The Rivalry Continues

March 29, 2002

San Antonio - When Connecticut and Tennessee take the court tonight at 8, two contrasting looks will be on their faces.

Both are winning programs and each game is more than a measuring stick. Each game provides an opportunity to have bragging rights.

"If you win it all and don't go through Tennessee, then it means nothing," Huskies coach Geno Auriemma said.

Volunteers' coach Pat Summitt said, "They are capable of doing a lot of things."

The rivalry is more than what meets the eye. In Thursday's news conferences, UConn possessed a "We're ready" look with a hint of extreme confidence. Tennessee had a deep, hurt look in their eyes. The kind that says, "It's my turn to get you."

Which look wins will come down to what Volunteers' center Michelle Snow said is putting it all out on the line.

"We're not living in the past," she said. "Yeah, there's a rivalry but this is us. Last game, we did not execute. We've got to buy into a system and put it on the line."

Auriemma was asked what is his relationship with Summitt like. A coughing Sue Bird gave the answer. Once the Wade Trophy winner finished nearly choking on part water and part laughter, Auriemma asked, "Next question?"

Respect is definitely apparent from both sides, but there is no friendship. It is amazing though since both Auriemma and Summitt have the same attitudes regarding basketball, life, coaching and competitiveness. Their statements were near identical.

Auriemma said he would let his children have the same hard thrown ball be it his son or daughter. Summitt said her son would choose the female coach or the male coach according to which is better.

Auriemma said Oklahoma's Sherri Coale has done a phenomenal job. Summit dittoed.

"Without Auriemma and Summitt, women's basketball would not be what it is and I would not be where I am," six year coach Coale said. "They have grown women's basketball."

And a rivalry that has outgrown them.

Niki will be covering the 2002 Women's Final Four  (March 29 and 31) in San Antonio and providing stories from the big event.  Check back here for her articles.

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