By Brooklyn Harrell
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Lady Volunteers for the first time since 2007, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers defeat No. 5 UConn 80-76 at the Food City Center. The win marked Tennessee’s first victory over the Huskies since 2007, a result that felt like more than just another entry in the record books.
For head coach Kim Caldwell, in her first season at Tennessee, this game was a clear sign of progress.
“I was really proud of our team. That’s a level of play that I knew we could achieve. We just hadn’t yet,” Caldwell said. “It was really good to get that win tonight.”
Tennessee-UConn in the late ‘90s and early 2000s was an iconic rivalry, with Summitt and Geno Auriemma leading powerhouse programs year after year. Under Pat Summitt, the Lady Vols set the standard for excellence, and their matchups with Geno Auriemma’s Huskies became must-watch basketball.
“We talk about Pat Summitt all the time,” Caldwell said. “We play for the standard she set. Winning a game like this, in front of this crowd, means a lot.”
UConn kept the game close, but Tennessee’s ability to rebound and defend in critical moments made the difference. The Lady Vols out-rebounded the Huskies 46-34, limiting second chances and creating their own opportunities.
Zee Spearman led Tennessee with 18 points, including a crucial basket in the final seconds to secure the lead. Samara Spencer added 14 points, while Talaysia Cooper contributed 11 points and eight rebounds.
Caldwell singled out Spearman’s composure in the moment: “There was a different version of Zee in this game. She was locked in, she was focused. This one meant something to her.”
The atmosphere in the Food City Center reflected the weight of the matchup. With nearly 20,000 fans in attendance, the energy on the court mirrored the intensity in the stands.
“Our crowd was phenomenal,” Caldwell said. “They were worth 10 to 15 points easily. I appreciate everyone that came out and cheered.”
Tennessee’s defense limited UConn’s star, Paige Bueckers, to 14 points on 6-of-16 shooting. Freshman standout Sarah Strong led the Huskies with 18 points, but UConn never fully found its rhythm.
UConn made a late push, cutting the deficit to a single possession, but Tennessee remained poised. Caldwell noted that maintaining control in tight situations had been a struggle earlier in the season.
“We had poise down the stretch,” she said. “We played with confidence instead of fear.”
With the win, Tennessee gains momentum heading into the final stretch of SEC play. Caldwell acknowledged that while this victory is meaningful, it is part of a larger process.
“I think we’re getting better. We had a lot of one-possession games against top-10 teams. We needed to win one.”
Tennessee will now turn its focus to conference play, carrying with them the confidence of a program that isn’t just remembering its past—but shaping its future. The Lady Vols play on the road in Baton Rouge against LSU on Sunday evening, February 9th at 4:00 PM