Although the Lady Vols basketball team triumphed, their performance doesn’t boost their confidence; UConn and LSU are next.
In a game that many anticipated to be a chance for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers to regain their swagger, the Lady Vols walked away with a victory—but it wasn’t the type of win that would inspire confidence moving forward. They triumphed over a struggling opponent, yet their performance was far from inspiring. The victory wasn’t the dominant display of excellence that fans have come to expect from one of the top programs in women’s college basketball, and it left more questions than answers. With formidable opponents like UConn and LSU on the horizon, the Lady Vols know that they need to address their shortcomings before they face the real challenges of their season.
Tennessee’s win, while still valuable in terms of the standings, failed to make a statement. It exposed several weaknesses on both ends of the floor that, if left unaddressed, could haunt them against top-tier teams. The Lady Vols have the talent to compete at the highest level, but they need to play more consistently and execute their game plan to overcome the likes of UConn, LSU, and other elite programs they’ll face in the postseason.
The Game Against the Struggling Opponent: A Missed Opportunity for Momentum
The Lady Vols’ opponent in this game wasn’t one of the elite teams in the country. Their opponent was a mid-tier program that had been struggling throughout the season. On paper, this was the perfect opportunity for Tennessee to build confidence, improve their play, and get some momentum going into a tough stretch of games. Yet, the performance fell short.
Tennessee’s offensive execution was sloppy at best. The team couldn’t get into their rhythm, often settling for contested shots or hurried possessions. The ball movement was stagnant, and the offensive flow was nonexistent. For a team that prides itself on its offensive versatility, the Lady Vols seemed unable to capitalize on the opponent’s defensive weaknesses. Jordan Horston, one of Tennessee’s standout players, had an off night and missed several easy shots. Rae Burrell was inconsistent, and although Tamari Key showed flashes of her usual dominance in the paint, the team’s overall performance left much to be desired.
Despite the lackluster offensive output, Tennessee’s defense kept them afloat. Their defensive prowess—especially their ability to contest shots, force turnovers, and rebound—kept the opponent at bay, preventing any major runs. Tennessee’s ability to rely on its defense was crucial, but it’s clear that they can’t rely solely on this strategy if they want to compete with the best teams in the nation.
The game itself wasn’t a blowout by any means, but Tennessee’s failure to establish dominance made it clear that they were not playing to their full potential. The team’s struggles in this game were a reality check: winning in this fashion won’t be enough against top-ranked teams like UConn and LSU.
The Struggles on Offense: Issues That Need Addressing
One of the most glaring issues for the Lady Vols in this victory was their inability to consistently execute on offense. This has been an ongoing issue that has plagued the team at various points throughout the season, and it became evident once again in this game. While Tennessee has the talent to score in a variety of ways, they often seemed lost in their offensive sets.
Tennessee’s offensive struggles began with the guards, who had trouble creating plays and initiating the offense. Both Jordan Horston and Rae Burrell are dynamic scorers capable of taking over games, but neither could consistently get into a rhythm. Horston, who has been one of the team’s most consistent players, was particularly off, missing several open shots and turning the ball over at inopportune times. Her inability to find her shot limited Tennessee’s offensive flow and left them relying on other players to step up. Burrell, while explosive at times, couldn’t get enough going in transition or in half-court sets.
The Lady Vols’ issues weren’t just limited to the guards, though. Tamari Key, who is one of the premier centers in the SEC, couldn’t get going offensively either. While she played strong defense and grabbed rebounds, Key was not able to dominate in the post the way she often does. The team struggled to get her the ball in advantageous positions, and when they did, the offense seemed to break down. The lack of post touches for Key was one of the reasons Tennessee couldn’t build a lead or generate consistent scoring.
In the second half, Tennessee tried to adjust and find better looks, but they never truly found the rhythm they needed. There were moments where the offense appeared disjointed, as players forced shots instead of looking for the best possible play. It was clear that the team was trying to manufacture offense in ways that weren’t sustainable, and against a better team, this approach would likely lead to a loss.
Defensive Success: A Bright Spot, But Not Enough
On the defensive side of the ball, Tennessee was able to make life difficult for their opponent. The Lady Vols’ ability to contest shots and force turnovers allowed them to stay in control of the game, even though their offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders. Tamari Key was a force in the paint, blocking shots and cleaning up the boards. Jordan Horston and Rae Burrell also contributed defensively, applying pressure on the opposing guards and forcing them into tough situations.
Tennessee’s defense is one of the best in the country, and it allowed them to get stops when they needed them. However, even the best defenses can only hold opponents down for so long before an offensive collapse takes its toll. The Lady Vols will need to improve their offensive efficiency if they want to sustain success against teams that can score at will.
While Tennessee’s defense was undoubtedly a strength, it was clear that they cannot rely solely on their defense to win games. They will need to execute better offensively, especially against high-scoring teams like UConn and LSU, both of whom can exploit any weaknesses on that end of the floor. A high-scoring, up-tempo game against these teams could expose Tennessee’s inability to create and capitalize on offensive opportunities.
The Road Ahead: UConn and LSU Will Test Tennessee
With UConn and LSU looming on the horizon, Tennessee cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Both of these teams will pose serious challenges, and Tennessee’s poor performance in this game was a stark reminder of what could happen if they don’t step up their game.
UConn, led by head coach Geno Auriemma, is one of the most storied programs in women’s basketball. The Huskies have a tradition of success, and their current roster is stacked with talent. Paige Bueckers, despite her injury, is still one of the most feared players in college basketball, and UConn’s depth and experience make them a dangerous opponent for anyone. Tennessee’s defense will be tested like never before, and their offense will need to show more cohesion to even stand a chance against UConn’s relentless pressure.
Meanwhile, LSU, under the guidance of Kim Mulkey, has quickly become one of the most dominant programs in the SEC. With players like Angel Reese, who is an elite talent in the post, LSU will present a difficult challenge for Tennessee. LSU is a team that can score in bunches and has the physicality to match Tennessee in the paint. The Lady Vols will need to find a way to slow down Reese and disrupt LSU’s offensive flow to have a shot at winning this game. Again, offensive efficiency will be a key factor in this matchup, and Tennessee will need to execute much better than they did in this game.
Tennessee’s Key Takeaways from the Win
While the Lady Vols have room for improvement, there are still positives to take away from the win. First and foremost, they secured the victory, which is ultimately what matters most. No matter how they got there, the Lady Vols did what they needed to do to maintain their standing. Additionally, the team’s defense continues to be a strength, and Tamari Key’s presence in the paint provides a foundation for success. As Tennessee faces tougher opponents, they will need to continue relying on their defense while finding ways to generate more consistent offense.
However, the win also exposed several areas that need to be addressed. Tennessee needs to find a way to get its stars—especially Horston and Burrell—back into rhythm offensively. They also need to get Tamari Key more touches in the paint and find better ways to get high-percentage shots. If Tennessee can fix these issues and play with more cohesion on offense, they will be better prepared for the challenges that await them.
Conclusion: A Critical Turning Point for Tennessee
While the Lady Vols’ victory over their struggling opponent is a step in the right direction, it’s clear that they have a long way to go if they want to compete with the best teams in the country. With UConn and LSU on the horizon, Tennessee will have to step up their game. If they can improve their offensive execution and maintain their defensive dominance, they will have a chance to compete for an SEC title and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. However, if their performance remains inconsistent, the road ahead could be much tougher than expected. This game, though a win, serves as a reminder that there is still plenty of work to be done.
