The Buccaneers traveled to Knoxville on Friday, Nov. 7, for arguably one of their most circled matchups of the season. The Bucs faced the Lady Vols on their home court, Thompson-Boling Arena at the Food City Center. The 97-47 result extended Tennessee’s all-time dominance in the series. For ETSU the night showcased several players who proved they are ready to step into larger roles as the season unfolds.
Emmah McAmis, a sophomore guard, led the Bucs with 10 points and four rebounds, holding strong against one of the best defenses in the nation. Junior guard Paige Lyons matched McAmis in points, converting on three of seven shots from the field and adding two boards. SaBreya Monsanto provided a much needed spark off the bench, scoring seven points paired with three rebounds. While the Bucs struggled, shooting 28% from the floor and 19% from three-point range, the trio’s efforts helped keep the Bucs’ heads up to regroup heading into the rest of nonconference play.
Tennessee came out firing from the tipoff, finding themselves at a quick 27-5 lead in the first quarter. The Vols held the Bucs to 14 compared to their 49 in the first half. ETSU rallied in the second half, out scoring their first-half total by 19 additional points. They kept their composure and drew fouls in the paint, finding themselves with 17 free throw attempts in the second half and holding the Lady Vols to just 22 points in the fourth quarter, their lowest of the night.
For a program in the Southern Conference, a matchup this early in the season against a nationally ranked program like the Lady Vols provides a very valuable measuring stick. The exposure the players got, playing in front of a crowd of 10,000+ (Tennessee’s largest home opener crowd since 2012) provides beneficial experience for the Bucs. ETSU’s performance was a strong reminder that the gap can exist between mid-major and Power Five programs, but that invaluable growth opportunities come from those matchups and challenges. Facing Tennessee’s pace and physicality, especially on the defensive end, gave the Buccaneers a glimpse of the level of execution required to contend at the highest level.
The Buccaneers fell to 0-2 on the young season, while the Lady Vols improved to 2-0. ETSU will have many chances to regroup before conference play begins in December. Despite the scoreline, the night in Knoxville provided a preview of this team’s potential early in the season, and a few snippets of the grit that defines ETSU basketball.
The Bucs will take on Claflin University at home in Brooks Gymnasium on Saturday, Nov. 15, For more information visit https://etsubucs.com/sports/womens-basketball.
