PEG Broadcasting’s Paxton Elmore asks Coach Kellie Harper about Tennessee’s Defensive effort
The #23 Tennessee Lady Vols returned to Rocky Top after a rough trip in the Bahamas beating Rutgers but losing to UCLA and Gonzaga. The first night of a six game home stand started with the 4-1 Colorado Buffaloes out of the PAC-12. The last time the Buffs and the Lady Vols played was in 1997 when head coach Kelly Harper was playing for Tennessee. Tennessee had a great defensive night only allowing 14 points in the first half and forcing Colorado to turn the ball over 25 times. Tennessee was able to capitalize off that great defensive night and defeat Colorado 69-51.
KNOXVILLE, TN – November 25, 2022 – wb during the game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Thompson–Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Emma Ramsey/Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee’s leading scorer was Jordan Horston putting up 23 points and the transfer Rickea Jackson dropping 20 points made her the second leading scorer.
The Lady Vols limited the Buffaloes to just nine first-quarter points and five second-quarter points. It was the first time this season the Buffaloes scored less than 12 points in an opening period and marked their fewest first-half point total. It was also the first time Tennessee had held an opponent to single-digit scoring in a first quarter this season and the fewest points they’ve given up in a first half this season as well as a second quarter.Colorado finished with three double-digit scorers, led by Kindyll Wetta with 13. Jaylyn Sherrod totaled 11, while Aaronette Vonleh netted 10. Its leading scorer for the season at 17.2 ppg., Quay Miller, was held to only three by Tennessee.
The Lady Vols will play game two of a six-game homestand on Sunday, hosting Eastern Kentucky in a 2 p.m. ET contest that will be streamed on SECN+.