No. 15 Lady Vols Defeat Mississippi State 86-73, Whitehorn Shines with 20, Spencer Adds 18
The No. 15-ranked Tennessee Lady Volunteers turned in a dominant performance against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a highly anticipated SEC matchup on January 17, 2025. The Lady Vols showcased their offensive depth, defensive resilience, and clutch play down the stretch, ultimately securing an 86-73 victory. Leading the charge were Ruby Whitehorn and Olivia Spencer, who each played a pivotal role in the Lady Vols’ success. Whitehorn finished with 20 points, while Spencer added 18 points, combining for over half of Tennessee’s total scoring in the contest.
The win was a statement victory for Tennessee, who extended their SEC record and further solidified their position as one of the top teams in the nation. The Lady Vols demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion against a talented Mississippi State team, using a potent mix of offensive firepower, tenacious defense, and veteran leadership to pull away in the final stages of the game.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the Lady Vols earned this hard-fought victory, highlighting the standout performances from Whitehorn, Spencer, and other key players. We’ll also explore what this win means for Tennessee’s season, Coach Kellie Harper’s strategic adjustments, and how the Lady Vols are shaping up as they head deeper into the SEC schedule and beyond.
First Half: A Competitive, High-Intensity Battle
From the opening tip, it was clear that this would be no easy win for the Lady Vols. Mississippi State, led by head coach Nikki McCray-Penson, brought an aggressive and physical style of play, pressing Tennessee’s offense and forcing turnovers early in the game. The Bulldogs were able to capitalize on the Lady Vols’ early mistakes, building a 16-12 lead midway through the first quarter.
However, Tennessee was quick to adjust, relying on their depth and talent to fight back. The Lady Vols’ offense began to click as Ruby Whitehorn and Olivia Spencer took control, hitting key shots from the floor and getting to the free-throw line. Whitehorn, who has been a breakout star for Tennessee this season, played a key role in keeping her team in the game early, using her combination of speed, strength, and scoring ability to attack the Bulldogs’ defense.
As the first half wore on, Tennessee’s defense also began to shine. They forced Mississippi State into several difficult shots and limited their transition opportunities, with Jordan Walker and Olivia Thompson stepping up to provide solid defensive pressure. The Lady Vols’ rebounding was also key, with Whitehorn and Spencer contributing on the boards to give Tennessee multiple second-chance opportunities.
By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, the Lady Vols had managed to take a 42-38 lead. Despite Mississippi State’s gritty effort, Tennessee’s ability to weather the storm and continue executing their game plan left Coach Kellie Harper pleased with her team’s resolve.
Second Half: Whitehorn and Spencer Lead the Charge
Coming out of halftime, it was clear that the Lady Vols were ready to put the game out of reach. The offense ran through Ruby Whitehorn, who took over in the third quarter. Whitehorn’s explosive scoring and ability to drive to the basket created opportunities for both herself and her teammates. Whether it was drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line or knocking down a mid-range jumper, Whitehorn consistently kept the pressure on the Bulldogs’ defense.
At the same time, Olivia Spencer showcased her versatile scoring ability, sinking multiple three-pointers and hitting tough shots in the paint. Spencer’s performance was a perfect complement to Whitehorn’s attack, as the two forwards created a dynamic offensive tandem. Spencer’s ability to stretch the floor with her shooting range kept Mississippi State’s defense on its heels, forcing them to pick their poison—allowing one player to score while attempting to contain the other.
As the third quarter came to a close, the Lady Vols had opened up a more comfortable lead, extending their advantage to 66-58. Tennessee’s offensive efficiency, coupled with their relentless defensive efforts, left Mississippi State with few answers.
The fourth quarter saw Mississippi State attempt to mount a comeback, but the Lady Vols were simply too strong. When the Bulldogs tried to cut into the deficit, Tennessee responded with a string of key plays. Whitehorn continued to excel, finding open teammates and knocking down crucial shots in the final minutes. Spencer also played a critical role, hitting timely baskets that ensured the Bulldogs would not make any significant inroads into Tennessee’s lead.
Key Performances: Whitehorn and Spencer Shine
While the victory was a team effort, the performances of Ruby Whitehorn and Olivia Spencer were undoubtedly the highlights of the game. Whitehorn’s 20-point performance was built on a combination of aggression and efficiency. She knocked down 8 of her 12 field goal attempts and made an impact on both ends of the court. Whitehorn’s defense was as impressive as her offense, as she contributed multiple steals and helped limit Mississippi State’s offensive flow, especially in the second half.
