Beloved Zoo Knoxville Gorilla Dies at 47 Years Old
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Zoo Knoxville is mourning after losing a Western lowland gorilla.
Officials Wednesday announcing the death of Kowali; the beloved gorilla passed away at the age of 47.
Kowali had been at Zoo Knoxville since 2013 and was a mother of four. She was born on January 9, 1978 at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
“We performed an ultrasound and heart echocardiogram which revealed signs of heart failure,” said Dr. Andrew Cushing, UTCVM clinical associate professor and specialist in zoological medicine. “We can manage her condition with medication, but the heart disease we found is irreversible.”
Zoo Knoxville CEO and President Bill Street said Kowali played an important part in gorilla conservation.
“Kowali’s life helped raise awareness about the urgent threats facing western lowland gorillas,” Street said. “She was deeply cherished by our staff, and her passing fills us with both sorrow and immense gratitude for the privilege of spending the last 11 years with her.”
There are now five Western lowland gorillas at the zoo.
Tennessee Lifts Water Contact Advisory Months after Helene Flooding
Nashville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) lifted an advisory Wednesday that asked people to avoid touching water affected by Hurricane Helene’s flooding.
The advisory was issued on October 2, just days after the storm hit. It asked people to avoid waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds. Officials say the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution, not tied to any specific water quality data.
“We want to reassure Tennesseans of the water quality in the region,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “TDEC issued the water contact advisory out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the health and safety of our citizens. We are pleased that we can lift this contact advisory today.”
The decision to lift the advisory comes after the state analyzed some water from the region and found that water quality had returned to pre-Helene conditions. Results of the water sample analysis can be found here.
Governor Bill Lee Calls a Special Session of the Tennessee General Assembly
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is calling a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly on January 27th to pass the Education Freedom Act and disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene.
The session will also address illegal immigration public safety measures to ensure Tennessee stands ready to support the Trump Administration.
In 2024, Lee’s first push for his program failed during the legislative session due to concern over money being taken from the public school systems.
Knoxville Firefighters Suing City, Claiming to be Misplaced on Salary Scale
(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Several Knoxville firefighters are suing the city, claiming they’re being underpaid under the city’s employee payment plan.
Attorney Richard Collins filed the lawsuit on Jan. 13 on behalf of Kevin Faddis, Shawn Langley, Stephen Mitchell, Gregory Phillips, Robert Pollard and Christopher Smith. It’s a lawsuit that focuses on the city’s payment step plan, a 2022 effort passed by the city council along with a 6% raise to bring employee salaries up to market value.
In the suit, Collins claimed that all of Knoxville firefighters with more than five years of experience were placed on the wrong “step” in the city’s plan.
“When the City implemented the Pay Step Plan in July 2022, it placed firefighters who had served in their current rank for five or more years at an arbitrary lower step, effectively locking those firefighters into lower pay grades within the step plan,” the lawsuit said.
Collins said that the payment plan was understood to contain 25 steps, with each “corresponding to years of service‚” meaning someone who has fought fires with the city for five years would receive the salary of a “step five” firefighter. That isn’t confirmed, however.
The filing said the firefighters tried to file a grievance with the city. In that complaint, they asked to be reassigned to the “correct” step and asked for the formula that decides where they land. That request was denied, Collins said, because city rules say payment is not “grievable.”
WVLT News has asked the city for documentation outlining the entire pay plan, including how employees were placed into their steps.
If true, Collins said, and the city did place more experienced firefighters at too-low of tiers, it could be considered age discrimination by the city. This, because the more experienced firefighters are generally older.
According to the suit, all the plaintiffs are 49 years old or older and each has at least 25 or more years with the department. On top of the firefighters filing the lawsuit, Collins provided a sample of 12 more he claimed were placed on the wrong “step,” each aged between 48 and 67.
“The City’s misclassification disproportionately (if not entirely) affects older firefighters,” Collins said and “creates a disparate impact on older workers given the years of service and experience within the department required to reach such ranks.”
It’s especially interesting that Faddis is named in the lawsuit. Throughout the course of 2022, he was heavily involved in the implementation of the payment plan. WVLT News reached out to Collins about this, and he provided a statement over email:
“My clients do not challenge the compensation plan as enacted by the Knoxville City Council,” he said. “Instead, my clients seek to redress the City’s failure to execute the plan according to its terms, the City’s own representations, and the expectations of those involved in the development and ultimate approval of the plan.”
That statement came in response to one by the city. Collins said that comment “missed the mark.”
Our compensation overhaul was done after extensive input and consultation with all of our employee reps, that included the Knoxville Fire Department. The 6% salary increase along with the step plan, was designed to bring our employees up to market standards and to address compression.
Please keep in mind, we worked with a national consultant on our compensation plan. Their skill and expertise guided our salary adjustments, and the final plan was ultimately approved both by our employee reps and City Council. – City of Knoxville
YWCA’s 29th Annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism- 1/18
Join the YWCA for the 29th Annual YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Diversity Day and Race Against
Racism on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Phyllis Wheatley Center! This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful movement toward unity and inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor diversity and foster meaningful conversations about inclusivity.
Event Schedule:
The day kicks off with the Race Against Racism:
- 5K Run: 9:00 a.m.
- 1-Mile Walk: 9:15 a.m.
- Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.
Following the races, enjoy Diversity Day activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring community booths, cultural
performances, and an inspiring keynote speaker.
Keynote Speaker:
We are honored to welcome Delphia L. Howze, a nationally recognized Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) expert and author
of Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are. Delphia brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources
and D&I, equipping organizations with strategies to build inclusive environments.
