UConn Huskies Fall to Tennessee Volunteers in Thrilling Rivalry Game
The No. 5 UConn Huskies women’s basketball team suffered an 80-76 loss to the No. 19 Tennessee Volunteers on Thursday night in Knoxville, Tennessee. The game, a revival of one of the most storied rivalries in women’s college basketball, saw UConn struggle with shooting efficiency and turnovers in critical moments. The Huskies shot just 5-20 from three-point range and 19-35 on layups, while Tennessee capitalized on UConn’s mistakes to secure the victory.
UConn trailed by as many as eight points in the fourth quarter but managed to tie the game at 74-74 with 2:07 remaining. However, Tennessee outscored the Huskies 6-2 in the final minutes, with key plays down the stretch sealing the win. Sarah Strong led UConn with 18 points but committed five turnovers, including a costly foul late in the game that reset the shot clock and gave Tennessee an advantage. Paige Bueckers, UConn’s star guard, finished with 14 points on 5-14 shooting but contributed eight assists.
The rivalry between UConn and Tennessee, once defined by the fiery competition between coaches Geno Auriemma and Pat Summitt, has evolved over the years. While the intensity of the past has waned, the game still holds significance for both programs. Auriemma acknowledged the rivalry’s history but downplayed its current state, calling the past animosity “stupid” and emphasizing the need to focus on the game itself. Tennessee’s new head coach, Kim Caldwell, expressed her excitement about being part of the historic matchup, noting how the game has always been a highlight of the women’s basketball calendar.
Tennessee’s victory marks a turning point for the Lady Vols under Caldwell, who has brought a fast-paced, pressing style to the program. The win also snapped UConn’s four-game winning streak in the series and dealt a blow to the Huskies’ hopes for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. UConn, which has dominated its conference play, now faces a challenging stretch with upcoming games against top opponents, including South Carolina.
The loss drops UConn to 21-3 on the season, while Tennessee improves its record and strengthens its case for a higher NCAA tournament seed. The Huskies will look to rebound in their next game against Providence as they continue their pursuit of a Big East title.
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