The Tennessee Lady Vols put on a defensive masterclass against Western Carolina, cruising to a dominant 102-50 victory at Thompson-Boling Arena. Their relentless defensive pressure forced five 10-second violations, doubling their total from the previous five seasons combined, in a performance that showcased their commitment to intensity and discipline.
From the opening tip, Tennessee set the tone with aggressive full-court pressure, disrupting Western Carolina’s offensive rhythm. The Lady Vols capitalized on their defensive efforts, turning forced turnovers into fast-break points and building an insurmountable lead early in the game. By halftime, Tennessee led 56-24, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
On the offensive end, the Lady Vols displayed impressive efficiency. Five players scored in double figures, with Rickea Jackson leading the way with 18 points. Freshman guard Jaloni Cambridge contributed 15 points and four steals, continuing her strong start to the season. Forward Tamari Key was dominant in the paint, blocking four shots and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Head coach Kellie Harper praised the team’s defensive energy, noting that the effort in forcing turnovers was a point of emphasis in practice. “We wanted to make a statement defensively, and I think our players responded with great intensity,” Harper said postgame.
The victory marks Tennessee’s third straight game scoring over 100 points, reflecting their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. The Lady Vols improve to 7-0 on the season and will look to carry their momentum into their upcoming matchup against a top-25 opponent.
With a combination of suffocating defense and efficient scoring, Tennessee sent a strong message to the rest of the country: the Lady Vols are a force to be reckoned with this season.
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