Dec. 22, 2006
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Candace Parker had 32 points and 10 rebounds and No. 5 Tennessee overcame a stiff defensive test from longtime rival Old Dominion on Friday, beating the Lady Monarchs for the 11th consecutive time, 75-59.
Parker, who made history in Norfolk last season when she dunked twice in an NCAA tournament game against Army, entered the game with three dunks this season, but was booed by the crowd when she passed on a chance for another one late in the first half.
Tennessee (11-1) won its fourth in a row since a 13-point loss at second-ranked North Carolina on Dec. 3. It improved to 31-9 in its history against Old Dominion.
The Lady Monarchs (3-7) lost for the fifth time in six games. Coming off a 15-point loss at Middle Tennessee State, Old Dominion will host Rutgers next Saturday before moving into Colonial Athletic Association play seeking its 16th consecutive title.
Sherida Triggs led the Lady Monarchs with 13 points, and T.J. Jordan had 11, all in the first half. Old Dominion forced 18 turnovers, but committed 24.
Tennessee led 38-33 at halftime and didn't move comfortably in front until Parker's three-point play and jumper sparked an 11-2 run to give the Lady Vols a 58-45 lead.
Parker was 12-for-18 from the field and 8-for-8 at the foul line.
The Lady Monarchs closed within 10 twice shortly thereafter, but Tennessee finally pulled away, using a significant height advantage and more depth to wear out ODU.
Shannon Bobbitt added 13 points and Alexis Hornbuckle 10 for Tennessee.
The game drew a crowd of 7,108, the third-largest for a women's game at the Constant Convocation Center. The largest - 7,758 - also came for Tennessee on Jan. 7, 2003, the year the arena opened.
Before the game, Tennessee coach Pat Summitt took part in a ceremony to present Old Dominion coach Wendy Larry with the game ball from her 500th career victory, which came Dec. 9 against Chicago State.
The Lady Vols scored the last five points of the first half to lead 38-33. The last two came on a steal and breakaway layup by Parker, who drew boos when she didn't dunk.