Tennessee’s 30 steals fuel rout of MTSU as Harissoum Coulibaly operates comfortably

Coulibaly finds her footing

Coulibaly had scored nine points in 34 minutes across Tennessee’s first three games. Against MTSU, she was aggressive from the outset and finished with 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting, two steals, two rebounds and one assist in 21 minutes.

Tennessee was plus-23 with Coulibaly on the floor, and she did not commit a turnover. Four of her six baskets were fast-break layups, including two in the first quarter after Fats Janneh steals and assists.

A strong start and finish

Coulibaly scored seven points in the opening quarter, nearly matching her total from the first three games. In the second, she intercepted Xai Whitfield and scored to extend Tennessee’s lead to 42-29; she had 11 points by halftime.

Later in the third quarter, Coulibaly passed up a three-point attempt, drove into the paint and scored with a scoop shot over Blair Baugus. The basket put Tennessee ahead 75-40.

Team defense fuels the win

Tennessee forced 43 turnovers and collected 30 steals, the second-highest single-game total in program history. The Lady Vols converted that pressure into 53 points off turnovers and finished with 48 fast-break points.

Kaylene Smikle led Tennessee with 30 points, five rebounds, five steals and four assists. She had been named the Tennessee Sportswriters Association’s Player of the Week on Tuesday.

Coaches and teammates see growth

Head coach Kim Caldwell said it was good to see Coulibaly more comfortable on the floor and expected her to keep improving. Caldwell also noted that the team was new and still adjusting.

Smikle praised Coulibaly’s speed and ability to drive toward the basket, saying she was becoming more comfortable in the system. Janneh said Coulibaly works in the gym every day and that the effort was showing on court.

Tennessee has played four games with an entirely new roster. The Lady Vols are scheduled to travel to Nashville on Tuesday to face Belmont at 7:30 p.m. ET.