Event Highlights: - Community Resource Booths: Engage with local nonprofits such as Second Harvest, Positively Living, Metro Drug
Coalition, Helping Mamas, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Planned Parenthood, Knoxville PARC,
Turn Up Knox, Two Bikes, Kim Health Center, and Centro Hispano. - Special Performances: Enjoy dynamic cultural presentations by Drums Up Guns Down and the Appalachian
Equality Chorus, celebrating unity through music and movement. - Breakfast Treats & Entertainment: Arrive early for refreshments and pre-race activities to energize your
morning. Breakfast is provided by Real Good Kitchen
Registration Details - Registration is open now for the 5K, 1-Mile Walk, and Kids Fun Run:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/YWCAKnoxvilleRaceAgainstRacism - Online registration closes at 8:30 a.m. on race day, with in-person registration available until 8:45 a.m.
- All participants receive a long-sleeve, 50/50 blend event shirt with their registration.
Rain, snow, or shine, Diversity Day and the Race Against Racism will proceed! Proceeds from the event benefit YWCA
Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, supporting essential programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center that empower students
to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Where: YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN
For more information and to register, visit www.ywcaknox.com or contact Director of Communications and Events,
Lorena Meza Hubbard at 865.523.6126 or [email protected]
Together, let’s stand strong against racism, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive society.
About YWCA Knoxville
Since 1899, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a leading force in community change. With a mission to
eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA offers transitional
housing and supportive services to women who would otherwise be homeless; advocacy, outreach, support groups,
counseling and prevention services for victims of domestic violence; youth and family development services; and afterschool programming.
Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three
sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge; and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox,
Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier). Annual events that help to grow, expand and sustain the YWCA’s mission
include the Tribute to Women in September, Diversity Day/Race Against Racism in January, Stand Against Racism in
April, and Keys of Hope Luncheon in May.
FEMA Trailers Moving into East Tennessee Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is moving trailers into areas of East Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene.
The storm moved through the area in September of last year, prompting thousands in the eastern third of the state to begin a recovery process that has seen plenty of ups and downs.
FEMA says those in several Tennessee counties including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington can expect trailers to begin arriving this week.
Those trailers are manufactured housing units that come ready for survivors to occupy. The agency addressed the months-long process in getting the units ready, saying it involves ordering, installing and permitting each trailer.
In the months since the disaster, several organizations have donated campers and temporary housing options to individuals.
Blount County Animal Shelter Needs Help After Taking In Multiple Rescue Animals Left in Freezing Conditions
The Blount County Animal Shelter is having problems with space after six people were charged after nearly three dozen animals were rescued from harmful freezing conditions last week.
12 dogs and 13 cats rescued after responders say several dogs were tied up or in cages outside while it was 25 degrees. The six were charged with several counts of animal cruelty and in addition to dogs and cats, the shelter also took in ferrets, rats and ducks. The state also seized two horses from the property.
Ronald Crow, Director of the Shelter, says “We’re going to have these animals, these 35, for a long time,” said Ronald Crow, the shelter’s director. “We can’t adopt these animals out. They’re part of a criminal case, so we’re in charge of their care and custody.”
Crow said the shelter has capacity for 50 kennels in the back for large dogs. He said the rescue put them significantly over that number, adding that several animals are double or triple housed just to accommodate them. The dogs and cats also had to be housed in their own area as a precaution in case they have an illness.
To help combat the space issue, Crow said the shelter has reached out to its transport partners, rescues and foster teams to help make room. He also said adoption rates have been reduced.
“We’ve moved [adoption rates] down to $50 for all dogs and $20 for cats just in an effort to move some of these animals out and give us room for this influx,” Crow said.
Crow says the easiest way to help the shelter is to foster or adopt an animal.
Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Returning home from a two-game road trip, the sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to face No. 23 Georgia Wednesday night at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Georgia Bulldogs
- Tipoff: Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch Online: SEC Network
- Online: Listen Live | Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy TicketsGame Day InformationFollow @Vol_HoopsSEC Clubhouse
TENNESSEE
GEORGIA
THE LATEST FROM THE VOLS
Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls#1 Vols Claim 74-70 Road Win at Texas#1 Vols’ Undefeated Start Ends at #8 FloridaLanier, Zeigler on Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch ListLanier Collects Two National Player of the Week Honors
Fans can catch Wednesday’s game between the Volunteers (15-1, 2-1 SEC) and Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1 SEC) on SEC Network. Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Richard Hendrix (analyst) will have the call.
Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.
In Tennessee’s most recent outing, it earned a hard-fought, 74-70, road victory Saturday night at Texas. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler paced UT with 16 points and a game-high eight assists in a triumph during which neither side led by greater than seven in front of a near-capacity crowd of 10,195 the Moody Center.
THE MATCHUP
• The Volunteers’ 99 wins over Georgia are their second-most against any school, trailing only their 131 against Vanderbilt.
• This is the first time in series history both sides are in the AP top 25. It is also the first time UT faces a ranked Georgia team since 2/8/03, a 78-72 home win.
• UT is 6-1 in its last seven outings versus Georgia after going 2-9 in the prior 11 (with defeats in each of the five before the current seven-game span). The Vols were ranked in all six wins in this stretch and unranked in the lone loss.
• Last season, on 1/13/24 at Georgia, Tennessee trailed by 11 with under seven minutes to go, but closed on a 21-4 run in the last 6:08, including a 15-1 ledger in the final 4:49, to win by six, 85-79. Dalton Knecht dropped 36 points, including 20 in the second half.
• Coming off a 20-17 (6-12) showing that included an NIT semifinal berth, Georgia placed No. 12 in the SEC preseason poll.
• Freshman forward Asa Newell leads the Bulldogs with 15.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
NEWS & NOTES
• Tennessee’s 12 matchups with Mike White are its sixth-most against any active head coach.
• UT Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White (Danny) is the younger brother of Georgia head coach Mike White. Both played college basketball: Danny at Towson and Notre Dame, Mike at Ole Miss. The Volunteers fell to Florida, where Mike then worked, two days before Danny was hired on 1/21/21, but are 5-1 against him since then. More information on the White family can be found on Page 7.
• Rick Barnes and Mike White both joined the SEC in 2015-16. Barnes is 10-2 against White, posting an 8-2 ledger during the latter’s time at Florida (2015-22) and winning both matchups between their current schools.
