Pat Summitt is well aware of the challenges of the Paradise Jam tournament, having to play three games in three days.
With games looming against Georgia Tech and No. 12 Georgetown, Summitt rested her starters for most of the second half in the fourth-ranked Lady Vols' 82-44 victory over Missouri on Thursday night.
''We have two very tough games coming up so it was important to rest some starters and give everyone a chance to play,'' Summitt said. ''We wanted to share the minutes the best we could. I didn't play (Vicki) Baugh, but she will be ready tomorrow.''
Summitt has been monitoring the junior's minutes so far this season as she continues to recover from two knee surgeries.
Meighan Simmons scored 14 points to lead a balanced Tennessee offense. Alicia Manning added a season-high 11 points, and Taber Spani and Kamiko Williams each had 10.
''I think our depth played a big part,'' Summitt said. ''Our zone defense also played a big part. We're long and there's some range there. People came off the bench and everyone did a nice job.''
Tennessee (5-0) scored 11 of the game's first 13 points before Missouri rallied within 11-8. The Lady Vols answered with a 17-3 run sparked by Spani and Williams.
Raeshara Brown had 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead Missouri (1-2), which missed six of its first seven shots and had 15 turnovers in the first half.
Tennessee (5-0) led 43-24 at the half and ended any thoughts of an upset by scoring the first 10 points after the break.
''Oh, we keep our foot on the gas and we keep going,'' Simmons said. ''Especially when we have a lead. We always want to keep the momentum going.''
The Lady Vols will face Georgia Tech on Friday, and Missouri will play Georgetown.
