Talaysia Cooper played multiple possessions with only one shoe on Monday.
Cooper was guarding South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley when she stepped out of her shoe with 5:26 left in the second quarter at Food City Center. Fulwiley missed the layup and the play didn’t stop, so neither did Cooper, who abandoned her shoe and ran down the court.
Cooper got the ball at the top of the key and ended up driving to the elbow and taking a shoe with only one shoe on. Her shot didn’t fall, so the game continued.
Fulwiley made a second straight 3-pointer on the other end to give South Carolina a 24-21 lead. It appeared that Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell called a timeout so Cooper could get her shoe back on.
Cooper started her career at South Carolina before transferring to Tennessee after her freshman year. She sat out last season due to transfer eligibility rules and is now a key piece for the Lady Vols. Cooper is averaging 17.8 points per game and also averages 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.3 steals.
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: Talaysia Cooper plays with one shoe during Lady Vols vs South Carolina
