UConn women's basketball seeks redemption in rivalry matchup vs. Tennessee

No. 1 Huskies host Lady Vols on Sunday looking to avenge last year's upset loss

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The No. 1 UConn women's basketball team hosts longtime rival Tennessee on Sunday, seeking to avenge last year's stunning 80-76 upset loss to the Lady Vols in Knoxville. UConn, led by star guard Azzi Fudd, has won 38 straight games since that defeat, but the players still feel the sting of that loss and are eager to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd at PeoplesBank Arena.

Why it matters

The UConn-Tennessee rivalry was once a must-see matchup in women's basketball, with the two programs combining for 12 NCAA championships from 1995-2010. But the series had become dormant in recent years until Tennessee's upset win last season, which has renewed interest in the historic rivalry.

The details

UConn is looking to avenge its 80-76 loss to Tennessee on Feb. 6, 2025, when the then-No. 19 Lady Vols defeated the then-No. 5 Huskies in Knoxville. UConn star Azzi Fudd had a disappointing performance in that game, shooting just 3-for-9 with 3 turnovers and 3 fouls. The Huskies have won 38 straight games since that defeat, but Fudd says the team still feels the sting of that loss. Tennessee's win last season came under first-year coach Kim Caldwell and has helped resurrect the rivalry, which had become dormant in recent years.

  • The UConn-Tennessee game is scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2026 at noon.
  • Last season, Tennessee defeated UConn 80-76 on February 6, 2025 in Knoxville.

The players

Azzi Fudd

A star guard for the UConn women's basketball team who had a disappointing performance in last year's loss to Tennessee, shooting just 3-for-9 with 3 turnovers and 3 fouls.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who said the loss to Tennessee last season served as a "reality check" that helped fuel the Huskies' run to the national championship.

Kim Caldwell

The first-year head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols, who led the team to the upset win over UConn last season.

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What they’re saying

“As individual and as a team, we all felt like no really did their part or pulled their weight. We were mad about our own performances and how didn't show up for each other. … I can't speak for other people, but it's definitely still on my mind. I played like, really bad last year. But it's a new group, a new team, so obviously it's a big game and we're all excited.”

— Azzi Fudd, UConn guard

“Watching that game, there were just so many things that you wish you could take back — moments in the game, plays in the game that at the moment didn't seem that big but ended up impacting the game pretty significantly. So of course you're going to take it and start to look in the mirror and start looking at the film … That's why you play these games. Had we not played that game, we maybe wouldn't have been in a position to address all those things, and that might be the case tomorrow.”

— Geno Auriemma, UConn head coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.