In a seismic shift that has rocked the Southeastern Conference, Kim Caldwell’s Tennessee Lady Vols have unleashed an unstoppable force, surging past No. 14 Kentucky in a stunning 74-65 upset on February 27, 2025, at Memorial Coliseum. The victory, a testament to Caldwell’s relentless system, has sent shockwaves through the SEC, igniting fervor among Lady Vols fans and cementing the first-year coach’s reputation as a transformative figure in Knoxville.
The Lady Vols entered the game riding a four-game winning streak, but few expected them to topple a Wildcats squad boasting a 21-5 record and a formidable home advantage. Tennessee’s high-octane press disrupted Kentucky from the tip, forcing 18 turnovers and capitalizing with 22 points off those miscues. Samara Spencer led the charge with 18 points, her tenacity embodying Caldwell’s gritty philosophy, while Zee Spearman added 15, dominating the paint with an unrelenting presence.
Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore, averaging 18.9 points, was stifled by Tennessee’s suffocating defense, managing just 12 points on inefficient shooting. The Wildcats’ size, anchored by 6-foot-5 Clara Strack, couldn’t counter the Lady Vols’ speed and cohesion, as Tennessee outrebounded their taller foes 42-38. The final minutes saw Caldwell’s squad execute with surgical precision, pulling away with a 10-2 run that left the Lexington crowd in stunned silence.
This upset isn’t just a win—it’s a statement. At 18-7 overall and 9-6 in SEC play, Tennessee is no longer a sleeping giant but a roaring contender. Caldwell, who upset UConn earlier this season, has flipped the script on a program yearning for its past glory. As March looms, the Lady Vols are peaking, their surge an electrifying promise of chaos and triumph in the postseason ahead.
