No. 19 Tennessee Tops Stanford 65-62 in Thrilling Finish
UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the 19th-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols narrowly defeated Stanford 65-62 on December 13, 2023, marking the first meeting between these powerhouse programs in nearly three years. The victory was highlighted by a crucial layup from Talaysia Cooper with just 6 seconds remaining, propelling Tennessee to a significant win.
Tennessee forced a staggering 30 turnovers during the game, showcasing their defensive prowess. Cooper not only scored 19 points but also achieved a career-high with 10 steals, proving instrumental in the Lady Vols’ success. Stanford’s Lara Somfai faced a tense moment, missing two free throws with 13 seconds left, but teammate Nunu Agara managed to tie the game at 62 with a putback.
With 12.1 seconds on the clock, Tennessee had another chance, culminating in Cooper’s game-winning layup. Agara, who contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, missed a driving layup just before the final buzzer, sealing Stanford’s fate. Agara’s earlier 3-pointer pulled Stanford within two points with only 1:13 left, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Tennessee’s late-game execution.
The Lady Vols, now 6-2, came into the game looking to bounce back after a tough 99-77 loss to third-ranked UCLA. Mia Pauldo added 14 points off the bench, bolstering Tennessee’s offensive efforts. Senior Janiah Barker, averaging a team-high 16.6 points, had a quieter night with only 10 points, shooting 3-for-10 from the field.
For Stanford, now 8-2, the defeat snapped their four-game winning streak in this intense rivalry, with 10 of their last 14 wins against Tennessee coming at home in Maples Pavilion. Coach Kate Paye is instilling depth and versatility in the team during her second season, following the legacy of Hall of Famer Tara VanDerveer.
The Lady Vols will now enjoy a break before hosting Winthrop on December 14, while Stanford will prepare for finals before facing their rival California on the same day. This thrilling game not only reignites the storied rivalry but also sets the stage for an exciting season ahead in women’s college basketball.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the latest in women’s college basketball as teams gear up for conference play.
