The Southeastern Conference opener for the Tennessee Lady Vols occurred later than expected, but it was certainly a success.
After having games against Texas A&M and Kentucky postponed due to COVID-related issues within the Tennessee program, the Lady Vols showcased the 1-2 punch of Rennia Davis and Rae Burrell in an 88-73 whipping of 13th-ranked Arkansas before an announced crowd of 2,147 at Thompson-Boling Arena. Davis and Burrell each scored 26 points, and they combined on 23-of-38 shooting (60.5%) from the floor.
Davis also collected 11 rebounds for her 33rd career double-double, and she also had five assists and two steals. Kasiyahna Kushkituah and Jordan Horston chipped in 11 apiece for the winners.
The Lady Vols shot 53.6% as a team (37-of-69) and hit more than 63% of their shots in both the second and third quarters to build a 15-point bulge.
Tennessee improved to 7-1 overall, while Arkansas fell to 10-3 overall and 1-2 in SEC play. Chelsea Dungee led Arkansas with 30 points and seven rebounds, while Destiny Slocum and Amber Ramirez added 17 and 15, respectively.