The Lady Vols just notched their most impressive SEC win of the season, and they did it on the road in convincing fashion. No.
20 Tennessee took down No. 21 Alabama, 70-59, in Tuscaloosa on Sunday - a statement victory that keeps them undefeated in conference play and adds a valuable Quad 1 win to their NCAA Tournament résumé.
Let’s break down what made this win so impactful - and why it says a lot about where this team is headed.
Alyssa Latham: The Glue Player Every Contender Needs
Alyssa Latham isn’t going to dominate the highlight reels - and that’s exactly what makes her so effective. She’s the kind of player who thrives in the margins: making smart cuts, finishing around the rim, and doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up in the box score.
But on Sunday, the box score noticed. Latham dropped 12 points on an ultra-efficient 6-of-7 shooting, grabbed four rebounds, dished out two assists, and added a steal - all while committing just one turnover.
That’s the kind of stat line that coaches love because it screams trustworthy. She’s not forcing anything, but when the opportunity is there, she capitalizes.
Even more importantly, Latham has emerged as a much-improved defender, and that’s been a key piece in Tennessee’s evolving identity. She’s not the star, but she’s the kind of player who makes stars better - and makes winning basketball possible.
Mia Pauldo Is Playing Like the SEC’s Top Freshman
If you’re looking for the best freshman in the SEC right now, look no further than Mia Pauldo. She’s been Tennessee’s most consistent perimeter threat all season, and her performance against Alabama only reinforced her case as a frontrunner for SEC Freshman of the Year.
Pauldo poured in 13 points, knocking down three triples - and they weren’t just empty buckets. Her timing was clutch, with each shot helping to steady Tennessee’s momentum or halt an Alabama run. She didn’t record an assist, but she also didn’t turn the ball over - a testament to her composure on the road in a high-stakes game.
What separates Pauldo from other freshmen is her ability to stretch the floor. She’s the Lady Vols’ most reliable shooter, and that spacing is critical for the rest of the offense to flow. When she’s hitting, it opens everything up - and right now, she’s hitting with confidence.
A Gritty Win That’s Going to Matter in March
Was it perfect? Not quite. But when you go on the road and beat a top-25 team in SEC play, you don’t nitpick - you take the win and keep it moving.
This was Tennessee’s toughest conference test so far, and they passed with poise. Even when Alabama made its pushes, the Lady Vols didn’t flinch.
They stayed composed, leaned on their defense, and got timely contributions from key players. That’s the kind of maturity you want to see as the season progresses.
And make no mistake: this win matters. It’s a Quad 1 victory, the kind the selection committee pays close attention to in March.
In a loaded SEC, stacking those kinds of wins is essential. Tennessee just added a big one to the pile.
What’s Next
The Lady Vols head back to Knoxville for another key SEC matchup, this time against Kentucky on Thursday. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m.
ET on SEC Network. After that, it’s a road trip to Ole Miss on Monday - another potential top-25 showdown.
The SEC grind doesn’t let up, but Tennessee is proving they’re built for it.