In a thrilling matchup on February 6, 2025, the No. 19 Tennessee Lady Volunteers secured a landmark 80-76 victory over the No. 5 UConn Huskies, marking their first win against UConn since 2007. 
The game was tightly contested, featuring six lead changes and seven ties. Tennessee’s forward, Zee Spearman, delivered a standout performance with 18 points, including a crucial basket in the final seconds to seal the win. Guard Samara Spencer added 14 points, while Jewel Spear and Talaysia Cooper contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
UConn’s freshman forward, Sarah Strong, led her team with 18 points, showcasing her versatility and strength. Despite her efforts and those of teammates Paige Bueckers (14 points) and Kk Arnold (11 points), the Huskies were unable to overcome Tennessee’s resilience.
First-year head coach Kim Caldwell, who had recently returned after giving birth, expressed pride in her team’s performance, stating, “That’s a very good team but I thought we outworked them.” This victory not only ended a four-game losing streak to UConn but also signified a potential turning point for the Lady Vols under Caldwell’s leadership.
The Lady Vols’ dominance on the boards was evident, as they outrebounded the Huskies 46-34, a factor that played a significant role in their triumph. This win improved Tennessee’s record to 17-5, providing a momentum boost as they prepared to face No. 6 LSU in their next outing.
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