JOHN ADAMS

John Adams: Diamond DeShields takes charge late vs. Florida

John Adams
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

Tennessee’s Diamond DeShields didn’t have an immediate impact after returning from a neck injury. But her impact still came too soon for Florida in Thursday night’s SEC women’s basketball game.

Tennessee's Diamond DeShields attempts a shot over Florida's Dyandria Anderson during the second half against Florida at Thompson-Boling Arena.

DeShields demonstrated her renowned versatility in the fourth quarter as the Lady Vols (18-10, 9-6) overcame a seven-point lead against the Gators (13-15, 4-11), who played above their record for much of the game.

DeShields had 15 points and 10 rebounds while coming within one assist of a triple-double in the 74-70 victory.

“She’s a great player,” Florida coach Amanda Butler said. “When she is bound and determined to make a play, it’s pretty tough to stop a player as talented as she is.”

DeShields’ determination peaked just when the game seemed to be slipping away.

She hit three consecutive free throws when she was fouled on a 3-point attempt, then converted a three-point play that cut Florida’s lead to two points with 2:29 left. And when the game tightened, UT clearly was more composed than the Gators.

The Lady Vols finally got the lead, thanks to DeShields, who forced a turnover from Florida’s Dyandria Anderson. Seconds later, DeShields  threaded a pass inside to Schaquilla Nunn, whose layup put Tennessee on top 69-68 with 36 seconds remaining.

As well as DeShields played down the stretch, she wasn’t even sure she would play three days earlier. She injured her neck in the early moments of last Thursday’s game at Alabama, then sat out Sunday’s game against Arkansas.

The injury was still on her mind when she entered the game against Florida.

“After what happened, I was a little paranoid going for loose balls and being aggressive,” she said. “Once they took the lead and it was crunch time for us, all of that went out of the window real quick.”

And Florida’s chances went with them. Tennessee outscored the Gators 13-2 in the final 3:58. The closing surge also gave the Lady Vols back-to-back victories this week after going 0-2 the previous week.

Coming back against Florida doesn’t compare to the challenge that lies ahead, though. Up next comes No. 2 Mississippi State this Sunday in Starkville. Then comes postseason play, starting with the SEC tournament.

UT’s record is similar to last season’s when it finished with 14 losses but included a run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. After the Florida victory, coach Holly Warlick said this team was even better armed for postseason play.

“I think this team is ahead of last year’s team,” Warlick said. “This team works extremely hard in practice.

“When we play well together, this is a special group. So I like our chances going into the tournament.”

Their chances looked better after the comeback against Florida. And DeShields stressed consistency when asked what was required next.

“We can’t afford this rollercoaster thing we’ve been on the past two years,” she said. “The win (against Florida) was probably our biggest of the year because we couldn’t afford to shoot ourselves in the foot.”

But a win Saturday in Starkville, Miss., against one of the best teams in the country would be even bigger.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @JohnAdamsKNS.

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