Live updates for today’s Lady Vols basketball game against LSU, featuring Kim Caldwell and Kim Mulkey

Lady Vols Basketball Game Recap: Tennessee vs. LSU

On February 10, 2025, the Tennessee Lady Vols squared off against the LSU Tigers in what promised to be an exciting SEC showdown. Both teams entered the game with strong seasons and high expectations, with Tennessee being ranked No. 19 in the AP Poll and LSU sitting comfortably at No. 6. This high-stakes matchup showcased the fierce competition within the Southeastern Conference, and fans were anticipating a thrilling contest, especially with the presence of notable coaches Kim Caldwell of Tennessee and Kim Mulkey of LSU. The game took place at LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center, a venue known for its energetic atmosphere and passionate fan base.

The two teams had previously met earlier in the season, with LSU claiming a hard-fought victory, so Tennessee was hoping for a different outcome this time. This game was a critical opportunity for both teams to continue building momentum as they head into the latter part of the regular season and into postseason play.

The First Quarter: A Strong Start for LSU

As the game kicked off, LSU set the tone early. The Tigers were aggressive in their offense, securing an early 4-0 lead after an excellent fast break and some solid shooting from their guards. However, Tennessee wasn’t going to let LSU dominate without a fight. The Lady Vols quickly responded, and the game became a back-and-forth battle in the opening minutes. Senior forward Zee Spearman showed up early for Tennessee, making several key plays and helping the Lady Vols find their rhythm.

By the midway point of the first quarter, the score was tied at 9-9, with Tennessee hitting some impressive shots, including a long-range three-pointer from Spearman. However, LSU’s defense began to take control as the quarter wore on. The Tigers’ defensive pressure caused several turnovers from Tennessee, allowing them to capitalize on fast breaks and extended possessions. LSU’s Kaitlyn Gilbert and Mikaylah Williams were key in this stretch, with Gilbert contributing both as a scorer and facilitator, and Williams hitting crucial shots from mid-range.

As the first quarter came to a close, LSU held a slight lead of 22-20. The game was shaping up to be a nail-biter, with both teams pushing each other to the limit.

The Second Quarter: Tennessee Fights Back

The second quarter began with a surge from Tennessee, as the Lady Vols quickly went on a 7-2 run to take a 27-24 lead. Senior guard Jewel Spear was at the center of this run, showcasing her elite shooting ability. Spear, who has been one of Tennessee’s most reliable players throughout the season, began to heat up, scoring two quick three-pointers to give the Lady Vols some much-needed momentum.

LSU responded, however, with a flurry of their own. The Tigers went on a 9-0 run to reclaim the lead at 33-24. Gilbert and Williams continued to play excellent basketball, both scoring and making plays for others. Tennessee, although initially thrown off by LSU’s run, refused to back down. Spear kept pushing forward, using her perimeter shooting to get the Lady Vols back into the game.

One of the defining moments of the second quarter came when Tennessee’s junior guard Ruby Whitehorn connected on a clutch three-pointer to cut LSU’s lead down to just 35-32. This shot was a testament to Whitehorn’s confidence and ability to step up in big moments, and it served to energize the Lady Vols heading into the latter stages of the quarter.

The teams exchanged baskets for the remainder of the period, and as the halftime buzzer sounded, LSU held a narrow 41-37 advantage. Both teams had shown flashes of brilliance, but neither could establish complete dominance. The stage was set for an intense second half.

The Third Quarter: A Back-and-Forth Battle

The third quarter began with Tennessee coming out strong, as they went on a 7-0 run to take a 44-41 lead. This run included a combination of tough layups and smart offensive execution, showcasing Tennessee’s ability to capitalize on LSU’s mistakes. Tennessee’s defense also picked up in this stretch, forcing the Tigers to take contested shots and committing a few turnovers in the process.

However, LSU quickly regained their composure. Head coach Kim Mulkey made several key adjustments, bringing in fresh legs from the bench to keep the pace high. LSU’s bench proved to be a valuable asset, as players like Mjracle Sheppard contributed significant minutes, keeping the Tigers’ offensive flow intact.

