Pat Summit and the Lady Vols outworked the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Cleveland ("Hello, Cleveland!!!), last night to win Tennessee's 7th national championship. Stats? Stats:
| Tennessee | Rutgers | |
| Field Goals | 20-58 (35%) | 20-49 (41%) |
| 3-Point FGs | 5-15 (33%) | 2-10 (20%) |
| Free Throws | 14-23 (61%) | 4-10 (40%) |
| Rebounds | 42 (24 off, 18 def) | 34 (14 off, 20 def) |
| Assists | 9 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 18 |
As you can see from the chart, neither team shot particularly well. No, this game was about hustle. Rebounds. Second chances.
Leading the way in this regard was pact-master and bearer of the coolest name in colleges sports, Nicky Anosike, who had double-digit offensive rebounds (10) and another six on the defensive end. Most Outstanding Player Candace Parker added seven rebounds, two of which were on the offensive end. Even 5'2", now-you-see-her-now-you-don't Shannon Bobbitt got into the act, contributing two offensive rebounds.
Although the shooting percentage wasn't great, the Vols did score the points when they needed to. Parker got 17, and Sidney Spencer hit key shots all night and finished with 11 points.
But you expect that. What you don't expect is Hobbitt Bobbitt to hit half of her eight three-point attempts, several of which essentially iced the game late.
I can't make the celebration tonight, so say woooo! for me at the Knoxville Convention Center in Exhibit Hall B. Doors open at 5:00, and the festivities begin at 5:30. Admission is free. Wooo!
Extras:
- Official slide show.
- Game video.
- Mickey Dearstone's final call.
- Post-game interviews with coach Summit, Spencer, Bobbitt, and Parker.