Can the Lady Volunteers Bounce Back After a Tough Loss at Reed Arena?
The Tennessee Lady Volunteers faced a challenging contest against the Texas A&M Aggies, culminating in a 56-71 defeat. The Lady Volunteers now stand with an adjusted record, while the Aggies improved their season performance. Despite a spirited effort, the Tennessee team could not overcome the home side's advantage.
In an intense matchup at Reed Arena, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers struggled to find their rhythm against a formidable Texas A&M squad. The game saw two lead changes and was tied twice, indicating moments of closely contested play. However, it was not enough for Tennessee to secure victory on foreign hardwood.
The Lady Volunteers opened with promise as they put up 14 points in the first quarter but were outscored by four points as Texas A&M posted 18. The second quarter saw Tennessee's offense wane significantly; they managed only eight points compared to another 18 by Texas A&M. Post-halftime efforts showed renewed vigor from Tennessee with an equal 14-point effort from both teams in the third quarter. In a final push during the fourth quarter, Tennessee amassed their highest quarterly total of 20 points but still fell short as Texas A&M secured another 17.
Statistically speaking, shooting accuracy was not on par for the visiting team; field goal attempts were made at a rate of just 37 percent and three-point attempts at only slightly better than one-third success rate (31 percent). Free throw opportunities were also less than ideal with just over half (64 percent) finding their mark.
Tennessee's inside game yielded them 24 points in paint and they fought hard for second-chance opportunities totaling ten additional points. Despite these efforts inside, they were outmatched by Texas A&M who dominated with 44 paint points and matched second-chance scoring.
On defense, rebounds told part of this story: while total rebounds for Tennessee numbered at an impressive count of thirty-four – including twenty-one defensive boards – it was still overshadowed by Texas A&M’s forty-three rebounds which included twenty-eight defensively claimed balls.
Assists from Tennessee showed teamwork with fourteen successful connections but turnovers proved costly; fourteen lost possessions contrasted sharply against six steals that failed to materialize throughout gameplay duration.
Looking ahead after this tough outing on Texan turf, fans can anticipate seeing how their team will regroup as they prepare to face off against Mississippi State Bulldogs at Humphrey Coliseum in Starkville on January 18th at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. This upcoming encounter promises another opportunity for fans to rally behind their team which will be broadcasted live from Mississippi State University’s home grounds.