Lady Vols Triumph in SEC Opener Against Aggies

News Summary

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers secured a significant 91-78 victory over Texas A&M in their Southeastern Conference opener on January 2, 2025. With this win, the Lady Vols improved their season record to an impressive 13-0. Jewel Spear led the charge with 20 points, while her teammates also contributed significantly to a strong first half. Although the Aggies made a late push in the second half, the Lady Vols maintained control and closed out the game with a solid victory. Looking ahead, they will face No. 9/10 Oklahoma next.

College Station Shakes with Lady Vols’ SEC Opener Win!

Oh, what a night in College Station, Texas! The Tennessee Lady Volunteers, ranked at No. 15, strutted into Reed Arena and secured an impressive 91-78 victory over the Texas A&M Aggies in their Southeastern Conference (SEC) opener on January 2, 2025. This win doesn’t just add to the excitement of the season; it bumps Tennessee’s record to a perfect 13-0, marking their first victory in SEC play, now sitting at 1-0.

A First Half to Remember

The game kick-started with an electric atmosphere, and boy, did the Lady Vols deliver! They came out swinging, managing to close the first half with a jaw-dropping 22-point lead at 48-26. Jewel Spear was on fire, leading the scoring parade with a crisp 20 points—and let’s not forget her spectacular shooting from beyond the arc, netting an impressive six three-pointers out of only eight attempts. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular!

Adding to the scoring frenzy, Talaysia Cooper followed closely behind with 16 points. Meanwhile, teammates Ruby Whitehorn and Zee Spearman chipped in with 15 and 14 points, respectively. Talk about teamwork—the Lady Vols showcased a fantastic offensive rhythm, dishing out 23 assists on 34 made field goals, which marks their second-highest assist total of the season!

A Challenge in the Second Half

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing in the second half. Tennessee faced some stiff competition as the Aggies came roaring back, outscoring the Lady Vols with a staggering 52 points over the final two quarters. Texas A&M ignited their comeback from the get-go with a 9-0 run, narrowing Tennessee’s strong lead down to a mere 15 points at one stage. The fight to regain control was palpable!

Nevertheless, Spear remained calm under pressure and sunk some critical three-pointers that helped maintain Tennessee’s lead during Texas A&M’s rally. Despite the Aggies shooting a blazing 68% to Tennessee’s mirror image of 39% in the second half, the Lady Vols held on to their advantage and finished the game with a solid 13-point margin.

Statistical Strength

The Lady Vols also dominated the boards, out-rebounding Texas A&M by a substantial 10, including an impressive 12 more offensive rebounds than the Aggies. This edge in rebounding was instrumental in clinching the victory, keeping the supplies flowing for scoring opportunities.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Tennessee has now chalked up 37 wins in SEC openers, boasting a remarkable all-time record of 37-6 in their first SEC games. They also continue to shine in their initial SEC away games, winning 34 out of 43 in such outings. Jewel Spear’s standout performance not only lit up the court but also marked her seventh game scoring in double figures this season—quite the season she’s having!

As they gear up for their next challenge, the Lady Vols are set to face off against the No. 9/10 Oklahoma team this Sunday, January 4, 2025. Will they keep the winning streak alive? Fans are on the edge of their seats in anticipation!