The Woman Vols (22-10, 13-3 SEC) opened SEC Event play with an 80-71 victory over Kentucky (12-19, 2-14 SEC) Friday at Bon Secours Wellness Area in Greenville, South Carolina.
Tennessee, the match’s No. 3 seed, opened a 27-17 lead within the first quarter solely to see the Wildcats, the No. 14 seed and defending match champions, pulled to inside, 38-30, by halftime and trailed, 53-48, heading into the fourth quarter.
Kentucky lower Tennessee’s result in 4 factors within the closing body, however the Woman Vols pulled away after Kentucky’s Ajae Petty was ejected after pulling Karoline Striplin’s hair.
Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper opted to have Rickea Jackson shoot the free throws. She transformed each and the Woman Vols obtained the ball.
Jackson, who was 14-for-14 from the free throw line, completed with a game-high 34 factors, setting a Tennessee SEC Event document.
Jordan Horston totaled 21 factors, seven rebounds, seven assists and a career-high seven blocks.
Tess Darby scored 12 factors as she made 4 3-pointers. she additionally posted six rebounds for the Woman Vols, who advance to play No. 2 LSU in Saturday’s semifinals.
Tipoff is slated for six:45 p.m. EST.
The Tigers defeated Tennessee, 76-68, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Jan. 30.
PHOTOS: Kellie Harper by way of the years