KNOXVILLE, TN – January 01, 2023 – Forward Rickea Jackson #2 of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Thompson–Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee never trailed in cruising to an 89-76 victory over Alabama in front of a crowd of 8,214 in Thompson-Boling Arena on Sunday to record the women’s basketball program’s 500th win in the 36th year of the venue. The Lady Vols (10-6, 2-0 SEC) shot 54 percent on the day with four players landing in double figures and three setting new season highs. Senior Rickea Jackson was the top scorer for UT with 22 on the day, while junior Tess Darby, sophomore Jillian Hollingshead and graduate Jordan Walker all posted season bests with 16, 15 and 15, respectively. Senior Jordan Horston narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and a career-high-tying nine assists. Megan Abrams was the leading scorer for Alabama (12-3, 1-1 SEC) with a game-high 24 points, and Loyal McQueen was close behind with 21.
Tennessee will continue SEC play at home, hosting Mississippi State on Thursday with coverage starting at 5:00 PM on MIX 99.3