Inside Lady Vols Basketball’s 3-Point Performance to Beat USF in the First Round of March Madness

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament saw thrilling action right from the first round, and one of the standout performances was from the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, who delivered an unforgettable 3-point shooting performance to secure a hard-fought victory against the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls. This win not only propelled the Lady Vols to the next stage of the tournament but also demonstrated their dynamic offensive prowess and a well-executed game plan.

The Road to March Madness

Tennessee’s journey into the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament had been one of steady progress and consistency throughout the season. Coached by Kellie Harper, the Lady Vols had finished the regular season with a strong record, a mixture of high-level wins against ranked opponents and a defense that made them a tough team to crack. They had some key players stepping up when needed and a deep roster that could shoot, rebound, and defend.

South Florida, on the other hand, came into the game with its own impressive resume. They had been a strong contender in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and had earned their spot in the tournament with solid performances all season. However, they would quickly learn that the NCAA Tournament is a different level, and Tennessee’s 3-point shooting would become the decisive factor in their first-round matchup.

The Game Breakdown

From the very tip-off, Tennessee set the tone with aggressive play on both ends of the floor. Their defense was stifling, and they pressured USF into quick decisions. However, it was their offense, led by their sharp shooting from beyond the arc, that ultimately determined the outcome.

Tennessee’s 3-Point Attack

What stood out most about the Lady Vols’ performance was their effective use of the 3-point shot. While many teams rely heavily on driving the ball inside or working the post game, Tennessee had built a strong reputation throughout the season for being a lethal shooting team. On this particular night, their perimeter shooting proved to be the difference.

The Lady Vols, led by senior guard Jasmine Powell and sophomore wing Rickea Jackson, executed their offensive game plan flawlessly. Powell, known for her court vision and ability to break down defenses, orchestrated Tennessee’s offense by finding open shooters on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Jackson—who had been one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons all season—was poised to take over as the game’s top scorer.

Throughout the first half, Tennessee’s shooting from deep kept USF on their heels. What made the Lady Vols’ shooting performance so remarkable was their unselfish ball movement. Rather than forcing contested shots, Tennessee’s players moved the ball efficiently around the perimeter, creating open looks. The Bulls, struggling to defend on the perimeter, were often late in rotating to contest shots.

By halftime, Tennessee had already knocked down seven 3-pointers. Their lead was substantial, with the Lady Vols ahead by double digits. The crowd inside the arena could feel the momentum swinging in Tennessee’s favor, and the USF coaching staff was forced to rethink their defensive strategy.

Key 3-Point Shooters

Several Lady Vols players stood out for their exceptional long-range shooting during this game. Jasmine Powell hit multiple key 3-pointers, each of which seemed to come at critical junctures when USF tried to mount a comeback. Her ability to stretch the floor and keep USF’s defenders honest gave her teammates more space to work and create opportunities for others.

Rickea Jackson, Tennessee’s dynamic scoring machine, also caught fire in the second half. The sophomore forward displayed her versatility as she seamlessly transitioned from driving to the basket to launching accurate 3-point shots. Jackson’s ability to score from all areas of the floor made her nearly impossible to defend, and her ability to knock down 3-pointers helped keep USF’s defense stretched thin. Jackson would go on to lead all scorers in the game with 24 points, including four 3-pointers, showcasing her evolution as a dual-threat player.

While Powell and Jackson were the headliners, other Lady Vols chipped in as well. Guard Tamari Key—known more for her post play and rebounding—knocked down a 3-pointer early in the second half, further demoralizing the USF defense. Additionally, freshman guard Taylah Thomas contributed a key triple in the fourth quarter to help secure the win.

USF’s Struggle to Defend the Perimeter

For South Florida, the game quickly became a nightmare when their defense couldn’t adjust to Tennessee’s hot shooting. The Bulls entered the game with a reputation for being a strong defensive team, but they found themselves unable to handle Tennessee’s perimeter shooting. Despite their best efforts to close out on shooters, they often left the Lady Vols wide open on the arc, either due to miscommunication or slow rotations.

