Lady Vols Triumph Over Lady Dawgs in Overtime Thriller
The Lady Vols basketball team secured a thrilling victory against the Lady Bulldogs in an intense overtime matchup in Athens, Georgia. This win ended a two-game losing streak for Tennessee and improved their overall record to 18-6.
Game Overview
In the game held on a Thursday evening, the Lady Vols faced off against the 18-4 Lady Bulldogs. Both teams were looking to bounce back after disappointing outcomes in their previous games. The Lady Bulldogs had just lost to Alabama, while the Lady Vols aimed to find their footing amid tough competition, including upcoming matches against top-ranked teams like UCONN and South Carolina.
First Half Highlights
The first quarter was competitive, with Tennessee and Georgia exchanging leads. Neither team could secure more than a four-point advantage. As the second quarter progressed, the Lady Bulldogs built an eight-point lead with less than three minutes left in the half.
The Lady Vols quickly responded, thanks to three-pointers from Nya Robertson, Mia Pauldo, and Talaysia Cooper. Mia Pauldo closed the half strategically by hitting a buzzer-beater three-pointer, granting Tennessee a narrow 33-31 lead going into halftime.
Second Half Action
The third quarter saw Tennessee perform with more confidence, achieving a seven-point lead by midway through the period. As the quarter ended, the Lady Vols maintained a slight advantage with a score of 49-45.
The fourth quarter continued the trend of close competition. With just under 15 seconds left, Tennessee held a 64-63 lead. Zee Spearman converted two crucial free throws, extending the lead to three points. After a foul sent Mia Pauldo to the line, she calmly made both shots.
However, UGA’s Dani Carnegie drew a foul from beyond the arc and successfully converted three free throws to tie the game at 68, pushing the contest into overtime after Tamaysia Cooper’s last-second shot fell short.
Overtime Victory
In the overtime period, Tennessee wasted no time, quickly taking the lead. They maintained their advantage through the remaining minutes, thanks to key free throws. The Lady Vols ultimately triumphed with a final score of 82-77.
Star Performers
- Zee Spearman: Starred in the contest, contributing significantly to the scoreboard.
- Mia Pauldo: Combined with Spearman for a total of 44 points, playing a pivotal role in the victory.
- Talaysia Cooper: Nearly achieved a double-double, falling just one rebound short.
The Lady Vols are set to face the third-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks next, marking another significant challenge for the team as they aim to continue their winning momentum.
