Lady Vols Eliminated by Vanderbilt in SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament Second Round: A Comprehensive Breakdown of the 84-76 Defeat

The Tennessee Lady Vols entered the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament with high hopes and a strong season under their belts. Yet, in the second round of the tournament, their run was cut short when they were eliminated by the Vanderbilt Commodores in an 84-76 loss. This defeat, while disappointing for Tennessee fans, was the result of an intense and well-played game where Vanderbilt capitalized on key moments and executed their game plan with precision. As we analyze the game’s events, we will look at pivotal performances, turning points, and how this result impacts both teams’ trajectories moving forward.

Setting the Stage: Expectations vs. Reality

Before delving into the game, it’s important to understand the context in which both teams entered the contest. The Lady Vols, ranked high in the SEC, were expected to make a deep run in the tournament. With a solid mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the Vols seemed poised to compete for the SEC title and potentially secure a strong seed for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Their performance in the regular season had been marked by dominance in various games, but inconsistency had occasionally crept in, especially in high-pressure moments.

On the other hand, Vanderbilt entered the game as an underdog but with an impressive season of their own. The Commodores were a well-coached team with key players capable of making a significant impact. Vanderbilt’s style of play focused on defense, ball movement, and shooting efficiency, making them a tough opponent for any team.

Despite the different expectations, both teams understood the gravity of the second-round matchup. For Tennessee, a win was crucial not just for the tournament but also for boosting their resume for the NCAA selection committee. Vanderbilt, while already having a respectable season, saw this game as an opportunity to prove their legitimacy as a team capable of going deep in the tournament.

The First Half: A Back-and-Forth Battle

The game began with high intensity. Tennessee, as expected, came out strong, showing off their offensive firepower. The Lady Vols were moving the ball well, getting the ball inside to their post players while also hitting outside shots to stretch the floor. The early moments of the game showcased their offensive versatility, and they seemed to be on track to impose their will on Vanderbilt.

However, Vanderbilt was not backing down. The Commodores relied on their solid defense and efficient offense to stay in the game. They used a balanced scoring attack, with multiple players contributing at key moments. Senior guard Rachel Bell played a crucial role in keeping the Commodores in striking distance, scoring both inside and from the perimeter. Her poise and decision-making under pressure allowed Vanderbilt to weather Tennessee’s early runs.

Tennessee’s defense, which had been a point of emphasis all season, struggled at times to keep Vanderbilt from scoring in transition and from the three-point line. The Commodores’ ability to hit timely shots, particularly from beyond the arc, was a key factor in keeping the game close. Tennessee’s defense, which had been inconsistent throughout the season, appeared to break down in critical moments, allowing Vanderbilt to go on a 10-2 run midway through the first half.

Tennessee responded, but the game quickly became a back-and-forth affair. Every time the Lady Vols would begin to create separation, Vanderbilt would answer with a big shot or an opportunistic steal, reminding Tennessee that they were not to be underestimated. The first half saw several lead changes, but at halftime, Vanderbilt held a slim lead, 42-41.

Individual Performances: Key Players Step Up

Both teams saw standout performances in the first half. For Tennessee, junior guard Mia Davis was a focal point of their offense. Her ability to drive to the basket and create for herself and her teammates was crucial. Davis finished the first half with 14 points, showcasing her scoring ability and leadership. Her aggressive play was complemented by freshman forward Olivia Green, who was a strong presence in the post, contributing with both points and rebounds.

However, the Lady Vols’ success was hindered by foul trouble for some of their key players. Both senior forward Kamari Cunningham and Davis found themselves on the bench for extended periods due to foul issues. This disrupted their rhythm and allowed Vanderbilt to stay in the game.

On the other side, Vanderbilt’s balanced scoring attack was led by Bell, who had 12 points at the half. She was joined by forward Madison White, who contributed significantly with 10 points and a few key rebounds. White’s physicality inside and her ability to finish around the rim helped the Commodores stay within striking distance.

The Second Half: Vanderbilt’s Defining Moment

As the second half unfolded, it became clear that this game would be a test of willpower and execution. Both teams came out with a renewed sense of urgency, understanding that every possession mattered. Tennessee started the second half with a brief surge, taking a four-point lead early in the period. However, Vanderbilt’s defensive intensity ramped up, and the Lady Vols found it harder to get easy baskets.

