The Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team secured a significant 88-80 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide on Thursday night at Thompson-Boling Arena. This win marks the Lady Vols’ 20th game of the season, matching last year’s win total with three regular-season games remaining.
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Kim Caldwell, the Lady Vols have shown remarkable improvement, particularly in their recent three-game homestand. Tennessee swept the homestand with wins over Auburn, Ole Miss, and now Alabama.
Against Alabama, the Lady Vols demonstrated resilience and determination. Despite struggling with turnovers in the first half, Tennessee went on a 10-0 run to end the first half and an 11-0 run to start the second half, building a crucial lead.
Jewel Spear led the Lady Vols in scoring with 20 points, shooting an impressive 66% from the field and 50% from three-point range. Zee Spearman dominated the boards, recording nine rebounds, the most by any player in the game.
Coach Caldwell expressed her satisfaction with the win but emphasized the need for the team to finish games stronger. “I wish we could have finished it a little better, but any time you can win in this league against a top-ranked opponent, you’ll take it,” Caldwell said postgame.
The Lady Vols’ win over Alabama marks a significant milestone, as it demonstrates their ability to compete against top-ranked SEC opponents. With three regular-season games remaining, Tennessee is poised to make a strong push in the conference.
Looking ahead, the Lady Vols will embark on a two-game road trip, facing off against Florida on Sunday and then traveling to Kentucky for another ranked SEC matchup next Thursday. These games will provide opportunities for Tennessee to further demonstrate its growth and improvement under Coach Caldwell’s leadership.
As the Lady Vols continue to trend in the right direction, fans can expect exciting matchups and a strong finish to the regular season. With their sights set on the postseason, Tennessee is determined to make a lasting impact in the world of college basketball.
