Congratulations:Lady Vols, Kim Caldwell vs Auburn final score: Tennessee notches confidence-boosting win.
The Tennessee Lady Volunteers (Lady Vols) left no doubt about their dominance in their commanding victory over Auburn on February 13, 2025, winning by a final score of 86-65. In what turned out to be an impressive all-around performance, the Lady Vols showed why they are one of the top teams in the SEC. The win wasn’t just important for the team’s standing within the conference, but it also provided a major confidence boost for the Lady Vols, especially in terms of their collective ability to execute a high-level game on both ends of the court.
The game was marked by a potent combination of excellent defense, unselfish offense, and a display of individual brilliance by key players. The victory helped reaffirm Tennessee’s status as a national contender, and more importantly, it served as a reminder that the Lady Vols’ strength lies in their team-first mentality. Head coach Kim Caldwell was particularly pleased with how her team responded to the challenge, showcasing their growth as a unit and their commitment to playing the game the right way.
A Strong Start for the Lady Vols
From the opening tip, the Lady Vols set the tone for what would be an unforgettable performance. Despite playing on the road in a hostile environment, Tennessee was unfazed, jumping out to an early lead and maintaining control for the majority of the contest. They imposed their will on Auburn, playing with speed, precision, and intensity.
It all started with Tennessee’s defense, which was suffocating from the outset. Kim Caldwell’s defensive game plan was clear—pressure the ball, make life difficult for Auburn’s shooters, and ensure that the Tigers were unable to establish any offensive rhythm. The Lady Vols executed this strategy to perfection. Auburn struggled to get clean looks, as Tennessee’s defensive rotations were sharp, and the Lady Vols swarmed the ball at every opportunity.
On the other side of the court, Tennessee’s offense flowed smoothly. The Lady Vols moved the ball with purpose, cutting through Auburn’s defense and finding open shots. They took what the defense gave them, and when Auburn collapsed on a player, they made the extra pass. This unselfish ball movement, along with smart decision-making, allowed Tennessee to get off to a fast start.
By the time the first quarter ended, the Lady Vols had established a commanding 24-12 lead, with their defense forcing 5 turnovers, and their offense clicking on all cylinders. The fast start set the stage for a performance that would be difficult for Auburn to overcome.
Kim Caldwell’s Tactical Mastery
While Tennessee’s players executed exceptionally well, the credit also goes to Kim Caldwell, who has been instrumental in the team’s recent success. Her strategic planning and ability to adjust to in-game situations were evident as the Lady Vols not only played strong defense but also remained disciplined offensively.
Caldwell made the decision to employ a high-pressure defense right from the start, and it paid off handsomely. The constant ball pressure and aggressive rotations forced Auburn into poor shot selections, particularly in the early stages of the game. As Auburn struggled to find any offensive rhythm, Caldwell’s players capitalized on the opportunities presented by the mistakes, converting turnovers into fast-break points and taking control of the game.
On offense, Caldwell kept the attack balanced. She ensured that every player was involved, fostering a sense of trust within the team and promoting shared responsibility for the outcome. Whether it was hitting the three-pointer, scoring inside the paint, or creating open opportunities for others, Caldwell’s offensive philosophy of shared leadership was on full display.
Key Players Step Up
As is often the case in big wins, individual performances stood out, but the key for Tennessee was that these players didn’t have to do it alone. The Lady Vols exhibited remarkable balance, with several players contributing in significant ways. In the end, Tennessee had five players finish in double figures, a testament to their well-rounded approach to the game.
Jordan Horston, as expected, was the leader for Tennessee. The senior guard turned in an exceptional performance with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Her ability to control the flow of the game, both as a scorer and playmaker, made her the backbone of the Lady Vols’ attack. Horston’s leadership was vital in maintaining Tennessee’s early momentum, as she scored in a variety of ways, from hitting outside shots to driving through the defense. Her maturity and poise were evident, and she ensured that the Lady Vols never lost their focus despite Auburn’s occasional runs.
