Tennessee vs. UConn women's basketball leads weekend watch guide

A non-conference matchup with Tennessee presents the final real test of the regular season for undefeated UConn.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:39am

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UConn's women's basketball team has dominated the Big East this season, winning its conference games by an average of 36 points. However, the Huskies will face their toughest test of the regular season on Sunday when they host longtime rival Tennessee in a non-conference clash. The game is an important opportunity for UConn to secure a No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

UConn is playing like the best team in the country, but the Big East is having a down year. Tennessee was the last team to beat UConn last year before the Huskies broke off a 16-game win streak that was capped off with the program's 12th national championship. This game is a chance for UConn to prove its dominance against a tough opponent and solidify its position as the top team in the country.

The details

UConn has won its Big East games this season by an average of 36 points, even with several key players sidelined. The Huskies' slimmest margin of victory in a conference game is 36 points. Tennessee, under second-year coach Kim Caldwell, has endured a handful of losses in non-conference play this season but is 14-4 overall and riding a seven-game win streak before its first SEC loss on Thursday. The Lady Vols' defense and 3-point shooting have been their strengths this season.

  • UConn hosts Tennessee on Sunday, January 30, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET.
  • UConn defeated Xavier 97-39 on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Serah Williams

A starter for UConn who was sidelined for the team's game against Xavier.

Blanca Quiñonez

UConn's third-leading scorer who was also sidelined for the Xavier game.

Allie Ziebell

A UConn player who scored a career-high 34 points and made 10 3-pointers in the win over Xavier.

Kim Caldwell

The second-year head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols.

Aaliyah Chavez

A player for the Oklahoma Sooners women's basketball team.

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