The Lady Vols were given the opportunity to play against the best of the best. They faced off against the USA National Team on Sunday night.

This is the fourth time the Lady Vols have hosted the USA National Team. The Lady Vols put up 59 points on the board against the USA’s 95 points.

The start of the game proved to be optimistic for the Lady Vols as they trailed Team USA 15-23 in the first quarter.

“I think our mindset was going in, kind of like what coach Kellie (Harper) preached to us all week, just be tough and be competitive,” senior guard Tess Darby said. “I mean, we came out there fearless. We had nothing to lose. And just kind of embracing the opportunity to be able to compete with the best of the best and knowing that we were able. We held them a little bit closer than what we wanted to.”

Competing against Olympians is more so an opportunity for growth and determination rather than winning. It is also a scouting opportunity for those who want to pursue a career in basketball to the next level.

Rickea Jackson has shared her aspirations of taking her basketball career to the next level. However, the first-round draft predictions do not favor her.

“I honestly think those publications and the experts, so to speak, do a terrible job in mock drafting,” USA Women’s National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve said. “So I don’t think it’s a reflection. I would tell Rickea Jackson to pay no mind to that and just go hooping in your final season, and then things will work out. The draft is just so interesting in terms of who’s going to be in the draft, but she’s a quality player. And as I told her at the end, we’ll be seeing her soon in the WNBA, regardless of what position she’s drafted.”

Jackson played very well in the game, outscoring everyone, including a team full of WNBA players. Jackson scored 15 points, five rebounds and two steals in her 24:07 of play. In addition, Jackson brought intensity and competitiveness to the court and led the Lady Vols to play with the confidence that they showcased in the game.

“I feel like I just came out here and played with my sisters,” Jackson said. “We just played fun basketball. We just played against the best players in the world. So, to be able to hold them to what we held them to, but then again, get good things out of this experience, it just means a lot. So I’m just grateful to even be in those conversations, and I’m thankful for coach (Reeve) for even saying something that nice about me.”

The exhibition was mutually beneficial for each team. It allowed the Lady Vols to experience basketball at its highest level, and it allowed Team USA to take another step in preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The moment the game sunk in for Jackson came in pregame. UT head coach Kellie Harper was giving out matchups and told guard Jewel Spear she was guarding Diana Taurasi. That’s when she realized the competition she was up against.

“I was like, ‘Oh, this is real,’” Jackson said. “We’re really playing against the best players in the world. Being able to have this opportunity means a lot. Some people may look at the score and say that we got embarrassed, but it’s not true. We took a lot away from this game. It built our confidence. They’re the best players in the world.”

The atmosphere at Food City Center was impressive for the exhibition match. From the first 3-pointer to start the game by Sara Puckett to the big block at the end of the game by Tamari Key, the fans stayed for the full contest. Fans also gave an ovation for several Team USA members, including Brittney Griner and Taurasi.

“I was very proud of the fans and the reception that they gave to all the players,” Harper said. “Our fans don’t forget very much, so I know they knew where those players played in college. They understood, but our fans gave them all the reception they deserved. Brittney obviously got a big ovation, and I think people know her story. I actually talked to people who said they were coming specifically to see her and to watch her play. They have become fans throughout her challenges in the last year or so. I was really happy for that team to feel that from our fans.”