Tennessee vs. Louisville: A Ranked Showdown with Big-Time Implications at the Women’s Champions Classic
The Women’s Champions Classic is back, and it’s bringing the heat early. No.
18 Tennessee and No. 17 Louisville are set to clash at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Dec. 20, and this one has all the makings of a statement game for both programs.
Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. ET on FOX, and if you’re a fan of high-level women’s basketball, you’ll want to be locked in.
This isn’t just another non-conference game. It’s a ranked battle between two teams with postseason aspirations and something to prove before heading into the meat of their respective conference schedules. Tennessee is looking to sharpen its identity under first-year head coach Kim Caldwell, while Louisville is riding the momentum of its first ranked win of the season.
Let’s break down what you need to know heading into this marquee matchup.
Louisville’s Momentum Is Real - and Earned
Louisville comes into this one at 10-3, and while those three losses might raise eyebrows at first glance, context matters. Every one of those defeats came against top-tier competition: No.
1 UConn, No. 3 South Carolina, and No.
13 Kentucky. But the Cardinals finally broke through in their fourth ranked matchup, pulling out a gritty 76-66 overtime win on the road against North Carolina.
And it wasn’t just a win-it was a defensive clinic in crunch time. Louisville held UNC scoreless in overtime, forcing 16 turnovers in total, including 11 steals. That kind of defensive intensity is what sets this team apart.
The Cardinals also dominated the free-throw line battle, going 14-for-17 while limiting UNC to just 7-for-12. That’s the kind of disciplined, physical play that travels-and it’s exactly what makes Louisville such a tough out.
Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell isn’t taking this opponent lightly.
“I think they always play higher than they're ranked,” Caldwell said. “They play positionless.
Everyone can shoot, everyone can drive. They’re a very skilled team.
They can also put the clamps on you defensively.”
That’s high praise-and well deserved.
Tajianna Roberts and Louisville’s Balanced Attack
Louisville doesn’t rely on one star to carry the load. Instead, they come at you in waves.
Sophomore guard Tajianna Roberts leads the team in scoring at 13.1 points per game and adds value across the board-2.7 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per night. She’s efficient, composed, and has a knack for showing up in big moments.
Forward Laura Ziegler is another key piece, averaging 11.7 points and 7.4 rebounds while also dishing out 2.7 assists. She’s a versatile forward who can stretch the floor and battle inside.
And when it comes to shooting, the Cardinals aren’t shy. They average 23.2 three-point attempts per game, with five players launching at least two per contest. Roberts and Ziegler are the top threats from deep, but the spacing and ball movement make it hard to key in on just one shooter.
This is a team that shares the ball-four players average at least 2.5 assists-and they’re comfortable playing at any pace.
“They can push in transition, they can play slow, they’ve got a ton of sets,” Caldwell said. “They’re the deepest team we’ve played. Every player has to be ready to guard and play team defense.”
That depth is going to test Tennessee’s defensive discipline and stamina.
Tennessee’s Focus: Turning Defense Into Offense
For the Lady Vols, this game is about more than just the win column-it’s a litmus test heading into SEC play. Tennessee sits at 7-2, and with just two games left before conference action begins, Caldwell is zeroing in on one key area: transition offense.
Tennessee wants to be aggressive on defense, pressing and forcing turnovers. But if those stops aren’t turning into points, it’s wasted effort.
“You’ve got to be able to shoot. You’ve got to put yourself in an advantage where you can get a layup off of these,” Caldwell said.
“And we’re not even putting pressure on the rim to try to get the shot off. Sometimes we’re turning it right back over-and that’s not acceptable.”
It’s not just about scoring-it’s about execution. Caldwell wants cleaner possessions off turnovers, better decision-making in transition, and more pressure at the rim. That efficiency will be key against a Louisville team that can match Tennessee’s intensity and then some.
Caldwell is also looking for a stronger effort on the glass, especially on the offensive end. Second-chance points could swing this game, particularly in a matchup that figures to be tight from start to finish.
Prediction: A Battle to the Buzzer
This one has all the ingredients for a thriller. Two ranked teams, both with something to prove, both with contrasting styles that could make for a fascinating chess match.
Tennessee has shown flashes of what it can be under Caldwell, and this game could be the moment it all starts to click. If the Lady Vols can clean up their transition execution and bring a high-level rebounding effort, they’ve got the tools to take this one.
Prediction: Tennessee 76, Louisville 70.
Expect a back-and-forth battle, but Tennessee’s ability to turn defense into offense-and its growing confidence-might just be the difference. This could be the kind of win that sets the tone for a strong SEC run.