In a stunning turn of events, the No. 19 Tennessee Lady Volunteers triumphed over the No. 5 University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies with a final score of 80-74 on February 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. This victory marks Tennessee’s first win against UConn since 2007, ending an 18-year drought in this storied rivalry.
A Historic Rivalry Rekindled
The Tennessee-UConn women’s basketball rivalry is one of the most celebrated in collegiate sports. Since their first meeting in 1995, the two programs have been powerhouses, with UConn securing 11 national titles and Tennessee claiming eight. Their matchups have often been marquee events, showcasing the pinnacle of women’s basketball talent and competition.
Game Highlights
The game was a showcase of skill, strategy, and determination. Tennessee’s guard Zee Spearman was instrumental in the victory, contributing 16 points and seven rebounds, including the game-securing basket in the final moments. Her performance was complemented by teammates Talaysia Cooper, Jewell Spear, and Samara Spencer, each scoring in double figures. The Lady Vols’ bench also made a significant impact, adding 20 points to the team’s total.
On the opposing side, UConn’s Sarah Strong led with 18 points and nine rebounds. Paige Bueckers, despite struggling from the field with a 5-for-16 shooting performance, managed to score 14 points. The Huskies faced challenges, particularly in the third quarter, when Tennessee’s aggressive defense led to a pivotal 13-0 run, turning a 45-41 deficit into a 54-45 lead.
Turning Point
The third quarter proved decisive. Tennessee intensified their defensive efforts, particularly against UConn’s Azzi Fudd, forcing turnovers and drawing fouls. Samara Spencer’s relentless drives to the basket disrupted UConn’s defense, contributing significantly to the Lady Vols’ 13-0 run. This surge shifted the momentum firmly in Tennessee’s favor.
Final Moments
As the game entered its final phase, UConn rallied, with a three-pointer from Paige Bueckers tying the score at 74 with just over two minutes remaining. However, Tennessee remained composed. Spearman scored to regain the lead, followed by two crucial free throws from Cooper, sealing the victory for the Lady Vols. A missed three-point attempt by Bueckers in the closing seconds dashed UConn’s hopes of a comeback.
Coaching Perspectives
Tennessee’s head coach, Kim Caldwell, praised her team’s effort, stating, “That’s a very good team, but I thought we outworked them.” This sentiment reflects the Lady Vols’ determination and resilience throughout the game.
Implications for Tennessee
This victory is more than just a single win; it signifies a potential turning point for Tennessee’s program. The Lady Vols demonstrated that they could compete with and defeat top-tier teams, showcasing their growth and resilience. The performance of their guards, combined with effective bench contributions, highlights the team’s depth and versatility.
Challenges for UConn
For UConn, the loss underscores areas needing improvement. While the Huskies have been dominant in recent years, this game revealed vulnerabilities, particularly in handling aggressive defensive strategies. Paige Bueckers’ shooting struggles and Azzi Fudd’s difficulties under pressure indicate areas where the team can focus their efforts as they prepare for future high-stakes matchups.
Historical Context
The Tennessee-UConn rivalry has been marked by intense competition and mutual respect. Their first meeting in 1995 saw UConn defeat Tennessee 77-66, setting the stage for numerous memorable encounters. Over the years, UConn has led the series, but Tennessee’s recent victory adds a new chapter to this storied rivalry.
Tennessee Ends UConn’s 18-Year Dominance with Stunning Victory in Knoxville
In a thrilling showdown on February 6, 2025, the No. 19 Tennessee Lady Volunteers secured a historic victory over the No. 5 UConn Huskies, winning 80-74 at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee. This win not only ended UConn’s 18-year winning streak against Tennessee but also reignited one of the most celebrated rivalries in women’s college basketball.
A Rivalry Renewed
The Tennessee-UConn rivalry has long been a marquee event in women’s college basketball. These two powerhouses have defined the sport, producing legendary players and unforgettable moments. However, since 2007, the Huskies had dominated the Lady Vols, maintaining an 18-year stranglehold on the series. Tennessee’s victory was not just another win—it was a statement that the program was back among the elite.
Game Recap: How Tennessee Stunned UConn
From the opening tip-off, it was evident that this was going to be a battle. UConn entered the game with confidence, riding a six-game winning streak and boasting an experienced lineup led by All-American Paige Bueckers and standout freshman Sarah Strong.
