Tennessee Coach Calls Out Team After Slow First Half

Kim Caldwell demands more effort from Volunteers in SEC matchup against Mississippi State

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Tennessee trailed Mississippi State 35-26 at halftime of Thursday's SEC showdown in Knoxville. Coming out of the break, Volunteers head coach Kim Caldwell sent a stern message to her team, telling them to "Change your faces. Act like you want to be here. Rebound, hit a shot, guard the 3-point line. We need to look like what we do." Caldwell said the team didn't get much production from anyone and had players in foul trouble, calling for more effort from the entire roster.

Why it matters

Tennessee is a top contender in the SEC this season, so a slow start against a conference rival like Mississippi State is concerning. Caldwell's blunt halftime comments suggest the team may have been lacking energy and focus, which could be an issue if it continues throughout the season.

The details

The Volunteers trailed the Bulldogs by 9 points at the half, 35-26. Caldwell was clearly unhappy with her team's effort and execution in the opening 20 minutes, as she called for them to change their demeanor, make shots, rebound, and play better defense on the perimeter.

  • Tennessee trailed Mississippi State 35-26 at halftime on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Kim Caldwell

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers women's basketball team.

Tennessee Volunteers

The women's basketball team from the University of Tennessee, a top contender in the SEC this season.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

The women's basketball team from Mississippi State University, Tennessee's conference rival.

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What they’re saying

“Change your faces. Act like you want to be here. Rebound, hit a shot, guard the 3-point line. We need to look like what we do. … I don't think we got much out of anyone. We had some people in power trouble. We need more out of every single person on our roster.”

— Kim Caldwell, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

The takeaway

Caldwell's blunt halftime comments suggest the Volunteers may have been lacking energy and focus, which could be an issue if it continues throughout the season. As a top SEC contender, Tennessee will need to quickly address any effort or execution problems to maintain their status as a conference title contender.