#22 Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball Rally from 14 Down, Fall Just Short Against #4 Texas

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The No. 22/22 Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team erased an early 14-point deficit against No. 4/4 Texas, but ultimately fell 65-63 in a close game at the Food City Center in Knoxville. Redshirt junior guard Talaysia Cooper led the Lady Vols with a season-high 29 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, as Tennessee nearly completed the comeback.

Why it matters

This game showcased the resilience and competitiveness of the Tennessee Lady Vols, who were able to battle back from a significant early deficit against one of the top teams in the country. The close loss also demonstrates the Lady Vols' ability to compete with elite programs and foreshadows an exciting finish to their SEC season.

The details

Tennessee fell behind 24-16 at the end of the first quarter, but used a 18-6 run to tie the game at 34 by halftime. The Lady Vols took their first lead of the second half at 38-36, but Texas was able to regain control and build a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. Tennessee made one final push, cutting the deficit to one point in the final minute, but could not complete the comeback.

• The game was played on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
• Tennessee trailed by 14 points early in the second quarter.

What’s next

Tennessee will travel to Oxford, Mississippi to face Ole Miss on Tuesday, February 18th, followed by a home game against Texas A&M on Thursday, February 20th, and a road game at Oklahoma on Sunday, February 23rd.