The #15/16 Tennessee Lady Vols delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, February 16, 2025, securing a decisive 87-50 victory over Ole Miss in an SEC matchup at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee. The win boosts the Lady Vols’ record to 19-6 overall, as they continue to show their strength heading into the latter half of the SEC schedule.
From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Tennessee was in control. The Lady Vols’ offense, led by redshirt sophomore Talaysia Cooper, was firing on all cylinders. Cooper, who has been one of the standout performers this season, put on an electrifying show, contributing 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Her leadership was key in building an insurmountable lead early in the game.
Tennessee’s offense was unstoppable, outscoring Ole Miss in every quarter. They shot an impressive 50% from the field, including a blistering 42% from beyond the arc. Ole Miss struggled to keep up with Tennessee’s fast-paced attack and relentless defense. By halftime, the Lady Vols had already established a commanding 47-25 lead, with Cooper leading the charge alongside key contributions from senior guard Jordan Horston, who added 16 points and 5 assists.
Ole Miss, which entered the game with a 17-7 record, simply couldn’t find a rhythm. The Rebels, who were ranked as receiving votes in the latest AP Poll, were hampered by turnovers and poor shooting. They were limited to just 35% shooting from the field and struggled to break through Tennessee’s stifling defense. Madison Scott, the Rebels’ leading scorer, was held to only 8 points, and the rest of the Ole Miss roster couldn’t pick up the slack. The Rebels’ offensive struggles were further exacerbated by the Lady Vols’ defense, which forced 14 turnovers and capitalized on fast-break opportunities to extend their lead.
Tennessee’s depth also proved to be a major factor in their overwhelming win. Off the bench, freshman guard Emma Casteel provided a spark, scoring 12 points in just 15 minutes of play. The Lady Vols’ second unit kept up the pressure, ensuring that Ole Miss never had a chance to mount a comeback. The fast-paced, high-energy play from Tennessee left the Rebels exhausted and disoriented, unable to recover after falling behind early.
By the fourth quarter, the game had already been decided, but Tennessee didn’t let up. They continued to push the tempo, finishing with 22 fast-break points and out-rebounding Ole Miss 42-30. The Lady Vols’ offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity left the Rebels no chance to respond, and the final buzzer signaled the dominant 87-50 victory.
This win was a crucial one for Tennessee, as they continue to solidify their position in the NCAA Tournament rankings. The Lady Vols are now 6-6 in SEC play and remain firmly in the hunt for a top-four seed in the upcoming SEC Tournament.
Coach Kellie Harper praised her team’s performance after the game. “We executed our game plan to perfection,” she said. “Our defense was exceptional, and our offensive flow was exactly what we wanted. Talaysia Cooper was outstanding, but it was a true team effort. We’re starting to peak at the right time, and I’m excited to see where we can go from here.”
Tennessee will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next SEC matchup, with eyes set on making a deep run in both the conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
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