The Tennessee Lady Vols made a statement in their SEC Tournament opener, delivering a crushing 77-37 victory over Texas A&M. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, Tennessee’s defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and shutting down any hope the Aggies had of staying in the game.
Cooper Shines in Her Return
After missing time due to injury, Talaysia Cooper wasted no time reminding everyone why she’s a game-changer. She led all scorers with 19 points, while also grabbing eight rebounds, dishing out three assists, and snagging three steals. Cooper’s energy on both ends of the floor set the tone early and kept the Lady Vols in control throughout.
Tennessee’s Defense Smothers Aggies
If there was one word to describe Tennessee’s defense in this game, it would be dominant. The Lady Vols forced an incredible 32 turnovers, turning them into 37 points. Texas A&M had no answer for the full-court press, struggling to even get the ball past half-court at times. The Aggies were held to a season-low 26.5% shooting, making it nearly impossible for them to find any offensive rhythm.
Slow Start, Big Finish
The game didn’t start off as one-sided as it ended. Texas A&M actually had a 13-11 lead after the first quarter, taking advantage of Tennessee’s early shooting struggles. But once the Lady Vols settled in, it was game over. A massive 21-6 second quarter put Tennessee ahead at halftime, and they never looked back.
Balanced Scoring Across the Board
Cooper wasn’t the only one getting it done. Jewel Spear and Zee Spearman each added 11 points, while Samara Spencer chipped in 10. The Lady Vols spread the scoring load, making it impossible for the Aggies to focus on stopping just one player.
What’s Next? A Shot at Redemption
With the win, Tennessee moves on to the second round of the SEC Tournament, where they’ll face Vanderbilt. The Commodores pulled off a 71-70 upset over Tennessee earlier this season, so this game is personal. Expect the Lady Vols to come out with the same fire as they look to settle the score.
End of the Road for Texas A&M
For the Aggies, this loss marks the end of a tough season. Sahara Jones was a bright spot, scoring 16 points in her final collegiate game, but it wasn’t enough to keep Texas A&M’s season alive.
Coach Caldwell’s Take
Head coach Kim Caldwell was thrilled with her team’s performance. “Our defense really set the tone. We knew if we pressured them early, we could control the game—and that’s exactly what we did,” she said.
Lady Vols Fans Bring the Energy
Tennessee fans packed the arena in Greenville, South Carolina, creating an electric atmosphere that fueled their team. With the Lady Vols looking to add another SEC Tournament title to their storied history, the fans will be right there with them every step of the way.
Tennessee’s dominant win proved they’re not here to mess around. Now, it’s on to Vanderbilt as they continue their pursuit of an SEC championship.
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