Lady Vols basketball has best performance of season in 90-55 win over Liberty before SEC play
Lady Vols basketball had its best performance of the season in its final game before SEC play, bringing home a 35-point win on the road over Liberty on Sunday.
Tennessee never trailed in the 90-55 win over the Flames (5-10) at Liberty Arena, ending 2023 with a confidence-boosting win. The Lady Vols (7-5) had four players score in double figures, and the effect of having star forward Rickea Jackson back in the starting lineup was evident.
Jackson looked like herself again in her first start since returning from a lower leg injury that sidelined her for eight games. She had a game-high 21 points on 50% shooting, seven rebounds, two steals and an assist in 24 minutes.
Tennessee shot 43.6% from the floor, 40% from 3-point range and logged 22 assists on 34 field goals.
The Lady Vols put together the kind of performance they needed going into conference play, which kicks off on the road against Auburn on Thursday (8 p.m. ET, SEC Network+).
Tennessee jumps out to early lead with defense, rebounding
The Lady Vols held Liberty to only nine points in the first quarter, which led to a 43-24 lead at halftime.
Tennessee used its full-court press often early in the game and forced seven turnovers in the first quarter. The combination of Jasmine Powell's speed and Jackson's length and athleticism at the top of the press was effective against the Flames.
The Lady Vols were active on defense, logging six steals in the first half. It allowed them to get out in transition and push the pace, and they ended up scoring 21 points off Liberty's 19 turnovers.
Tennessee also controlled the boards 52-43, including 21 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points.
Tess Darby scores season-high from deep
Tennessee senior Tess Darby has struggled to shoot efficiently, but on Sunday she had her best outing of the season.
In the first half, Darby scored a season-high 12 points on 4-for-5 shooting from 3-point range. Tennessee found mostly in-rhythm shots for Darby, which made all the difference in her shooting. It was a welcome performance from the guard who shot 40.9% from deep last season on 70 made 3-pointers.
Darby ended the game with a career-high 18 points on 66.7% shooting in 18 minutes off the bench.
WELLS OUT: What losing point guard Destinee Wells to injury means for Lady Vols basketball's season
Kaiya Wynn has breakout game in new role
Sunday was Tennessee's second game without senior point guard Destinee Wells, who is out for the season with a lower leg injury.
Junior guard Kaiya Wynn stepped in to handle point guard duties with Powell, and UT's offense looked fluid and had some of its best ball movement all season. Powell and Wynn combined for 11 assists, but the Lady Vols got a bit of playmaking from everyone, including Sara Puckett, who had five assists.
Wynn's performance was especially encouraging with more minutes ahead of her this season. There was a stark improvement in her decision making, and her ability to push the pace made a difference in the game. She finished with 12 points, seven assists, four rebounds and zero turnovers.
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 blowout Liberty on the road to end nonconference slate