A pivotal moment came when LSU’s Gilbert turned up the intensity. She scored several quick baskets, including a fast break layup, and helped LSU go on a 9-2 run, reclaiming the lead at 50-46. With their backs against the wall, Tennessee fought hard to stay in the game. Whitehorn continued to lead the charge, but LSU’s defense and balanced scoring from both Gilbert and Williams made it difficult for Tennessee to catch up.

As the quarter came to a close, LSU held a 62-57 lead. The Tigers had weathered Tennessee’s initial surge, but the game was far from over. Tennessee had shown enough fight to suggest that the final quarter would be a thrilling conclusion.

The Fourth Quarter: LSU Holds On for the Win

The fourth quarter began with both teams playing with a sense of urgency. Tennessee came out firing, scoring the first seven points of the period, taking a 64-62 lead. This included a spectacular play by Talaysia Cooper, who hit a contested jumper and followed it up with an assist to Spearman for a three-pointer. It was clear that Tennessee was not going to go down without a fight.

But LSU was not to be outdone. The Tigers quickly responded with a 9-0 run of their own, which included a pair of free throws from Gilbert and some clutch shooting from Johnson. With LSU back in the lead at 71-66, Tennessee was left scrambling to respond.

The Lady Vols kept pressing, with Whitehorn continuing to be a major threat on offense. But despite their best efforts, they could not close the gap. A late layup from Whitehorn brought Tennessee within five points at 78-73, but LSU held firm. In the final minutes, the Tigers made crucial free throws to seal the win, finishing the game with an 82-77 victory.

Key Player Performances

• Ruby Whitehorn (Tennessee): Whitehorn led the Lady Vols with 21 points, showcasing her shooting touch from beyond the arc and her ability to score in a variety of ways. Her performance was a bright spot for Tennessee, especially given the team’s overall struggles in containing LSU’s offensive firepower.
• Jewel Spear (Tennessee): Spear added 19 points, including several clutch three-pointers. Her shooting kept Tennessee in the game during key moments, and her ability to create space for herself on offense was invaluable.
• Talaysia Cooper (Tennessee): Cooper contributed 16 points, making timely baskets when Tennessee needed them most. Her versatility on offense, combined with her defensive efforts, made her a key player throughout the game.
• Kailyn Gilbert (LSU): Gilbert was the standout player for LSU, finishing the game with 23 points, including 21 in the second half. Her scoring, coupled with her ability to facilitate for others, made her a nightmare for Tennessee’s defense.
• Mikaylah Williams (LSU): Williams had 16 points and tied her career-high with seven assists. Her all-around game helped keep LSU in control, particularly when they needed someone to step up in the third quarter.
• Aneesah Morrow (LSU): Morrow recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, contributing heavily on both ends of the floor. Her presence in the paint was crucial in helping LSU secure key rebounds, especially late in the game.

While Tennessee fell short in this contest, they showed tremendous fight throughout the game. The Lady Vols were up against one of the most talented teams in the nation and fought hard until the final buzzer. There were several positives to take away from the game, including strong individual performances from Whitehorn, Spear, and Cooper. However, Tennessee will need to tighten up their defense and improve their rebounding efforts if they hope to have success in future matchups.

For LSU, this win marked another important step toward securing a top position in the SEC standings. Coach Kim Mulkey’s Tigers showed great resilience, particularly in the second half when they were able to weather Tennessee’s runs and close out the game with solid execution.

Looking ahead, both teams will be focused on the rest of their SEC schedules. Tennessee, while disappointed with the loss, remains a formidable contender with the ability to challenge the best teams in the league. LSU, with their depth and offensive firepower, will look to continue their dominance as the season progresses.

As the Lady Vols prepare for their next matchup against Auburn on February 13, 2025, they will look to build on the lessons learned in Baton Rouge and continue improving their game. This was a hard-fought loss, but it provided Tennessee with a clear understanding of the areas they need to address to reach their full potential.