University of Tennessee Athletics Hoops Central: #15/13 Lady Vols vs. #18/19 Alabama

University of Tennessee Athletics

Hoops Central: #15/13 Lady Vols vs. #18/19 Alabama

KNOXVILLE, TN – The #15/13 Lady Vols are set to host the #18/19 Alabama Crimson Tide in a highly anticipated Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup at Thompson-Boling Arena on Thursday.

 

The Lady Vols, led by head coach Kellie Harper, are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to #5/5 UConn on Sunday. Tennessee (16-5, 6-2 SEC) has been one of the top teams in the conference all season, with a strong offense and stingy defense.

 

Alabama (15-5, 5-3 SEC), led by head coach Kristy Curry, is also looking to get back on track after a loss to #1/1 South Carolina on Monday. The Crimson Tide has been one of the surprise teams in the SEC this season, with a strong offense and improved defense.

 

The matchup between the Lady Vols and Crimson Tide is expected to be a highly competitive and physical game, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in the paint and on the perimeter.

 

“Tennessee is a very talented team with a lot of depth and athleticism,” said Curry. “We’ll need to be at our best on both ends of the floor to compete with them.”

 

The Lady Vols will be led by their talented trio of guards, including Jordan Horston, who is averaging 14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Rickea Jackson is averaging 13.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Jasmine Powell is averaging 10.5 points and 4.5 assists per game.

 

Alabama will counter with their own talented trio of guards, including Brittany Davis, who is averaging 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Jada Rice is averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Hannah Barber is averaging 10.5 points and 4.5 assists per game.

 

The game is expected to be a low-scoring, defensive-minded affair, with both teams looking to limit the other’s scoring opportunities.

 

“Tennessee is a very physical team that likes to defend and rebound,” said Harper. “We’ll need to be able to match their intensity and physicality if we want to come out on top.”

 

The Lady Vols have been one of the top defensive teams in the SEC all season, allowing just 54.5 points per game. Alabama has also been strong on defense, allowing just 57.5 points per game.

 

The game is set to tip off at 6:30 PM ET on Thursday, and will be broadcast on the SEC Network. Fans can also follow the game on the Lady Vols’ social media accounts, as well as on the university’s athletic website.

 

In addition to the game, the Lady Vols will also be hosting a “We Back Pat” night, in honor of legendary Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt. The event will feature a special ceremony to honor Summitt’s legacy, as well as a silent auction and other fundraising activities to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation.

 

Overall, Thursday’s matchup between the Lady Vols and Crimson Tide is shaping up to be a highly competitive and entertaining game, with both teams looking to make a statement in the SEC.