Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
With 37 seconds until halftime, Lady Vols basketball forward Janiah Barker knocked down three to take a 44-36 lead over NC State in Greensboro. In celebration, she turned to the Wolfpack bench and did the universal 3-point signal as she got back on defense.
In response, the officials handed her a questionable technical foul. NC State hit both free throws and would go on to win the game by a possession, 80-77, thanks to a pair of late free throws on an intentional foul. Who knows what would’ve happened if it wasn’t called, but every point proved to matter.
After the game, head coach Kim Caldwell revealed the explanation she got from the officials for the call.
“They said she was taunting,” Caldwell said.
Janiah Barker was assessed a technical foul for taunting after this three.
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The Lady Vols were called for 23 fouls compared to 10 on NC State. While officiating was far from great, Tennessee did get much more physical and out of control at times, leading to the disparity of calls. This was something Caldwell noted she wanted cleaned up after the 100-point exhibition win, as well.
UT was led in points by Talaysia Cooper. The returning guard posted 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including a pair of made 3-pointers. She also contributed 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block in her double-double effort.
Behind Cooper, transfer forward Janiah Barker notched 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field and 3-of-5 on 3-pointers. Also in double digits were Jaida Civil and Mia Pauldo.
Tennessee will be back in action on Friday against ETSU. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET and will air on SECN+.