Texas Longhorns Triumph Over Tennessee Lady Volunteers
In a nail-biting clash on Sunday, the No. 4 ranked Texas Longhorns narrowly defeated No. 22 Tennessee with a final score of 65-63 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Longhorns, now boasting a record of 24 wins and 3 losses (9-3 in conference play), were able to maintain a lead of up to 10 points in the closing quarter.
Key Performers
Madison Booker was instrumental for Texas, contributing 14 points, supported by teammates Jordan Lee and Rori Harmon who each added 12 points to the scoreboard.
The Lady Volunteers, currently standing at 16-7 overall and 8-3 in the Southeastern Conference, made a valiant effort to close the gap in the final moments. Janiah Barker hit a crucial three-pointer, followed by two more from Talaysia Cooper, reducing Texas’s lead to just one point.
Dramatic Finish
In a dramatic finish, Booker’s two free throws advanced Texas’s score to 64-61, but Cooper responded swiftly with a layup, narrowing the score to 64-63. Lee ultimately sealed the game for Texas by making one of two from the free-throw line.
Cooper proved to be a powerhouse for Tennessee, leading all scorers with an impressive 29 points, while Barker and Nya Robertson contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Game Highlights
The first half was a rollercoaster; it ended in a 34-34 deadlock, following a notable 18-2 run by Texas that spanned from late in the first quarter to the early moments of the second. Tennessee, however, struck back with a last-minute rally, scoring the final 10 points of the half to equalize.
Coaching Concerns
This game marked the second consecutive absence for Tennessee’s leading freshman point guard, Mia Pauldo, who unfortunately missed out due to a concussion sustained in a previous game against South Carolina. Both coaches, Vic Schaefer of Texas and Kim Caldwell of Tennessee, have been openly critical of their teams following lackluster performances recently.
Schaefer expressed discontent after a defeat against Vanderbilt, describing his squad as lacking toughness, while Caldwell lamented her team’s leadership following heavy losses to UConn and South Carolina.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Texas will take on Arkansas this Thursday, while Tennessee is set to face Ole Miss on Tuesday, in a game delayed due to weather issues earlier this month. The intensity of their matchups suggests that both teams are eager to rebound from their recent challenges and prove their mettle on the court.
