Lady Vols Fall To Kentucky, 78-65
By Zach Ragan
Jan 28, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward/center Bashaara Graves (12) shoots the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Notre Dame won 77 to 67. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
The Lady Vols had their six game winning streak snapped on Sunday, losing the regular season finale to the Kentucky Wildcats 78-65 in Lexington, KY.
With the loss the Lady Vols fall to 23-6 overall and 14-2 in the conference. Tennessee had already clinched the SEC regular season title, with a win over Texas A&M on Thursday night.
The Lady Vols were down by as many as 13 in the first half, but went into the half down only four points. Kentucky would open the second half on a 9-0 run to push the lead back to 13. The Lady Wildcats took control of the game in second half, leading by as many as 19.
The rebound margin was actually won by Tennessee, 41-33. The Lady Vols also shot better from the field then the Wildcats, 40.8% compared to 37.8%. Kentucky converted on 9 of their 26 three-point attempts, while Tennessee was 3-of-10 from behind the arc.
Tennessee as led in scoring by Meighan Simmons, with 17 points. Simmons leads the Volunteers in scoring on the season. Bashaara Graves added 12 points. Taber Spani and Cierra Burdick both contributed 11 points.
The Lady Vols played without center Isabelle Harrison, who suffered a knee injury in the Vol’s victory over Texas A&M. The sophomore is averaging 9.5 points a game, and 7.8 rebounds a game.
Kentucky was led in scoring by A’dia Mathies and Jennifer O’Neil, who both scored 16 points.
The Lady Vols will play in the SEC tournament on Friday at 12:00 pm est. They will take on the winner of Florida and Arkansas, who play Thursday at 12:00 pm est. The Lady Vols played each team only once this season, winning at Florida, 78-75 in overtime, and winning at Arkansas 60-54.
Tennessee’s game against Florida/Arkansas will be broadcast on Fox Sports South.