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Tennessee Holds On to Defeat Vanderbilt 94-88 2-15-04 2/15/2004 Tasha Butts had a career night as Tennessee edged Vanderbilt 94-88 Sunday afternoon in Memorial Gym. Butts was 12-of-15 from the floor including a perfect six-for-six from the three-point line as she scored a career-high 37 points, had nine rebounds, and seven assists. In a game that had eight ties and six lead changes, the rivalry posted another thrilling chapter. The crowd of 10,561 witnessed a heavyweight bout between two great basketball programs. The game began a little slow with each team having trouble scoring. The Lady Vols’ Brittany Jackson buried two threes to kick it in gear and UT ran off 10 straight points to take a 10-2 led early in the first half. Jackson finished with 14 points and four treys. Later in the first half, the ‘Dores were able to put together perhaps their best stretch of basketball this year. Vanderbilt outscored Tennessee 19-2 behind freshman Dee Davis’ eight points and two threes. The Commodores extended their lead to 36-25 marking the biggest deficit Tennessee has faced all year in conference play. Davis had 13 of her 15 points in the first half. Vanderbilt held a 42-36 advantage at the half. The second half was a battle throughout. Tennessee seized control midway through and led by as many as six. The Commodores did not have an answer for Butts. Butts, who had only four threes in conference games coming into today’s game, nailed all six of her long range shots. Butts demolished her previous career high of 16. Vanderbilt had an answer for Butts. Hillary Hager, who was held scoreless in their last meeting, exploded for 17 second half points. Every time UT would try to take control of the game, Hager was there to lift the ‘Dores. Hager had 23 points and five rebounds. The other go-to player for VU was freshman Carla Thomas. Thomas was a steady force in the paint that UT could not contain. Thomas had her way in the post as she scored 17 points and grabbed eight boards in addition to her stifling defense where she recorded three blocks. With UT holding on to a 82-78 lead with just over three minutes remaining, the scrappy Commodores kept fighting and trimmed the lead to 85-83 with 1:33 left. Butts buried a three with just over a minute left that sealed the deal for the Lady Vols. Butts scored 11 of her 37 points in the final 1:44. Jenni Benningfield, who got her first start in 10 games, had 13 points. Vanderbilt will honor its seniors Thursday, February 26th a when the Commodores welcome Mississippi State to Memorial Gym. |
