Honestly, the energy inside Humphrey Coliseum last Thursday felt like a powder keg waiting to go off. For a good chunk of the evening, it looked like Mississippi State was going to pull off a signature home upset, but Kim Caldwell’s Lady Vols had other ideas. Tennessee walked out of Starkville with a 90-80 win, and while the score looks relatively comfortable, it was anything but that for about 35 minutes.
This game was a fascinating look at where both these programs are right now. You’ve got a Tennessee team trying to reclaim its spot at the top of the SEC food chain, and a Mississippi State squad that is clearly talented but still looking for that finishing touch against elite competition.
Mia Pauldo and the 90-Point Explosion
Let’s talk about Mia Pauldo. She was basically the best player on the floor, and it wasn't particularly close. 26 points. Eight for 12 from the field. She played with a level of confidence that makes you realize why she’s becoming the engine for this Tennessee offense. Every time Mississippi State made a run to cut the lead to four or five, Pauldo would hit a mid-range jumper or get to the line to settle things down.
The Lady Vols shot over 50% from the floor. That’s a nightmare to defend. When a team is hitting 10 threes and moving the ball that well, you’re playing a game of "pick your poison."
Mississippi State didn't go down without a fight, though. Kharyssa Richardson had a career day with 22 points, and Madison Francis matched her with 22 of her own. Seeing two players on the same team drop 20-plus in an SEC game is usually a recipe for a win. Not this time. State struggled from deep, hitting only two three-pointers the entire night. You just can’t keep up with a high-octane Tennessee offense when you're only scoring from the paint and the free-throw line.
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Why the tn miss state game Still Matters for the Standings
For those tracking the SEC race, this game was massive. Tennessee moved to 3-0 in the conference, keeping them right in the thick of things. Mississippi State, on the other hand, dropped to 1-2 in SEC play.
The difference in bench production was glaring. Tennessee’s bench outscored State’s 23 to 10. That's a huge margin. In a game decided by ten points, that depth is exactly why the Lady Vols pulled away in the fourth quarter. Zee Spearman came off the pine and dropped 14 points, including some timely shots that sucked the air out of the building.
It’s also worth noting the defensive intensity. Tennessee recorded 11 steals. They forced 16 turnovers. While Mississippi State actually out-rebounded the Lady Vols 37 to 35, those extra possessions from turnovers gave Tennessee the edge they needed to survive a hostile road environment.
The Turning Point in the Fourth
The game was hanging in the balance early in the fourth quarter. State had momentum. The crowd was loud.
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Then, Tennessee went on a mini-run. A Spearman trey followed by a block from Janiah Barker basically iced it. Barker only had 18 points, but her defensive presence in the final minutes was what really stood out. She finished with two blocks and was a general nuisance in the paint.
State head coach Sam Purcell mentioned afterward that they have the pieces, but they have to play smarter. They went 18-for-21 from the free-throw line, which is great, but 2-for-13 from the arc is a death sentence in the modern game.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
A lot of folks think Tennessee just "out-talented" them. Kinda. But it was more about execution.
- Transition Points: Tennessee had 17 fast-break points compared to State’s 8.
- The Pauldo Factor: Mia and Mya Pauldo bring a dynamic that’s hard to scout for because they play so well off each other’s rhythm.
- Paint Presence: Despite State having size, Tennessee still managed 42 points in the paint.
It wasn't just a shooting fluke. It was a systematic breakdown of the Bulldogs' defensive rotations.
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Looking Ahead
Tennessee is heading home soon, but they can't afford to get comfortable. The SEC is a gauntlet this year. For Mississippi State, the road doesn't get any easier as they head to Oxford to face a ranked Ole Miss team.
If you're a fan of either team, the takeaway is clear: Tennessee has found its offensive identity under Caldwell, but their defense still has moments of "bend but don't break." Mississippi State has the stars in Richardson and Francis, but they desperately need a third scoring option to emerge from the perimeter.
Keep an eye on the rematch. These two teams play again in Knoxville on January 29th. If State can find their jump shot by then, it’s going to be a total toss-up.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the updated SEC standings to see how this result moved Tennessee toward a top-4 seed.
- Watch the replay of the third quarter to see how Mia Pauldo manipulated the high-screen to create open looks.
- Mark your calendars for the January 29th rematch at Thompson-Boling Arena.