Lady Vols Basketball HC Kim Caldwell Previews Rematch with Mississippi State

Tennessee looks to avenge earlier loss to SEC foe Mississippi State in Thursday's matchup.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tennessee Lady Vols basketball head coach Kim Caldwell met with the media to preview the team's upcoming game against Mississippi State. Caldwell discussed the challenges of playing the same opponent twice in a month, the importance of rebounding and defense, the status of injured player Janiah Barker, and how her team has progressed since the first meeting with Mississippi State.

Why it matters

This SEC matchup is an important game for the Lady Vols as they look to bounce back from their loss to Kentucky and continue building momentum in conference play. The team's ability to make adjustments and improvements from the first meeting with Mississippi State will be crucial.

The details

Caldwell noted that both teams played well offensively in the first meeting, so the focus will be on preparing for any defensive adjustments from Mississippi State. The Lady Vols will emphasize rebounding and limiting second-chance points after being dominated on the glass in the previous game. Caldwell also discussed the challenge of the rescheduled Ole Miss game and how her team handled the change in schedule.

  • The Lady Vols and Mississippi State previously met on January 5, 2026.
  • The rescheduled game against Ole Miss was postponed right before Tennessee's practice.

The players

Kim Caldwell

The head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team.

Janiah Barker

A Tennessee player who was previously injured but has now returned to practice.

Talaysia Cooper

A Tennessee guard who Caldwell had a conversation with after the Kentucky game.

Favour Nwaedozi

A Mississippi State player who dominated the Lady Vols on the glass in the previous meeting.

Deniya Prawl

A Tennessee player who Caldwell said played well in the first game against Mississippi State and has been improving in practice.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We've been practicing with a lid on the rim all week and they killed us on the glass at their place, and that's been a point of emphasis and it's gonna continue to be a point of emphasis.”

— Kim Caldwell, Head Coach

“I think we were fired up to play at Ole Miss and then it was tough because we didn't get to do that game. But that would have been another ranked opponent on the road, which was gonna be a good test for us.”

— Kim Caldwell, Head Coach

“We look a lot better. We're tougher, we're keeping the ball in front of us, we're playing together, we're rotating, it's creating turnovers in the half-court, as well. And so I don't wanna jinx it, but that's been kind of one bright spot for our team, has been our half-court defense.”

— Kim Caldwell, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game against Mississippi State will be a key test for the Lady Vols as they look to avenge their earlier loss and continue improving their defensive intensity and rebounding. Caldwell is focused on her team making the necessary adjustments and building on the progress they've shown in recent practices.