Tennessee exploited USF’s weaknesses in transition as well, catching them off guard with quick passes that led to open 3-point opportunities. The Bulls were forced to adjust, but by the time they attempted to close out the shooting lanes, it was already too late. Tennessee’s shooters were in a rhythm and made the most of every opportunity.

Coach Kellie Harper made the strategic decision to keep pushing the pace of the game and force the Bulls to chase, leading to open shots and tiring USF’s defenders. This aggressive offensive style gave Tennessee the upper hand and allowed them to build a commanding lead.

The Turning Point

Although Tennessee’s 3-point shooting was dominant throughout the game, the turning point came midway through the third quarter. Up by just 12 points, Tennessee found themselves briefly caught in a defensive lapse that allowed USF to cut the lead to single digits. This prompted a timeout from Coach Harper.

Harper, who has been lauded for her ability to make in-game adjustments, used the timeout to calm her team and refocus their energy. She emphasized the importance of maintaining their defensive intensity while continuing to exploit USF’s struggles to defend the 3-point line. Harper also encouraged her players to play with confidence and not to hesitate when an open shot presented itself.

Following the timeout, Tennessee reasserted control of the game. Powell and Jackson continued to hit clutch 3-pointers, and their momentum was further fueled by strong defense and efficient ball movement. USF, unable to recover, began to wear down as Tennessee’s shooting barrage continued. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Lady Vols had opened up a commanding 18-point lead.

Final Score and Stats

Tennessee’s final score of 82-60 was a testament to their dominant play. They finished the game shooting an impressive 45% from beyond the arc, with 13 total 3-pointers made. This barrage of long-range shooting was the key factor that separated the two teams, as USF struggled to match Tennessee’s offensive output. The Lady Vols also out-rebounded the Bulls by a significant margin, controlling the glass and limiting second-chance opportunities.

Rickea Jackson’s 24 points, including four 3-pointers, made her the star of the game. Jasmine Powell added 18 points, with three of those coming from beyond the arc, while Tamari Key contributed a solid 10 points and 8 rebounds. For USF, their leading scorer, Elena Tsineke, was held to 14 points, and the Bulls’ 3-point shooting (only 3-of-18 for 16.7%) was a major factor in their downfall.

Post-Game Reactions

After the game, Coach Kellie Harper was understandably pleased with her team’s performance, especially their shooting. “We’ve been working all season to improve our perimeter game, and tonight, it really showed,” Harper said. “Our shooters took the right shots, and they executed. When we can space the floor and shoot with that kind of confidence, we become a really dangerous team.”

Rickea Jackson also spoke about her mindset heading into the game: “I’ve just been focusing on being aggressive and taking what the defense gives me. Tonight, they gave us the 3-point shot, and we took advantage of it.” Her ability to stay poised in high-pressure situations was evident, and her performance was a major reason Tennessee advanced to the next round.

For USF, it was a frustrating loss, but head coach Jose Fernandez remained optimistic. “Tennessee played a great game, and we didn’t adjust well enough to their shooting,” Fernandez said. “We’ll learn from this and come back stronger next season. Our players have a lot of potential, and they’ll take this experience into the offseason.”

Tennessee’s 3-point shooting in their first-round matchup against USF was a display of offensive efficiency and skill. The Lady Vols demonstrated that they are not just a defensive juggernaut but also a team that can score in bunches, especially from beyond the arc. With the win, Tennessee advanced to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, where they would face even tougher competition. However, the performance against USF served as a statement that Tennessee is a team to watch, and with their shooting, they are capable of going deep into the tournament.

As the tournament progressed, fans began to see that the Lady Vols’ performance against USF was not a fluke, but rather a sign of things to come. Whether or not Tennessee would eventually claim the national title remained to be seen, but they had certainly made their mark in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament with their electrifying 3-point shooting.