Tennessee‘s offensive dominance came to a screeching halt Thursday.
After stringing together their best offensive performances the last few games, the Lady Vols scored only 14 points in each quarter against Alabama. Tennessee (14-8, 7-3 SEC) couldn’t rely on its defense and lost 72-56 to Alabama (19-6, 6-4) at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Tennessee didn’t get the performances it’s used to – and needs – from seniors Rickea Jackson and Jewel Spear, who has been on a hot streak in SEC play. Jackson led the Lady Vols with 13 points and six rebounds, and Spear managed only five points. She added five rebounds and three assists and Jasmine Powell had 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Tennessee went on a 10-0 run to start the fourth quarter, making its best effort to come back from a 16-point deficit. But it was too little, too late, and Alabama was able to recover and close out the win. Alabama’s Aaliyah Nye scored a game-high 23 points.
Lady Vols have lowest-scoring first half since Texas A&M
Tennessee trailed 30-28 at halftime, which is the lowest-scoring first half since it scored 22 points in the first half in a loss at Texas A&M on Jan. 16.
The Lady Vols shot 31.4% from the field in the first half, a steep drop-off from their recent 50% shooting games. Part of the slow offensive start was due to limited minutes for Powell, who got into foul trouble in the first half.
Powell averaged 7.2 assists over the previous five games, and she’s crucial to Tennessee’s efficiency and pace on offense.
The Lady Vols kept the game close by forcing six turnovers in the first half, four of which were steals. Alabama shot 36.4% in the first half, and Tennessee was able to limit leading scorer Sarah Ashlee Barker to only three points before halftime.
Alabama offense outruns Lady Vols in third
Tennessee’s offensive woes didn’t improve in the third quarter.
The Lady Vols couldn’t get into any sort of offensive rhythm, and Alabama couldn’t miss. The Crimson Tide shot 84.6% from the field to outscore Tennessee 28-14 in the third quarter.
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Whenever the Lady Vols cut the lead, the Crimson Tide went on another run. Alabama went 3-for-4 from 3-point range in the third and the Lady Vols missed all five of their 3-pointers.
Alabama scored eight points off of four Tennessee turnovers in the third and went up by 15 points with two minutes left. The Crimson Tide led 58-42 going into the fourth quarter.
Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on Twitter @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Lady Vols basketball stifled at Alabama. Tennessee falls to 7-3 in SEC play
