Burdick scored 14 in the win.
Photo by Randy Sartin

The Lady Vols played well in spurts, and that was enough to advance to the semifinals of the SEC Tournament. Tennessee shot 50% from the field in the first half on the way to a 47-36 lead at intermission. A tough Lady Vol defense held the Gators to 38% shooting in the first 20 minutes of action. Florida recovered to shoot 44% in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to pry the lead away from a resilient Tennessee team that always found a way to answer any Gator challenge.

Seven Lady Vols played in the game, and six scored in double-figures. Meighan Simmons led the way with 20 points, Burdick scored 14, Spani 13, Williams 12, Graves 10, and Massengale 10.

In March, it’s not about how you win, it’s about winning, and the Lady Vols took care of business against an opponent which has given them problems in the past.

“Hard fought game. It’s survive and advance. These young ladies found a way to win. We played in spurts. We got to go back and defend the ball a whole lot better. I’m proud of their effort and to finish the game with a win,” Holly Warlick said after the game.

Tennessee will play Texas A&M Saturday at 4 p.m. TV: ESPNU