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.
The Lady Vols next play Sunday afternoon at LSU.