UConn-Tennessee women's basketball rivalry still good for the game

[Kaizen]

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Everyone said it couldn't be the same, and of course it couldn't. But the resumption of the UConn-Tennessee women's basketball series Thursday was still an event, and not just for the opportunity to reminisce.

Some of the best players of the legendary rivalry were in the house, including UConn's Rebecca Lobo and Sue Bird, and Tennessee's Tamika Catchings as part of the ESPN broadcast, and Tennessee coach Kellie Harper and UConn assistant Shea Ralph on the sidelines. They all played big roles in some of the classics we saw among 22 games in the series from 1995-2007.

UConn-Tennessee rivalry still good for the game

The rivalry isn't the same. And Thursday wasn't beautiful basketball. But we saw glimpses that the series can still be good for both programs.

www.espn.com

 

[eebmg]

The only real rivalry factor was Evina and her transfer issues. The players admitted they really want to win for Evina. And the return game with Evina playing down in TN will be a real event. That will be fun.

 

[Kaizen]

The only real rivalry factor was Evina and her transfer issues. The players admitted they really want to win for Evina. And the return game with Evina playing down in TN will be a real event. That will be fun.

Not sure UConn will play TN next season. If we do, with Paige and Evina, it will be a very fun game to watch.

 

[msf22b]

I had the feeling that tonight brought us back to the first game of the series with the elements reversed.

Pat did not need to schedule this game in the home of this upstart team.
She was brave; fearless...I don't think arrogant
She took a chance and she paid for it.

It's not exactly parallel; certainly the result...UConn played poorly enough that an
excellent team might have beaten them...UTenn wasn't that team.

IF UConn regressed in the first half to pre-Tulsa, Tennessee regressed to pre-Kellie...happens.

So the result didn't parallel the earlier game, but the Tennessee kids were given the golden opportunity to take down UConn....the just couldn't do it.

 

[pvdoggy]

Not sure UConn will play TN next season. If we do, with Paige and Evina, it will be a very fun game to watch.

How is it not sure, I thought it was a done deal, a home and home 2 games series.

 

[Biff]

How is it not sure, I thought it was a done deal, a home and home 2 games series.

It is.

 

[eebmg]

Not sure UConn will play TN next season. If we do, with Paige and Evina, it will be a very fun game to watch.

TN forfeiting? Makes sense to me.

 

[Carnac]

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Everyone said it couldn't be the same, and of course it couldn't. But the resumption of the UConn-Tennessee women's basketball series Thursday was still an event, and not just for the opportunity to reminisce.

Some of the best players of the legendary rivalry were in the house, including UConn's Rebecca Lobo and Sue Bird, and Tennessee's Tamika Catchings as part of the ESPN broadcast, and Tennessee coach Kellie Harper and UConn assistant Shea Ralph on the sidelines. They all played big roles in some of the classics we saw among 22 games in the series from 1995-2007.

UConn-Tennessee rivalry still good for the game

The rivalry isn't the same. And Thursday wasn't beautiful basketball. But we saw glimpses that the series can still be good for both programs.

www.espn.com

Kaizen, this would be an excellent Boneyard poll question. Hint hint.

 

[HopJim]

Have to admit when the games with TN were announced, I thought it was a stupid decision. Enjoyed all aspects of this game, from the pregame historical stories to the game itself. Kudos to Geno and TN admin for making it happen.