The No. 1 UConn women’s basketball team hasn’t lost a game in 38 tries.
But the Huskies remember the last loss all too well, it came against longtime rival Tennessee, 80-76, on Feb. 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
“As (an) individual and as a team, we all felt like no one really did their part or pulled their weight,” UConn senior Azzi Fudd said Saturday. “We were mad about our own performances and how (we) didn’t show up for each other. … I can’t speak for other people, but it’s definitely still on my mind. I played really bad last year.
‘But it’s a new group, a new team, so obviously it’s a big game and we’re all excited.’
UConn and Tennessee, who have 20 national championships between them, have played in the NCAA title game four times. The Huskies won all four (1995, 2000, 2003, and 2004) and hold a 17–10 advantage in the all-time series.
Despite UConn having the upper hand, last season’s loss is what this team remembers. The Huskies have a chance to get revenge against the Lady Vols on Sunday (Noon ET, FOX) at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut.
‘USC, Notre Dame and Tennessee were the three teams that beat us last year,’ UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. ‘So I think (our players) put an X on them in the calendar.’
UConn beat USC on Dec. 13 and Notre Dame on Jan. 19. They can complete the trifecta with a victory over the Lady Vols.
‘We played well enough to win (the Tennessee) game and didn’t,’ Auriemma said, ‘and I think that was probably the most disappointing part that was hard for the players to get over.’
Beyond the rivalies, Auriemma points to the reason he schedules top-tier teams. He needs to prepare his team for March Madness.
‘These are games that give you an opportunity to compete against somebody that’s not in your league, that is an NCAA Tournament team, plays a different style from another conference,’ Auriemma said.
‘Our non-conference schedule is really, really, really hard.’
What time is Tennessee vs. UConn?
The UConn Huskies renew their rivalry with the Tennessee Lady Vols on Sunday, Feb. 1, at Noon ET at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut.
Tennessee vs. UConn: TV, streaming
Date: Sunday, Feb. 1
Time: Noon ET (9 a.m. PT)
Location: PeoplesBank Arena (Hartford, Connecticut)
TV: FOX
Stream: Fubo
WATCH: UConn vs. Tennessee