Lady Vols Basketball Starts SEC Tournament with Win Over Texas A&M: A Comprehensive Recap

The University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team kicked off their 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament with a decisive victory over the Texas A&M Aggies, securing a place in the next round and continuing their path toward the ultimate goal: a conference title and a strong postseason run. This win was not only significant for the team’s tournament aspirations but also demonstrated their resilience, teamwork, and ability to perform under pressure when it mattered most.

Background: A Strong Season with High Expectations

Coming into the 2025 SEC Tournament, the Lady Vols had a strong season under head coach Kellie Harper, boasting an impressive regular-season record in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. The team had proven itself to be one of the most well-coached, disciplined, and competitive squads in the nation, led by some standout players who had earned significant recognition for their performances on both ends of the floor.

The Lady Vols’ offense, spearheaded by their dynamic guards and versatile forwards, had been one of the most efficient in the conference. Their defense, always a hallmark of Tennessee basketball, was as stingy as ever, with their ability to disrupt passing lanes, force turnovers, and dominate the boards often setting the tone for their victories.

But, despite the strong regular season, the SEC Tournament presented its own unique challenges. This tournament was not only about securing the conference title but also about solidifying the Lady Vols’ NCAA Tournament seeding. For many teams in the SEC, the path to March Madness could be shaped by their performance in the tournament, making every game vital.

Texas A&M, on the other hand, had endured a challenging season but had a reputation for playing tough, scrappy basketball under head coach Joni Taylor. The Aggies had a few standout performances in the regular season, even against some of the top teams in the country, and they were always a dangerous opponent in postseason play.

The Game: A Thorough and Confident Performance

The matchup between Tennessee and Texas A&M was eagerly anticipated, with both teams bringing distinct styles of play to the court. From the opening tip, it was clear that the Lady Vols had come prepared, and their game plan was executed with precision and intensity.

First Half: Early Dominance and Defensive Prowess

The Lady Vols wasted no time in establishing control of the game. Their defense was the first thing that stood out. From the opening minutes, Tennessee showed why they were one of the best defensive teams in the SEC. Their pressure defense stifled Texas A&M’s offense, forcing multiple turnovers and limiting the Aggies’ scoring opportunities. The Lady Vols’ ability to close out on shooters and contest shots made it difficult for Texas A&M to find any rhythm offensively.

On the offensive end, Tennessee was equally efficient. The team moved the ball well, creating open looks for their shooters. Jordan Horston, Tennessee’s star guard, was a key contributor in the early going. Her ability to break down defenders, find open teammates, and knock down shots from the outside put the Aggies on their heels. Alongside Horston, junior forward Rickea Jackson was a force in the paint. She bullied defenders inside and was a constant presence on the glass, securing several key offensive rebounds and second-chance points.

The Lady Vols’ fast-paced offense, coupled with their ability to attack the rim, allowed them to build an early lead. They scored efficiently, getting high-percentage shots in transition and off set plays. By halftime, Tennessee had built a comfortable margin, but it was their defense that had set the tone and made it clear that they were the superior team.

Second Half: Aggies’ Push and Lady Vols’ Resilience

The second half of the game saw a more determined Texas A&M squad. After the break, the Aggies came out with more energy, showing their competitive spirit and trying to claw their way back into the game. Led by a few key players, including their standout guard and forward, the Aggies began to chip away at Tennessee’s lead, making some key shots and forcing turnovers of their own. However, despite their best efforts, Texas A&M’s comeback attempt was stifled by the Lady Vols’ composure and ability to execute under pressure.

One of the key moments in the second half came when Texas A&M managed to cut the deficit to just six points midway through the period. The Aggies had found some success with their three-point shooting, but Tennessee responded immediately. A key steal by Horston led to an easy fast-break layup, and moments later, a three-pointer from Jackson pushed the lead back to double digits. This momentum shift was crucial, as it once again gave the Lady Vols the breathing room they needed.

