No. 15 Tennessee opened its 2021-22 season with a comeback victory Wednesday.
The No. 15 Lady Vols (1-0), who trailed throughout much of their contest against Southern Illinois, turned up their defense in the fourth quarter en route to capturing a 59-49 win over the Salukis at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Tennessee was short-handed, as Jordan Horston did not play and Rae Burrell left the game in the first half due to injury after scoring 12 points.
The Lady Vols overcame a 42-38 third quarter deficit and outscored Southern Illinois, 21-7, over the final 10 minutes of the game to emerge victorious.
Newcomer Alexus Dye led Tennessee, recording a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Jordan Walker also had 14 points and Tamari Key, who battled foul trouble, scored all of her points in the fourth quarter to help spark the Lady Vols’ comeback.
Quierra Love led the Salukis (0-1) with 13 points.
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