A Renewed Rivalry
The University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball program is set to restart its storied rivalry with the Tennessee Volunteers, beginning with a home‑and‑home series that opens on December 12, 2024. It will be the earliest meeting between the two schools in the history of the matchup, and the Huskies enter the series with an 18‑10 edge in all‑time meetings.
Coach’s Concern
Tennessee’s head coach, Kim Caldwell, has voiced his frustration with the scheduling, noting that the December 12 contest removes one of the team’s traditional bye weeks and forces a compressed preparation window.
Recent Dominance
UConn’s most recent encounter ended in a 99‑66 victory, the largest margin in the series and the second‑worst defeat ever recorded by Tennessee. The Huskies surged in the second half, outscoring the Volunteers 54‑31 after falling behind early, with Azzi Fudd delivering 27 points and Sarah Strong adding 26.
A New Look for Tennessee
The Volunteers will field a completely new roster this season, as all 15 scholarship players have departed via graduation or the transfer portal, leaving a largely untested lineup to face the Huskies.
Historical Backdrop
The rivalry dates back to 1995, when UConn claimed the first victory and briefly held the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll. The Huskies rode that early success to a national championship in 1995, though they fell to Tennessee in the 1996 Final Four and the 1997 Elite Eight. Dominance by UConn continued through the early 2000s, winning nine of the first eleven meetings, including title‑game showdowns in 2000, 2003 and 2004, before the series was halted in 2007 amid recruiting violations.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the Tennessee matchup, UConn’s non‑conference slate includes contests against Iowa, Michigan, Louisville, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Syracuse, South Carolina, Maryland and LSU, underscoring a schedule designed to sharpen the team for another title run.