Gwen Jackson and Kara Lawson appeared on the first ballot for the Naismith Player of the Year. The senior duo has also been named to a number of preseason All-America lists. WHAT'S UP WITH #34? Lady Vol fans might be confused when they see #34 step onto the court this season. Junior Courtney McDaniel switched numbers changing from #42 she wore as a freshman and sophomore. UT'S LAST LOSS TO AN UNRANKED TEAM...? When is the last time Tennessee lost to an unranked team? That would have been to LSU on Mar. 2, 2002 at the SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tenn. LSU had been in and out of the Top 25 polls in late January and February. Prior to that, UT's last loss to an unranked team was five years ago to the day losing to Auburn on Mar. 2, 1997 at the SEC Tournament in Chattanooga, Tenn. IN OVERTIME The Lady Vols are 20-10 all-time in overtime games. The most OT games in a season was 1996-97, when the Lady Vols were 3-1 in overtime contests losing to Georgia, 94-93, and defeating Texas, 68-65, Vanderbilt, 92-79 and LSU, 100-99. Tennessee's 21 points in the extra stanza against Vanderbilt on Jan.19, 1997, was the most ever scored by the Lady Vols in a single overtime. The previous high-water mark was 18 points versus Colorado on Dec. 20, 1993. 100 POINT GAMES Since 1974, the Lady Vols have gone over the century mark 67 times.. Noteworthy: Tennessee went over 100 points in an NCAA playoff game for the first time ever in 1993-94 with the win over North Carolina A&T, 111-37. The 1987-88 team hit triple digits in seven games leading the NCAA. THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA 200 WINS IN THE BAG Tennessee recorded its 200th win in Thompson-Boling Arena when the Lady Vols defeated the University of Southern California Women of Troy on Nov. 18, 2001, 106-66. UT has now amassed a 212-11 record since the Orange and White moved into the Thompson-Boling Arena to start the 1987-88 season 15-years ago. Along the way, the Lady Vols have produced eight flawless home records in 1988-89 (15-0), 1991-92 (14-0), 1992-93 (13-0), 1993-94 (15-0), 1994-95 (15-0), 1997-98 (16-0), 1998-99 (14-0) and 2000-01 (15-0). UT also registered an NCAA record 69-game home court-winning streak from Feb. 1, 1991 thru Jan. 2, 1996. JUST 11 LOSSES The Tennessee Lady Vols rarely lose at home. In fact, since moving to the Thompson-Boling Arena for the 1987-88 season, UT has lost two games in one season just four times. UT lost two games in TBA during the inaugural 1987-88 campaign, 1996-97,1999-00 and the 2001-02 season. The 11 all-time losses at Thompson-Boling Arena have come at the hands of just six teams: Connecticut (2002, 2000, 1996), Louisiana Tech (1999, 1989), Georgia (1996, 1991), Texas (2002, 1987), Stanford (1996) and Auburn (1988).
NOTEWORTHY The Lady Vols won their 100th game in Thompson-Boling Arena with the victory over Stanford on 12-1-94. UT suffered two losses the first year in the new arena (12-2 overall), a 97-78 defeat to Texas on Dec. 9, 1987 and a 71-68 loss to Auburn exactly one month later on Jan. 9, 1988. The Lady Vols enjoyed a flawless home slate in 1988-89 with a 15-0 record. UT almost duplicated the record a year later but dropped a one-point decision to Louisiana Tech, 59-58 (again on Dec. 9), and turned in a 14-1 showing in 1989-90. In 1990-91, the Lady Vols (15-1 at home) went down in defeat to Georgia, 81-74 on Jan. 28, 1991. From that point, until UT lost to Connecticut on Jan. 6, 1996 (59-53), the Lady Vols won a NCAA record 69 consecutive games. In 1996-97, the Lady Vols went 13-2 at home after losing back-to-back games to Georgia and Stanford in December. It marked the first time the team had lost consecutive games in the Arena. In 1999-2000, UT was 13-2 with losses to Louisiana Tech and Connecticut. 162 OF 169 AT HOME UT has won 162 of their last 169 games in Thompson-Boling Arena dating back to 2-1-91. UT's seven losses were to Louisiana Tech, UConn (three times), Stanford, Texas and Georgia (OT). HOME SWEET HOME UT is 363-35 (.914) at home since the 1974-75 season. Home losses (in the Summitt era) include: six in Alumni Gym from 1974-76; 18 in Stokely Athletics Center from 1976-87; and 11 in Thompson-Boling Arena since 1987. TBA STREAK BROKEN AT 26 GAMES Tennessee's 26-game home court winning streak in Thompson-Boling Arena was broken on Jan. 5, 2002 by Connecticut. It ranked as the fourth longest home court-winning streak in Lady Vol history. AT LEAST 5000 IN THE HOUSE The Lady Vols have played in front of at least 5000 fans in 166 consecutive games at home dating back to 1991.
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