The Tennessee Lady Vols are back in Knoxville tonight, and there’s more than just SEC standings on the line. When they take the court at Thompson-Boling Arena against Missouri, they’ll be facing a familiar face on the opposing bench: former Lady Vols head coach Kellie Harper.
This matchup carries emotional weight, but for Kim Caldwell’s squad, it’s also a gut-check moment. Tennessee is coming off a brutal 93-50 loss at South Carolina - a game that didn’t just expose flaws, it prompted Caldwell to call out her team’s effort, saying bluntly, “a team that’ll just quit on you.” That’s not the kind of thing you hear from a head coach unless the message needs to be loud and clear.
At 15-6 overall and 7-2 in SEC play, the Lady Vols still sit in a strong position within the conference. But that lopsided loss to the Gamecocks was a stark reminder that there's a gap between where Tennessee is and where it wants to be. Tonight is about showing they can respond - not just with talent, but with toughness.
Missouri, meanwhile, has been on a bit of a rollercoaster. After starting 0-4 in SEC play, the Tigers have found some footing, winning four of their last seven.
They’re 16-10 overall and 4-7 in the league, and they’ve still got a gauntlet ahead with road games at Tennessee, LSU, and South Carolina. So don’t expect them to come into Knoxville sleepwalking - they know every win down the stretch matters.
The emotional backdrop of Kellie Harper’s return adds another layer. Harper, who coached the Lady Vols from 2019 to 2024, recruited and developed several players still on Tennessee’s roster.
Her tenure had its highs and lows, but her connection to the program runs deep. That said, sentiment won’t matter much once the ball tips.
How to Watch:
- Date: Monday, Feb.
12
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
ET
- TV/Streaming: SEC Network+ (available to SEC Network subscribers through cable or satellite packages)
What’s at Stake: For Tennessee, this is about bouncing back and reasserting themselves as a top-tier SEC contender.
For Missouri, it’s a chance to steal a big win and keep building late-season momentum. And for both teams, it’s a key piece of the puzzle as March creeps closer.
Tennessee’s Remaining Schedule Highlights:
- Feb. 15 vs.
Texas (ABC)
- Feb. 17 at Ole Miss (ESPNU)
- Feb. 19 vs. Texas A&M (SEC Network+)
- Feb. 22 at Oklahoma
- Feb. 26 at LSU (ESPN)
- March 1 vs. Vanderbilt (ESPN)
- March 4-8: SEC Tournament in Greenville, S.C.
The Lady Vols have shown flashes of brilliance this season - that win at Stanford still stands out - but consistency has been elusive. Tonight’s game is less about the opponent and more about identity.
Can Tennessee respond to adversity? Can they bring the fight for four quarters?
We’ll find out at 6:30.