No. 15 Lady Vols Use Balance, 14 of 28 on 3s to Roll Past Auburn 99-61
In a dominant performance, the No. 15 Tennessee Lady Volunteers showcased their offensive firepower and balanced team play as they cruised to a 99-61 victory over Auburn. The Lady Vols’ ability to shoot the ball from beyond the arc proved to be a game-changer, as they drained 14 of 28 three-pointers, demonstrating their depth, precision, and ability to stretch the Auburn defense.
With the win, Tennessee improved their record and solidified their position as one of the top teams in the SEC, continuing to prove that they are a serious contender on both sides of the ball. Auburn, despite their best efforts, had no answer for the Lady Vols’ scorching shooting and offensive efficiency.
A Three-Point Barrage
The Lady Vols’ offensive attack was nothing short of spectacular, and it was led by their remarkable ability to shoot from long range. Shooting 50% from beyond the arc, Tennessee kept Auburn’s defense on their toes, forcing the Tigers to spread out and try to cover multiple scoring threats.
Kim Caldwell, one of Tennessee’s standout players, was at the forefront of the team’s hot shooting. Caldwell knocked down several key three-pointers, helping to establish a commanding lead early in the game. Her ability to hit shots from deep stretched Auburn’s defense, creating more opportunities for her teammates. Caldwell’s presence on the perimeter, combined with the Lady Vols’ overall shooting prowess, made it nearly impossible for the Tigers to keep up.
The other players in the starting lineup—whether it was from point guard or forward—contributed heavily to the three-point barrage. The Lady Vols consistently moved the ball well, creating open looks for a variety of players. Even when Auburn managed to briefly close the gap, Tennessee’s shooters would respond with another big three-pointer, maintaining the momentum and pushing their lead further.
Offensive Balance Across the Court
While the three-point shooting was certainly the highlight of Tennessee’s performance, their overall balance on offense was just as impressive. The Lady Vols didn’t rely on a single player to carry the scoring load. Instead, they distributed the ball effectively, and several players contributed to the team’s scoring in a variety of ways.
Tennessee’s versatility was on display throughout the game, as players like Caldwell, Jordyn Cambridge, and Tamari Key each provided a mix of inside scoring and perimeter shooting. The Lady Vols moved the ball quickly around the court, finding open players in transition and off set plays. Their ability to score in different ways kept Auburn from adjusting and mounting any serious comeback attempts.
Jordyn Cambridge added her own flair with her ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls. She contributed not only with her scoring but also with her defense, helping disrupt Auburn’s rhythm on offense. Key’s inside presence was also important, as she was able to finish in the paint and make her presence felt on the boards. Her size and rebounding ability helped Tennessee control the glass, limiting Auburn’s second-chance opportunities and helping the Lady Vols dominate the tempo of the game.
Tennessee’s offense was balanced, and that’s a big reason why they were able to put up 99 points. They didn’t lean on just one player to carry the load, and as a result, their opponents had a hard time figuring out who to focus on, giving the Lady Vols the upper hand all night long.
Defensive Domination
On the defensive end, Tennessee was equally as impressive. While the Auburn Tigers had some good individual performances, they struggled to find consistent scoring against the Lady Vols’ suffocating defense. Tennessee’s defensive rotations were sharp, and they applied pressure to Auburn’s ball handlers, forcing turnovers and disrupting their offensive flow.
Tennessee’s defense led to easy transition points, which further contributed to their blowout victory. They also controlled the glass, limiting Auburn’s chances for second-chance points and forcing the Tigers into difficult shots. Auburn’s offense never seemed to find a rhythm, and every time they seemed to have a possession that could get them back in the game, the Lady Vols would respond with a defensive stop or a key bucket on the other end.
The Lady Vols’ defensive effort was highlighted by their ability to pressure Auburn’s shooters and contest shots without fouling. They limited Auburn’s open looks, forcing them to take contested jumpers or drive into traffic where Tennessee had help defense waiting.
Auburn’s Struggles
Auburn came into the game looking to cause an upset but struggled to keep pace with Tennessee’s high-powered offense. Despite solid performances from Talaysia Cooper and other key players, the Tigers were outmatched in almost every aspect of the game. Auburn’s defense struggled to match the intensity of the Lady Vols’ three-point shooting, and their offense couldn’t capitalize on the few open opportunities they created.
Auburn’s shooting was inconsistent throughout the game, and they couldn’t find a way to exploit any weaknesses in Tennessee’s defense. While Cooper showed flashes of brilliance with her athleticism and offensive playmaking, she couldn’t carry the load alone. The Tigers needed more balanced contributions from their other players to keep the game competitive, but the Lady Vols’ defensive schemes and offensive firepower were simply too much.
Key Players for Tennessee
Kim Caldwell – Caldwell had an exceptional game, both as a scorer and as a playmaker. She led the team in scoring and was a constant threat from beyond the arc. Her contributions came at critical moments, especially when Auburn looked to make a push, and Caldwell’s ability to hit timely shots helped keep Tennessee’s lead comfortable.
Tamari Key – The 6-foot-6 center was a presence in the paint for Tennessee, both offensively and defensively. She was a constant force on the boards, and her ability to finish inside helped Tennessee extend their lead. Key’s size made it difficult for Auburn to match up with her, and she capitalized on her opportunities around the basket.
Jordyn Cambridge – Cambridge played an all-around game, contributing in a variety of ways. Her scoring, rebounding, and defense were all crucial to Tennessee’s success. She provided a spark when the team needed it most, especially when Auburn attempted to rally.
Auburn’s Standouts
Talaysia Cooper – Cooper was arguably the most consistent player for Auburn throughout the game. She contributed in multiple areas, scoring efficiently and trying to keep Auburn in the game. However, her efforts weren’t enough to counter Tennessee’s overall depth and offensive explosion.
Jasmine Robinson – Robinson also had some key moments in the game, particularly in the first half, where she was able to score and create some offense for Auburn. But like many of her teammates, she found it difficult to maintain consistent production against Tennessee’s stifling defense.
Looking Ahead for Tennessee
With the win, Tennessee continues to build momentum as they look ahead to the remainder of the SEC season. The Lady Vols’ balanced offense, potent three-point shooting, and strong defense have them positioned well for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. While Auburn wasn’t able to challenge them in this matchup, Tennessee will face more formidable opponents down the road, including tough SEC matchups and eventual tournament games.
Tennessee’s ability to rely on a variety of players and score from multiple areas of the court makes them a dangerous team. If they can continue to execute their offense with precision and maintain their defensive intensity, they’ll be a serious contender for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.