The Tennessee women’s basketball team is set to host Mississippi State tonight in a Southeastern Conference rematch at Thompson-Boling Arena, marking an exciting second encounter between the two teams this season. The first meeting on January 8 in Starkville saw Tennessee secure a 10-point victory, buoyed by a strong offensive performance in the first half.
As the teams prepare to clash again, Lady Vols head coach Kim Caldwell is focused on the team’s growth and areas for improvement. “I know I want us to look better in our press,” Caldwell stated. “I want our offense to continue to be more efficient. I think that when we played out there at their place, it was one of our best offensive performances. So it’s going to be hard to replicate that, because we’ve only kind of seen it once. But again, I want our pressure to be better, and I need our rebounding to be better.”
While Tennessee’s offensive efficiency played a critical role in their earlier victory, Caldwell has underscored the importance of enhancing defensive pressure and strengthening rebounding efforts. By focusing on these aspects, the Lady Vols aim to control the game tempo and reduce the Bulldogs’ second-chance opportunities.
This matchup is part of a pivotal stretch in the conference schedule as Tennessee aims to gain momentum and establish consistency as the SEC season progresses. The atmosphere at Thompson-Boling Arena is anticipated to be electric, and the Lady Vols are eager to leverage their home-court advantage in this crucial rematch. Fans can look forward to an intense battle as both teams vie for a crucial win in their quest for a successful season.