Feb. 8, 2008
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8- 3:42 PM
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| Melanie Balcomb, pictured with Vice Chancellor David Williams, was recognized prior Thursday’s game for achieving her 300th career victory last Sunday at Georgia. (Photo/Neil Brake) |
Ask most fans of the game, and they’ll tell you they’d prefer a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat thriller over a lopsided blowout any day. But following Vanderbilt’s 78-48 dismantling of South Carolina Thursday night at Memorial Gym, head coach Melanie Balcomb explained that victories are satisfying to her under any circumstances.
“I just like to win and it doesn’t matter how,” said Balcomb, who was honored prior to the game for picking up her 300th career victory at Georgia Sunday.
And the Commodores have done just that of late.
Featuring a roster full of youth and only three upperclassmen, the Commodores (17-6, 6-2 SEC) have jumped out to their best SEC start since the 1997-98 season to once again put the conference on notice that they are a team to be reckoned with down the stretch.
This might have been tough to envision after Vanderbilt suffered four losses during the non-conference schedule, its most defeats prior to SEC play since the 1998-99 season.
Instead of packing it in after early season struggles that resulted in falling out of the national rankings for the first time in several years, Vanderbilt used the situation to come together and find its identity.
“I think we learned our lessons and it’s helped us to mature,” said junior Christina Wirth. “We went through some hard times and it’s helped us find out who we are and that makes us more determined to show what we can do.”
So what has been the difference in the turn around?
Previous Vanderbilt squads thrived off their offense’s ability to score at will, and while the Commodores still stand near the top of every SEC offensive category, this year’s team prides itself with buckling down on the other side of the ball to win games.
“I thought this team could be the best defensive team that we’ve had and we just weren’t doing that early,” noted Balcomb. “I think we really can play a very high level of defense and rebound, where our teams in the past were known to outscore people. I think we’ve changed. We’re just different.”
During its four-game winning streak, the Commodores’ defense has been able to:
Hold opponents to an average of 27% shooting from the field in the opening 20 minutes of play, resulting in half time leads in each game.
Clamp down on three-point baskets allowed, limiting the opposition to 9-of-62 (14%) from behind the arc.
Force 20+ turnovers per game, turning the takeaways into an average of 23 points scored per game.
“We’re spending more time practicing defense then we ever have and that’s because it’s something I thought would be the strength of our team,” said Balcomb.
As the Commodores begin to regain national attention with each victory, Balcomb seems perfectly okay with her team going unnoticed until tournament time.
“Nobody’s talking about us, and with a young team, it’s not a problem,” she stated. “It’s a good thing.
“Our goal is to keep improving all season and to be the best team we can be in March… I know the potential is there and right now the attitude and effort are there and we’re just building confidence.”
AND TO CLOSE OUT TODAY’S POST…
A little REO Speedwagon to rock out to for the weekend. I picked the classic song “Roll with the Changes”. Turn your office speakers up to 11 for this one.