UTC Women Winning With One of the Nation’s Best Defenses

Before the season started, Mocs coach Jim Foster told his team they had to play good defense, and the players bought the message.

"I said on numerous occassions that this group is very coachable, and they want to be coached.

   So what makes UTC so affective on the defense?

Said guard Keiana Gilbert,"I think in practice we go over a lot of transition defense and getting back and stopping the ball early, so they don’t get quick baskets on us. That’s helping us a lot."

Said Foster,"We have a lot of interchangeable parts. Lot of discipline and communication."

   It also doesn’t hurt to have a shot blocker like Jasmine Joyner.

Said Foster,"A shot blocker is a luxury but not a necessity at this level. If you have them, that’s great. If you don’t, you can take charges. There are a lot of things you can do to neutralize penetration."

   When seventh ranked Stanford arrived in Chattanooga, they had one of the top offenses in the country.

They scored just 46 points against UTC.

Said Joyner,"Our defense is very aggressive. People talk about our defense and how the opponent’s star player can’t get to their favorite spot. Coach Foster has a good thing about defending their favorite move and stuff like that, and that’s when they get frustrated."

"Just want to win the game and keep the intensity."