The Lady Vols maintained their undefeated record with a 90-75 victory over Memphis, improving to 9-0 on the season. The game was highlighted by a strong second-half performance as Tennessee pulled away from the Tigers. Memphis, which struggled with a 2-8 record, showcased the debut of their standout point guard, DeeDee Hagemann, who contributed significantly in the game.
Tennessee’s offensive efforts were led by Zee Spearman and Jewel Spear, who each scored 18 points. Spearman also recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds. Talaysia Cooper, Tess Darby, and Samara Spencer each contributed 12 points, with Cooper also adding 11 rebounds to her tally. Ruby Whitehorn added 10 points to the team’s effort. Memphis was led by Tilly Boler, who posted 23 points, while Hagemann, making her first appearance for the Tigers after transferring from Michigan State, finished with 19 points. Tanyuel Welch also chipped in with 16 points for Memphis.
The game saw both teams manage turnovers relatively well, with Memphis committing 17 turnovers compared to Tennessee’s 16. While the Lady Vols won the points-off-turnovers battle 20-14, Memphis kept it from being a one-sided affair. Tennessee dominated the boards, out-rebounding Memphis 53-44, and also excelled in passing, recording 18 assists compared to the Tigers’ 8.
First Quarter:
The game began with Memphis taking an early lead, with the first score coming from their side. Tess Darby quickly responded with a three-pointer, putting Tennessee ahead at 3-2. However, Memphis regained the lead and continued to trade baskets with the Lady Vols for much of the quarter. Memphis built a small lead at 15-9, thanks to an and-one play by Hagemann. Tennessee responded with a series of key baskets, including an offensive rebound by Sara Puckett and a strong drive by Jewel Spear, which helped them tie the game at 19-19. Ruby Whitehorn’s three-pointer then gave Tennessee a 22-19 lead, but Memphis hit a basket at the buzzer to keep it close at 22-21.
Second Quarter:
Memphis started the second quarter strong, but Spear answered with another three-pointer to put Tennessee ahead at 25-23. The Lady Vols briefly gained momentum, with Spearman finding success inside, but Memphis surged back with an 11-0 run, taking a 34-27 lead. After a timeout, Tennessee managed to fight back, with Spearman and Spear helping to cut the lead to 34-31. Talaysia Cooper contributed with a strong drive, bringing Tennessee within two points at 35-33. Memphis extended their lead again to 39-33, but Tennessee fought hard, with Spencer hitting free throws and Spearman scoring inside, bringing them back to within one point at 41-40. The Lady Vols finished the first half with a 42-41 lead.
Halftime Notes:
The game was very close at the half, with Memphis leading for much of the first 20 minutes. However, Tennessee’s late run, sparked by Spear’s 14 points and Spearman’s seven points and six rebounds, allowed them to take the lead. Memphis was also boosted by the performance of Hagemann, who scored 14 points in her first game for the Tigers. Both teams had nine turnovers, a stat that usually favors Tennessee, and the Lady Vols shot 37.2 percent from the field compared to Memphis’ 46.9 percent. Despite shooting struggles, Tennessee managed to edge out Memphis on the boards, grabbing 26 rebounds to Memphis’ 21.
Third Quarter:
Tennessee came out strong in the third quarter. Whitehorn’s follow-up basket and Spear’s free throws helped the Lady Vols extend their lead to 49-41. Memphis attempted to respond, pulling within four points, but Tennessee’s shooting and rebounding, particularly from Spearman, kept the lead intact. A three-pointer from Spencer and two free throws from Spearman helped extend the Tennessee lead to 60-47. Memphis managed a brief fast break, but Spencer’s return from an injury and further contributions from players like Darby and Spearman helped the Lady Vols keep their lead at 69-54 heading into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter:
Memphis attempted a late comeback, narrowing the score to 69-62 early in the final quarter. However, Tennessee’s depth and execution ultimately sealed the victory. Spencer made a timely three-pointer, and Cooper continued to make key contributions inside, pushing the lead to 79-66. The Lady Vols stayed strong, with Spearman forcing a crucial turnover and finishing inside, while Cooper added more points. Despite Memphis closing the gap to 81-71, Spencer responded with another three-pointer to stretch the lead to 84-71. The Lady Vols continued to control the game, with final baskets from Cooper, Hollingshead, and Spearman ensuring the win, as Tennessee ended the game with a dominant 90-75 scoreline.
In summary, the Lady Vols showcased strong individual performances and a well-rounded team effort to overcome Memphis and maintain their perfect season. Spearman’s double-double, Spear’s offensive contributions, and key support from other players like Spencer and Cooper were pivotal in securing the victory. Despite a valiant effort from Memphis, particularly in the second quarter, Tennessee’s rebounding, defense, and shooting ultimately proved too much for the Tigers.
