If you were sitting in the Food City Center in Knoxville last year, you felt it. That hum. Not just the noise of 10,000-plus fans screaming, but the actual, physical vibration of two programs colliding. We’re talking about LSU Tennessee women’s basketball, a matchup that has morphed from a traditional SEC rivalry into a full-blown tactical chess match between two of the most intense coaches in the game: Kim Mulkey and Kim Caldwell.
Honestly, the "Battle of the Kims" lived up to the hype and then some.
When people think of these two teams, they usually think of the Pat Summitt era or the flashy, feather-boa energy of Mulkey. But the 2025 season changed the narrative. It wasn't just about history anymore. It was about survival. LSU managed to sweep the Lady Vols for the first time in program history, and the way they did it—especially that January 9th heart-stopper—is something people are still dissecting.
Why the LSU Tennessee Women's Basketball Rivalry Hits Different Now
For decades, Tennessee owned this series. It wasn't even close. We're talking about a 53-19 all-time lead for the Lady Vols. But momentum is a funny thing in the SEC. Since Kim Mulkey arrived in Baton Rouge, the Tigers have claimed four of the last five meetings.
It's a power shift.
What really makes this rivalry spicy right now is the contrast in styles. You’ve got Mulkey, who is essentially a basketball traditionalist wrapped in a sequined blazer, favoring paint dominance and physical defense. Then you’ve got Kim Caldwell, the "new kid" on the block who brought a high-octane, "let it fly" system from Marshall.
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Tennessee is currently chucking threes at a rate that would make a suburban dad at a YMCA dizzy. They lead the nation in three-point attempts. LSU, on the other hand, wants to live in your jersey. They want to beat you up on the boards.
The Kailyn Gilbert Effect
You can't talk about the recent history of this matchup without mentioning Kailyn Gilbert. In the January 2025 game, LSU was nursing an undefeated record. Tennessee had clawed back from an 18-point deficit. The crowd was losing its collective mind.
With one second left, Gilbert hit an acrobatic, over-the-shoulder shot in the paint to seal an 89-87 win.
She did it again in February, putting up 21 second-half points when Flau'jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow were glued to the bench in foul trouble. Most people expected LSU to fold when their stars went out. Instead, Gilbert—who, ironically, is a transfer—showed that Mulkey’s roster depth is deeper than most realize.
Tactical Breakdowns You Might Have Missed
The January game was a masterclass in "small ball" vs. "volume shooting."
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Mulkey went with an unconventional lineup, playing "very, very small" as she put it. It worked because it neutralized Tennessee's speed. Even though the Lady Vols hit 11 threes, LSU absolutely mauled them in the paint, 60-30.
- Aneesah Morrow was a cheat code: 23 points and 21 rebounds in that January win.
- Jewel Spear for Tennessee was the primary reason the Lady Vols stayed in it, dropping 25 points and 5 triples.
- Talaysia Cooper is the real deal. She had 24 points and has basically become the engine for Kim Caldwell's system.
People often overlook the "10-second count" Tennessee uses. Caldwell’s press is relentless. They forced 21 ten-second violations in just 22 games last season. That’s insane. LSU’s ability to handle that pressure without crumbling is why they’ve had the upper hand lately.
What's Next for the 2026 Season?
Looking ahead, things are getting even weirder. Jersey Wolfenbarger, a 6'5" forward who was at LSU, is now on the Tennessee roster. Think about that for a second. A player moving between these two rivals is like switching sides in a war. Caldwell has called her a "freak of nature" because she can run with the guards at her size.
LSU isn't exactly hurting for talent, though. They've brought in MiLaysia Fulwiley from South Carolina (yes, that happened) and Kate Koval from Notre Dame.
The 2026 matchup is set for February 26, 2026, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
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Key Players to Watch in the Next Chapter
- Flau'jae Johnson (LSU): Now a senior, she’s the emotional heartbeat of the team. Her transition game is still the fastest in the SEC.
- Talaysia Cooper (Tennessee): If she isn't an All-American by the end of this year, I’ll be shocked. She led the SEC in steals and is the Lady Vols' primary scoring threat.
- Mikaylah Williams (LSU): People forget she’s only a junior. Her mid-range game is basically professional-grade already.
- Mia Pauldo (Tennessee): The freshman sensation. She’s already racking up SEC Freshman of the Week honors and brings a level of ball-handling Tennessee hasn't seen in years.
The "E-E-A-T" Reality Check
Is Tennessee "back"? Sorta. They are certainly more exciting to watch than they were a few years ago. Kim Caldwell’s system is a blast. But LSU under Mulkey is a juggernaut that knows how to win ugly.
The discrepancy in second-chance points is usually where the Lady Vols lose these games. In their last meeting, LSU limited Tennessee to just 8 offensive rebounds. For a team that relies on volume, that’s a death sentence.
If you’re betting on the next LSU Tennessee women’s basketball game, don't look at the shooting percentages. Look at the foul counts and the bench points. That's where Mulkey wins the war of attrition.
Actionable Insights for Fans
To truly understand this rivalry as it stands today, you should focus on these three metrics during the next broadcast:
- The 10-Second Line: Watch how LSU's guards (specifically Gilbert and Johnson) handle the Tennessee press. If they get across the timeline in under 6 seconds consistently, Tennessee is in trouble.
- Paint Points vs. Three-Pointers: If Tennessee makes 12+ threes and still loses, it’s because they gave up 50+ points in the paint. It’s a math problem Caldwell is still trying to solve.
- Substitution Patterns: Mulkey is notorious for "riding the hot hand" or going extremely small if her bigs are in foul trouble. Pay attention to who is on the floor in the final four minutes of the second quarter.
Keep an eye on the transfer portal fallout too. With players like Jersey Wolfenbarger switching sides, the personal stakes in the locker room are higher than ever. This isn't just a game; it's a statement of who owns the SEC's future.