Lady Vols 20 to 2 run beats UNC

With 8:18 left in the second half, the Tennessee Lady Vols trailed the North Carolina Tar Heels 48 to 36; however, Tennessee cranked up the suffocating defense down the stretch to outscore UNC 20 to 2 and pull out a thrilling 56 to 50 victory. North Carolina did not make a field goal the last 8 minutes. UNC's Ivory Latta hit two free throws with 3:43 left for the Tar Heels only points during crunch time.

Tennessee was more aggressive and took it to the Tar Heels.

Tennessee's Nicky Anosike took it upon herself and led the defensive charge to help the Lady Vols creep back into the game. Anosike sank four free throws and a lay-up to tie the game at 50 with 2:04 left in the ball game. At the 1:44 mark, Anosike put Tennessee ahead by hitting one of two free throws.

UNC's Latta missed a three-point shot with 1:16 as the Tar Heels continued going ice cold.

Tennessee trapped UNC's Alex Miller just across the half-court line and forced a steal by Candace Parker. Parker sank both free throws to give Tennessee a 53 to 50 lead with 34 seconds left in the game. North Carolina called time-out; but, Latta missed a 3-point shot afterwards. Tennessee's Alexis Hornbuckle rebounded the miss and was fouled. She split two free throws to give the Lady Vols a four point lead (54 to 50) with just 24 seconds left.

Instead of going for two points, Latta jacked up an another three-point shot; but, she shot an air ball. Tennessee's Sidney Spencer rebounded the miss and sank the final two points of the game from the foul line.

Tennessee will play Rutgers Tuesday, April 3, in the championship game.