Tennessee Lady Vols Seek Redemption Against Georgia in Regular Season Finale
The Tennessee Lady Vols have one final opportunity to get back on track before heading into the postseason. Following a disappointing loss, they will host Georgia in their last regular season matchup at Food City Center on Sunday at noon, with coverage available on SEC Network.
Currently ranked No. 11, Tennessee holds a 21-7 record overall and is 8-7 in SEC play. Their recent struggles, particularly in their latest game against Kentucky, have raised concerns. Meanwhile, Georgia, with an 11-18 record and 3-12 in conference play, is coming off a narrow victory over Auburn.
As the SEC Tournament approaches, Tennessee is in desperate need of a strong performance to regain confidence and momentum. Here’s a closer look at the key aspects of this game and what to expect from both teams.
Tennessee Needs a Strong Comeback
The Lady Vols’ previous game against Kentucky was their most disappointing outing of the season. They were thoroughly outplayed from start to finish, falling 82-58.
A major area of concern in that game was rebounding, where Tennessee was dominated on the boards, losing the battle 52-31. Their inability to secure rebounds contributed to Kentucky’s 20 second-chance points, compared to just seven for the Lady Vols. While Tennessee managed to generate some offense off turnovers, scoring 23 points from 20 Kentucky miscues, it was never enough to close the gap.
Shooting struggles plagued the team as well. Tennessee converted just 31.1% of its shots from the field, going 23-for-74 overall. Their three-point shooting was even worse, as they managed only six makes on 29 attempts, resulting in a 20.7% success rate.
However, the most alarming aspect of the game was Tennessee’s defense. Kentucky shot 51.5% from the field, taking advantage of the Lady Vols’ lack of intensity and defensive execution. The Wildcats’ post players in particular proved too much for Tennessee to handle, exposing a weakness that needs to be addressed immediately.
As they prepare for Georgia, the Lady Vols must reestablish their defensive identity. Without a strong showing on that end of the floor, their struggles could carry over into the postseason, making this game a crucial test.
Key Players for Georgia: Trinity Turner and De’Mauri Flournoy
The Bulldogs will rely on their young and experienced playmakers to compete against Tennessee. Freshman Trinity Turner has emerged as Georgia’s leading scorer, averaging 12.2 points per game along with four rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Despite her small stature at 5-foot-6, Turner has played a critical role in Georgia’s offense, often working alongside senior point guard Asia Avinger. Avinger contributes 9.7 points per game while also averaging 4.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.9 steals. Her leadership and ability to distribute the ball effectively make her a key figure in the Bulldogs’ attack.
Senior guard De’Mauri Flournoy provides Georgia with a perimeter scoring threat. She leads the team in three-point shooting, knocking down 61 shots from beyond the arc at an impressive 39.9% clip. Overall, she averages 11.2 points per game while shooting 37.7% from the field.
Additionally, freshman forward Mia Woolfolk has played a crucial role in Georgia’s frontcourt. The 6-foot-3 forward is averaging 11 points per game while shooting 50% from the field and grabbing 5.2 rebounds. Her size and efficiency make her a key player to watch, particularly given Tennessee’s recent struggles against opposing post players.
Tennessee’s Offensive Woes Must Be Fixed
For Tennessee to bounce back, their offense needs significant improvement. Against Kentucky, Talaysia Cooper was the only consistent scorer, finishing with 25 points. No other player on the roster scored more than eight points.
Jewel Spear and Zee Spearman had particularly rough performances, combining for 0-for-15 shooting from the field. Spearman’s only points came from the free-throw line, highlighting just how much Tennessee’s offense struggled to find rhythm.
While Kentucky’s defense certainly played a role in these struggles, the Lady Vols were also unable to execute their offensive game plan effectively. They failed to get to their preferred spots on the court, and even when they generated good looks, they couldn’t capitalize.
Heading into their matchup with Georgia, Tennessee must rediscover their offensive rhythm. Getting Spear and Spearman back on track will be essential, as they are key contributors when playing at their best. The Lady Vols will need a more balanced attack to avoid being overly reliant on Cooper.
Injury Updates for Tennessee and Georgia
Both teams are dealing with injuries heading into this game. Tennessee will continue to be without senior guard Kaiya Wynn, who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. Her absence has been a significant blow, as she provided valuable depth and experience.
On Georgia’s side, Amiya Evans was unavailable in their recent win over Auburn. Evans has been a key part of the Bulldogs’ rotation, averaging 20.8 minutes per game in her 18 appearances this season. Her status for the Tennessee game remains uncertain.
How to Watch Tennessee vs. Georgia
Fans can catch the Lady Vols taking on Georgia at noon ET on Sunday. The game will be televised on SEC Network and can also be streamed through the ESPN app. Viewers with TV provider logins, including Fubo subscribers, can access the game online.
Prediction: Tennessee Should Rebound Strongly
Following their disappointing loss to Kentucky, the Lady Vols are expected to come out with a renewed sense of urgency. Georgia, while capable of competing, has struggled against top-tier opponents this season.
If Tennessee can clean up its defensive lapses and shoot the ball more effectively, this game should serve as a much-needed reset before the SEC Tournament. Expect the Lady Vols to control the tempo, improve their rebounding efforts, and showcase a more balanced offensive attack.
Final Prediction: Tennessee 82, Georgia 62
With the postseason looming, this game provides the perfect opportunity for Tennessee to get back in form and gain momentum heading into tournament play.
