Saluqis Best the Hopeful Lady Pioneers

By: Nick Kieser

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — The Vol State Lady Pioneers (6-8) headed to Memphis this weekend for the first road trip of 2019.

For the first time this season, the Pioneers played the Southwest Tennessee Community College Lady Saluqis (8-6).  In the visit to Southwest the Pioneers were defeated 67-50 on the court.  At halftime, the Pioneers were down 35-22.

"Our progression that led up to game day was not consistent.  We didn't really accomplish one thing and move on to the next and it really showed on the floor tonight," said head coach Otis Key on the team's play against the Saluqis.

"Nine turnovers was the recipient of that play and you can't give a team like Southwest or anyone the confidence and expect to be in the game.  That's the hard part about a hard lesson and hopefully, we correct that today," said assistant coach Tony Thompson.

Coming into the game against Dyersburg on Saturday (Jan.19) the Pioneers are 2-5 in conference play and sit lower in the standings (7th place) than expected.

The second half effort was more evident for the Pioneers.  In the third quarter alone the Pioneers outscored the Saluqis 20-10 to win that part of the game but not the game as a whole.

"Winning the third quarter was a great effort and being down by three was the result.  I think tomorrow we'll see a completely different team come out on the court," said Thompson.

"The only way we lose tomorrow is if they refuse to show up, refuse to play defense, and refuse to run the offense the way we're supposed to.  That's the only way we lose to Dyersburg is if that happens and we may need to make some changes in the second half of the season if there is a loss tomorrow," said Key on the state of the team.

The Pioneers rested in Dyersburg the night before the game.  Tip-off against the last placed Eagles is at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 19).  Follow the team on Twitter @VSCCPioneersWBB for news and updates on the games.