The Tennessee Lady Volunteers are set to face a formidable challenge as they take on the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, South Carolina, on February 8. This marks the Lady Vols’ third matchup against a top-10 opponent on the road this season. Tennessee, currently ranked No. 17 with a record of 15 wins and 5 losses, holds a 7-1 record in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. They recently halted a two-game losing streak with an overtime victory against Georgia.
South Carolina, boasting a record of 23-2 and 9-1 in the SEC, is riding high with four consecutive wins, outscoring opponents by an average of 29.3 points. Their latest triumph was a resounding 88-45 victory over Mississippi State. The Lady Vols have already faced the Bulldogs this season, winning one matchup on the road but losing the other at home.
The showdown with South Carolina is particularly significant for Tennessee, as it is the first of six games against ranked opponents in their final stretch of the season, increasing the stakes for the Lady Vols.
In the opening moments of the game, South Carolina took a slim lead at 16-15 during the first-quarter media timeout. Both teams displayed strong shooting, with Tennessee hitting 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, led by Talaysia Cooper and Janiah Barker contributing early points. The matchup is broadcasted on ABC, providing fans an opportunity to follow this exciting contest.
As the Lady Vols continue to build momentum, they will look to capitalize on their offensive strengths and secure a vital win against a top-tier opponent, aiming to solidify their position in the SEC standings as the season progresses.