Tennessee, however, had different plans. The Lady Vols played with grit and determination, spearheaded by guard Zee Spearman, who delivered an impressive 16-point, 7-rebound performance. The Lady Vols’ bench was also a key factor, contributing 20 points, which kept the Huskies from pulling away at crucial moments.
The pivotal moment came in the third quarter. UConn led 45-41 when Tennessee’s defense intensified, forcing multiple turnovers and capitalizing on a 13-0 scoring run. During this stretch, Tennessee guards Talaysia Cooper and Samara Spencer took control, slicing through UConn’s defense and hitting timely shots to shift momentum.
UConn fought back in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 74 with just over two minutes remaining after a clutch three-pointer from Bueckers. But Tennessee responded. Spearman’s mid-range jumper put the Lady Vols ahead, followed by crucial free throws from Cooper. UConn had one last chance, but Bueckers’ three-point attempt rimmed out, sealing Tennessee’s triumph.
Postgame Reactions: A Statement Win for Tennessee
After the game, Tennessee’s head coach Kim Caldwell praised her team’s resilience. “That’s a very good team we just played, but I thought we outworked them tonight,” she said. “We stayed disciplined, and we showed that Tennessee basketball is still a force to be reckoned with.”
Zee Spearman, the game’s standout performer, echoed her coach’s sentiments. “We wanted this one bad. We knew how long it had been since Tennessee beat UConn, and we were determined to change that,” she said.
On the UConn side, head coach Geno Auriemma acknowledged his team’s struggles. “We didn’t execute the way we needed to in the third quarter, and that’s where the game turned,” Auriemma admitted. “Tennessee played harder, and they deserved to win.”
What This Means for Tennessee
This victory is more than just a single win; it marks a significant turning point for the Lady Vols. In recent years, Tennessee has struggled to return to the level of dominance it enjoyed under legendary coach Pat Summitt. However, under Caldwell’s leadership, the program is showing signs of resurgence.
Defeating a top-five team like UConn sends a clear message: Tennessee is back. The contributions from a deep roster, including rising stars like Spearman and Cooper, indicate that the Lady Vols have the talent and depth to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Challenges for UConn
For UConn, this loss highlights some areas that need improvement. While the Huskies have been one of the most dominant programs in women’s basketball history, this game exposed some vulnerabilities. Paige Bueckers, typically a reliable scorer, struggled with efficiency, shooting just 5-for-16 from the field. The team also struggled with turnovers, particularly during Tennessee’s decisive third-quarter run.
Despite this setback, UConn remains a national title contender. Auriemma’s team will undoubtedly use this loss as a learning experience, making the necessary adjustments as they prepare for the postseason.
Historical Context: The Legacy of Tennessee vs. UConn
The rivalry between Tennessee and UConn dates back to 1995 when the Huskies won their first meeting 77-66. Over the years, these two programs have combined for 19 national championships—UConn with 11 and Tennessee with eight. Their battles have featured legendary players such as Chamique Holdsclaw, Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, and Breanna Stewart.
The rivalry took a hiatus from 2007 to 2020 due to tension between the programs but was rekindled in 2020 with renewed intensity. Though UConn had dominated in recent years, Tennessee’s victory in 2025 signals a possible shift in the power dynamic.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
This game will likely have major implications for both programs as the season progresses. For Tennessee, the win boosts their NCAA Tournament seeding prospects and builds confidence heading into crucial SEC matchups. The Lady Vols will look to build on this momentum as they aim for a deep March Madness run.
For UConn, this loss serves as a wake-up call. The Huskies will need to regroup quickly as they face a tough slate of Big East opponents. Auriemma will surely use this game as motivation for his squad to improve their execution under pressure.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee’s victory over UConn was not just an upset—it was a defining moment for a program seeking to return to the pinnacle of women’s college basketball. The Lady Vols showcased resilience, skill, and determination, proving that they are once again a team to watch.
For fans of women’s basketball, this game served as a reminder of why the Tennessee-UConn rivalry remains one of the sport’s most electrifying matchups. If this game is any indication, the future of this rivalry promises to be as thrilling as ever.