The No. 15 Lady Vols defeat Mississippi State 86-73, with Whitehorn scoring 20 points and Spencer contributing 18.

In a high-stakes SEC matchup, the No. 15-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols showcased their talent and depth, securing a dominant 86-73 victory over Mississippi State. The win was a testament to the team’s growth, resilience, and collective effort, and it reaffirmed Tennessee’s position as one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference.

The game was highlighted by standout performances from Jasmine Whitehorn, who led all scorers with 20 points, and Tess Spencer, who contributed 18 points to help seal the victory. Both players not only filled the stat sheet but also displayed leadership and poise under pressure, guiding Tennessee to a crucial win that kept their momentum going in conference play. With the victory, the Lady Vols further solidified their place in the NCAA Tournament conversation, making a statement against a tough Mississippi State team that has been competitive in recent years.

Tennessee’s Offense: A Balanced Attack

The Lady Vols’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with multiple players stepping up at different points in the game to ensure that the Bulldogs never gained enough ground to threaten Tennessee’s lead. Jasmine Whitehorn’s 20 points were the highlight of the game, but her performance was part of a larger team effort that demonstrated the offensive depth Tennessee possesses. Whitehorn was efficient throughout the game, shooting 7-of-12 from the field and also hitting 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, showcasing her shooting range and ability to make plays when Tennessee needed them most.

Tess Spencer’s contribution of 18 points was no less impactful, as she scored in a variety of ways, whether it was hitting clutch jump shots, getting to the free-throw line, or contributing with timely assists. Spencer’s ability to create her own shot and contribute offensively was key to Tennessee’s ability to withstand Mississippi State’s runs and keep control of the game. Spencer’s all-around game was also evident in her ability to contribute to the team’s ball movement, helping to set up others for easy baskets and maintaining the fluidity of the offense. Her 6 assists were vital in helping Tennessee maintain its offensive rhythm and effectively break down Mississippi State’s defense.

While Whitehorn and Spencer carried the bulk of the scoring load, Tennessee’s offensive performance was also bolstered by solid contributions from Jordan Horston, Rae Burrell, and Jasmine Powell, all of whom played important roles in the team’s victory. Tennessee’s overall offensive performance was a true team effort, with everyone on the court contributing in different ways. As a result, the Lady Vols shot 49% from the field and 38% from three-point range, showing their ability to attack both inside and out.

Tennessee’s Defense: Key to the Victory

While Tennessee’s offense stole much of the attention, it was the Lady Vols’ defense that ultimately allowed them to control the game and secure the win. Mississippi State, a team that has traditionally been known for its strong offensive sets, was held to just 73 points on 42% shooting for the game. Tennessee’s defense was suffocating throughout, forcing the Bulldogs into difficult shots, limiting their fast-break opportunities, and consistently contesting every shot they took.

One of the most impressive aspects of Tennessee’s defense was its ability to force turnovers and convert them into easy points. The Lady Vols forced 16 turnovers, several of which came at key moments when Mississippi State seemed poised to make a run. Tennessee capitalized on these turnovers, scoring 22 points off turnovers, which proved to be a crucial advantage. The Lady Vols’ full-court pressure defense, combined with their half-court sets, allowed them to dictate the pace of the game and stifle Mississippi State’s offensive flow.

A key figure in Tennessee’s defense was Tamari Key, whose presence in the paint was instrumental in preventing Mississippi State from getting easy looks around the basket. Key’s ability to block shots, disrupt passing lanes, and alter contested attempts was critical in forcing the Bulldogs to rely on perimeter shooting, a strategy that was less effective against Tennessee’s active defense.

The Rebounding Battle: Tennessee Dominates the Boards

Tennessee’s performance on the boards was another key factor in their victory. The Lady Vols out-rebounded Mississippi State by a margin of 43-29, a stat that emphasized their physicality and determination to control the game. Tamari Key was a major contributor to Tennessee’s success on the glass, pulling down a team-high 12 rebounds, including 5 offensive rebounds. Her ability to secure second-chance opportunities gave Tennessee extra possessions, which was crucial in maintaining their lead.

