Freshman guard Kaniya Boyd sparked a late Lady Vols surge with two clutch 3-pointers as the No. 12 Lady Volunteers outlasted Belmont 68–58 on Thursday night at Food City Center at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The Lady Vols (3-1) shook off three sluggish quarters, overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit behind Boyd’s energy and timely shooting.
The sophomore guard provided the spark Tennessee needed, hitting back-to-back threes and pulling down key offensive rebounds that helped seal the win.
“I just stayed ready,” Boyd said. “I knew my team needed the energy I could bring. Coach always says it’s going to be a game of runs, and we finally realized we had to have some urgency and some energy.”
The momentum shifted when Boyd got back on the floor.
Her shots came during a 14–2 Tennessee run that turned a five-point deficit into a lead the Lady Vols never relinquished.
Head coach Kim Caldwell praised Boyd’s readiness and effort.
A pair of qualities that could carve out a larger role for the freshman as the season unfolds.
“She was big for us tonight,” Caldwell said.
“We need that out of her going forward. Hopefully this gives her juice, her confidence back. Players like her are invaluable. She’ll dive for loose balls, grab rebounds, and she does everything for her teammates,” Caldwell added.
Veteran guard Talaysia Cooper led Tennessee with 22 points and 14 rebounds, her second double-double of the season.
Freshman Mia Pauldo added steady play on defense with three steals.
Pauldo said Boyd’s energy was contagious down the stretch.
“KB’s energy is just phenomenal,” Pauldo said. “The speed, communication, diving on loose balls; every team needs a player like that. Once she stepped on the floor, we all fed off it.”
The Lady Vols held Belmont to just eight points in the final frame after giving up 50 over the first three quarters.
Where Tennessee gave up its 14 point lead.
Tennessee’s renewed defensive focus and rebounding advantage. 23 offensive boards to Belmont’s 10, turned the tide.
In Caldwell’s second season leading the program, said she expected early growing pains but viewed the team’s late composure as a step forward.
“We were poised when we needed to be,” Caldwell said. “This team is still learning. When to take the right shot, when to make the extra pass, how to close games. But they’re listening, and we’re learning a lot now instead of in February.”
After playing four games in nine days, Tennessee now gets a week off before its next matchup.
That time Caldwell said will be used to “fix what needs fixing.”
For Boyd, that means more opportunities to show that her breakout fourth quarter was no fluke.
“It’s all about staying ready,” she said. “When my number’s called, I just want to bring energy and help my team win.”
