No. 8 North Carolina State (1-0) defeated No. 9 Tennessee (0-1), 80-77, Tuesday in the Ro Greensboro Invitational at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The Lady Vols led, 44-40, at halftime after leading by as many as 10 points in the second quarter of the season opener for both teams.
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The Lady Vols trailed, 25-24, at the end of the first quarter and was behind, 63-62, at the end of the third quarter of the top-10 matchup.
Talaysia Cooper posted a double-double as she scored 23 points (including 17 in the first half) and recorded 11 rebounds. She also totaled seven assists, three steals and one block for Tennessee.
Janaiah Barker scored 15 points for the Lady Vols, while Jaida Civil had 13 points and four rebounds. Mia Pauldo finished the contest with 10 points and six rebounds.
Khamil Pierre, a Vanderbilt transfer, recorded a double-double, scoring 21 points and recording 14 rebounds.
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Tennessee next plays Friday when it hosts ETSU. Tipoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. EST at Food City Center (SEC Network+).
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Lady Vols lose season opener to North Carolina State basketball
