The Lady Vols basketball team makes the same mistakes again in their SEC Tournament defeat.

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers have long been one of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball. With a rich history of success and a passionate fan base, the team has consistently been among the top contenders in the SEC and on the national stage. However, as the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament unfolded, the Lady Vols were again undone by the same mistakes that have haunted them all season. Their 84-76 defeat to Vanderbilt in the second round of the tournament was a painful reminder that while Tennessee has the talent to compete with the best, they continue to make critical errors that limit their potential.

In this analysis, we’ll break down the mistakes that plagued Tennessee in this loss and explore why these issues have been recurring themes. We’ll also discuss how these mistakes impact their overall performance in the tournament and their chances in the NCAA Tournament. Ultimately, while the Lady Vols have the talent to be a national contender, their failure to address these recurring issues may ultimately be their downfall.

The First Half: A Familiar Story

From the tip-off, the game against Vanderbilt seemed like a carbon copy of several other losses Tennessee has experienced this season. The Lady Vols started the game with the same energy and aggression they’ve shown in past contests, relying on their fast-paced offense and perimeter shooting to build an early lead. Senior guard Jordan Horston, who has been one of the top players in the SEC all season, came out firing, hitting a couple of early three-pointers and getting to the basket with ease.

Tennessee’s offense, led by Horston and fellow senior Rekia Jackson, seemed to be clicking early on. Their ability to score quickly in transition and spread the floor with their shooting created problems for Vanderbilt’s defense. However, as the first half wore on, the same issues that have plagued Tennessee throughout the season began to surface.

One of the most glaring problems was the team’s inconsistency on defense. While Tennessee’s offense showed flashes of brilliance, their defensive rotations were slow, and they struggled to get stops against Vanderbilt’s offense. The Commodores, led by senior forward Queen Egbo and sophomore guard Shayla Cooper, exploited Tennessee’s defensive lapses. Vanderbilt was able to score efficiently inside and from the perimeter, taking advantage of mismatches and breaking down Tennessee’s defense in the half-court.

Despite the offensive firepower of Horston and Jackson, Tennessee’s inability to get timely stops allowed Vanderbilt to stay in the game. By halftime, the Commodores had taken a slim 42-39 lead. The Lady Vols had committed turnovers and failed to box out on key possessions, leading to second-chance points for Vanderbilt. These lapses set the stage for what would be a frustrating second half for Tennessee.

The Second Half: Mistakes That Keep Mounting

The second half of the game continued to follow the same script. Despite being down by just a few points at halftime, Tennessee’s defense remained porous, and their offense became increasingly stagnant. Vanderbilt continued to capitalize on Tennessee’s mistakes, going on a decisive 10-2 run midway through the second half to take control of the game.

Tennessee’s biggest mistake in the second half was their continued inability to adjust defensively. As Vanderbilt spread the floor with effective ball movement, Tennessee seemed unable to keep up. The Commodores were able to exploit Tennessee’s defense by getting open shots from the perimeter and attacking the basket with regularity. Despite being down, Tennessee’s defense showed little urgency, and their defensive rotations remained slow, allowing Vanderbilt to get easy looks.

The Lady Vols also struggled to execute offensively in the second half. After a strong first half, Horston’s shot selection became increasingly questionable. She took contested three-pointers and forced difficult shots as the clock wound down, and these ill-advised attempts resulted in missed opportunities for her team. Similarly, Jackson, who had been effective early in the game, became more passive and less aggressive in the second half. While Tennessee has relied on her scoring throughout the season, she failed to step up in the second half when the team needed her most.

But the most glaring issue for Tennessee was their continued turnover problems. Throughout the game, the Lady Vols made unforced errors that disrupted their offensive flow. Whether it was bad passes, poor decision-making, or lapses in communication, Tennessee committed turnover after turnover, giving Vanderbilt extra possessions and taking the wind out of their own sails. As the game wore on, these turnovers became even more damaging. Instead of executing in crucial moments, Tennessee’s offense became disjointed, and the Commodores took full advantage.

Another significant issue was Tennessee’s inability to close out games. In the final minutes, with the Lady Vols trailing by just four points, they had a chance to rally. However, Tennessee failed to get stops when they needed them most. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, was calm under pressure, hitting key free throws and making timely plays. Tennessee’s continued failure to execute down the stretch is an issue that has been evident in many of their losses this season. Whether it’s a lack of focus, poor decision-making, or simply not being able to handle pressure, Tennessee has consistently come up short in the final moments of games.

As the clock wound down, Vanderbilt held on to secure an 84-76 victory, leaving the Lady Vols to reflect on yet another missed opportunity.

Recurring Mistakes: Why Does This Keep Happening?

It’s important to note that Tennessee is not a team without talent. They have some of the best players in the SEC, including Horston, Jackson, and others. They have the tools to compete at the highest level. However, the recurring mistakes that have plagued the Lady Vols all season are not just coincidental; they are systemic issues that continue to undermine their potential.

1. Defensive Inconsistencies

One of the most glaring issues Tennessee faces is their inconsistency on defense. While they have talented players capable of making stops, the Lady Vols often struggle with defensive rotations, closing out shooters, and defending without fouling. In their loss to Vanderbilt, Tennessee’s defense was porous, and they allowed the Commodores to get comfortable offensively. This issue has been a theme throughout the season, and despite numerous games where Tennessee has had the chance to lock down defensively, they have failed to do so.

Part of the problem is a lack of communication on defense. Players frequently fail to switch on screens or help out when teammates get beat off the dribble. In the SEC, where teams like Vanderbilt are well-coached and have players who can score at will, these lapses in communication become especially costly.

2. Turnovers and Lack of Ball Security

Turnovers have been another consistent problem for the Lady Vols. Against Vanderbilt, Tennessee committed 15 turnovers, which gave the Commodores extra opportunities to score. Many of these turnovers were unforced or resulted from poor decision-making, such as forcing passes or trying to make plays that weren’t there. When the Lady Vols lose control of the ball, it disrupts their offensive rhythm and leads to easy points for the opposition.

Turnovers have been a season-long issue for Tennessee, and while they have players capable of making good decisions with the ball, there is a lack of consistency in their ball-handling and decision-making. As a result, the Lady Vols often play out of sync, especially when the game is on the line.

3. Inability to Close Games

Tennessee’s inability to close games has been one of their most frustrating traits. Whether it’s poor shot selection, defensive lapses, or simply a failure to execute in key moments, the Lady Vols have struggled to seal the deal when it matters most. Against Vanderbilt, they had a chance to make a late push, but they were unable to get timely stops or execute offensively in crunch time.

This problem has reared its head in other losses this season, and it’s a mentality issue that will need to be addressed if Tennessee wants to go far in the NCAA Tournament. In high-pressure situations, the Lady Vols seem to falter, which is a dangerous habit for a team with championship aspirations.

The Impact on the NCAA Tournament

Tennessee’s loss to Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament is a setback, but it doesn’t necessarily eliminate their chances for a strong run in the NCAA Tournament. However, if the Lady Vols don’t address their recurring mistakes—particularly on defense, with turnovers, and in late-game situations—they will likely face similar outcomes in the national tournament.

As talented as Tennessee is, their inconsistency and inability to execute when the game is on the line will make it difficult for them to compete with the top teams in the country. To make a deep run, the Lady Vols will need to focus on tightening up their defense, limiting turnovers, and learning to close out games with composure and poise.