Lady Vols Shatter Records in Historic Blowout Win Over North Carolina Central
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It was a night for the history books in Knoxville as the No. 19 Tennessee Lady Volunteers delivered a jaw-dropping performance, obliterating records and their opponent, North Carolina Central, in a 139-59 victory on Saturday. The Lady Vols didn’t just win—they rewrote the script on what dominance looks like in women’s college basketball.
Leading the charge was Samara Spencer, who was nothing short of spectacular. Spencer drained a school-record nine 3-pointers on her way to a career-high 33 points. Her sharpshooting display was the centerpiece of a game that saw Tennessee set an NCAA record for 3-pointers made in a single game and a Southeastern Conference (SEC) record for total points scored. The Lady Vols were simply unstoppable, leaving fans and analysts alike in awe.
Breaking Records Left and Right
Spencer’s 9-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc was just the beginning. The Lady Vols as a team were a blistering 30-of-63 from 3-point range. To put that into perspective:
- The previous Tennessee team record for 3-pointers in a game was 16.
- The SEC record was 19, set by Arkansas.
- The NCAA record was 28, held by Western Illinois.
By the end of the third quarter, Tennessee had already surpassed both the school and SEC records for 3-pointers. Destiny Wells delivered the dagger that broke the NCAA record, cementing the Lady Vols’ place in history.
And the records didn’t stop there. Tennessee’s 139 points also shattered their own SEC record for points in a game, previously set at 136 during a 136-26 win over Puerto Rico-Mayaguez in 2002. This was a performance for the ages.
A Team Effort
While Spencer stole the spotlight, this was a total team effort. Nine different Lady Vols players hit at least one 3-pointer, with seven players sinking at least two and three players knocking down five or more. Talaysia Cooper added 21 points, including five 3-pointers, while Tess Darby chipped in 17 points, also with five 3s. Zee Spearman contributed 15 points, Ruby Whitehorn had 13, and Sara Puckett added 11. Spencer also dished out a career-high 10 assists, showcasing her all-around brilliance.
Dominance from Start to Finish
The Lady Vols wasted no time asserting their dominance. They hit seven 3-pointers and forced 15 turnovers in the first quarter alone, racing out to a 33-10 lead. By halftime, the score was a staggering 69-18, with Spencer already tallying 22 points and six 3-pointers. Cooper added 15 points in the first half as Tennessee continued to pour it on.
The third quarter was more of the same, with Tennessee outscoring North Carolina Central 42-21. By the end of the quarter, the Lady Vols had a 111-39 lead, and the Eagles had as many turnovers (44) as points. It was a clinic in both offense and defense, with Tennessee firing on all cylinders.
A Tough Night for North Carolina Central
For the Eagles, it was a night to forget. Shakiria Foster led the way with 17 points, while Terriana Gray added 10. However, the team’s 44 turnovers proved costly, as they struggled to keep up with Tennessee’s relentless pace.
What’s Next for the Lady Vols?
With this win, Tennessee improved to 8-0 on the season, and their performance sent a clear message to the rest of the NCAA: the Lady Vols are a force to be reckoned with. As they continue their campaign, all eyes will be on this team to see if they can maintain this level of dominance. One thing is for sure—after a night like this, the Lady Vols have firmly established themselves as one of the most exciting teams in women’s college basketball.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
