GREENVILLE, S.C. — The Tennessee Lady Vols took care of business against Kentucky in the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament second round on Thursday afternoon at Bon Secours Wellness Arena Greenville, S.C. to advance to the SEC quarterfinals.
Puckett erupted for 22 points while Rickea Jackson sat out most of the game in foul trouble as the Lady Vols defeated the Wildcats 76-62 in Tennessee's first game of tournament play. Jewel Spear and Tess Darby joined Puckett in double figures with 10 points each, and despite playing only 17 minutes, Jackson still finished with eight points and nine rebounds.
Tennessee set the tone in the third quarter and responded to a tie game with a 10-0 run to go up 45-35 and the Lady Vols held the lead for the rest of the game to secure the win.
The Lady Vols utilized a deep bench in the win and 11 players got playing time against the Wildcats. Tamari Key played just 16 minutes in the contest, which may prove vital, because the Lady Vols will need to play four games in four days if they make it to the SEC championship game.
Tennessee continues tournament play against fourth-seeded Alabama in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday, March 8. The Lady Vols play in the second game of the day, with the first game beginning at noon.
