Bulldogs Upset No. 1 Tennessee in Stunning Victory

Mississippi State women's basketball team overcomes tough schedule to take down top-ranked opponent.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The Mississippi State women's basketball team, ranked 26th in strength of schedule, pulled off a stunning upset over No. 1 Tennessee in a hard-fought victory. The Bulldogs have endured a challenging season so far, but their confidence and courage helped them secure this major win against the top-ranked team.

Why it matters

This victory is a major accomplishment for the Mississippi State women's basketball program, demonstrating their ability to compete with and defeat the nation's best teams despite facing one of the toughest schedules in Division I. It showcases the team's resilience and talent, and could propel them to greater success later in the season.

The details

The Bulldogs were able to overcome Tennessee's size and skill advantage through a combination of strong defense, timely scoring, and unwavering determination. The team's head coach praised their mental toughness, saying "They ain't talking about us. But we want that, we want a seat at the table."

  • The game was played on February 2, 2026.

The players

Mississippi State Women's Basketball Team

The Mississippi State women's basketball team, ranked 26th in strength of schedule, pulled off a stunning upset over No. 1 Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“They ain't talking about us. But we want that, we want a seat at the table.”

— Mississippi State Head Coach

What’s next

The Bulldogs will look to build on this momentum as they continue their challenging schedule, with key matchups against other top-ranked teams in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This upset victory showcases the Bulldogs' ability to compete with the nation's elite teams, and demonstrates the value of perseverance and mental toughness in the face of adversity.