Alongside Key, Jordan Horston contributed to the team’s rebounding effort, grabbing 7 rebounds in addition to her scoring performance. Horston’s ability to chip in on the boards, particularly in transition and during crucial moments, allowed Tennessee to continue generating offensive opportunities and limiting Mississippi State’s chances to score.

Mississippi State struggled to secure key rebounds, particularly when Tennessee’s defense forced missed shots or created chaotic sequences. The Lady Vols’ superior rebounding ensured they not only got the ball back but also restricted Mississippi State’s offensive opportunities, which played a pivotal role in keeping the Bulldogs at bay.

Key Moments: Tennessee Holds Off Mississippi State’s Runs

Throughout the game, Mississippi State made several attempts to cut into Tennessee’s lead, but each time, the Lady Vols responded with poise and precision. One of the defining moments of the game came early in the fourth quarter when Mississippi State managed to trim Tennessee’s lead to five points. However, instead of panicking or allowing the Bulldogs to gain momentum, the Lady Vols executed their game plan to perfection.

Jasmine Whitehorn responded to the challenge with two critical three-pointers, one of which came off a fast break and the other off a well-timed assist from Spencer. These back-to-back threes pushed the lead back to double digits and prevented Mississippi State from getting any closer. Whitehorn’s clutch shooting, along with key plays from Tess Spencer and Horston, showed that Tennessee could handle the pressure and execute down the stretch.

Another critical moment came when Rae Burrell contributed a key defensive stop on Mississippi State’s top scorer, Jessika Carter. Burrell’s ability to contest Carter’s shots in the paint, forcing her into tough opportunities, helped slow down Mississippi State’s offense. Burrell’s contribution on both ends of the court—scoring and defending—was a reminder of her value to the team as a two-way player who can impact the game in multiple areas.

Mississippi State’s Struggles: Key Players Neutralized

While Mississippi State put up a fight, the Bulldogs were ultimately unable to break through Tennessee’s defense. Jessika Carter, Mississippi State’s star player, was held to just 14 points and struggled to find consistent offense in the post, thanks to the strong play of Tennessee’s bigs, particularly Tamari Key. Carter, who is typically a force in the paint, was forced to rely on contested jump shots, and her offensive impact was significantly diminished as the game progressed.

The Bulldogs also struggled with shooting efficiency. While they finished with 42% shooting for the game, they were just 26% from three-point range, which played right into Tennessee’s defensive strategy. By closing out on Mississippi State’s shooters and forcing contested looks, Tennessee was able to limit Mississippi State’s perimeter shooting, which had been a strength for the Bulldogs in prior games.

Despite some positive individual efforts from Mississippi State players, such as Madison Hayes, who scored 12 points, and Anna Dinga, who contributed 9 rebounds, the Bulldogs’ offensive rhythm was disrupted by Tennessee’s defensive pressure. Tennessee’s commitment to making Mississippi State uncomfortable on offense was a significant factor in the outcome of the game.

Looking Ahead: Tennessee’s Rising Momentum

With this impressive win, the Lady Vols have continued to show that they are a serious contender in the SEC and a team that can make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The victory over Mississippi State is just another example of Tennessee’s potential and their ability to execute in all aspects of the game—offensively, defensively, and on the glass.

For Tennessee head coach Kelly Harper, this victory reinforces the team’s growth throughout the season. The Lady Vols have shown they can compete with the best teams in the SEC, and with players like Jasmine Whitehorn, Tess Spencer, and Tamari Key, they have the talent to go far in both conference and national tournaments.

The Lady Vols’ ability to respond to adversity in this game also speaks volumes about their mental toughness and maturity. As they continue to build momentum, Tennessee will look to improve even further in areas like free-throw shooting and limiting turnovers, but this victory demonstrated that they have the tools necessary to contend with the top teams in the country.

In conclusion, Tennessee’s 86-73 victory over Mississippi State was a comprehensive team effort. Whitehorn’s 20 points and Spencer’s 18 led the offensive charge, while the team’s defense and rebounding were key to limiting Mississippi State’s offensive opportunities. Tennessee’s all-around performance serves as a reminder of their potential, and with this win, they’ve sent a clear message to the rest of the SEC that they are a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 season.