• Georgia sophomore guard Blue Cain is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and went to Knoxville Catholic for his first three years of high school.
• Tennessee is 18-7 (.720) versus AP top-25 teams at home under Rick Barnes, including 13-1 (.929) in the last 14 such games, since 1/30/21.
• Tennessee is looking to start at least 3-1 in SEC play for the fifth time in seven years, including the third in a row.
• UT is also seeking a 2-0 start in SEC home play for the fifth time in seven years and fourth in a row.
• Zakai Zeigler is seven assists away from 600, while his 209 steals put him three shy of Santiago Vescovi‘s program record (212).
• UT’s DI-best 24.8 3P% defense is 1.8 percent better than second- place Southeast Missouri State (26.6). That is the same gap as No. 2 to No. 19 Kentucky (28.4).
• Igor Miličić Jr., is one of 10 Power Five players averaging at least 10.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.0 apg. The others are Oumar Ballo, Brooks Barnhizer, Johni Broome, Hunter Dickinson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Great Osobor, Ian Schieffelin, Thomas Sorber and Danny Wolf.
• The Volunteers’ 186 wins over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank co-seventh nationally, alongside Saint Mary’s. Only Gonzaga (227), Houston (220), Kansas (203), Duke (199), Purdue (195) and San Diego State (187) possess more.
HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY
• Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.
• The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.
• UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years in that stretch.
• The Vols are among only eight teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.
• Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.
• Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.
• Additionally, over the last three years (2022-25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.
DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK
• Tennessee, through 1/12/25, ranks third in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (88.1), just shy of Houston (86.3) and Duke (87.8).
• The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).
• In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).
• In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.
• UT, through 1/5/25, has won 42 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.
• The Vols, through 1/5/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.
RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES
• TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 22 AP top-25 wins, good for fourth nationally,. It is behind just Kansas (24), Connecticut (23) and Iowa State (23). Only Purdue (21) is even within one of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is two behind (Alabama with 20).
• TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Purdue (18) and Iowa State (17). The closest SEC program is two shy (Alabama with 16).
• TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Alabama (14) and Iowa State (14) are even within two of Tennessee.
• TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-second in the SEC and co- sixth nationally, alongside Alabama and North Carolina. Only Connecticut (11), Iowa State (11), Kansas (11), Purdue (10) and Kentucky (nine) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).
• TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.
…AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY
• Tennessee, at 22-15 (.595), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (13-10 .565) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .530.
• The Volunteers are nine games over .500 (19-10; .655) against AP top-20 teams in that span, while just one other SEC team, Auburn (11-8; .579), is even at a .500 clip.
• UT is also nine games over .500 (16-7; .696) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC teams in winning percentage are Auburn (8-6; .571) and Kentucky (12-9; .571). No others are above a .500 mark.
• At 8-6 (.571), the Volunteers have the best record in the SEC against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (9-8; .529) places second and no one else is at even a .500 mark.
• Tennessee (5-4; .556) is the only SEC team with a winning record versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch. Arkansas (3-3; .500) ranks second, while all others are under a .500 tally.
• The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (37) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trailing just Texas (45), Oklahoma (41) and Alabama (38) in such outing, while no other SEC school is above 33.
WINNING WAYS
• Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (186), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18) and sits a close second in overall winning percentage (.735). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).
• In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.737) and Kentucky (.704).
• In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (88-40; .688) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (89-39; .695), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (84-45; .648) and Alabama (80-48; .622) are at even 75-plus wins.
• Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own a 94-29 (.764) overall record. That is good for the most victories and the second-best winning percentage (just .0005 behind Auburn) in the SEC over that span.
• In that same four-year stretch, Tennessee (41-16; .719) is tied with both Auburn Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.
POLL PRESENCE
• Tennessee has played 219 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 166-53 (.758) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 319 games since Barnes arrived in 2015- 16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (219 of 253, 86.6 percent).
• UT is 145-48 (.751) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 114-35 (.765) while top-15, 88-26 (.772) while top-10, 44-13 (.772) while top-five, 25-3 (.893) while top-three and 14-2 (.875) while No. 1.
• The Vols are 30-23 (.566) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-16 (.590) with both teams in the top 20, 14-10 (.583) with both in the top 15 and 7-7 (.500) with both in the top 10.
HAPPY AT HOME
• Over the last five seasons, since 2020-21, the Volunteers are 66-7 (.904) on their home court.
• In 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee is 131-24 (.845) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, UT has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.
Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15/15 Tennessee (14-2, 2-2 SEC) welcomes RV/RV Mississippi State (15-3, 2-2 SEC) for the Big Orange’s 2025 “We Back Pat” game on Thursday night at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols and Bulldogs will meet at 7 p.m. ET in a contest televised by SEC Network and carried on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide as well as audio-streamed on UTSports.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 or 190.
UT is coming off a 30-point road win at Arkansas, outscoring the Razorbacks 28-2 on points off turnovers, 22-10 on fast breaks and 40-22 in the paint en route to a 93-63 triumph on Sunday. The Lady Vols feature five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper, who puts up 18.3 points per game and shoots 51 percent from the field. Cooper is coming off a 20-point effort vs. Arkansas, marking her eighth 20+ scoring outburst of the season. Fifth-year guard Jewel Spear has scored 15 points or more in five of her last six games, dropping season highs of 20 at Texas A&M and 28 vs. Oklahoma, followed by 25 vs. LSU. She eclipsed the 2,000-point mark for her career in the second quarter vs. Arkansas.
Mississippi State also owns a 2-2 SEC record after capturing a 79-68 road win at Georgia on Sunday. The Bulldogs are paced by guard Jerkaila Jordan, who puts up 15.6 ppg. and 6.6 rpg. She is joined in double figures by guard/forward Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.).
Kim Caldwell‘s first Lady Vol team enters the match-up ranked No. 1 nationally in four statistical categories through Jan. 14. UT is tops in the NCAA in scoring offense (96.4), three pointers per game (12.0), three point attempts per game (36.0) and offensive rebounds per game (20.6). It is second in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and turnover margin (11.75), third in steals per game (14.4), and sixth in bench points per game (33.8).
