KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The No. 5 UConn women's basketball team (21-3) suffered a disappointing defeat against No. 19 Tennessee (17-5), falling 80-76 on Thursday evening. The match marked the end of UConn's eleven-game winning streak and Tennessee’s first victory over the Huskies since 2007.
UConn freshman Sarah Strong shone brightly with 18 points and nine rebounds, leading her team, but the Huskies faced relentless pressure from the Volunteers. Redshirt senior Paige Bueckers contributed 14 points and eight assists, but she, like others on the team, struggled against Tennessee's aggressive game plan.
The Huskies led 39-37 at halftime, exhibiting confidence as they entered the second half. Yet, as the game progressed, the balance shifted. Tennessee outplayed UConn down the stretch, taking control by establishing their depth and aggressive defense, leading the Huskies to shoulder early foul troubles.
"This is the fifth time or something since we started back up, so it wasn't like the other four times, for sure," reflected UConn’s head coach, Geno Auriemma. His remarks highlighted the growing competitiveness between the two teams as Tennessee crafted strategies to counter UConn’s style of play.
The showcase at Thompson-Boling Arena drew significant attention, with 16,215 fans filling the arena — the largest attendance of the season for the Volunteers. The overwhelming crowd fueled Tennessee’s resurgence, particularly as they executed their game plan. Zee Spearman led the Vols with 16 points, demonstrating poise during the climactic moments of the game.
UConn faced difficulty adapting to Tennessee’s rotation of players. The Volunteers frequently utilized five-player substitutions, disrupting the Huskies' rhythm and forcing errors. Auriemma noted the effectiveness of Tennessee’s style, asserting, "They have a style of play that's different from what you normally see." His team struggled to keep pace with the Volunteers' energy, leading to several costly mistakes.
Strong's performance provided UConn with moments of hope, especially when she scored back-to-back layups to push the Huskies to the lead. But Tennessee’s response was swift. They capitalized on turnovers, going on runs to regain and extend their domination.
By the early fourth quarter, UConn was forced to mount another comeback, tying the game at 74-74 with just over two minutes remaining. The atmosphere crackled with tension as both teams exchanged scoring opportunities. Adrenaline surged through both players and fans, with the outcome hanging by the thinnest of threads.
Despite the furious rally, UConn couldn't seize control late. Tennessee's ability to stay focused proved pivotal. The Vols went on to score the final six points of the game after the teams were tied. UConn's inability to respond during the final moments prompted Bueckers to lament, "Shots were short. Should have attacked more, got to the free-throw line a little bit," reflecting on her own performance and the team's struggles.
Tennessee’s coaching shift appeared fruitful, with head coach Kim Caldwell remarking, "I thought we outworked them." Caldwell has been vocal about steering the Volunteers through their challenging season, and this match served as both validation of her strategies and her imprint on the team.
The loss places additional pressure on UConn, who is set to face Providence (9-15, 2-9 BIG EAST) next. The Huskies have no time to dwell on this defeat, needing to regain their momentum as they continue their season. Following the game, Auriemma acknowledged, "The bottom line is, we have some players on our team who are supposed to be our best players, and they have to play too."
The historic rivalry has sparked renewed energy, and the upcoming rematch when Tennessee travels to Connecticut promises to be yet another thrilling chapter. After the bitter taste of defeat, UConn will aim to reclaim their dominance, adjusting their strategies to meet Tennessee’s formidable challenge head-on.