Lady Vols Face Tough Road Loss Against Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. - The No. 21 Tennessee Lady Vols hit the road to take on No. 17 Ole Miss, but the trip ended in disappointment with a 94-81 loss, dropping their record to 16-8 (8-4 SEC).
Recurring Road Woes
It feels like déjà vu for the Lady Vols when playing ranked teams on the road. This season has seen them stumble in similar fashion, with notable defeats including a 22-point loss at UCLA, a 24-point setback against Louisville, a 30-point loss at UConn, and a 43-point drubbing by South Carolina. Now, a 13-point loss to Ole Miss joins the list.
While the score might not seem drastic, the game was never in Tennessee's control. They trailed by as much as 26 points in the third quarter and 21 in the fourth. The consistent pattern of heavy losses in crucial away games is becoming a troubling trend.
Impact on Tournament Seeding
This loss could have significant implications for NCAA Tournament seeding. Both Tennessee and Ole Miss are vying for a 4-seed, which comes with the advantage of hosting the first two rounds. Head-to-head results can play a pivotal role when teams are closely matched, and this defeat could weigh heavily against the Lady Vols.
The manner of the loss only adds to the sting, potentially affecting Tennessee's standing with the selection committee.
A Bright Spot: Lauren Hurst's Breakout Performance
Amid the disappointment, freshman Lauren Hurst provided a silver lining with a standout performance. She shattered her previous career high, scoring 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, including 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Hurst also dominated the boards with nine rebounds, surpassing her previous best.
In addition to her scoring and rebounding, Hurst contributed two assists and two steals in 24 minutes, finishing with a plus/minus of +3. Her consistent play and 3-point shooting were highlights in an otherwise challenging game.
Looking Ahead
The Lady Vols have little time to dwell on the loss, as they prepare to face Texas A&M at home on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET on SECN+.
Following that, a major road challenge awaits against No. 11 Oklahoma on Sunday at 2 p.m.
ET, broadcast on ESPN.