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Mississippi State
- Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch: SEC Network
- Radio: Lady Vol Network
- Online: Live Audio, Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy Tickets Walk-Through Metal Detectors In Use Clear Bag Policy Gameday Info Follow @LadyVol_Hoops
TENNESSEE
MISSISSIPPI STATE
THE LATEST FROM THE LADY VOLS
Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday #16/15 Lady Vols Roll Past Arkansas, 93-63 #6/4 LSU Withstands Lady Vol Upset Bid, 89-87 #9/10 Oklahoma Edges #15/13 Tennessee, 87-86 #15/13 Lady Vols Open SEC Play With 91-78 Win Over Aggies Boyd Named SEC Women’s Hoops Co-Freshman of The Week
BROADCAST DETAILS
- Sam Gore (play-by-play) and LVFL Nikki (Caldwell) Fargas (analyst) will have the call for SEC Network.
- All of the games included in the ESPN package (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) will be available through WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
- The contest also can be heard on Lady Vol Network stations and by audio stream, with Brian Rice providing play-by-play and Jay Lifford serving as studio host.
- A link to the live audio stream can be found on the Hoops Central page or the schedule on UTSports.com.
- For a list of Lady Vol Network affiliates, please click the Fans tab at the top of UTSports.com, select Vol Network and then click on the Vol Network Affiliates tab.
- Air-time generally occurs 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
- The Lady Vol Network broadcast also will be available via SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 and 190.
PARKING, TRAFFIC FLOW, ENTRY ALERTS
- Fans coming to campus looking to purchase basketball parking will do so on-site with a credit card.
- Those parking in the G-10 garage are requested to enter from Neyland Drive.
- There is free public parking on the Ag Campus and a free shuttle to and from there for fans. All shuttles are fully accessible for those with disabilities.
- The shuttle location on the Ag campus is on River Drive near the Brehm Animal Sciences Bldg. and across from the CF lot. Visit https://parking.utk.edu/parking/special-events/athletic/ for maps and more information.
- Shuttles begin two hours prior to tip-off. Return shuttles run one hour postgame or until the Food City Center is cleared.
- Accessible shuttle loading and unloading for those with disabilities is located next to Arena Dining.
- For regular shuttles, the unloading and loading areas near Food City Center will be as follows: Prior to the game, regular shuttles will unload at Chamique Holdsclaw and Lake Loudoun Blvd. After the game, regular shuttles will load at Lake Loudoun Blvd and Phillip Fulmer Way.
- All tickets and Tennessee Fund parking passes are digital.
- Fans will again see walk-through metal detectors outside of all Food City Center entrances.
- Gates typically open one hour before tip for women’s games.
PHILLIP FULMER WAY CLOSURE INFO.
- Due to the resumption of construction and upgrades to Neyland Stadium, basketball fans and media members should be advised of immediate changes to normal traffic patterns on Phillip Fulmer Way and Peyton Manning Pass during the rest of the 2024-25 season.
- Phillip Fulmer Way from G-10 garage to Neyland Stadium Gate 21 vicinity is now closed.
- The G-10 garage will not be accessible southbound on Phillip Fulmer Way.
- Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed to southbound traffic at Middle Drive, and it will not be accessible via Peyton Manning Pass.
- For events at Food City Center, G-10 and Staff 5 parking areas will be accessible via Lake Loudoun Boulevard, but it is strongly recommended that vehicles enter G-10 via Neyland Drive.
- Lot G5/30 is only accessible from Lake Loudoun Blvd.
INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING
- COOP IS THE REAL DEAL: Guard Talaysia Cooper is having a break-out season, leading UT in scoring (18.3 ppg.) and steals (3.6 spg.), hitting double figures 14 times, carding eight efforts of 20+ points and notching seven quarters where she scored 10 or more points, including 12 and 10, respectively, in the fourth period vs. Florida State and Iowa.
- “FEAR DA SPEAR”: Jewel Spear is enjoying her best stretch this season, averaging 19.8 ppg. in SEC play, hitting 18 of 31 three-point tries in league action (58.1 pct.) to run her season total to a team-high 41 treys.
- SMOOTH SAMARA: Samara Spencer (11.3 ppg., 5.6 apg.) ranks No. 5 nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.42) with 89 assists, is 11 dimes short of her third 100+ assist season and is second on the team with 38 three-pointers (team-best 42.7 percent).
- DEPENDABLE RUBY: Ruby Whitehorn is UT’s third-leading scorer at 13.0 ppg. contributing 10+ points in her past 10 games and ranking third in rebounding (4.9 rpg.).
- ZEE STEPPING UP: Forward Zee Spearman has been in double figures nine times, averaging 11.2 ppg. and a team-high 5.6 rpg. while shooting 54.4 percent.
FROM A TEAM PERSPECTIVE
- PILING UP POINTS: The Lady Vols rank No. 1 nationally in scoring offense, generating 96.4 points per game. The lowest a Kim Caldwell team has ranked in ppg. is No. 4, where she was in 2023-24 (85.3) at Marshall.
- MAKING THREES IN BUNCHES: UT ranks No. 1 in 3FGs made per game at 12.0 and has hit 10+ treys 12 times, eclipsing the old school best of six. It has hit 10+ threes in its past six games, notching its best streak.
- CRASHING O-BOARDS: UT is No. 1 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game at 20.6. It has twice reached 30+ this season.
- TURNING OVER THE OPPOSITION: UT is No. 2 in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and No. 2 in T.O. margin (11.75). Arkansas had 22 miscues on Jan. 12 for the 12th 20+ T.O. game (7th with 30+) by a foe in 2024-25.
- RACKING UP STEALS: UT is No. 3 nationally in steals per game (14.4). It now has 12 games of 10+ steals and 230 total in 16 games. It had 159 in 33 games a year ago.
