Lady Vols Notch 27th Straight Home Win After Beating Albany

November 27, 2015

Rick Nyman,

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Mercedes Russell scored 12 points Friday as No. 4 Tennessee held off several Albany threats down the stretch, outlasting the Great Danes 63-55 for its 27th straight home victory.

The Lady Vols (5-0) haven’t lost at home since a 75-71 defeat to Kentucky on Feb. 16, 2014.

Albany (4-1) had the ball with a chance to tie the game in the final minute, but Shereesha Richards missed a leaner from about 10 feet away with 17.2 seconds left. Richards then fouled Bashaara Graves, who made two free throws to give Tennessee a four-point cushion.

After Albany missed two 3-pointers on its next possession and committed a technical foul, Tennessee sank four free throws with 1.3 seconds left to account for the final margin.

Richards had 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead Albany. Imani Tate added 15 points and Erin Coughlin scored 12. Diamond DeShields had 11 for Tennessee.