No. 22 Lady Vols Basketball Hosts Missouri in Key SEC Matchup

Tennessee looks to bounce back from blowout loss to South Carolina as former player Kellie Harper returns to Knoxville with Missouri

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The No. 22 Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team will host the Missouri Tigers on Thursday night in Knoxville. The Lady Vols are coming off a brutal 43-point loss to South Carolina, while Missouri is led by former Tennessee player and head coach Kellie Harper. This matchup presents an important opportunity for Tennessee to respond after the lopsided defeat and get back on track in SEC play.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for the Lady Vols as they try to bounce back from the South Carolina loss and maintain their position in the SEC standings. A win over Missouri would be an important confidence boost, while a loss could further derail their season. Additionally, the return of Kellie Harper, who played and coached at Tennessee, adds an intriguing storyline to the matchup.

The details

Tennessee will need strong performances from leading scorer Talaysia Cooper and forward Zee Spearman to overcome the challenge posed by Missouri's efficient offense and three-point shooting. The Lady Vols will also have to contend with the absence of Mia Pauldo, who has been ruled out for the game. Disciplined defense and limiting turnovers will be key for Tennessee to come away with the victory.

  • The game is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT.
  • Tennessee is coming off a 43-point loss to South Carolina on February 8, 2026.

The players

Talaysia Cooper

The Lady Vols' leading scorer, averaging 14.6 points per game.

Zee Spearman

Tennessee's top rebounder, grabbing 6.9 boards per contest.

Kellie Harper

The current Missouri head coach, who played and coached at Tennessee in the past.

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What they’re saying

“They are excellent offensively. They're incredibly efficient. They shoot the three really well. Best shooting team in the SEC. We have to guard. We have to guard together. We have to make multiple efforts. We can't take a play off, really be locked in on the defensive end, or they're going to be a team that can put a 9-0, 12-0 run on you quickly, and it can all be from the three-point line.”

— Kim Caldwell, Tennessee Head Coach

What’s next

The outcome of this game will be crucial for Tennessee's positioning in the SEC standings and their confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The takeaway

This matchup between the No. 22 Lady Vols and Missouri presents an opportunity for Tennessee to rebound from their blowout loss and prove their resilience, while also adding an intriguing storyline with the return of former player and coach Kellie Harper to Knoxville.