Winning Streaks

WINNING STREAKS don’t last forever. Eventually every team loses. But in 1998, the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers saw an opportunity for renewal after their lengthy unbeaten streak snapped.

Riding the crest of 46 straight victories and three consecutive NCAA basketball championships, the Lady Vols faced Purdue in the Women’s Tip-Off Classic. The Boilermakers presented a strong challenge, returning all five starters from the previous year’s squad that made it to the Elite Eight.

As expected, the game remained close early. Tennessee led 11–10 at the 15:58 mark, but Purdue forged ahead. The Boilermakers built a 46–33 halftime margin.

The Lady Vols battled back, using a 14–6 spurt to narrow the gap with 4:10 left to play. But Ukari Figgs hit a jumper, and Stephanie White-McCarty made a layup for Purdue. Then four Purdue free throws down the stretch clinched a 78–68 Boilermakers victory. Purdue would go on to emerge as the 1999 NCAA national champion.

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POINT The loss marked the first Tennessee defeat since a 61–59 decision to Auburn in the championship game of the Southeastern Conference tournament on March 2, 1997. But after the frustration over the loss subsided, the renewed Lady Vols returned to their winning ways. The women posted a 31–3 record during the 1998–99 season, winning the Southeastern Conference championship. Plus, Tennessee drew a record 413,580 fans.

Only one team in any sport can win the championship. And even then, few teams run the table and end up undefeated. Athletics and life become a cycle of restoration and renewal from losses to wins, from valleys to peaks.

The disciple Peter may have experienced more highs and lows than any other of Christ’s early followers. From the thrill of walking on water to the devastating failure of denying Jesus, he felt the feelings of loss and renewal. And he knew God’s grace was enough to restore him and make him strong.

GOAL! Search the Internet to see how many college basketball teams—both men’s and women’s—have won a national championship with a perfect record. Do you need to ask God to restore your relationship with him?