The Lady Vols muzzle the Huskies

In a thrilling encounter on February 6, 2025, the No. 19 Tennessee Lady Volunteers secured a landmark victory over the No. 5 UConn Huskies, triumphing 80-76. This win marks Tennessee's first over UConn since 2007, ending a significant drought in one of women's college basketball's most storied rivalries.

The Lady Vols' success was spearheaded by Zee Spearman, who delivered a standout performance with 16 points and seven rebounds, including the decisive basket with 15 seconds remaining. Contributions also came from Samara Spencer (14 points), Jewel Spear (12 points), and Talaysia Cooper (11 points). The team's aggressive play was evident, particularly during a pivotal 13-0 run in the third quarter that shifted the game's momentum.

Tennessee forward Zee Spearman celebrates in the game against UConn Huskies

UConn's efforts were led by Sarah Strong, who scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Paige Bueckers, who added 14 points. Off the bench, KK Arnold provided a significant spark, contributing 10 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Arnold's energy and impact continue to make a strong case for her inclusion in the starting lineup.

The atmosphere in Thompson-Boling Arena played a pivotal role in Tennessee's victory. The home crowd's energy and enthusiasm created a challenging environment for the Huskies, contributing to the Lady Vols' success. After the game, Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell credited the fans, saying, "Our crowd was phenomenal. They were worth 10 to 15 points easily." UConn star Paige Bueckers acknowledged the difficulty of playing in such an environment, calling it "a hostile environment with a loud and engaged crowd making it hard to play."

This victory is especially significant for Tennessee's head coach, Kim Caldwell, who returned to the sidelines just one week after giving birth to her first child. While Tennessee can revel in this program-defining win, UConn is left with more questions than answers. The Huskies remain atop the Big East, but their struggles against elite competition this season have been glaring. Losses to Notre Dame, USC, and now Tennessee suggest that while they dominate their conference, they’ve yet to prove they can go toe-to-toe with the nation’s best.

In the post-game press conference, a dejected-looking UConn head coach Geno Auriemma remarked, "When we play a really good team on the road, you know you need contributions from your best players, and it's hard if you don't get that." This comment appeared to be a subtle critique of star guard Paige Bueckers, who struggled offensively during the game. Bueckers scored 14 points, below her season average of 20.5 points per game. Her shooting efficiency also dipped, as she made only 5 of her 15 field goal attempts, compared to her season field goal percentage of 52%.

Beyond individual performances, questions must now be asked of Auriemma himself. The Hall of Fame coach has drawn criticism from many quarters, with some believing the game has passed him by. Once the most dominant force in women's college basketball, Auriemma’s UConn teams have repeatedly fallen short against the best in recent seasons. Compared to coaches like Kim Mulkey, Dawn Staley, and Niele Ivey—who appear to get the most out of their players—Auriemma’s methods seem increasingly outdated. His team looks fundamentally strong but lacks the edge needed to compete at the highest level. UConn appears to be all Husky and no dog.

For Tennessee, this victory could serve as a turning point. The Lady Vols have flirted with signature wins all season, coming close against Oklahoma, LSU, and Vanderbilt, only to fall just short. This time, they finished the job. If they can build on this momentum, it might just be the moment that pushes them back into the national conversation. This year might be too soon for them to be true title contenders, but the future looks bright for the Lady Vols.