The energy inside Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center was unmistakable on January 22, 2026, as Tennessee took care of business against Kentucky in front of a fired-up home crowd. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Lady Vols brought the kind of intensity that’s quickly becoming a hallmark of the Kim Caldwell era.
Tennessee’s win over Kentucky wasn’t just another SEC victory-it was a statement. The Lady Vols played with purpose, poise, and plenty of grit, and it showed across the board.
Talaysia Cooper was everywhere. Whether she was pushing the ball in transition, attacking the rim, or locking down on defense, Cooper’s presence was felt on both ends of the floor.
Her ability to get downhill and finish through contact gave Kentucky fits all night. And when she wasn’t scoring, she was facilitating, keeping the offense humming with smart decisions and crisp ball movement.
Zee Spearman also stepped up in a big way. Her energy was contagious, and she wasn’t afraid to take the big shot or make the hustle play. Whether it was knocking down a jumper or diving on the floor for a loose ball, Spearman brought a toughness that helped set the tone for Tennessee.
Freshman Mia Pauldo had herself a moment too. She took some hard hits but kept getting back up, showing the kind of resilience that coaches love to see in young players.
Her ability to handle pressure and still make plays under duress speaks volumes about her poise and potential. And when she went to the line late in the game, she delivered-calm, collected, and clutch.
Defensively, Tennessee’s effort was relentless. Zee Spearman’s matchup with Kentucky’s Clara Strack was a battle all night, with Spearman refusing to give an inch.
The Lady Vols rotated well, closed out hard, and made life difficult for every Kentucky ball handler. That defensive energy was especially evident during scrambles for possession-moments when Kentucky players like Asia Boone were swarmed by orange jerseys the second they touched the ball.
Alyssa Latham and Jaida Civil gave Tennessee solid minutes in the paint, battling for boards and altering shots. And Jersey Wolfenbarger and Deniya Prawl provided valuable support, helping Tennessee maintain its defensive identity while keeping the tempo high.
Head coach Kim Caldwell was locked in from the sideline, constantly communicating with her players, adjusting on the fly, and keeping the team focused. Her leadership continues to shine through, especially in how composed this group looks in high-pressure moments.
The Lady Vols’ bench energy was electric. Every hustle play, every drawn foul, every bucket was met with cheers and encouragement. That kind of chemistry doesn’t happen by accident-it’s the product of a team that believes in each other and is clearly buying into what their coach is selling.
As for Kentucky, they had their moments. Clara Strack and Tonie Morgan tried to keep the Wildcats in it, and Amelia Hassett and Asia Boone battled hard in the paint. But Tennessee’s depth, intensity, and execution ultimately proved too much.
This win is another solid building block for Tennessee as they continue to climb the SEC standings. With players like Cooper, Spearman, and Pauldo leading the charge-and Caldwell’s steady hand guiding the ship-the Lady Vols are starting to look like a team that can make some real noise down the stretch.
One thing’s for sure: if Tennessee keeps playing with this kind of fire, the rest of the conference better be ready.