Greenville, SC—The Tennessee Lady Volunteers enter this year’s tournament as the second-highest scoring team in the nation, averaging 87.9 points per game. They also rank fourth nationally in three-pointers made per game, with an average of 10.2, totaling 295 for the season. As they prepare for the SEC Tournament under first-year Head Coach Kim Caldwell, Tennessee will need to rely on this high-scoring offense to make a run at the conference championship.
The Vols are in one of the most competitive conferences in women’s college basketball, and their potent offense will be crucial in their bid for the title. On the other hand, Texas A&M, a team that has reached the SEC Tournament quarterfinals in the past two years, holds an 8-12 all-time record against Tennessee. This first-round clash pits the #9 seed Tennessee Volunteers against the #16 seed Texas A&M Aggies. Aggies’ Head Coach Joni Taylor, with her experience as an assistant coach, will work to guide her team through the challenges of the SEC tournament.
The game begins with the Lady Vols winning the tip, but they are unable to capitalize on their first possession. Texas A&M quickly takes advantage, racing down the court to score the first points of the game with a tough finish in the paint by Lauren Ware. In the opening three minutes, Ware, a redshirt senior, collects three rebounds and contributes three points to the Aggies’ early efforts.
“It was really important for us to get back to our roots the way the season ended…. We are getting back to an effort base system keeping that pressure on.
“They did a better job of playing hard when shots were going in unlike last week.
“We will take it one day at a time” Vols coach Kim Caldwell said.
Despite Texas A&M’s quick start, the Lady Vols respond strongly. Tennessee hits 50% of their three-point attempts in the opening minutes, with Jewel Spear and Talaysia Cooper each knocking down one. Texas A&M refuses to back down, continuing to attack the basket and scoring six points in the paint.
After a back-and-forth opening period, the first quarter concludes with Texas A&M leading 13-11.
The second quarter sees Tennessee assert more control, with junior forward Zee Spearman adding her own three-pointer, the second of the game for her. The Vols then go on a 7-0 run, gradually building momentum.
Texas A&M struggles offensively, hitting just one of their final 10 shots in the second quarter. Tennessee finishes the half strong with a 14-2 run, taking a commanding 32-19 lead into the locker room.
Tennessee continues to extend their lead in the second half. Spearman scores early in the third quarter, converting a putback on the Vols’ second possession. Texas A&M shows some signs of life, starting the half by making three consecutive shots to try and chip away at the Tennessee lead. However, the Vols remain resilient, holding a 16-point lead midway through the third quarter.
Tennessee then explodes on a 7-0 run, capitalizing on three Aggie turnovers and converting those into easy points. Just before the end of the third, Spear drains her third three-pointer of the game, giving Tennessee a commanding 60-28 lead heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Texas A&M continues to fight, but Tennessee’s high-powered offense keeps the Aggies at bay. Talaysia Cooper leads all scorers with 19 points and also grabs eight rebounds. Spearman and Spear contribute 11 points each.
Sahara Jones leads the Aggies in scoring, but it’s not enough to mount a comeback. Ultimately, Tennessee dominates throughout the game and secures a decisive victory, advancing to the second round of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament.