- THAT’S A 10-COUNT: Tennessee has prevented its foes from getting the ball over halfcourt in 10 seconds a total of 17 times in 16 games. UT forced only five violations the previous five years combined.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- UT’S BEST START SINCE 2017-18: UT opened at 13-0 for the first time since 2017-18 (15-0) and the seventh time ever.
- SECOND BEST START FOR COACH: UT’s 13-0 start was the second-best opening of a season in Kim Caldwell‘s nine years as a head coach behind her 29-0 start at Glenville State in 2021-22 on the way to 35-1.
- TENNESSEE’S BEST COACHING START: The win over N.C. Central on Dec. 14 gave Kim Caldwell eight straight to open her tenure, making it the best coaching debut in Lady Vol basketball history. She upped it to 13-0.
- UT NO. 16 IN NET RANKINGS: UT is at No. 16 in the NCAA’s NET rankings as of Jan. 14.
- NO. 18 TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols’ full schedule ranks No. 18 on the NCAA Toughest Schedule report (1/14).
- CHASING 2,000/500 STAT LINE: Jewel Spear now as 2,000+ points and needs 16 rebounds to have 500 for her career.
- EYEING 1,000: Junior Ruby Whitehorn (919) is closing in on 1,000 career points.
- 1,500/500/500 IN SIGHT: Samara Spencer sits at 1,549 points, 466 rebounds and 454 assists, standing 34 boards and 46 dimes from a 1,500/500/500 career stat line.
FAMILIAR FACES
- Tennessee assistant coach Gabe Lazo was an associate head coach at Mississippi State and spent two seasons in Starkville before joining Kim Caldwell‘s Lady Vol staff prior to the 2024-25 season.
- He helped the Bulldogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, a top-15 prep signing class and a top-three portal class.
- At UT, he helped Kim Caldwell sign a highly-regarded five-player portal class and a 2025 prep group that is considered either the No. 1 class by 247Sports or the No. 2 unit by ESPN.
- First-year Mississippi State assistant coach Samantha Williams spent three seasons at Tennessee on Kellie Harper’s staff.
- MSU junior guard Denim DeShields is the younger sister of LVFL Diamond DeShields (2014-17) and the daughter of former UT track standout Tisha (Milligan) DeShields.
LOOKING BACK AT THE LAST GAME
- Redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper led four players in double figures with her eighth 20-point effort of the season, as No. 16/15 Tennessee rolled past Arkansas, 93-63, on Sunday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
- Cooper scored exactly 20 points vs. the Razorbacks on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and added a game-high four steals to lead the Lady Vols (14-2, 2-2 SEC). Junior forward Zee Spearman knocked down a career-best trio of three-pointers to tally 18 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Ruby Whitehorn supplied 17 points and senior forward Sara Puckett was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards. In her return to Fayetteville, where she spent her first three college seasons, senior point guard Samara Spencer directed UT’s offense with eight assists and no turnovers while adding four rebounds and three steals.
- Arkansas (8-11, 1-3 SEC) was paced by Izzy Higginbottom, who led all scorers with 26 points. Carly Keats was the only other Razorback scoring in double figures, tossing in 10.
POSTGAME NOTES VS. ARKANSAS
- JEWEL JOINS THE 2K CLUB: Jewel Spear became the 10th player in program history to reach and surpass 2,000 career points. Spear sank her 2,000th point on a free throw at the 2:38 mark in the second quarter. The fifth-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and six assists against Arkansas. Spear became the fifth transfer to hit 2K, joining fellow transfers Rickea Jackson (Mississippi State), Cindy Brogdon (Mercer), Jill Rankin (Wayland Baptist) and Patricia Roberts (Emporia State), who also reached that plateau. Sunday’s contest against the Hogs marked Spear’s 136th career game, her 47th as a Lady Vol.
- ANOTHER COOP 20-PIECE: Talaysia Cooper netted her eighth 20-plus performance of the season and her career, tallying a team-leading 20 points. Cooper hit seven of 14 field goals and knocked down one of three three-pointers. The redshirt sophomore finished with three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Cooper’s last 20-point scoring affair came against LSU on Jan. 9, when she carded 24 points.
- SPENCER DROPPIN’ DIMES: Senior point guard Samara Spencer carded eight assists with no turnovers vs. her old school. It tied her second highest total of the season and pushed her totals to 89 assists vs. 26 turnovers on the season. Her flawless effort with the ball was her third this year without turning the ball over.
- HOT FROM THREE: Tennessee carded its 12th performance of knocking down ten or more three-pointers in a single contest, hitting 12 against the Hogs. Eight Lady Vols made a three-pointer, with Zee Spearman leading the charge with three. Tennessee notched its highest three-point game against N.C. Central, draining an NCAA, SEC and school-record 30 treys. The Lady Vols have tallied 10 or more three-pointers against the following programs: N.C. Central (30), MTSU (15), Liberty (14), Tulsa (14), Memphis (12), Arkansas (12), LSU (11), Western Carolina (10), Winthrop (10), Texas A&M (10), Oklahoma (10) and Samford (10).
- DANGEROUS ON DEFENSE: The Lady Vols forced Arkansas to turn the ball over a total of 22 times during Sunday’s win, posting a 28-2 advantage on points off turnovers and racking up 15 steals for its 12th double-digit effort in that category. Arkansas’s two points were the fewest points Tennessee has allowed off of turnovers all season long. Twelve of Tennessee’s foes thus far have committed at least 22 miscues: NC Central (44), Samford (37), Western Carolina (37), Oklahoma (31), UT Martin (31), Iowa (30), Winthrop (30), Texas A&M (25), Liberty (25), Tulsa (23), Arkansas (22) and MTSU (22). Tennessee also collected a 10-second violation versus the Hogs. This season UT’s press has resulted in 17 10-second violations by opponents through 16 games.
UT/MSU SERIES NOTES
- Tennessee has a 40-8 all-time record vs. Mississippi State after winning three of the past four meetings.
- UT is 18-3 vs. MSU in Knoxville, 18-3 vs. the Bulldogs in Starkville and 4-2 at neutral sites.