Tennessee’s defense in the second half was a story of resilience. They continued to force difficult shots and contested every look the Aggies had at the basket. Their ability to limit second-chance opportunities and crash the boards ensured that Texas A&M would not get many easy scoring chances. Meanwhile, the Lady Vols’ offense continued to flow smoothly, with a balanced attack that featured contributions from multiple players. The Lady Vols didn’t panic when the Aggies made their run, showing their maturity and poise in high-pressure situations.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, Tennessee had sealed a solid victory, advancing to the next round of the SEC Tournament with a final score that reflected their dominant performance over 40 minutes of basketball.

Player of the Game: Jordan Horston’s Leadership

While many players contributed to the Lady Vols’ win, the player who stood out the most was senior guard Jordan Horston. Horston’s leadership on the court was invaluable. She scored efficiently, distributed the ball well, and played exceptional defense. Horston finished the game with 22 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, leading her team in both scoring and playmaking.

Her ability to control the tempo of the game and make plays in key moments was instrumental in keeping Texas A&M at bay. Horston’s poise and experience were on full display, especially during moments when the Aggies threatened to make a comeback. Her leadership has been a cornerstone of Tennessee’s success this season, and it was evident throughout this game.

Other Key Contributions

While Horston was undoubtedly the standout player, she was far from the only one who contributed to Tennessee’s victory. Rickea Jackson was another key figure in the Lady Vols’ performance, finishing with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Jackson’s presence in the paint was felt on both ends of the floor, as she helped anchor Tennessee’s defense while also providing a scoring punch. Her ability to finish through contact and dominate in the low post was a huge asset for Tennessee, particularly when the game was still within reach for Texas A&M.

Freshman guard Tamari Key also had a strong performance, contributing 12 points and 7 rebounds. Key’s size and athleticism were crucial in the Lady Vols’ interior defense, and her ability to score when called upon helped keep the Aggies from gaining any momentum.

The Lady Vols also got solid contributions from their bench. Backup guard Jasmine Powell provided a spark, scoring 8 points in limited minutes, while forward Emily Saunders did the dirty work on the boards, grabbing 6 rebounds in just 15 minutes of play.

Postgame Reactions and Outlook

Following the game, Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper expressed pride in her team’s effort, particularly their ability to stay composed under pressure. “We knew Texas A&M would come out and give us a fight. They’re a tough team, and they’ve shown all season that they can compete with anyone in the SEC. But our defense was excellent, and we stayed focused on executing our offense. I’m proud of the way the team handled the game today.”

Harper also praised the performances of her star players, especially Jordan Horston. “Jordan’s leadership was incredible. She has been a cornerstone of this program, and today she showed exactly why. But this was a team effort, and I think that’s what makes this win so special.”

For the Lady Vols, this win marked another step forward in their journey through the SEC Tournament. While the road ahead would not get any easier, Tennessee had proven that they were more than capable of handling the pressure. With key players stepping up, strong team defense, and a balanced offensive attack, the Lady Vols were in prime position to continue their march toward the SEC Championship.

Looking ahead, Tennessee would need to stay focused and continue to play their brand of basketball if they hoped to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament with a favorable seeding. However, with this victory over Texas A&M, the Lady Vols had shown that they were a team that could handle the pressure of March Madness and were ready to make a deep run.

 A Solid Start to the SEC Tournament

In the end, Tennessee’s victory over Texas A&M was a reflection of their strength, skill, and determination. It was a statement win, not only because of the caliber of their opponent but also because it showcased their ability to execute in critical moments. As the Lady Vols look forward to the rest of the SEC Tournament, they will undoubtedly be one of the teams to watch as they aim for another SEC title and prepare for what promises to be an exciting NCAA Tournament run.

With the confidence gained from this win, the Lady Vols have positioned themselves as legitimate contenders. As the competition intensifies, expect Tennessee to continue to rise to the occasion and play at the highest level. The road to the championship is long, but the Lady Vols have proven that they are more than ready for the challenge.