What’s next for Lady Vols’ Harper after loss?
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Lady Vols dug themselves into a hole Monday that not many believed they could come back from, and yet they did.
And then they came up short again. No. 6 seed Tennessee took its NCAA second-round matchup down to the wire against No. 3 seed NC State, but it couldn’t finish the job. The Lady Vols lost 79-72, adding another near-comeback loss to the list. They never gave up all game, all season, but against the top teams, they never had enough.
“Again, playing their best basketball at the end of the year. They were a lot of fun to coach,” Tennessee coach Kellie Harper said. “But just didn’t have what we needed today.”
Lady Vols senior Rickea Jackson was both the bright spot of the loss and a grim reminder of the team’s future without her. She was magnificent again, single-handedly torching NC State. The projected WNBA lottery pick scored 33 points on 13-for-22 shooting and had 10 rebounds.
“Obviously Rickea is special. I mean, just special,” Harper said. “When you get a chance to watch her play, watch her in person, she’s just so talented. She’s one of the best players in the country.”
Tennessee (20-13) struggled in her eight-game absence when she was injured. She was transcendent in the biggest moments at the end of her college career and always will be remembered as one of the best to play for the Lady Vols in the two short years they got with her.
She is the kind of talent the Tennessee program requires. And it’s Harper’s job to get more of it.
Solid core returns for Lady Vols
Tennessee is losing two of its most crucial starters in Jackson and point guard Jasmine Powell. They are the only two who have exhausted their eligibility, but they make up a significant portion of the Lady Vols’ production.
Senior guards Jewel Spear, Tess Darby and redshirt senior center Tamari Key all have the option to return next season with their COVID-19 year
RALEIGH, N.C. — Jewel Spear banked in a 3-pointer with 46 seconds left in the second-round NCAA Tournament game Monday. It cut NC State’s lead to 74-70, and a trip to the Sweet 16 was on the line for Lady Vols basketball.
On the inbounds pass, the Wolfpack passed the ball straight to Spear. It was a miracle that Tennessee needed with the game hanging in the balance. She had a wide-open lane. Then the official blew the whistle.
NC State had called a timeout. The official awarded it to coach Wes Moore.
Lady Vols coach Kellie Harper looked at the officials in disbelief. She walked over to one and fought to keep herself calm as she pleaded her case. It didn’t work.
No. 6 seed Tennessee was able to score just once more before it lost 79-72 to the third-seeded Wolfpack.
After the game, Harper said she was told the whistle got blown before the ball was inbounded.