The No. 11 Lady Vols (21-5, 9-4 SEC) were defeated 72-63 by Alabama (16-10, 5-8 SEC) in the 55th meeting in the series.
The win was Alabama’s first win in Knoxville after losing the first 22 contests. The Lady Vols now lead the overall series 49-6 and have a four-game losing streak against the Crimson Tide.
“We were aware of it,” Alabama head coach Kristy Curry said of Alabama’s first win in Knoxville. “It was historic and something we do not have to talk about anymore. Every time they had a run we just stayed focused and played tough. We needed this win tonight for our resume.”
Tennessee head coach Holly Warlick was not impressed by her team’s effort against Alabama.
“I am disappointed and we played uninspired,” she said. “Alabama has beaten us three times in a row, how can you not get inspired? I am disappointed in our effort tonight.”
In the second quarter, Mercedes Russell reached the 1,500 career point mark, becoming only the sixth Lady Vol to reach 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds; joining Chamique Holdsclaw, Glory Johnson, Bashara Graves, Sheila Frost and Tamika Catchings.
“I am definitely honored,” Russell said of the achievement. “I just wish it came in a win.”
After the loss to Alabama, three games remain on the regular season schedule for Tennessee.
The Lady Vols travel to Columbia, Mo., on Sunday to take on No. 13 Missouri at 2 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPNU. Tennessee then will play at Florida on Feb. 22 and will conclude the regular season on Feb. 25 hosting South Carolina for Senior Day.
Heading into the Alabama game, ESPN’s Charlie Creme had the Lady Vols projected for a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament and has Tennessee hosting a first-round game vs. No. 14 American and meeting either No. 6 Oregon State or No. 11 South Dakota State in the second round.
