News Summary
In an exciting game at the Food City Center, the Tennessee Lady Vols triumphed over the Ole Miss Rebels with a score of 80-71. Jewel Spear led the charge with a season-high of 28 points, and the team showcased impressive teamwork with notable contributions across the board. The victory improved their season record to 19-6, as they prepare for an upcoming match against Alabama, promising continued excitement for fans in Knoxville.
Knoxville Celebrates as Lady Vols Triumph Over Ole Miss!
In a thrilling showdown at the Food City Center in Knoxville, the Tennessee Lady Vols proved they were a force to be reckoned with, defeating the Ole Miss Rebels 80-71. The arena was buzzing with excitement, with an impressive crowd of 12,402 fans cheering for their team.
Star Performance by Jewel Spear
The star of the night was undoubtedly Jewel Spear, who showcased her dazzling skills on the court by scoring 28 points. She was on fire, making 9 of 11 shots and nailing an impressive 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, matching her season-high also achieved against Oklahoma. This phenomenal performance not only helped her team to victory but also marked a significant milestone as she climbed to eighth place on Tennessee’s all-time scoring list, surpassing the legendary Tamika Catchings with a staggering 2,123 points to her name.
Contributions from Teammates
The Lady Vols saw strong contributions from their teammates as well. Zee Spearman chipped in with 14 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing versatility and determination. Meanwhile, Samara Spencer was not just a scorer but also a playmaker, recording a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal. Not to be outdone, Talaysia Cooper also displayed her skills with 11 points, 6 assists, and 6 steals, helping the team secure a solid victory.
Game Flow and Turning Points
The game began strong for the Lady Vols, who took an early 4-0 lead and ended the first quarter with a solid advantage of 17-7. However, Ole Miss tightened the score at halftime, bringing it to 34-28, showing resilience and determination. Coming into the second half, Tennessee held a 36-28 lead and managed to build it up to 53-40 thanks to their exceptional offensive play. By the end of the third quarter, the home team was comfortably leading at 59-48.
Despite efforts from Ole Miss, including pushing the score to 77-71 late in the game, Tennessee’s defense shone through, forcing a staggering 19 turnovers and outscoring Ole Miss 24-4 on points off turnovers. This was a significant factor in maintaining their lead and ultimately sealing the victory.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Lady Vols improved their season record to 19-6 overall and 6-6 in SEC play. They will look to continue their winning momentum against the #21/20 Alabama team on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET, a game that promises to bring with it further excitement and competition. Fans can catch all the action on SECN+ and can also tune into their local Lady Vol Network radio stations.
Exciting Times Ahead
As the season progresses, it’s evident that the Lady Vols are on the rise. Jewel Spear has now scored 12 or more points in four consecutive games, and Zee Spearman remains a consistent performer. Additionally, Samara Spencer showcased her talent with her second double-double of the season, further establishing her role in this powerhouse lineup. With the determination and skill displayed, the Knoxville crowd can’t help but feel optimistic about what lies ahead for the Lady Vols!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Knox News: Lady Vols Triumph Over Ole Miss
- MaxPreps: Knoxville Catholic Girls Basketball
- CT Insider: Tennessee vs UConn – Final Report
- UT Daily Beacon: Lady Vols vs South Carolina Preview
- NCAA: Tennessee vs UConn Women’s Basketball History
