KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee took on Samford in their home opener on Tuesday night inside Food City Center. The Lady Vols put in the same starting five as their exhibition matchup against Carson-Newman: Jewel Spear, Ruby Whitehorn, Sara Puckett, Samara Spencer and Talaysia Cooper
Head coach Kim Caldwell continued implementing the full-court press and alternating five-in and five-out throughout the 101-53 win.
Cooper’s defense transferred over from the exhibition into Tuesday night’s game. By halftime, she had three of Tennessee’s 12 steals, three out of four total steals and she led the team in points with 13.
In the second half, it was Zee Spearman lighting it up for the Lady Vols. 21 of her 25 total points came in the second half, and she led Tennessee in scoring by the end of the game.
However, Tennessee’s performance from three-point range wasn’t its best. They shot 10-of-34 from beyond the arc. From the field, the Lady Vols shot 48.1 percent.
In terms of rebounding, the Lady Vols only outrebounded Samford 41-38. However, the steals made up for it. Six of Tennessee’s 26 total steals came from Cooper, who once again was a menace on defense.
Four other Lady Vols scored in double-figures in addition to Spearman. Spear had 18, Cooper had 19, Spencer had 12, and Whitehorn had 10.
Tennessee will take on UT Martin on Thursday night inside Food City Center for a 6:30 p.m. tipoff.
