KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Lady Volunteers (6-5) took on Wright State (1-8) at Thompson-Boling Arena on Sunday and won the matchup comfortably by a score of 96-57, giving them their second win in a row in the fifth game of their six-game home stand.
The game was competitive at the start with Wright State keeping it down to only a 20-17 scoreline. The Lady Vols’ perimeter defense also struggled early on, giving up several threes and allowing Wright State to post an impressive 10 of 21 from beyond the arc.
However, the size advantage simply began to be too much for Wright State to overcome with the Lady Vols effectively working the ball down low and converting frequently in the paint. The turnover bug was also at play early on with the Lady Vols who racked up six against themselves in the first quarter.
The second half was a different story though as the Lady Vols began to pile on the points using their speed in transition to work the ball low quickly and overwhelm the Raiders’ defense. The team continued to showcase its talent, with four players scoring over ten points. The defense also began to pick up with the team looking a lot quicker in closing out the three-point line and continuing to disallow opportunities inside.
Rickea Jackson also made her return to the team in today’s contest putting together an impressive 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist stat line. She and Horston continue to look dynamic when on the court together causing headaches for the defense with their athleticism, size, and speed. Sara Puckett put together a remarkable shooting performance going 5-5 from the field and racking up 16 points.
This game marks a significant turnaround for the Lady Vols as they go over the .500 mark for the first time this season. The team has struggled since starting out the season with a preseason No. 5 ranking, falling all the way out of the AP Top 25. They are also without starting center Tamari Key who is done for the season after it was found that she has blood clots in her lungs. Key, however, did show up to support her team from the bench in today’s contest.
“Even her being at practice has made a difference, she has a voice on this team. I’m glad to get her back, and there is a calming reassurance when she is around,” Coach Harper said in regard to Key.
The Lady Vols will look to continue their success and remain over .500 as the team takes on UCF at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Thompson Boling Arena.