Tennessee Lady Vols Set to Face Ole Miss Rebels

Lady Vols look to bounce back from narrow loss to Texas

Feb. 19, 2026 at 12:15pm

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The Tennessee Lady Vols women's basketball team is set to take on the Ole Miss Rebels in their next contest. Despite missing key players like star guard Mia Pauldo, the Lady Vols are expected to be the favorites in this game as they look to rebound from a narrow loss to the 4th-ranked Texas Longhorns.

Why it matters

This game is an important test for the Lady Vols as they continue to build momentum heading into the postseason. A win over Ole Miss would help solidify their status as a top team in the SEC and a potential threat in the NCAA tournament.

The details

The Lady Vols may be without Pauldo and forward Nya Robertson, who is listed as questionable, while Ole Miss will be missing Jayla Murray. Despite the injuries, the Lady Vols are still expected to have the advantage, especially after their strong showing against Texas. The game is likely to be a physical battle in the paint, with the team that can get to the basket emerging victorious.

  • The game is scheduled for February 17, 2026.

The players

Kim Caldwell

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

Mia Pauldo

A star guard for the Tennessee Lady Vols who may miss this game due to injury.

Nya Robertson

A forward for the Tennessee Lady Vols who is listed as questionable for this game due to injury.

Jayla Murray

A player for the Ole Miss Rebels who will miss this game.

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What they’re saying

“A big win recently over Missouri, followed by a narrow loss to No. 4 Texas. The Lady Vols are proving they can play with anyone. This team has the potential to be a real threat when the tournaments roll around.”

— Dale Dowden

“After getting blown out by South Carolina and UCONN, Tennessee played a fairly good game against 4th ranked Texas. Even with the loss, the Vols have shown improvement following the two disappointing games. The Lady Rebels, on the other hand, have lost two of their last three in upset fashion, with their only win in between coming against the conference's worst team, Arkansas. I think it will be a close game, but UT pulls it out late.”

— Wesley Powell

“The Lady Vols are going into battle without their star guard, Mia Pauldo. This is something that would typically keep the Lady Vols from winning games, but that will not be the case. They may also be without Nya Robertson, who is listed as questionable. The Rebels aren't missing as much, as they will be without Jayla Murray in this game. The Lady Vols are entering this contest as the expected winner, and I believe that will be the case after what many would label as a solid performance against the Texas Longhorns, which would have been a major win for the Kim Caldwell-led program. The leader in this game will be someone who comes in and can get to the basket, as I look for a tough contest in the paint for the Lady Vols. I got the Lady Vols in a landslide.”

— Caleb Sisk

What’s next

The Lady Vols will look to build on this game as they continue their SEC schedule and prepare for the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

Despite missing key players, the Tennessee Lady Vols have shown they can compete with the top teams in the country and are poised to make a deep run in the postseason if they can continue to improve and get healthy.