- After State had the upper hand from 2016-20, winning seven of eight and three straight in Knoxville, the Big Orange has won its past two at home vs. MSU.
- State has a 2-0 record in overtime games between these programs, winning a 65-63 affair in Starkville on Jan. 29, 2016, and a 91-90 double-overtime thriller at Humphrey Coliseum the last time these programs met on Feb. 26, 2023.
- UT and MSU have faced off six times in the SEC Tournament, with the Lady Vols owning a 4-2 record.
A LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS
- Mississippi State started 8-0 and went 13-1 in non-conference play before opening 2-2 in SEC play.
- After losing at Kentucky and vs. South Carolina in week one, MSU bounced back with wins vs. No. 10/11 Oklahoma and at Georgia last week.
- Jerkaila Jordan paces State at 15.6 ppg., while Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.) also score in double figures.
- The Bulldogs hold foes to 58.7 ppg. and force 17.4 turnovers per contest.
ABOUT THE HEAD COACH
- Sam Purcell is 60-26 in his third season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
- In 2023-24, Purcell led MSU to a 23-12 record and became the only head coach in program history and one of five in the SEC since 2000 to surpass the 20-win mark in each of their first two seasons.
- Purcell totaled the most wins (45), most SEC wins (17) and most NCAA Tournament wins (2) of any MSU women’s WBB coach through their first two seasons.
- Purcell’s career stops include Auburn (student manager/video coordinator/admin. asst.), Tulsa (asst. coach), Georgia Tech (video coordinator/asst. coach) and Louisville (asst. coach/associate coach).
MSU’S LAST GAME
- A season-best shooting day for Mississippi State propelled the Bulldogs past Georgia, 79-68, on Sunday.
- MSU shot 48.3 percent from distance and hit a season-best 14 threes to overcome 17 turnovers.
- Eniya Russell led the way with 21 points, while Madina Okot added a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Jerkaila Jordan tossed in 11 points.
- MSU led 41-27 at the half and staved off a UGA rally.
LAST TIME WE MET STATE
- The Lady Vols overcame a 13-point second-quarter deficit to win, 75-64, over MSU at Humphrey Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2024, the last time these teams met.
- Tennessee (11-6, 4-1 SEC) was led by fifth-year senior Rickea Jackson, who turned in 19 points and seven rebounds. Junior Kaiya Wynn came off the bench to contribute a career-high 13 points, and fifth-year senior Jasmine Powell and junior Sara Puckett each tallied 11.
- Defensively, the Big Orange forced State into 15 turnovers on the evening and allowed the hosts only 19 points combined in the middle two quarters.
- Erynn Barnum led MSU with 15 points in that contest.
LAST TIME WE MET IN KNOXVILLE
- UT moved to 3-0 in SEC play with an 80-69 home win over MSU on Jan. 5, 2023, in the last meeting here.
- Jordan Horston set new season highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year.
- Rickea Jackson and Tess Darby had 18 and 13 points, respectively.
- MSU’s Jessika Carter and Debreasha Powe had 21 each.
UP NEXT
- The Lady Vols make their way to Nashville this weekend, where they’ll face in-state rival Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon in Memorial Gymnasium.
- Tip-off between the Big Orange and the Commodores is set for 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET) with SECN+ streaming.
- The game also will be available on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com.
TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man
A TBI Silver Alert is issued on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for a missing man.
63 year-old Terry Lowe was last seen late yesterday (Tuesday) morning. He is believed to be driving a 2006 Black Mercury Milan with TN tag 961BBJT.
If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Lowe has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return home safely without assistance.
Beloved Zoo Knoxville Gorilla Dies at 47 Years Old
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Zoo Knoxville is mourning after losing a Western lowland gorilla.
Officials Wednesday announcing the death of Kowali; the beloved gorilla passed away at the age of 47.
Kowali had been at Zoo Knoxville since 2013 and was a mother of four. She was born on January 9, 1978 at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
“We performed an ultrasound and heart echocardiogram which revealed signs of heart failure,” said Dr. Andrew Cushing, UTCVM clinical associate professor and specialist in zoological medicine. “We can manage her condition with medication, but the heart disease we found is irreversible.”
Zoo Knoxville CEO and President Bill Street said Kowali played an important part in gorilla conservation.
“Kowali’s life helped raise awareness about the urgent threats facing western lowland gorillas,” Street said. “She was deeply cherished by our staff, and her passing fills us with both sorrow and immense gratitude for the privilege of spending the last 11 years with her.”
There are now five Western lowland gorillas at the zoo.
Tennessee Lifts Water Contact Advisory Months after Helene Flooding
Nashville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) lifted an advisory Wednesday that asked people to avoid touching water affected by Hurricane Helene’s flooding.
The advisory was issued on October 2, just days after the storm hit. It asked people to avoid waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds. Officials say the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution, not tied to any specific water quality data.
“We want to reassure Tennesseans of the water quality in the region,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “TDEC issued the water contact advisory out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the health and safety of our citizens. We are pleased that we can lift this contact advisory today.”
The decision to lift the advisory comes after the state analyzed some water from the region and found that water quality had returned to pre-Helene conditions. Results of the water sample analysis can be found here.
Governor Bill Lee Calls a Special Session of the Tennessee General Assembly
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is calling a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly on January 27th to pass the Education Freedom Act and disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene.
The session will also address illegal immigration public safety measures to ensure Tennessee stands ready to support the Trump Administration.
In 2024, Lee’s first push for his program failed during the legislative session due to concern over money being taken from the public school systems.
Knoxville Firefighters Suing City, Claiming to be Misplaced on Salary Scale
(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Several Knoxville firefighters are suing the city, claiming they’re being underpaid under the city’s employee payment plan.
Attorney Richard Collins filed the lawsuit on Jan. 13 on behalf of Kevin Faddis, Shawn Langley, Stephen Mitchell, Gregory Phillips, Robert Pollard and Christopher Smith. It’s a lawsuit that focuses on the city’s payment step plan, a 2022 effort passed by the city council along with a 6% raise to bring employee salaries up to market value.
