The Tennessee Lady Vols pulled off a major upset, defeating No. 5 UConn 80-76 and ending the Huskies’ impressive 11-game winning streak. This victory is particularly significant as it marks Tennessee’s first triumph over Geno Auriemma’s squad since 2007, breaking a four-game losing streak against the perennial powerhouse.
Under the leadership of first-year head coach Kim Caldwell, Tennessee continues to make history. Just 17 days after giving birth to her son, Caldwell became only the second coach in Lady Vols history—joining the legendary Pat Summitt—to defeat UConn. Hired in April, Caldwell briefly stepped away for one game following her son’s birth, missing the 80-76 loss to No. 4 Texas on Jan. 23, but returned to lead the team against South Carolina on Jan. 27.
Although Tennessee fell to Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks last week, they bounced back in spectacular fashion against UConn, holding off a determined late-game rally from Auriemma’s squad. The matchup remained fiercely competitive throughout, featuring six lead changes and seven ties. The largest lead of the night was just eight points, when Tennessee went up 62-54 early in the fourth quarter.
With a raucous orange-and-white-clad crowd behind them, UConn fought back, surging on a 15-7 run to even the score at 69-69. Tennessee responded with a crucial go-ahead basket, taking a 76-74 lead with 1:41 left on the clock. A critical UConn turnover in the final minute sent the Lady Vols to the free-throw line, allowing them to secure the win.
Tennessee forward Zee Spearman played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing 16 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, to help fend off the Huskies. Meanwhile, UConn’s Sarah Strong led all scorers with 18 points, shooting an efficient 8-for-13 from the field.
With this victory, Tennessee (17-5, 4-5 SEC) has now won two straight games after previously dropping three consecutive matchups against ranked SEC opponents. Riding this momentum, Caldwell’s squad will head to Baton Rouge for a high-stakes clash against No. 6 LSU on Sunday.
