Lady Vols Basketball Starts SEC Tournament with Win Over Texas A&M: A Solid Opening Victory in Greenville

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers came into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament with a clear goal in mind: to continue building momentum after a strong regular season and make a deep run toward the NCAA Tournament. Their opening game in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 5, 2025, against the Texas A&M Aggies was a critical test—a test that the Lady Vols passed with flying colors, securing an 81-68 victory. The win was a statement that Tennessee, despite some ups and downs during the season, was ready to battle for a championship and had the talent and determination to make a push for postseason glory.

A Confident Start to the Tournament

The Lady Vols entered the SEC Tournament as one of the favorites to win it all, bolstered by a talented roster that featured standout players like senior forward Taylor Jenkins, sophomore guard Alexis Moore, and freshman sensation Kiera Howard. Tennessee had gone through some tough stretches in the regular season, but they finished strong, proving they could compete with the best teams in the conference. Head coach Kellie Harper knew that this game against Texas A&M was the first step toward reclaiming their rightful place at the top of the SEC, and she was determined to have her team come out focused and poised.

From the tip-off, Tennessee wasted no time in asserting their dominance. The Lady Vols came out with a high-energy defense that set the tone for the entire game. They pressured Texas A&M into early turnovers, disrupted their offensive rhythm, and scored easy fast-break points that gave them a quick lead. The defense was aggressive but calculated, and it was clear that Tennessee was locked in from the opening whistle.

On the offensive side, Taylor Jenkins, a senior who has been a cornerstone of Tennessee’s program, immediately took control of the game. She had been battling injuries throughout the season, but on this night, she showed why she’s one of the most respected players in the SEC. Jenkins put up 11 points in the first quarter alone, mixing powerful drives to the basket with mid-range jump shots. She had the crowd in Greenville buzzing, and her leadership on the floor was evident as she set up her teammates for easy baskets.

Texas A&M’s Early Struggles

Texas A&M, led by head coach Joni Taylor, came into the tournament with high hopes after a solid regular season. The Aggies had a strong group of players, including standout guard Maya Williams, but from the very beginning, they seemed to struggle with Tennessee’s intense defense. The Lady Vols’ ability to apply constant pressure, combined with their strong defensive rotations, forced the Aggies into rushed shots and poor decision-making.

The first quarter saw Texas A&M struggle to find any offensive flow. Maya Williams, who had been a go-to scorer for the Aggies throughout the season, found herself being hounded by Tennessee’s perimeter defense. Williams had only three points in the first quarter, and the Aggies were unable to get into a rhythm. When they did manage to get a shot off, it was often contested or off-balance, resulting in several missed opportunities.

On the other end, Tennessee capitalized on every Texas A&M mistake. Alexis Moore, who had been a key contributor for the Lady Vols all season, added seven points in the first quarter. Moore’s ability to drive the lane, combined with her elite court vision, allowed her to consistently create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. By the time the first quarter ended, Tennessee had built a 25-15 lead, and Texas A&M looked to be in serious trouble.

Building Momentum: Second Quarter Surge

The second quarter saw a continued surge by Tennessee, as they stretched their lead even further. The Lady Vols didn’t allow the Aggies to find their footing, continuing to dominate on both sides of the ball. Their defense was stifling, and their offense was flowing efficiently.

Kiera Howard, the freshman guard who had been making waves all season, also stepped up in the second quarter. Howard’s three-point shooting ability proved to be a major asset, as she knocked down a couple of timely shots that forced Texas A&M to extend their defense. Howard finished the first half with 12 points, showcasing why she was one of the most highly touted players in the country.

Tennessee’s depth became more and more evident as the quarter progressed. With several players contributing, they continued to chip away at Texas A&M’s confidence. The Lady Vols shared the ball well, moving it around the perimeter and taking advantage of mismatches in the paint.

On defense, Tennessee was relentless. They forced several turnovers, many of which turned into fast-break points. The Lady Vols’ ability to push the ball up the court quickly was one of the reasons they were able to extend their lead. By halftime, Tennessee held a commanding 48-30 lead, and it was clear that Texas A&M needed to make significant adjustments if they hoped to make a comeback.