In the suit, Collins claimed that all of Knoxville firefighters with more than five years of experience were placed on the wrong “step” in the city’s plan.
“When the City implemented the Pay Step Plan in July 2022, it placed firefighters who had served in their current rank for five or more years at an arbitrary lower step, effectively locking those firefighters into lower pay grades within the step plan,” the lawsuit said.
Collins said that the payment plan was understood to contain 25 steps, with each “corresponding to years of service‚” meaning someone who has fought fires with the city for five years would receive the salary of a “step five” firefighter. That isn’t confirmed, however.
The filing said the firefighters tried to file a grievance with the city. In that complaint, they asked to be reassigned to the “correct” step and asked for the formula that decides where they land. That request was denied, Collins said, because city rules say payment is not “grievable.”
WVLT News has asked the city for documentation outlining the entire pay plan, including how employees were placed into their steps.
If true, Collins said, and the city did place more experienced firefighters at too-low of tiers, it could be considered age discrimination by the city. This, because the more experienced firefighters are generally older.
According to the suit, all the plaintiffs are 49 years old or older and each has at least 25 or more years with the department. On top of the firefighters filing the lawsuit, Collins provided a sample of 12 more he claimed were placed on the wrong “step,” each aged between 48 and 67.
“The City’s misclassification disproportionately (if not entirely) affects older firefighters,” Collins said and “creates a disparate impact on older workers given the years of service and experience within the department required to reach such ranks.”
It’s especially interesting that Faddis is named in the lawsuit. Throughout the course of 2022, he was heavily involved in the implementation of the payment plan. WVLT News reached out to Collins about this, and he provided a statement over email:
“My clients do not challenge the compensation plan as enacted by the Knoxville City Council,” he said. “Instead, my clients seek to redress the City’s failure to execute the plan according to its terms, the City’s own representations, and the expectations of those involved in the development and ultimate approval of the plan.”
That statement came in response to one by the city. Collins said that comment “missed the mark.”
Our compensation overhaul was done after extensive input and consultation with all of our employee reps, that included the Knoxville Fire Department. The 6% salary increase along with the step plan, was designed to bring our employees up to market standards and to address compression.
Please keep in mind, we worked with a national consultant on our compensation plan. Their skill and expertise guided our salary adjustments, and the final plan was ultimately approved both by our employee reps and City Council. – City of Knoxville
YWCA’s 29th Annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism- 1/18
Join the YWCA for the 29th Annual YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Diversity Day and Race Against
Racism on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Phyllis Wheatley Center! This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful movement toward unity and inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor diversity and foster meaningful conversations about inclusivity.
Event Schedule:
The day kicks off with the Race Against Racism:
- 5K Run: 9:00 a.m.
- 1-Mile Walk: 9:15 a.m.
- Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.
Following the races, enjoy Diversity Day activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring community booths, cultural
performances, and an inspiring keynote speaker.
Keynote Speaker:
We are honored to welcome Delphia L. Howze, a nationally recognized Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) expert and author
of Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are. Delphia brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources
and D&I, equipping organizations with strategies to build inclusive environments.
Event Highlights: - Community Resource Booths: Engage with local nonprofits such as Second Harvest, Positively Living, Metro Drug
Coalition, Helping Mamas, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Planned Parenthood, Knoxville PARC,
Turn Up Knox, Two Bikes, Kim Health Center, and Centro Hispano. - Special Performances: Enjoy dynamic cultural presentations by Drums Up Guns Down and the Appalachian
Equality Chorus, celebrating unity through music and movement. - Breakfast Treats & Entertainment: Arrive early for refreshments and pre-race activities to energize your
morning. Breakfast is provided by Real Good Kitchen
Registration Details - Registration is open now for the 5K, 1-Mile Walk, and Kids Fun Run:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/YWCAKnoxvilleRaceAgainstRacism - Online registration closes at 8:30 a.m. on race day, with in-person registration available until 8:45 a.m.
- All participants receive a long-sleeve, 50/50 blend event shirt with their registration.
Rain, snow, or shine, Diversity Day and the Race Against Racism will proceed! Proceeds from the event benefit YWCA
Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, supporting essential programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center that empower students
to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Where: YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN
For more information and to register, visit www.ywcaknox.com or contact Director of Communications and Events,
Lorena Meza Hubbard at 865.523.6126 or [email protected]
Together, let’s stand strong against racism, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive society.
About YWCA Knoxville
Since 1899, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a leading force in community change. With a mission to
eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA offers transitional
housing and supportive services to women who would otherwise be homeless; advocacy, outreach, support groups,
counseling and prevention services for victims of domestic violence; youth and family development services; and afterschool programming.
Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three
sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge; and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox,
Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier). Annual events that help to grow, expand and sustain the YWCA’s mission
include the Tribute to Women in September, Diversity Day/Race Against Racism in January, Stand Against Racism in
April, and Keys of Hope Luncheon in May.
FEMA Trailers Moving into East Tennessee Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is moving trailers into areas of East Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene.
The storm moved through the area in September of last year, prompting thousands in the eastern third of the state to begin a recovery process that has seen plenty of ups and downs.
FEMA says those in several Tennessee counties including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington can expect trailers to begin arriving this week.
Those trailers are manufactured housing units that come ready for survivors to occupy. The agency addressed the months-long process in getting the units ready, saying it involves ordering, installing and permitting each trailer.
In the months since the disaster, several organizations have donated campers and temporary housing options to individuals.
Blount County Animal Shelter Needs Help After Taking In Multiple Rescue Animals Left in Freezing Conditions
The Blount County Animal Shelter is having problems with space after six people were charged after nearly three dozen animals were rescued from harmful freezing conditions last week.
12 dogs and 13 cats rescued after responders say several dogs were tied up or in cages outside while it was 25 degrees. The six were charged with several counts of animal cruelty and in addition to dogs and cats, the shelter also took in ferrets, rats and ducks. The state also seized two horses from the property.
