Can the Lady Volunteers Bounce Back After Alabama's Dominance at Foster Auditorium?
The Tennessee Lady Volunteers faced a challenging contest against the Alabama Crimson Tide, with the final scoreboard reading 56-72. The Lady Volunteers now stand with an even record, while the Crimson Tide improved their performance.
In Tuscaloosa's Foster Auditorium, fans witnessed a game of intense competition and fluctuating fortunes. The Tennessee Lady Volunteers started strong, matching the home team point for point in the first half, ending each of the initial two quarters with an identical 14 points to Alabama's 16 and then 14. However, consistency eluded them as they continued to post another pair of 14-point quarters while their opponents surged ahead in the third quarter.
The third quarter proved pivotal as Alabama outscored Tennessee by a significant margin. The Crimson Tide racked up an impressive 28 points during this period compared to Tennessee's steady but insufficient 14 points. This surge created a gap that would ultimately define the game.
Despite their efforts, key statistics were not in favor of Tennessee. They shot at a modest field goal percentage of only thirty-five percent and struggled beyond the arc with just seventeen percent from three-point range. Their free throw performance was also lackluster at fifty-six percent completion rate.
On defense, they managed to secure nine steals and two blocks but committed nineteen personal fouls which contributed to giving away opportunities at crucial moments in the game. Offensively, they did manage to score thirty-four points in paint and took advantage of turnovers by adding twelve points off them.
The Lady Volunteers' total rebound count stood at thirty-nine with twenty-three defensive rebounds contributing significantly; however it was still overshadowed by Alabama’s forty-two rebounds which included twenty-nine defensive ones - showcasing better control under both baskets.
Alabama’s balanced attack was evident through their fifty percent shooting from two-point range and forty-six percent overall field goal accuracy. They also capitalized on free throws making seventy-three percent of those attempted which helped extend their lead over Tennessee throughout the game.
As fans look forward to seeing how Tennessee will regroup after this setback, attention turns towards their next challenge on home turf against Arkansas Razorbacks scheduled for February 12th at Thompson-Boling Arena located in Knoxville TN starting at 6:00 PM local time (7:00 PM ET). Fans can catch all action live as it unfolds on designated sports networks or streaming platforms dedicated to college basketball coverage.