UConn Coach Reflects on Loss to Lady Vols

Huskies bounced back to win national title after rare defeat

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:15pm

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UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma reflected on his team's loss to the Lady Vols last season, the first time Tennessee had beaten the Huskies since 2007. Despite the defeat, UConn went on to win the national championship, their 12th title.

Why it matters

UConn's women's basketball program is one of the most dominant in the country, so any loss is noteworthy. The win for Tennessee over the Huskies was a significant upset and showed the Lady Vols' ability to compete with the powerhouse program.

The details

UConn lost to Tennessee last season, ending a long streak of victories over the Lady Vols. However, the Huskies bounced back and did not lose another game the rest of the season, going on to win the national championship.

  • UConn lost to Tennessee last season.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, one of the most successful programs in NCAA history.

Lady Vols

The women's basketball team of the University of Tennessee, a traditional powerhouse program.

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What they’re saying

“Well, I know going into the season that USC, Notre Dame, and Tennessee were the three teams that beat us last year,”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

The takeaway

Despite the rare loss to Tennessee, UConn proved its resilience by bouncing back and winning the national championship, further cementing the Huskies' status as one of the premier women's basketball programs in the country.