In a spirited showdown in Oxford, Mississippi, the Tennessee Lady Vols mounted a fierce fourth-quarter rally but ultimately fell short, losing 94-81 to Ole Miss. Despite their best efforts, the Lady Vols couldn't quite close the gap after trailing by 11 at halftime, as Ole Miss maintained a firm grip on the lead throughout the second half.
Talaysia Cooper was a standout for Tennessee, putting on a scoring clinic with 30 points. Her all-around game included two rebounds, two assists, and a steal, providing a spark for her team. Alyssa Latham also contributed significantly, adding 10 points and showcasing her defensive prowess with three steals.
Freshman Lauren Hurst delivered a breakout performance, notching a career-high 16 points. Her impressive shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 5 three-pointers, was complemented by nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Hurst's emergence is a promising sign for the Lady Vols' future.
The third quarter proved challenging for Tennessee's defense, as they allowed 31 points, giving Ole Miss the cushion they needed to secure the win. Despite shooting a solid 46% from the field, the Lady Vols couldn't overcome the deficit.
As they head back home, the Lady Vols will look to regroup and bring their A-game against Texas A&M, with tipoff set for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Fans will be eager to see how Tennessee responds to this setback and adjusts their strategy moving forward.