Knoxville, TN — Monday evening, there was a hyped-up crowd at the University of Tennessee. The stage was set for the Round of 32 games as the Tennessee Lady Vols hosted the Toledo Rockets, with the winner advancing to the Sweet 16 of March Madness.
Tennessee’s strong offense pulled out to an early 19-8 lead in the first quarter and kept this momentum rolling. Their defense was locked in during the first half, helping them keep a lead.
Toledo proved not to be a tough enough competitor against the feared orange and white. Tennessee held a strong double-digit lead by the end of the second quarter, 50-22. Jasmine Powell was off to an excellent first half with 10 points and perfect shooting. Jordan Horston had five rebounds in the first half, helping her team excel to their lead.
Toledo bounced back in the third quarter and were able to rev up their offense scoring. This was their best period, scoring 18 points in the frame. However, their efforts were a little too late. The Lady Vols once again was laser focused on the defense end, holding the Rockets to only seven points while scoring 22 themselves.
Jillian Hollingshead and Sara Pucket lead their team with 13 points apiece. Jasmine Franklin led her team with 10 rebounds. Overall Tennessee played like a team and that’s what’s moving them on which is a sentiment their head coach stated.
“Well, I think we’re playing our best when we’re sharing the basketball and getting contributions,” Coach Kellie Harper expressed after the game.
And just like that, with 94-47 win, Tennessee advanced to the Sweet 16.
Lady Vols excited about Sweet 16
“Yeah, (I’m) so excited to be going back to the Sweet 16 and am really proud of our team and how we played in the first two games,” expressed Coach Harper.
The Lady Vols will now travel across the country for the next stage of the tournament as they advance to play in Seattle, WA. Tennessee will now face one of the top-seeded teams in the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. E.S.T on ESPN2. And while they are facing even tougher competition, they are ready.
“[We will continue] to trust in the process and trust in our offense, but especially trusting in our defense,” said Jordan Walker.
