The Tennessee Volunteers defeated the No. 5 UConn Huskies by a huge margin.

In a thrilling encounter on February 6, 2025, the No. 19 Tennessee Lady Volunteers secured a landmark victory over the No. 5 UConn Huskies, ending a 17-year drought against their storied rivals. The final score of 80-76 not only marked Tennessee’s first win over UConn since 2007 but also underscored the resurgence of the Lady Vols under head coach Kim Caldwell. citeturn0search0

A Historic Rivalry Rekindled

The Tennessee-UConn rivalry is one of the most celebrated in women’s college basketball. Dating back to the mid-1990s, these two programs have frequently clashed in high-stakes games, including national championships and Final Four matchups. The rivalry had been on hiatus for several years before being renewed in recent seasons, much to the delight of basketball enthusiasts.

Prior to this game, the Huskies had dominated recent meetings, winning the last five encounters. Tennessee’s last victory over UConn was a 70-64 win in Hartford on January 6, 2007. citeturn0search0 This context set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville.

Game Highlights

The Lady Vols showcased a balanced offensive attack, with four of their five starters scoring in double figures. Junior guard Zee Spearman was instrumental in the victory, contributing 16 points and seven rebounds. Her decisive layup in the final moments sealed the win for Tennessee. citeturn0news10

Sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper added 15 points, while senior guard Jewell Spear and junior guard Samara Spencer chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively. The bench also made a significant impact, contributing a combined 20 points. citeturn0news10

For UConn, freshman forward Sarah Strong led the team with 18 points and nine rebounds. Redshirt senior guard Paige Bueckers, despite struggling from the field with a 5-for-16 shooting performance, managed to score 14 points and dished out eight assists. citeturn0search2

Turning Points

The game was a tale of momentum shifts. UConn started strong, leading 13-12 midway through the first quarter, thanks to early contributions from Strong and Bueckers. However, Tennessee responded with a three-pointer from Spencer, igniting a competitive back-and-forth between the teams.

The third quarter proved pivotal. Tennessee’s defense intensified, particularly against UConn’s Azzi Fudd, forcing turnovers and drawing fouls. Spencer’s aggressive drives to the basket spearheaded a 13-0 run, turning a 45-41 deficit into a 54-45 lead for the Lady Vols. citeturn0news10

Despite UConn’s efforts to close the gap, including a clutch three-pointer by Bueckers that tied the game at 74 with just over two minutes remaining, Tennessee remained poised. Spearman’s late-game heroics, coupled with key free throws from Cooper, ensured the Lady Vols maintained their lead until the final buzzer.

Significance of the Victory

This win is a testament to the Lady Vols’ growth and resilience under Coach Caldwell. It not only ended a long-standing losing streak against UConn but also marked Tennessee’s first home victory over a top-five ranked team since defeating No. 2/3 South Carolina in 2021. citeturn0search0

The victory also has implications for postseason seeding and highlights Tennessee’s potential as a formidable contender in women’s college basketball. For UConn, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with maintaining elite status and the need for continual improvement.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will look to learn from this game as they progress through the season. Tennessee aims to build on this momentum, while UConn will seek to address the issues that led to their defeat. Fans can anticipate future matchups between these two powerhouses, as the renewed rivalry continues to captivate the basketball world.