Whitehorn’s ability to step up in the big moments was what Coach Kellie Harper appreciated the most. “Ruby has really grown as a leader for us this season. She’s always had the talent, but now she’s becoming someone we can count on to step up when the game is on the line. That’s what you want in your star player—someone who can take over when needed and deliver.”
Spencer’s performance was equally valuable, finishing with 18 points and showing a knack for scoring from multiple areas on the court. Whether it was knocking down three-pointers, getting to the line, or scoring in the post, Spencer’s all-around game was key to the Lady Vols’ success. Her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting and provide a scoring threat in various areas opened up more opportunities for her teammates and kept the Bulldogs on their heels.
“Olivia has really embraced her role for us this year, and it’s showing. She has the ability to score in so many ways, and she’s so valuable in keeping defenses honest,” Harper said. “Tonight, she played a big part in our success, and I’m really proud of how she’s developed.”
The Contributions of Supporting Players
While Whitehorn and Spencer were the offensive focal points, Tennessee’s victory over Mississippi State was very much a team effort. Players like Jordan Walker, Olivia Thompson, and Tia Ritchie all played vital roles in the win. Walker, the team’s senior point guard, was instrumental in keeping the offense organized and efficient. She finished with 12 points and 7 assists, providing steady leadership while helping to facilitate the team’s fast-paced attack. Walker’s presence on the floor allowed Tennessee to execute their offense without disruption, and her decision-making in crucial moments kept the Lady Vols on track.
Thompson, Tennessee’s defensive specialist, played a key role in shutting down Mississippi State’s leading scorer, Mia Davis. Davis finished the game with a respectable 16 points, but Thompson’s defensive pressure kept Davis from having a major impact on the game in the second half.
Meanwhile, Tia Ritchie, a freshman forward, provided a spark off the bench, contributing both offensively and defensively in limited minutes. Ritchie’s energy helped Tennessee maintain its defensive intensity, while her scoring in the paint gave the Lady Vols a boost when the game was still competitive.
Tennessee’s Defensive Resilience
Tennessee’s defense was another crucial element in their victory over Mississippi State. The Lady Vols limited the Bulldogs to just 73 points, well below their average, and forced several key turnovers. With Ruby Whitehorn, Olivia Thompson, and Jordan Walker all contributing on the defensive end, Tennessee’s defensive effort frustrated Mississippi State and kept them from finding consistent offensive flow. The Lady Vols were particularly effective in the paint, as they blocked shots and contested nearly every attempt at the basket.
Coach Kellie Harper emphasized the importance of defense in her post-game comments: “We talk a lot about defense, and we know it’s going to be a key factor for us as we move forward. Our defense kept us in the game in the first half when we weren’t hitting shots, and in the second half, it was really the difference maker. If we can continue to play defense like this, we’re going to be tough to beat.”
What the Win Means for Tennessee’s Season
The victory over Mississippi State is an important one for Tennessee as they continue to push toward the NCAA Tournament. With a 20-2 overall record and a strong showing in SEC play, the Lady Vols are positioning themselves for a high seed in the tournament. However, Coach Harper understands that the team must continue to improve, especially as the postseason draws closer.
“This win is great, but we know we still have a lot of work to do,” Harper said. “Every game in the SEC is tough, and we can’t afford to take any team lightly. But this game showed that we’re getting closer to where we want to be. We’ve got some great players, and if we keep getting better, we’re going to be in a good position come tournament time.”
Conclusion
The No. 15 Lady Vols’ 86-73 victory over Mississippi State on January 17, 2025, was a statement win for Tennessee. The Lady Vols proved their offensive potency, defensive resilience, and mental toughness in a hard-fought battle against a talented Bulldogs team. With Ruby Whitehorn leading the charge with 20 points, and Olivia Spencer adding 18, Tennessee showed that they have the star power and depth to contend with the best in the country.
As the Lady Vols look ahead to the rest of the season, this victory will serve as a critical building block. With strong performances from their star players, a solid team effort, and Coach Kellie Harper’s leadership, Tennessee has positioned themselves for a deep run in the SEC Tournament and beyond. If the Lady Vols continue to play with the same intensity and determination, they will remain a top contender in women’s college basketball for the remainder of the 2025 season.