Lady Vols Knock Off #6 UConn, 80-76

  • Thursday, February 6, 2025

Zee Spearman scored 16 points as the Tennessee Lady Vols knocked off #6 UConn, 80-76 before a delighted home crowd at Thompson-Boling Arena.

It was the biggest victory yet for Kim Caldwell, handing a rare loss to old master Geno Auriemma.

It was a rare off night for All American Paige Bueckers, who connected on only 5-16 from the floor for 14 points.

The Lady Vols hit 45.7 percent from the field, while the Huskies were at 40.3 percent.

Tennessee trailed 39-37 at the half, and a Bueckers jump shot put the visitors up 43-37. But UConn hit a dry spell and Samara Spencer's lay up tied the game at 45-45.

A Spencer steal and lay in put the lead to 49-45, and it was up to nine after a Jillian Hollingshead putback. 

The third quarter ended with the Lady Vols still ahead by five.

The Huskies pulled within two points after two foul shots by Aubrey Griffin. Two more at the charity stripe tied it at 69 with just over three minutes left.

A Jewell Spear three-pointer put Tennessee back ahead. But Bueckers hit a three to knot the game at 74 with 2:08 remaining.

A Spearman jump shot and two free throws by Talaysia Cooper put the Lady Vols back in charge, with just over a minute left.

Sarah Strong's layup moved UConn back to within a bucket, but then Spearman scored down low on an assist from Cooper with 15 seconds left.

UConn couldn't score in the final seconds before the buzzer sounded and UT fans went into a frenzy.

Spencer had 14, Spear 12 and Cooper 11. 

Sara Puckett connected on two three-pointers, and Tess Darby hit one long one.

The Lady Vols are now 17-5, while UConn stands at 17-3.

 

 

 

 

 

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