#7 Lady Vols Drop Semifinal Matchup vs. #6 Texas, 2

The Tennessee Lady Vols’ journey in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament concluded in the Sweet 16 with a 67–59 loss to the Texas Longhorns. This matchup marked the second meeting between the two teams that season, with Texas previously edging out Tennessee 80–76 in a non-conference game on January 23 .(ESPN.com)

In their postseason encounter, the Lady Vols faced a formidable Longhorns squad led by sophomore forward Madison Booker and senior forward Taylor Jones. Booker contributed 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Jones added 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The Longhorns’ defense was also a key factor, limiting Tennessee’s offensive opportunities and forcing critical turnovers at pivotal moments.(University of Tennessee Athletics, FOX Sports)

Tennessee’s offense was spearheaded by Ruby Whitehorn, who scored 16 points, and Zee Spearman, who added 13 points and 7 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Lady Vols struggled to maintain consistent scoring, particularly in the second half, where they were outscored by Texas. The game saw several lead changes, with Tennessee briefly tying the score at 47 in the third quarter, but they were unable to capitalize on these opportunities.(FOX Sports)

A critical moment occurred late in the game when Tennessee’s Samara Spencer fouled out, diminishing the team’s offensive options. Texas closed the game with a 15–5 run, securing their victory and advancing to the Elite Eight. This win was significant for the Longhorns, marking their third Elite Eight appearance in four years and solidifying their position as a national contender.(University of Tennessee Athletics)

For the Lady Vols, this loss underscored the challenges they faced against top-tier competition. While they demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season, the inability to execute in critical moments against a seasoned team like Texas highlighted areas for growth. The team’s performance in the tournament, however, showcased their potential and set the stage for future success in subsequent seasons.