UConn Women’s Basketball Team Loses for the First Time in 19 Years in Knoxville After Being Defeated by Rival Tennessee
In a thrilling and historic matchup, the UConn women’s basketball team suffered a heart-wrenching loss to Tennessee on February 10, 2025, marking their first defeat in Knoxville in nearly two decades. The highly anticipated rivalry game, which saw the two programs with deep, rich histories and fierce competition, ended in a 78-72 victory for Tennessee, much to the delight of their home crowd at Thompson-Boling Arena.
For UConn, the loss marked their first in Knoxville since 2006, a streak that had lasted 19 years, making it one of the most significant defeats in their storied history. UConn’s all-time head coach Geno Auriemma, who has built one of the most dominant programs in NCAA women’s basketball history, had never faced a defeat in Tennessee during his long tenure, making the result all the more shocking to both players and fans.
The loss comes at a critical point in the season as both teams are preparing for the postseason, and it serves as a reminder that even the most dominant teams can falter on the road. The defeat also sheds light on the growing strength of Tennessee’s women’s basketball program, which has made tremendous strides in recent years under head coach Kellie Harper, and is poised to be a serious contender in the NCAA tournament.
The Game’s Turning Point
The game began as a tightly contested battle, with both teams exchanging leads early in the first half. UConn, led by their star players, looked poised to extend their dominance over Tennessee in this historic rivalry. Paige Bueckers, UConn’s star guard and one of the most talented players in college basketball, was active on both ends of the floor, scoring efficiently and making key assists. However, Tennessee’s defense was up to the challenge, applying relentless pressure on Bueckers and forcing her to take difficult shots.
Tennessee, on the other hand, was able to find its rhythm behind the sharp shooting of senior guard Jordan Horston. Horston, who has been a key player for the Lady Vols for several seasons, came out strong in the opening quarter, scoring efficiently and leading the charge for her team. Her ability to drive to the basket and hit timely three-pointers was critical to Tennessee’s success throughout the game. The Lady Vols also benefitted from the rebounding efforts of their bigs, including Tamari Key, who controlled the paint and added crucial second-chance points.
The game took a significant turn midway through the second quarter when Tennessee went on a 12-2 run, taking a commanding lead heading into the halftime break. UConn, known for its ability to respond after adversity, struggled to find any rhythm offensively during this stretch. Tennessee’s defensive intensity had rattled the Huskies, and they were unable to adjust quickly enough.
In the third quarter, UConn came out with renewed energy, cutting Tennessee’s lead down to just four points after an impressive scoring run, sparked by Bueckers and rising star Aaliyah Edwards. The Huskies showed signs of resilience, and it appeared as though they might be able to overcome the home-court advantage that Tennessee had built in the first half. However, Tennessee’s defense once again proved to be a decisive factor, as they forced multiple turnovers and slowed down the tempo of the game, not allowing UConn to gain any sustained momentum.
Key Moments and Players
A pivotal moment came in the final minutes of the fourth quarter when UConn was down by just two points. A late three-pointer by Bueckers had the Huskies on the verge of pulling off a comeback, but a critical turnover with under a minute left allowed Tennessee to seal the game. Horston, who was named Player of the Game, made two free throws in the closing seconds, ensuring that the Lady Vols would emerge victorious.
Horston finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds, and her leadership on the court was evident throughout the game. She was supported by a strong performance from Key, who finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks, dominating the inside. Tennessee’s depth and defensive prowess ultimately proved to be too much for UConn.
For the Huskies, Bueckers led all scorers with 24 points, but she struggled to find her shot in the second half and was held to just 8 points in the final two quarters. Edwards, who has had a breakout season, added 18 points and 9 rebounds, but even her stellar performance wasn’t enough to get UConn over the hump. As a team, UConn had trouble with turnovers, particularly in the second half, and the Lady Vols capitalized on these mistakes, turning them into fast-break opportunities and easy buckets.
The Aftermath and What It Means for Both Teams
While this loss is certainly a blow to UConn’s hopes for an undefeated road record this season, it is unlikely to diminish their status as one of the top teams in the country. UConn will likely remain a high seed for the NCAA tournament, and they will have the chance to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming games. Coach Auriemma, known for his ability to motivate and inspire his players after losses, will undoubtedly use this setback as a learning experience and ensure that the Huskies remain focused on their championship aspirations.
For Tennessee, this victory is monumental. The Lady Vols have struggled to reach the level of dominance they once had in women’s college basketball, but with this win, they prove that they are back as a serious contender. The win also marks a crucial turning point in the program’s history, as they have now defeated the once-unbeatable Huskies at home. Head coach Kellie Harper will undoubtedly be celebrating this victory, but she will also remain focused on preparing her team for the challenges that lie ahead.
In the long run, both teams are poised to make deep runs in the postseason, and this game will only add to the rich lore of the UConn-Tennessee rivalry. Whether they meet again in the NCAA tournament remains to be seen, but if they do, it’s sure to be another exciting chapter in one of the greatest rivalries in college basketball history.
