The Tennessee Lady Volunteers faced a tough challenge on February 27, 2025, falling to the Kentucky Wildcats 82-58 in Lexington. It was a disappointing night for the No. 11-ranked Lady Vols, who struggled to find offensive consistency against a determined Kentucky team. Following the game, Tennessee guard Samara Spencer spoke about the team’s struggles, their mindset moving forward, and what they need to improve for the remainder of the season.
Spencer acknowledged that Tennessee didn’t execute their game plan the way they had hoped. “We came into this game knowing we had to bring energy and focus, but we didn’t respond the way we needed to,” she said. “Kentucky played with a lot of intensity, and we just couldn’t match them for four quarters.”
One of the biggest issues for Tennessee was their shooting. The Lady Vols shot below 35% from the field and struggled from beyond the arc. Spencer admitted that their offensive rhythm was off all night. “We were getting looks, but they weren’t falling. It’s frustrating, but we have to keep our confidence up and trust in our shots,” she added.
Another challenge Tennessee faced was Kentucky’s defensive pressure. The Wildcats forced numerous turnovers, converting them into easy transition baskets. “They were aggressive from the start,” Spencer said. “We didn’t handle their pressure the way we should have. That’s something we have to clean up going forward.”
Despite the tough loss, Spencer remains optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back. “It’s one game,” she said. “We have to learn from it and move forward. We’re still in a good position, and we know what we’re capable of.”
With the SEC Tournament approaching, the Lady Vols will need to regroup quickly. Spencer emphasized the importance of staying focused. “We’re going to use this as motivation. We have to bring more energy, play smarter, and be ready for the next challenge.”
Tennessee will look to bounce back in their next matchup, hoping to prove that this loss was just a minor setback in their pursuit of a deep postseason run.
