Bjorklund’s hot hand ignites Volunteers’ rout

Former University High School star Angie Bjorklund matched a career high with seven 3-pointers for 21 points and Candace Parker added 20 points to propel the No. 3 Tennessee Lady Volunteers to an 87-63 victory over the 14th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend, Ind.

Bjorklund, a freshman, said the Irish left her wide open because they were double- and triple-teaming Parker.

“I think it helps to have five players out there on the court every time who can score,” Bjorklund said.

Still, Bjorklund was surprised how wide open the Irish left her. So was Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw.

“I think if I was that open I’d probably make them, too,” she said.

The Lady Vols (12-1) took control from the start by making their first four 3-pointers, three of them by Bjorklund. Tennessee used a 22-2 run midway through the first half to open a 30-10 lead.

Tennessee improved to 19-0 all time against the Irish (12-2), who had their winning streak stopped at 10 games.

(4) North Carolina 99, Georgia Tech 78: Rashanda McCants scored 19 points to lead the Tar Heels (14-1) over the Yellow Jackets (13-2) in Chapel Hill, N.C., in an Atlantic Coast Conference opener.

Georgia Tech’s Jacqua Williams set an ACC record with 11 steals.

(6) Rutgers 58, St. John’s 50: Epiphanny Prince scored 15 points to lead the Scarlet Knights (11-2) past the Red Storm (9-5) in Piscataway, N.J., in a Big East opener.