Texas A&M Fights Back in the Third Quarter

Despite the uphill battle, Texas A&M wasn’t going to go down without a fight. The Aggies came out of the locker room with renewed energy in the third quarter. Maya Williams, who had struggled in the first half, found her shooting touch and scored 8 points in the quarter. Williams was more aggressive with her drives and started to get to the free-throw line, where she capitalized on the opportunities.

The Aggies also found success by feeding the ball inside to their post players. Center Jada Harris and forward Lily Palmer both started to assert themselves in the paint, scoring several crucial baskets and drawing fouls. The inside presence from Harris and Palmer was important because it forced Tennessee to adjust their defensive approach.

Tennessee, however, was up to the challenge. While Texas A&M made a strong push, cutting the lead to 11 points midway through the third quarter, the Lady Vols responded with key buckets from their stars. Taylor Jenkins hit a huge three-pointer to stop the bleeding, and Alexis Moore connected on a floater in the lane that pushed the lead back to 15 points.

Tennessee’s ability to weather the storm and respond when the Aggies began to close the gap was a testament to their poise and experience. The Lady Vols didn’t panic; instead, they relied on their defense and composure to regain control of the game. By the time the third quarter ended, the lead had been restored to 14 points, with Tennessee holding a 65-51 advantage.

Closing Strong: Lady Vols’ Dominance in the Fourth Quarter

With the game still well within reach for Texas A&M, the fourth quarter would prove to be the final test of Tennessee’s resolve. But it was clear early on that the Lady Vols had no intention of letting the Aggies make any further runs. Taylor Jenkins, who had been stellar throughout the game, scored six quick points to start the fourth, putting the Aggies in a nearly impossible position.

Tennessee’s defense remained suffocating, forcing Texas A&M into difficult shots. The Aggies’ offensive struggles were compounded by their inability to get second-chance opportunities, as the Lady Vols dominated the boards. Kiera Howard continued to shine, scoring on a couple of transition plays that put the game out of reach.

With just under three minutes left, Tennessee led by 18 points, and the game was essentially decided. Coach Kellie Harper was able to give her bench players some valuable minutes, which allowed the starters to rest for the next round of the tournament. The final buzzer sounded with the Lady Vols securing an 81-68 victory, a commanding win that sent a message to the rest of the SEC that Tennessee was ready to contend for the championship.

Key Takeaways and Player Performances

Tennessee’s win over Texas A&M was an all-around team effort, but several players stood out. Taylor Jenkins led the way with 22 points and 8 rebounds, providing the leadership and scoring that the Lady Vols needed. Alexis Moore also had an impressive performance with 18 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, playing a crucial role in the team’s offensive flow. Kiera Howard, the freshman sensation, finished with 16 points, including several clutch three-pointers, showing that she was not intimidated by the big stage.

Texas A&M’s Maya Williams finished with 18 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Tennessee’s strong team play. Jada Harris and Lily Palmer contributed solid performances in the paint, but the Aggies were ultimately unable to overcome the Lady Vols’ balanced attack.

What’s Next for the Lady Vols

The win against Texas A&M set the tone for the rest of the SEC Tournament. Tennessee’s dominant performance showed that they are a legitimate contender, and if they can continue playing with this level of intensity and cohesion, they could make a deep run toward the championship. Their defense was strong, their offense was balanced, and they showed the kind of poise needed to close out a game.

For the Lady Vols, the road to an SEC title will not be easy, but with players like Taylor Jenkins, Alexis Moore, and Kiera Howard leading the charge, they have all the tools to succeed. The next round will present a tougher challenge, but Tennessee has proven that they are ready for anything that comes their way. With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the Lady Vols are beginning to hit their stride at just the right time.

Tennessee’s 81-68 victory over Texas A&M was more than just a win; it was a statement. The Lady Vols are back, and they’re not just playing for an SEC Championship—they’re playing for a national title.