Tennessee’s 110-64 rout of MTSU shows Harissoum Coulibaly operating comfortably

A sharp change for Coulibaly

Coulibaly had scored nine points across 34 minutes in Tennessee’s first three games. Against MTSU, the 5-foot-10 sophomore guard attacked from the start and finished 6-of-12 from the field.

Four of her baskets were fast-break layups. She scored seven points in the first quarter, then added a steal and a layup in the second as Tennessee extended its lead.

Fast breaks fuel Tennessee

Tennessee finished with 48 fast-break points and 53 points off turnovers. Coulibaly repeatedly got ahead of the defense, while the Lady Vols forced 43 MTSU turnovers. Two first-quarter layups followed Fats Janneh steals, with Janneh assisting on both. Coulibaly also made a 3-pointer off a Naomi White assist, and later scored after taking the ball from Xai Whitfield.

Coaches and teammates see growth

Caldwell said Coulibaly was more comfortable on the floor and expected her to keep improving. She also noted that Tennessee’s new team was still working out how to play together.

Kaylene Smikle called Coulibaly a great player and said she was becoming more comfortable in the system. Janneh said Coulibaly works in the gym every day and that her effort was showing on court.

A composed third-quarter finish

Late in the third quarter, Coulibaly passed up a 3-point attempt, drove into the paint and scored with a scoop after backing down Blair Baugus. The basket put Tennessee ahead 75-40.

Tennessee was plus-23 with Coulibaly on the floor, and she finished without a turnover. The Lady Vols are set to travel to Nashville on Tuesday to play Belmont at 7:30 p.m. ET.