December 21, 1998
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee is starting to look like the unbeatable team from last year.
The nation's No. 2 team, dominating No. 8 UCLA in virtually every phase, rolled to a 100-77 win Monday night.
"We're beginning to gel and play as a team," said Lady Vol Kristen Clement. "We've proved we can play with the best."
Tennessee coach Pat Summitt agreed after watching five players score in double figures. A strong defensive effort also was pleasing.
"We're starting to get in sync and carry practices over into games," Summitt said. "I was pleased with the outcome."
Chamique Holdsclaw scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Tennessee (9-1), which forced 23 turnovers and outrebounded UCLA 46-30.
The Lady Vols, who shot 62 percent from the field in the first half and led by 25 points at halftime, also got 16 points from Tamika Catchings and 15 points from Semeka Randall. UCLA (7-3) was led in scoring by Janae Hubbard with 17 points.
Tennessee fell behind 4-0 to open the game, but dominated with defense and a strong transition game the rest of the way.
Holdsclaw and Randall keyed a 20-6 run that left UCLA trailing 24-10 midway through the first half. The Bruins committed seven turnovers in the stretch and had 17 turnovers at halftime.
"Tennessee played a very good first half," UCLA coach Kathy Olivier said. "We had a lot of turnovers and they capitalized on the mistakes."
A 22-10 spurt by Tennessee to close out the half gave the Lady Vols a 55-30 lead. Holdsclaw had four straight baskets to fuel the run, and Kellie Jolly had a 3-pointer in the closing seconds.
UCLA was hampered by foul trouble in the first half. Post players Hubbard and Maylana Martin each missed valuable minutes in both halves before fouling out.
"That hurt us because scoring in the paint is a big part of our offense," Olivier said.
UCLA's offensive problems continued in the second half. The Bruins scored just five points in the first 6 minutes and fell behind by 30 points.
A 15-4 run by UCLA, sparked by Maylana Martin's nine points, brought the Bruins to within 20 at 83-63. But they would get no closer.
Michelle Snow added 14 points and 10 rebounds for Tennessee. Martin had 16 points and eight rebounds.