The Lady Vols basketball team successfully navigated their initial challenge of the season, but now Tennessee is set to confront a more significant test – their first ranked opponent in an away game. Tennessee (6-0) is up against No. 20 Iowa (8-0) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, participating in the first-ever Women’s […]
The Lady Vols basketball team successfully navigated their initial challenge of the season, but now Tennessee is set to confront a more significant test – their first ranked opponent in an away game.
Tennessee (6-0) is up against No. 20 Iowa (8-0) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, participating in the first-ever Women’s Champions Classic this Saturday (7 p.m. ET, FOX). Following a narrow victory of 79-77 against Florida State, the Lady Vols find themselves positioned to break into the rankings with a win.
Here’s what you should know about the upcoming game.
Iowa’s Lucy Olsen likely to play against Lady Vols
Iowa’s senior point guard Lucy Olsen has stepped up as the team’s top scorer this season with an average of 17.3 points per game. She missed the previous two matches due to an injury sustained during the Cancun Challenge, but there are expectations for her return on Saturday.
Previously a Villanova player, Olsen contributes significantly to the Hawkeyes, averaging 5.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds while leading the team with 34 minutes played per game. She poses a three-point shooting threat with a field goal percentage of 48.9%.
Containing Olsen will be crucial for Tennessee facing a revamped Iowa team. She previously demonstrated her scoring ability at Villanova with a career-high 40-point game.
Iowa boasts a formidable post duo
It’s no surprise that Jan Jensen, the first-year head coach who took over from Lisa Bluder after serving as an assistant for 24 years, has her post players off to an impressive start.
Jensen is well-regarded for her ability to develop post players, with both Addison O’Grady and Hannah Stuelke averaging double-digit points for Iowa. The 6-foot-4 O’Grady is a traditional center with a remarkable shooting percentage of 70.1% from the floor. She records 15 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.
Stuelke, at 6-2, is a versatile forward who can sprint the floor during fast breaks, contributing 14.3 points, a team-leading 7.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Pace and rebounding will determine outcome of Lady Vols vs Iowa
Iowa poses a different challenge than Florida State, who favored a fast tempo like Tennessee. The Hawkeyes play at a notably slower pace, with possessions per 40 minutes sitting at 73.8, in contrast to Tennessee’s 82.1, according to Her Hoop Stats.
The strategy for Iowa will be to slow down the Lady Vols and compel them to operate in the half-court, while Tennessee will aim to quicken the tempo without allowing Iowa to capitalize on fast breaks. The game’s outcome will hinge on which team can control the pace.
Tennessee’s ability to secure offensive rebounds will be vital. As the leading offensive-rebounding team in the nation (23.5 per game), maintaining this against O’Grady and Stuelke could provide a significant edge.
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Injury updates for Lady Vols vs Iowa
- Senior guard Jewel Spear has returned after missing the previous game due to a lower right leg injury, playing 25 minutes in the FSU win with eight points, two rebounds, and an assist.
- Walk-on guard Edie Darby returned from a left foot injury that had her sidelined at the beginning of the season, although she did not see any playing time.
- Tennessee’s only absence now is senior guard Kaiya Wynn, who is out for the season due to a torn Achilles.
- If Olsen returns, Iowa will be missing just one player, sophomore guard Kennise Johnson, who remains sidelined due to a knee injury from March.
Viewing information for Lady Vols vs Iowa: Time, TV, live stream
The Lady Vols vs. Iowa game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday and will be aired on FOX. It can also be streamed on Fubo, FOXSports.com, and through the FOX Sports App.
Prediction for Lady Vols vs Iowa
Tennessee 82, Iowa 73: The Lady Vols demonstrated their ability to compete against top teams in the match against Florida State, gleaning valuable lessons along the way. Building on this momentum, Tennessee is expected to secure its first ranked win of the season and its inaugural victory on the road.
Cora Hall covers women’s sports at the University of Tennessee. Reach out via email at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow on Twitter @corahalll. If you appreciate Cora’s coverage, consider subscribing digitally for full access.
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