In a recent NCAA women’s basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Ole Miss, assistant coach Gabe Lazo made a significant revelation regarding Tennessee guard Talaysia Cooper. This disclosure has garnered attention for its potential impact on the team’s dynamics and Cooper’s future prospects.
Talaysia Cooper, a redshirt sophomore guard, transferred to the University of Tennessee from the University of South Carolina. Since joining the Lady Vols, Cooper has been instrumental in the team’s performance, showcasing exceptional skills and leadership on the court. Her transition to Tennessee has been marked by significant growth and contributions to the team’s success.
Just as Tennessee’s win over the Rebels had significant seeding implications, Thursday’s victory against the Tide also helps the Lady Vols’ postseason resume. With both teams vying for a top-16 seed to host in the NCAA Tournament, Tennessee’s win could be the difference down the stretch.
Helping secure the possibly pivotal win was once again Jewel Spear. Coming off of winning Co-SEC Player of the Week, Spear had another phenomenal showing. This time, she posted 20 points with 11 coming from the line.
Also scoring in double figures was Talaysia Cooper with 16 and Zee Spearman with 13. As a team, the Lady Vols shot 47.8% from the field and 38.1% on 3-pointers.
Defensively, Tennessee held the Tide to 43.5% shooting from the field and 40.7% on shots from range. Alabama also turned the ball over 10 times resulting in 20 points.
The matchup between Tennessee and Ole Miss was a highly anticipated game, with both teams vying for a crucial victory in the Southeastern Conference standings. The Lady Vols entered the game with a strong record, and the contest against Ole Miss was expected to be a challenging test of their capabilities.
Alabama took control early in the game. Tennessee got off to another poor start falling into a 10-4 hole before Kim Caldwell called timeout.
After talking it over, the Lady Vols looked much better. They tied the game at 13 off a strong start for Alyssa Latham, featuring the three to knot up the score. Despite this, the Tide pushed ahead by five at the first intermission.
Tennessee responded by scoring five-straight out of the quarter break to tie the game and force an Alabama timeout. After their break, the Tide went on a 7-0 run to reclaim their lead.
The Lady Vols fired back on a 10-0 run to take their first lead of the game. Alabama went on an 8-0 run to take back a five-point lead. Tennessee closed out the half on another 10-0 run, though.
This gave the Lady Vols a 42-37 lead at halftime. Tennessee was led on offense by Spear and Cooper who both scored eight in the opening half.
The Lady Vols kept it rolling in the third quarter, as well. Tennessee outscored Alabama 16-5 in the opening phase of the frame to take a 58-42 lead at the media break. It would continue to hold strong earning a 14-point edge by the end of the quarter.
In the fourth, Tennessee led by 14 with 6:34 to go. The Tide didn’t stop their push, though.
Instead, Alabama stormed back on six-straight made field goals to make it a four-point game with just over three minutes to play. This forced the Lady Vols to take a timeout.
After the break, Samara Spencer hit one of two shots at the free throw line. Cooper forced a steal-and-score on the ensuing possession finished by Kaniya Boyd. Spear followed it up with a put-back two to move the advantage back to nine.
This separation was enough to hold on to earn an eight-point win.
During the game, assistant coach Gabe Lazo made a public statement regarding Talaysia Cooper’s performance and future with the team. While the exact details of his revelation have not been fully disclosed, it is believed to pertain to Cooper’s potential role in the upcoming WNBA draft. This announcement has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about Cooper’s readiness for professional play and the implications for the Lady Vols’ roster.
If Cooper is indeed considering declaring for the WNBA draft, this decision would have significant implications for her career trajectory. Her performance throughout the season, including her contributions in the game against Ole Miss, will be closely evaluated by scouts and analysts. Cooper’s skills, leadership qualities, and potential for growth are expected to be key factors in her draft prospects.
The potential departure of a key player like Cooper could affect the Lady Vols’ lineup and strategy. Cooper’s versatility and scoring ability have been vital to the team’s success this season. Her absence would necessitate adjustments in the team’s dynamics and could influence their performance in upcoming games and tournaments.
Conclusion
The revelation by assistant coach Gabe Lazo regarding Talaysia Cooper has introduced a new layer of intrigue to the Tennessee Lady Vols’ season. As the team prepares for future competitions, the potential impact of Cooper’s decision on her professional career and the team’s composition remains a topic of keen interest. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring developments to understand the full extent of this revelation and its consequences for both Cooper and the Lady Vols.
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