Lady Vols Basketball Makes History with Record-Breaking Win Over NC Central
The Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team delivered a performance for the ages, shattering program, SEC, and NCAA records in a dominant victory over NC Central on Tuesday night. The historic win showcased the Lady Vols’ offensive firepower, defensive discipline, and the depth of their roster as they continue their journey through the season with unmatched determination.
Unprecedented Offensive Display
Tennessee’s high-octane offense was on full display, scoring an astounding 135 points, breaking the previous program record for most points in a single game. The Lady Vols also set a new Southeastern Conference (SEC) record for points scored, surpassing the previous mark of 129 points. Additionally, the 135-point tally ranks among the top-scoring performances in NCAA women’s basketball history, placing the Lady Vols in elite company.
Sophomore guard Jasmine Caldwell led the offensive explosion with a career-high 38 points, shooting an impressive 15-for-20 from the field and 6-for-8 from beyond the arc. Senior forward Alyssa Morgan added 24 points and 12 rebounds for her third double-double of the season, while freshman sensation Mia Harper contributed 18 points and eight assists off the bench.
“This was a total team effort,” said head coach Kellie Harper. “Our players came out with energy, executed the game plan, and never let up. Breaking records is great, but what makes me proud is the way we played together.”
Dominance on Both Ends
The Lady Vols’ historic night wasn’t limited to offense. Their defense was equally relentless, holding NC Central to just 35 points, the lowest total allowed by Tennessee in nearly a decade. The 100-point margin of victory is the largest in program history and one of the most lopsided wins in NCAA basketball.
Tennessee’s defense forced 27 turnovers, which translated into 48 points on the other end. Sophomore guard Taylor Jameson was a defensive standout, recording six steals and disrupting NC Central’s offensive flow throughout the game.
“Our defense set the tone early,” Jameson said after the game. “We wanted to make it tough for them to get into their sets, and I think we accomplished that.”
Record-Breaking Highlights
Several records fell during the Lady Vols’ extraordinary performance:
- Most Points in a Game (Program and SEC): 135
- Largest Margin of Victory (Program): 100 points
- Most Assists in a Game (Team): 42 assists, breaking the previous NCAA record of 40.
- Three-Pointers Made (Program): 19, surpassing the team’s prior record of 16.
The Lady Vols’ precision from long range was particularly noteworthy. Their 19 three-pointers came on 28 attempts, translating to a staggering 68% shooting from beyond the arc. Harper, who hit five three-pointers, praised her teammates for creating open looks.
“We’ve been working on our ball movement in practice, and tonight it really paid off,” Harper said. “When the ball is moving like that, it’s fun to play, and it’s hard for the defense to keep up.”
Fans Witness History
The historic night took place in front of an electrified crowd at Thompson-Boling Arena, with over 11,000 fans cheering the Lady Vols to victory. The atmosphere was electric, with fans celebrating every milestone moment and record-breaking highlight.
Longtime Tennessee fan Susan Walker described the game as “once-in-a-lifetime.”
“I’ve been coming to Lady Vols games for over 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Walker said. “This team is something special, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Looking Ahead
With the win, Tennessee improved to 9-1 on the season and remains undefeated at home. The Lady Vols have established themselves as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, and their record-breaking performance against NC Central serves as a warning to future opponents.
“This game shows what we’re capable of when we play our best,” said Morgan. “But we know there’s still a lot of work to do. Our goal is to keep improving and compete for championships.”
The Lady Vols will next face a tough test against the top-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, a matchup that promises to be one of the most anticipated games of the season. Harper emphasized the importance of staying grounded after the historic win.
“It’s great to celebrate this moment, but our focus now shifts to the next game,” Harper said. “South Carolina is an incredible team, and we’ll need to bring our best effort to compete with them.”
A Night to Remember
The Lady Vols’ victory over NC Central will go down as one of the most memorable games in program history. Beyond the records and accolades, the performance highlighted the team’s unity, talent, and potential to make a deep run in the postseason.
For fans, players, and coaches alike, it was a night that epitomized the greatness of Tennessee basketball and underscored why the Lady Vols remain one of the most iconic programs in the sport.
