No. 19 Tennessee pulled off a stunning 80-76 victory over No. 5 UConn in a highly anticipated showdown on Thursday night. Zee Spearman emerged as the hero for the Lady Volunteers, scoring 18 points, including a crucial basket with just 12 seconds remaining in the game.
This win marked a significant milestone for Tennessee, as it was their first triumph over UConn since 2007. The Lady Vols had previously suffered four consecutive losses to the Huskies since the renewal of their rivalry in 2020.
Samara Spencer contributed 14 points to the winning effort, while Jewel Spear and Talaysia Cooper added 12 and 11 points, respectively. On the other side, Sarah Strong led UConn with 18 points, followed by Paige Bueckers with 14, Kk Arnold with 11, and Azzi Fudd with 10.
UConn initially took the lead in the first half, holding a 39-37 advantage at halftime. However, Tennessee's strong rebounding performance, outrebounding UConn 46-34, played a crucial role in their comeback victory.
One of the key moments in the game came in the third quarter when UConn led 45-41. Tennessee then went on an impressive 11-0 run, holding the Huskies scoreless for over four minutes to seize control of the game.
Looking ahead, UConn is set to face Providence in their next game, while Tennessee will take on No. 7 LSU in what promises to be another exciting matchup. The Lady Vols will draw confidence from their victory over UConn as they prepare for future challenges, including upcoming battles against other top-ranked teams in the SEC.
Overall, the win against UConn not only ended a long losing streak for Tennessee but also showcased their ability to compete at the highest level. The experience gained from facing elite competition like UConn will undoubtedly benefit the Lady Vols as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament.
For more updates and news on women's college basketball, stay tuned to the AP Top 25 rankings throughout the season.
