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CONNECTICUT VS. TENNESSEE: HOW THEY MATCH UP
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THE SKINNY
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EDGE
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INSIDE
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With Tamika Catchings out, UConn has more bodies to throw at the boards and more players with proven inside games. Tennessee needs freshman Ashley Robinson or sophomore Gwen Jackson to play a major role. Michelle Snow needs to have a huge game and try to force UConn into becoming a jump-shooting team, as Notre Dame's Ruth Riley did last month. Snow and Jackson have been very hot lately, averaging 14.6 and 14.0 points, respectively, in the past five games. A possible X-factor might be Kelly Schumacher, who was returning from a stress fracture in December and played just four minutes in their last matchup.
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OUTSIDE
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In the first matchup, UConn showed its guards are quicker and that its backcourt has more depth. Tennessee must find a way to counter some of that. Most of all, the Lady Vols need to take care of the basketball -- they committed 18 turnovers in the first half of December's matchup. Catchings' absence actually puts more pressure on the Vols' guards, who must find a way to try and slow down UConn's fast break and prevent the Huskies from getting easy baskets. Kara Lawson, Kristen Clement and Semeka Randall (who typically puts in Husky-killing performances and averages 17.2 vs. UConn) want to play better this time around, and just need to knock down some shots.
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BENCH
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Both teams have excellent depth. But while Pat Summitt has added more speed and mobility to her bench this year, UConn's depth is more impressive. Freshman Diana Taurasi has a great overall game, and seems to come up with big plays in big games. She came off the bench to play 22 minutes vs. the Vols in December, going 2-for-6 on 3-point attempts for 12 points and four rebounds. Taurasi's presense also allows Sue Bird to move over from the point-guard position, which typically opens up Bird to become a more dangerous shooter. UConn's Tamika Williams also is huge off the bench. She gives the Huskies another solid rebounder and scorer, and just as importantly, another top defender.
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INTANGIBLES
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Although the game is in Tennessee, the Lady Vols are most likely considered the underdog, especially with Catchings out and the fact that the Huskies' starting five are very familiar with each other and comfortable playing in "hostile territory." On the flip side, UConn must stay focused and not overlook the Vols, who can still put five high-school All-Americans on the floor even with Catchings sidelined. However, we must also remember that Svetlana Abrosimova played just 11 minutes (going 0-for-3 from the field to finish with four points) in December while struggling with back spasms. Now that she's back, and with Catchings out, we're really looking at a two-point swing in Connecticut's favor. Abrosimova, who has been playing exceptionally well this season, is a huge threat not only for her scoring ability, but also because she's a great passer who knows how to get her teammates involved in the flow of the offense. Lastly, look for Shea Ralph to have a huge game. Although she has struggled a bit this season, she always plays big against Tennessee.
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OVERALL
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When it comes down to it, neither team is where it wants to be come March, so this game is probably just a matter of survival and about finding a way to win even though neither side is at the top of its game. Injuries have affected both teams, and right now both squads are still trying to find their rhythm and fluidity on the court. But this is a great rivalry, and every time they've met, every game has been meaningful, with either the top ranking or a national championship at stake.
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ESPN's Beth Mowins is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's college basketball coverage.
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ALSO SEE
Voepel: Revelations on rivalries
Another chapter in UConn-Tennessee rivalry set to go
Holdsclaw: Never an easy game
Rizzotti: Hatred began brewing in 1995
UConn-Tennessee all-time results
Dec. 30: UConn tops Tennessee 81-76
Tennessee to retire Holdsclaw's jersey Thursday
Catchings' surgery set for Feb. 5
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