Lady Vols' SEC Tournament Exit

Talaysia Cooper was on the bench for the final 16 minutes and 27 seconds of the Lady Vols basketball team's loss to Alabama in the SEC Tournament. Coach Kim Caldwell described this as a coach's decision.

Following Tennessee's 76-64 defeat, Cooper was the first Lady Vol to depart the locker room and did not address the media.

Coach Caldwell's Explanation

Coach Caldwell provided an explanation for Cooper's absence from the game.

"We just wanted to give her some air. I think your emotions can get running and just wanted to get her outside and with a staff member, so she could breathe."

When questioned further about the decision, Caldwell reiterated it was a coach's decision.

"Who knows if it was the right call, but trying to find combinations that work."

Game Performance & Team Record

Cooper recorded two points on 1-for-4 shooting during the game. She played two minutes in the second half, contributing one assist and one turnover before being removed.

Alabama held a 10-point lead at halftime and concluded the game with a double-digit margin of victory. This loss marked Tennessee's (16-13) seventh consecutive defeat.

Cooper's Season Statistics

Before the tournament, Cooper, a second-team All-SEC selection, led the team in several statistical categories:

• Scoring: 16.1 points per game
• Assists: 100
• Steals: 73

NCAA Tournament Outlook

Tennessee is scheduled to await the NCAA Tournament selection show on March 15. Coach Caldwell affirmed her belief that the team merits an NCAA Tournament invitation. She cited the team's demanding schedule and notable victories as justifications.

Additional Team Developments

• Senior Kaiya Wynn departed the program earlier in the week, following a game where she did not start or play.
• Freshman Deniya Prawl did not travel with the team to the tournament. Caldwell stated Prawl was in concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury during practice.