Rickea Jackson, one of the most dynamic players on the team, also had a strong showing, contributing 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jackson’s versatility and ability to score from all areas of the court were crucial to the win. She created her own shots when necessary and was able to convert when the game slowed down. Her toughness and ability to finish through contact made her a key contributor in pushing the Lady Vols’ lead further.
In addition to Horston and Jackson, Tamari Key, Tennessee’s towering center, had an outstanding performance with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Key’s presence in the paint was felt on both ends of the floor, as she controlled the boards and made it difficult for Auburn to get any easy looks inside. On offense, her ability to finish around the rim and draw fouls allowed Tennessee to maintain a physical edge. Key’s rim protection was a major factor in Auburn’s struggles inside, and she played a vital role in limiting the Tigers’ second-chance opportunities.
Jasmine Powell, the team’s floor general, contributed 11 points and 8 assists, providing the necessary playmaking to keep the offense flowing. Powell’s vision and ability to set up her teammates for easy shots made her a key cog in Caldwell’s offensive scheme. Powell is the type of player who doesn’t need to score a lot to impact the game, but on this night, she was also able to score when called upon, helping to stretch the defense and keep Auburn on their heels.
Lastly, Za’Derria Smith was excellent as well, providing 10 points and 6 assists. Smith has been a reliable scorer and playmaker for Tennessee all season, and in this game, she continued to prove her value. Her three-point shooting and ability to create opportunities for others gave Tennessee yet another weapon that Auburn had to account for.
Auburn’s Struggles and Tennessee’s Defensive Domination
Auburn simply could not keep up with Tennessee’s defensive pressure throughout the game. The Lady Vols constantly forced the Tigers into difficult situations, whether it was by denying easy passing lanes, pressuring the ball-handler, or challenging shots at the rim. Auburn struggled to generate open looks, and their shooting percentages reflected that. The Tigers shot just 38% from the field, including a dismal 29% from three-point range.
Tennessee’s defense also translated into transition opportunities. The Lady Vols turned defense into offense, scoring 22 fast-break points, many of them coming off turnovers forced by their relentless pressure. Auburn was simply unable to match the pace and intensity set by the Lady Vols, and as a result, the Tigers fell behind early and were never able to mount a significant challenge.
While Auburn did have a few bright spots—Jordan Miller and Samantha Ryan each contributed 15 points—their efforts were never enough to keep Tennessee from dominating the contest. Auburn’s inability to handle the pressure, both offensively and defensively, was a major factor in the game’s outcome.
Caldwell’s Postgame Reflections
After the game, Kim Caldwell was effusive in her praise of her players’ performance. She acknowledged that while the victory was satisfying, there was still much to improve upon. Caldwell pointed to the team’s defensive intensity and offensive execution as areas where they showed growth, but she also emphasized that they must continue to refine their game in preparation for the tough challenges that lay ahead in both SEC play and the NCAA tournament.
“We’re proud of how we played tonight,” Caldwell said. “But there’s always room to grow. We’ve got to stay locked in, stay focused, and keep getting better every day. This win is a big step for us, but we know there are more challenges ahead.”
For the Lady Vols, this win over Auburn was more than just another victory; it was a statement that they are a team that can dominate on both ends of the floor. The win not only boosted their confidence but also solidified their belief in their collective ability to achieve great things when they play together.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season winds down and postseason play looms on the horizon, the Lady Vols are looking like a team on a mission. They have proven that they can dominate both at home and on the road, and their collective play makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC and beyond.
With stars like Horston, Jackson, and Key, and a team-first mentality led by Kim Caldwell, Tennessee is poised for a strong finish to the season. If the Lady Vols can continue playing with the same intensity, discipline, and selflessness they displayed in their win against Auburn, there is no limit to what they can achieve as they look toward the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
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