March Madness 2022: Lady Vols beat Buffalo, perfect in NCAA home openers

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The Tennessee Lady Vols made coach Kellie Harper a winner in her first NCAA Tournament game on their home court coaching her alma mater.

Alexus Dye scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as fourth-seeded Tennessee held off No. 13 seed Buffalo 80-67 Saturday afternoon to remain perfect opening an NCAA Tournament at home.

"All wins are good wins, especially when you get to the NCAA Tournament," Harper said.

Tennessee (24-8) improved to 24-0 in the first round at home, though the Lady Vols’ first game here since 2018 was much tighter than any of the orange-clad fans wanted. They will play 12th-seeded Belmont, a double overtime winner over No. 5 seed Oregon, Monday for a berth in the Wichita Region semifinal.

Senior Rae Burrell scored 15 after halftime, including nine in the third quarter helping Tennessee to a 57-51 lead going into the final quarter. Then the Lady Vols sealed the victory outscoring Buffalo 12-3 to open the fourth, including 10 straight.

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Tennessee guard Rae Burrell (12) shoots past Buffalo guard Dominique Camp (11) during the first half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Saturday, March 19, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

The Lady Vols had a very good feeling when Sara Puckett's lone 3 in the third bounced off the backboard and front rim before falling in.

"That's the luck of playing at home, first round of the NCAA Tournament, being able to host," Tamari Key said. "I feel like the basketball gods were just in our favor today."

Key’s putback gave Tennessee its biggest lead at 73-58 with 5:09 left. Key finished with 16