KNOXVILLE – Brittney Griner scored 26 points as No. 1 Baylor beat its second Top 10 opponent this season on Sunday, handing sixth-ranked Tennessee its first loss at home in nearly three years, 76-67.
The preseason All-American had nine first-half points but came alive in the paint after halftime.
The Lady Volunteers took a 39-31 lead on Glory Johnson’s free throw with 17:39 left, but Griner had a pair of layups in an 11-2 run for the Lady Bears. The second gave Baylor a 42-41 lead with 15 minutes left.
Another layup by Griner with 8:32 to play gave Baylor its ultimate lead, and the Lady Bears (6-0) relied on smothering defense to limit Tennessee to just 29.3 percent shooting.
Another preseason All-American, Shekinna Stricklen, led the Lady Vols with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Vicki Baugh added 17 points and 10 rebounds.