Sweet Success: The Lady Vols play Texas in the Sweet 16 to try to earn their 29th Elite Eight appearance.

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Sweet Success: The Lady Vols play Texas in the Sweet 16 to try to earn their 29th Elite Eight appearance.

​The Tennessee Lady Volunteers are on the brink of securing their 29th Elite Eight appearance as they prepare to face the Texas Longhorns in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. This highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC. ​

Season Overview

The Lady Vols, seeded fifth in the tournament, have demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the season, culminating in a 24-9 record. Their journey to the Sweet 16 included decisive victories over South Florida and Ohio State, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Under the leadership of head coach Kim Caldwell, Tennessee has blended experienced upperclassmen with dynamic underclassmen, creating a balanced and formidable lineup.

Texas, the No. 1 seed, boasts an impressive 33-3 record. The Longhorns’ path to the Sweet 16 featured commanding wins over William & Mary and Illinois. Senior point guard Rori Harmon has been instrumental in Texas’ success, providing leadership and exceptional playmaking abilities. ​

Regular Season Encounter

The two teams met earlier this season on January 23, 2025, in Austin, where Texas edged out Tennessee with an 80-76 victory. The game was fiercely contested, featuring 15 lead changes and highlighting the competitive parity between the programs. Notably, Coach Caldwell was absent from this matchup due to the birth of her son, Conor, adding an emotional layer to the upcoming rematch.

Key Players to Watch

  • Tennessee Lady Volunteers:

    • Jordan Horston (Guard): Averaging 16.2 points per game, Horston’s versatility allows her to impact both ends of the court.​

    • Tamari Key (Center): Standing at 6’6″, Key anchors the defense with her shot-blocking ability and contributes significantly in the paint.​

  • Texas Longhorns:

    • Rori Harmon (Point Guard): With nearly 1,300 career points and over 700 assists, Harmon’s leadership and experience are pivotal for Texas. ​

    • Madison Booker (Forward): Known for her clutch performances, Booker is expected to be a significant factor in the game.

Historical Context

Tennessee’s women’s basketball program has a storied legacy, having appeared in all 43 NCAA Tournaments since its inception in 1982. The Lady Vols have secured eight national championships and 18 Final Four appearances, underscoring their sustained excellence.

Texas also boasts a rich history in women’s basketball, with multiple Final Four appearances and a national championship. The Longhorns’ consistent performance has solidified their status as a powerhouse in collegiate women’s basketball.​

Coaching Matchup

Coach Kim Caldwell, in her inaugural season with Tennessee, has quickly made a significant impact, guiding the Lady Vols back to national prominence. Her strategic acumen and ability to foster team cohesion have been evident throughout the season.​

Texas’ Coach Vic Schaefer, renowned for his defensive strategies, has a proven track record of success, including multiple Elite Eight appearances. His experience and tactical approach will be critical in this Sweet 16 showdown.​

Game Dynamics

Tennessee’s success often hinges on their three-point shooting and transition offense. If the Lady Vols can establish an early rhythm from beyond the arc and capitalize on fast-break opportunities, they can put significant pressure on Texas.​

Conversely, Texas excels in half-court defense and controlling the game’s tempo. The Longhorns will likely aim to disrupt Tennessee’s offensive flow and leverage their size advantage in the post.​

Fan and Media Anticipation

The matchup has garnered considerable attention, with analysts highlighting the contrast in playing styles and the personal narratives involved, particularly Coach Caldwell’s return to the sideline against Texas. Fans from both programs are expected to fill Legacy Arena, creating an electric atmosphere befitting a Sweet 16 clash.​

As the Tennessee Lady Volunteers seek their 29th Elite Eight berth, the Sweet 16 matchup against the Texas Longhorns promises to be a compelling contest between two storied programs. With both teams showcasing talent, experience, and a hunger for advancement, this game epitomizes the excitement and unpredictability of March Madness. Fans can anticipate a hard-fought battle where strategic execution and individual performances will be decisive in determining which team advances to the Elite Eight.

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