Sweet 16: Tennessee Lady Vols vs. Texas Longhorns | Women’s NCAA Tournament | Full Game Highlights
In a compelling Sweet 16 matchup of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, the top-seeded Texas Longhorns secured a 67-59 victory over the fifth-seeded Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, advancing to the Elite Eight.
The game commenced with Tennessee taking an early 9-4 lead, showcasing their determination to challenge the favored Longhorns. However, Texas responded assertively, closing the first quarter on a 13-0 run to lead 21-13. The Lady Vols displayed resilience in the second quarter, narrowing the deficit to 34-30 by halftime, despite Texas’s superior 56% shooting from the field compared to Tennessee’s 38%.
The third quarter saw intensified competition as Tennessee managed to tie the game, setting the stage for a thrilling final period. The Lady Vols briefly took the lead twice early in the fourth quarter at 52-50 and 54-52. Nevertheless, Texas’s defense and timely scoring enabled them to regain control. A pivotal 6-0 run by the Longhorns established a 58-54 advantage with 6:19 remaining. Despite Tennessee’s efforts to close the gap, Texas maintained composure, securing the win with key plays down the stretch.
Texas’s victory was propelled by standout performances from their underclassmen. Freshman guard Bryanna Preston, who had not started a game all season, played a crucial role by contributing 12 points, including significant plays in the fourth quarter that helped seal the win. Preston’s decision to join Texas over Tennessee added an intriguing narrative to her impactful performance. Fellow freshman Jordan Lee also made a substantial impact, adding 13 points to the Longhorns’ tally.
Junior guard Ruby Whitehorn led the Lady Vols with 16 points, demonstrating her offensive prowess throughout the contest. Junior forward Zee Spearman and senior Samara Spencer also contributed significantly, scoring 13 and 12 points respectively. Despite their efforts, Tennessee struggled with shooting efficiency, finishing the game with a 37.9% field goal percentage and a 19.2% success rate from beyond the arc.
Texas’s defense played a pivotal role in their success, forcing 18 turnovers and limiting Tennessee’s three-point shooting. The Longhorns’ ability to capitalize on these defensive efforts, coupled with their balanced scoring attack, underscored their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Looking forward, Texas is set to face TCU in the Elite Eight, a team that has made a historic run to this stage for the first time in their program’s history. TCU’s advancement was highlighted by a standout performance from Hailey Van Lith, who scored 26 points in their Sweet 16 victory over Notre Dame. The upcoming matchup between Texas and TCU promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the Final Four.
For a visual recap of the Texas vs. Tennessee Sweet 16 game, you can watch the extended highlights below:
