The Lady Vols didn’t need a full week of action to make waves-just one dominant performance was enough. Tennessee’s 112-40 dismantling of Winthrop in Knoxville wasn’t just a win, it was a statement.
And at the heart of it all? Freshman point guard Mia Pauldo, who earned Co-SEC Freshman of the Week honors for her breakout showing.
Pauldo shared the weekly award with Oklahoma’s Aaliyah Chavez, but make no mistake-her performance stood tall on its own. In just 22 minutes on the floor, Pauldo put together the first double-double of her young college career: 18 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, four steals, and, incredibly, zero turnovers.
That kind of efficiency is rare from any player, let alone a freshman. She also committed just one foul, showing poise and control well beyond her years.
She led Tennessee in scoring at halftime and never looked rushed or rattled. Head coach Kim Caldwell took notice, praising her young point guard’s growing confidence.
“I just think she’s playing with more confidence,” Caldwell said postgame. “And with freshmen, the more games they get under their belt, the stronger and stronger they’re going to look down the stretch. And she’s a great player and when she’s on, our team looks better.”
Caldwell’s right-when Pauldo is in rhythm, the Lady Vols’ offense hums. Her court vision, quick decision-making, and defensive instincts gave Tennessee a spark on both ends of the floor. If this is just the beginning, the SEC better take notice.
Up next, Tennessee heads to Brooklyn for a marquee matchup with Louisville in the Shark Beauty Women’s Champions Classic. Tip-off is set for 11 a.m.
ET on FOX. This is the same event where the Lady Vols took down Iowa last season, and once again, the field is stacked.
After Tennessee’s game, Iowa and UConn will square off in what promises to be another high-level showdown.
The Lady Vols will then close out their non-conference slate at home against Southern Indiana on Dec. 22.
That one tips at 6:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed on SECN+.
Tennessee also saw a slight bump in the latest AP Poll, moving up to No. 17. The Lady Vols leapfrogged North Carolina and USC but were overtaken by-who else-Louisville, setting the stage for an early top-20 clash with plenty of bragging rights on the line.
With Pauldo stepping into the spotlight and Tennessee finding its rhythm, this team is trending in the right direction as SEC play looms.