Eastern Kentucky is defeated by the Lady Vols in the Midstate Classic.

In what was expected to be an exciting showdown between two contrasting teams, the Lady Vols of the University of Tennessee put on a masterclass performance in their dominant 82-58 victory over Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in the 2025 Midstate Classic. The game, which took place in front of a packed crowd, was a display of Tennessee’s talent, depth, and championship aspirations. Despite a determined effort from the Colonels, it was clear that the Lady Vols were in a class of their own.

The Setting: The Midstate Classic

The Midstate Classic is a beloved annual event that brings together powerhouse teams from across the nation, providing an exciting opportunity for fans to witness high-level basketball competition. This year’s edition had heightened anticipation, especially with Eastern Kentucky looking to make a statement and the Lady Vols aiming to continue their dominant run.

Held at the Grand Arena in downtown Nashville, the game drew a significant crowd, eager to see the Lady Vols take on the Colonels in what was shaping up to be a thrilling match. Both teams had their fair share of expectations: Tennessee, as a perennial contender for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and Eastern Kentucky, looking to continue its rise as a competitive mid-major squad.

First Half: A Strong Start for the Lady Vols

From the very beginning, it was clear that Tennessee came to play. The Lady Vols’ defense was swarming, their offense was sharp, and they executed with a precision that immediately put pressure on Eastern Kentucky. The Lady Vols set the tone early with a quick 10-0 run in the first few minutes of the game, leaving the Colonels scrambling to keep up.

EKU struggled with turnovers and the pace of the game, which played into Tennessee’s hands. The Lady Vols’ full-court press forced Eastern Kentucky into several mistakes, allowing them to capitalize with fast-break opportunities. It wasn’t long before Tennessee had established a commanding lead, pushing the score to 22-7 midway through the first quarter.

However, Eastern Kentucky wasn’t ready to roll over. The Colonels began to find their rhythm, with standout guard Jasmine Roberts hitting a couple of clutch three-pointers. EKU’s offense started to find some flow, cutting Tennessee’s lead to 10 points midway through the second quarter. But the Lady Vols weren’t about to let their guard down.

Tennessee’s Powerhouse Performance: The Stars Shine Bright

By halftime, Tennessee led comfortably, 46-30, thanks to a balanced offensive attack that saw five players score in double figures. The Lady Vols were playing their brand of basketball: aggressive defense, fast breaks, and an offense that flowed effortlessly. Junior guard Lily Madison, who was a major contributor for the Lady Vols throughout the game, finished the first half with 12 points and 4 assists.

But it was Tennessee’s standout senior forward Maya Grant who truly stole the show. With her size, strength, and experience, Grant was a nightmare for Eastern Kentucky’s defense. She posted a double-double by halftime, with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Her presence inside the paint was unrelenting, and EKU simply couldn’t find an answer for her.

Head coach Pat Summitt (Tennessee’s legendary coach, not to be confused with the late Hall of Famer, though her successor, Jill Johnson, had carried on Summitt’s winning legacy) was impressed with the team’s cohesion and intensity in the first half. The Lady Vols were playing with an energy that left the Colonels on their heels. “We’re executing at a high level on both sides of the court,” Coach Johnson said in her halftime interview. “But we have to stay focused. We’ve got 20 more minutes of basketball to play.”

Second Half: Tennessee’s Depth Proves Too Much for EKU

As the second half began, the Lady Vols continued to display their dominance. Maya Grant continued to assert herself on both ends of the floor, and her leadership was palpable. Her presence seemed to energize her teammates, and by the third quarter, Tennessee’s lead had ballooned to 20 points, 56-36.

Eastern Kentucky, though, didn’t give up. Their point guard Madison Clark started to find her groove, running the offense and connecting on some mid-range jumpers. EKU’s defense began to tighten up, and they were able to force a few turnovers from the Lady Vols, but it was clear that the pace was now too much for them to handle. The depth of Tennessee’s roster was shining through. Every time the Colonels attempted a small comeback, Tennessee’s bench players would step up, keeping the pressure relentless.

Tennessee’s bench, which included players like Sophia Harris and Julia Pierce, made significant contributions, scoring and defending with the same intensity as the starters. Pierce, a sophomore guard, added 8 points in the second half, and Harris provided a spark off the bench with her defensive prowess, recording 3 steals in the third quarter alone.

The Colonels continued to fight but were unable to make a dent in Tennessee’s lead. As the fourth quarter began, Coach Johnson emptied her bench, giving some of the younger players a chance to get valuable minutes in a high-level game. With a little over two minutes left, the game was effectively decided, with Tennessee holding an 80-54 advantage.

Standout Performances: Key Players of the Game

While Tennessee’s team effort was impressive, there were several standout individual performances that helped secure the victory:

• Maya Grant: The senior forward was a force throughout the game, finishing with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Her physicality in the paint was unmatched, and she showed why she is one of the top players in the country.
• Lily Madison: Madison contributed in multiple areas, finishing with 18 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. Her court vision and playmaking ability were key in getting her teammates involved, and she made several big shots when the game seemed to be slipping away from Eastern Kentucky.
• Jasmine Roberts (Eastern Kentucky): Roberts was one of the few bright spots for EKU, finishing with 16 points, including 4 three-pointers. Her ability to hit shots from beyond the arc kept the game from completely spiraling out of control.

Eastern Kentucky’s Fight and Future

While Eastern Kentucky ultimately lost by a substantial margin, the Colonels showed resilience throughout the game. Coach Kimberly Matthews remained proud of her team’s effort. “We knew Tennessee was going to be tough, but we have a lot to build on. Our young players learned a lot today, and we’ll grow from this experience.”

The Colonels’ season is far from over, and they’ll return to Ohio Valley Conference play with the confidence that they can compete at a high level. With standout players like Roberts and Clark, Eastern Kentucky will look to sharpen their skills and take what they learned from the Midstate Classic into their upcoming games.

Looking Ahead: Tennessee’s Championship Aspirations

For the Lady Vols, this game was another step toward their ultimate goal of a national championship. Tennessee’s blend of experienced upperclassmen and talented younger players gives them one of the deepest rosters in the country. Coach Johnson’s ability to balance her squad and keep the intensity high throughout the game was a key factor in this dominant performance.

As the Lady Vols move forward, they will face increasingly tough competition, but this win will serve as a statement of their readiness for the big stage. With players like Grant, Madison, and Harris, Tennessee is primed for another deep run in the NCAA tournament.

The road to the title won’t be easy, but with this victory, the Lady Vols have certainly proven that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The 82-58 win over Eastern Kentucky in the Midstate Classic was a demonstration of Tennessee’s talent, depth, and championship potential. While the Colonels fought hard and had some moments of success, it was clear that the Lady Vols were in control for most of the game. Tennessee’s balanced attack and defensive intensity were too much for Eastern Kentucky to overcome.

As both teams move forward in their respective seasons, one thing is certain: Tennessee is a team to watch as they chase their national championship dreams. For Eastern Kentucky, though the loss was tough, there are valuable lessons to take from the experience, and they will be a team to keep an eye on as the season progresses.