Parker benched for first half, but Tennessee routs DePaul

Benched for the first half for missing curfew, Candace Parker scored 17 points and third-ranked Tennessee beat No. 15 DePaul 102-68 on Wednesday night in Chicago.

This wasn't the homecoming Parker had envisioned when coach Pat Summitt scheduled the game. Parker, who grew up in nearby Naperville, didn't start for the first time in her career. She had close to 60 family and friends in attendance including both her grandmothers, who were seeing her play at the collegiate level for the first time.

It was easy to spot Parker's family. They were sitting right behind the Tennessee bench wearing shirts with her photo on the front. On the back was Parker's No. 3. Her mom had the word "Mama" above the number.

They had to wait until the second half to see Parker play.

Even without their All-American, the Lady Vols were too much for DePaul.

Alex Fuller scored 19 points and Nicky Anosike added 17 for the Lady Vols (11-1).

Deirdre Naughton, Allie Quigley and Natasha Williams each scored 13 for DePaul (11-2).