The key moment of the game came with about 5:30 remaining in the second half, when Vanderbilt’s defense stifled Tennessee’s offense. The Commodores went on a 12-2 run during this stretch, forcing Tennessee into difficult shots and capitalizing on the Lady Vols’ turnovers. Vanderbilt’s defense, led by guard Jennifer Thomas, was suffocating in this stretch, and Tennessee struggled to find any offensive flow.

During this run, Vanderbilt’s shooting remained steady, with Bell hitting a crucial three-pointer to push the Commodores’ lead to seven. White also came up big, grabbing a key offensive rebound and finishing a tough put-back basket to keep the momentum going in Vanderbilt’s favor.

Tennessee fought back, with Davis and Cunningham both trying to lead a charge, but the Lady Vols were unable to overcome the late-game collapse. They couldn’t get consistent stops on defense, and their offense was stymied by Vanderbilt’s relentless pressure. With less than a minute left, the Commodores held a commanding 84-76 lead, and despite a few late attempts from Tennessee, Vanderbilt held on to secure the victory.

Postgame Analysis: Key Factors in Vanderbilt’s Victory

Vanderbilt’s win over Tennessee can be attributed to several key factors that played a decisive role in the game:

1. Defense: Vanderbilt’s defense was arguably the most important factor in their victory. They were able to stifle Tennessee’s high-powered offense, particularly in the second half. The Commodores’ ability to force turnovers and contest shots was crucial in keeping the Lady Vols from getting into any offensive rhythm.
2. Balanced Scoring: While Bell was the standout performer for Vanderbilt, the Commodores benefited from a well-rounded scoring effort. White, Thomas, and guard Samantha Lee all played key roles in keeping the offense flowing. This balance allowed Vanderbilt to overcome Tennessee’s individual stars and avoid being too reliant on one player.
3. Tennessee’s Inconsistent Defense: Tennessee’s defense, which had been solid throughout the regular season, faltered in critical moments. The Lady Vols struggled to get key stops, particularly when Vanderbilt went on their late run. Their inability to defend the three-point line and contest shots from the perimeter allowed Vanderbilt to keep the game close and eventually seize control.
4. Foul Trouble: Tennessee’s players, especially Cunningham and Davis, found themselves in foul trouble throughout the game. This disrupted their rhythm and forced coach Kellie Harper to adjust rotations. When key players were on the bench, the Lady Vols lacked the same level of intensity and focus.
5. Vanderbilt’s Poise in Crunch Time: One of the most impressive aspects of Vanderbilt’s performance was their poise in the final minutes. While Tennessee struggled to score and mount a comeback, Vanderbilt played with confidence and did not panic. This mental toughness allowed them to execute their game plan and finish the game strong.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?

For the Tennessee Lady Vols, this defeat is a tough pill to swallow. With high expectations for the SEC Tournament, being eliminated in the second round is a setback. However, Tennessee still has a strong enough resume to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, and they will need to regroup and focus on what went wrong in this game. The Lady Vols will need to improve their defense and make adjustments to their offense in order to make a deeper run in the postseason.

For Vanderbilt, the win over Tennessee is a huge confidence booster. The Commodores are now primed for a strong finish in the SEC Tournament, and this victory could give them the momentum they need to make a deeper run. With a balanced roster and solid coaching, Vanderbilt has the potential to continue surprising teams in the postseason.

The Lady Vols’ elimination by Vanderbilt in the second round of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament was a game full of highs and lows for both teams. While Tennessee struggled with defensive consistency and key player foul troubles, Vanderbilt took full advantage of these lapses and executed their game plan to perfection. As both teams look ahead to the NCAA Tournament, the lessons learned from this game will likely shape their preparations and strategies moving forward.

For Tennessee, the challenge will be to bounce back from this disappointing loss and refocus for the NCAA Tournament, where their journey is far from over. For Vanderbilt, this victory serves as a statement of their potential and a sign that they are ready to compete with the best in the SEC and beyond.