MSU

From page 7 the first quarter and 40-34 at the break as MSU controlled the game outside of Tennessee’s Rennia Davis.

Davis had 29 points on 13-of-22 shooting and scored 18 of those points in the first half.

“Rennia is a great player,” Danberry said. “I tried my best but she had the hot hand. I was in attack mode and she was in attack mode.”

Zaay Green had 13 points for the Lady Vols (15-8, 4-6), who were without leading scorer Evina Westbrook.

Westbrook averaging 16 points a game and 5.1 assists coming into the game but was suspended for a violation of team rules. According to Westbrook in a school statement, she missed a class.

In the meantime, the Bulldogs took advantage. The depth of MSU took a toll as Teaira Mccowan had her 58th career double-double and 19th this season with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Danberry was also a problem for the Lady Vols as she had 20 points, four assists and zero turnovers.

Anriel Howard had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Bre’amber Scott scored 13 points off the bench while Andra Espinoza-hunter added 11.

The combination of speed and size was a problem for coach Holly Warlick’s Tennessee team all game long. She believes the Bulldogs are as dangerous a team as there is in college basketball.

“When you have a strong inside game and guards that are super quick, it’s a big challenge,” Warlick said. “You can’t make a lot of mistakes. They grind it out, they’re competitors and I don’t see any reason they can’t compete for a championship.”

MSU is back at home on Thursday when they welcome in Missouri for an 8 p.m. matchup on SEC Network.