For decades, Tennessee had dominated Alabama in women’s basketball. But over the last half decade, the Crimson Tide had reversed their fortunes against the Lady Vols. Alabama owned a five-game winning streak over UT heading into Monday night’s match-up in Thompson-Boling Arena.
That winning streak came to a sudden and dramatic end thanks to the efforts of junior guard Rennia Davis.
Davis only attempted one three-pointer in Monday night’s game, but it was the biggest three of the game. With the clock winding down and with a defender in her face, Davis stepped back well behind the three-point line and launched up a three as the seconds continued to trickle away.
The high-arcing shot found nothing but net, and with 0.3 seconds remaining in the game, the Lady Vols grabbed a 65-63 lead. Alabama could do nothing with that little time left, and Davis’ unbelievable shot proved to be the game-winner.
Here’s full video of the step-back, game-winning three:
RENNIA DAVIS CALLED GAME❗️❗️❗️ pic.twitter.com/7Rq1DHJcC0
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) January 21, 2020
Davis finished the game with 16 points and nine rebounds, shooting 7-of-11 overall and going 1-of-1 from three. The Lady Vols turned the ball over 20 times compared to just six turnovers by Alabama, but UT was able to survive that sloppy play to finally end Alabama’s winning streak over them.
Tennessee led for over 35 minutes of game time, but Alabama fought back late in the fourth quarter and stole back the lead late. The Tide took a 61-60 lead with 33.4 seconds remaining. Rae Burrell made two free throws on UT’s next possession to give the Lady Vols a 62-61 lead with 19.7 seconds left.
But on their next possession, Alabama also went to the free throw line, and they retook the lead, 63-62, with 15.8 seconds remaining.
On UT’s next possession, Davis ended the game with her dramatic, step-back three.
Freshman Jordan Horston led all scorers with 19 points, adding eight rebounds and four assists as well.
The Lady Vols improved to 15-3 overall and 5-1 in SEC play with the last-second win.