Ronald Crow, Director of the Shelter, says “We’re going to have these animals, these 35, for a long time,” said Ronald Crow, the shelter’s director. “We can’t adopt these animals out. They’re part of a criminal case, so we’re in charge of their care and custody.”
Crow said the shelter has capacity for 50 kennels in the back for large dogs. He said the rescue put them significantly over that number, adding that several animals are double or triple housed just to accommodate them. The dogs and cats also had to be housed in their own area as a precaution in case they have an illness.
To help combat the space issue, Crow said the shelter has reached out to its transport partners, rescues and foster teams to help make room. He also said adoption rates have been reduced.
“We’ve moved [adoption rates] down to $50 for all dogs and $20 for cats just in an effort to move some of these animals out and give us room for this influx,” Crow said.
Crow says the easiest way to help the shelter is to foster or adopt an animal.
Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Returning home from a two-game road trip, the sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to face No. 23 Georgia Wednesday night at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Georgia Bulldogs
- Tipoff: Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch Online: SEC Network
- Online: Listen Live | Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy TicketsGame Day InformationFollow @Vol_HoopsSEC Clubhouse
TENNESSEE
GEORGIA
THE LATEST FROM THE VOLS
Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls#1 Vols Claim 74-70 Road Win at Texas#1 Vols’ Undefeated Start Ends at #8 FloridaLanier, Zeigler on Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch ListLanier Collects Two National Player of the Week Honors
Fans can catch Wednesday’s game between the Volunteers (15-1, 2-1 SEC) and Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1 SEC) on SEC Network. Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Richard Hendrix (analyst) will have the call.
Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.
In Tennessee’s most recent outing, it earned a hard-fought, 74-70, road victory Saturday night at Texas. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler paced UT with 16 points and a game-high eight assists in a triumph during which neither side led by greater than seven in front of a near-capacity crowd of 10,195 the Moody Center.
THE MATCHUP
• The Volunteers’ 99 wins over Georgia are their second-most against any school, trailing only their 131 against Vanderbilt.
• This is the first time in series history both sides are in the AP top 25. It is also the first time UT faces a ranked Georgia team since 2/8/03, a 78-72 home win.
• UT is 6-1 in its last seven outings versus Georgia after going 2-9 in the prior 11 (with defeats in each of the five before the current seven-game span). The Vols were ranked in all six wins in this stretch and unranked in the lone loss.
• Last season, on 1/13/24 at Georgia, Tennessee trailed by 11 with under seven minutes to go, but closed on a 21-4 run in the last 6:08, including a 15-1 ledger in the final 4:49, to win by six, 85-79. Dalton Knecht dropped 36 points, including 20 in the second half.
• Coming off a 20-17 (6-12) showing that included an NIT semifinal berth, Georgia placed No. 12 in the SEC preseason poll.
• Freshman forward Asa Newell leads the Bulldogs with 15.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
NEWS & NOTES
• Tennessee’s 12 matchups with Mike White are its sixth-most against any active head coach.
• UT Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White (Danny) is the younger brother of Georgia head coach Mike White. Both played college basketball: Danny at Towson and Notre Dame, Mike at Ole Miss. The Volunteers fell to Florida, where Mike then worked, two days before Danny was hired on 1/21/21, but are 5-1 against him since then. More information on the White family can be found on Page 7.
• Rick Barnes and Mike White both joined the SEC in 2015-16. Barnes is 10-2 against White, posting an 8-2 ledger during the latter’s time at Florida (2015-22) and winning both matchups between their current schools.
• Georgia sophomore guard Blue Cain is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and went to Knoxville Catholic for his first three years of high school.
• Tennessee is 18-7 (.720) versus AP top-25 teams at home under Rick Barnes, including 13-1 (.929) in the last 14 such games, since 1/30/21.
• Tennessee is looking to start at least 3-1 in SEC play for the fifth time in seven years, including the third in a row.
• UT is also seeking a 2-0 start in SEC home play for the fifth time in seven years and fourth in a row.
• Zakai Zeigler is seven assists away from 600, while his 209 steals put him three shy of Santiago Vescovi‘s program record (212).
• UT’s DI-best 24.8 3P% defense is 1.8 percent better than second- place Southeast Missouri State (26.6). That is the same gap as No. 2 to No. 19 Kentucky (28.4).
• Igor Miličić Jr., is one of 10 Power Five players averaging at least 10.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.0 apg. The others are Oumar Ballo, Brooks Barnhizer, Johni Broome, Hunter Dickinson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Great Osobor, Ian Schieffelin, Thomas Sorber and Danny Wolf.
• The Volunteers’ 186 wins over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank co-seventh nationally, alongside Saint Mary’s. Only Gonzaga (227), Houston (220), Kansas (203), Duke (199), Purdue (195) and San Diego State (187) possess more.
HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY
• Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.
• The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.
• UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years in that stretch.
• The Vols are among only eight teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.
• Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.
• Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.
• Additionally, over the last three years (2022-25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.
DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK
• Tennessee, through 1/12/25, ranks third in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (88.1), just shy of Houston (86.3) and Duke (87.8).
• The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).
• In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).
• In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.
• UT, through 1/5/25, has won 42 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.
• The Vols, through 1/5/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.
RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES
• TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 22 AP top-25 wins, good for fourth nationally,. It is behind just Kansas (24), Connecticut (23) and Iowa State (23). Only Purdue (21) is even within one of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is two behind (Alabama with 20).
• TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Purdue (18) and Iowa State (17). The closest SEC program is two shy (Alabama with 16).
• TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Alabama (14) and Iowa State (14) are even within two of Tennessee.
• TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-second in the SEC and co- sixth nationally, alongside Alabama and North Carolina. Only Connecticut (11), Iowa State (11), Kansas (11), Purdue (10) and Kentucky (nine) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).
• TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.
…AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY
• Tennessee, at 22-15 (.595), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (13-10 .565) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .530.
• The Volunteers are nine games over .500 (19-10; .655) against AP top-20 teams in that span, while just one other SEC team, Auburn (11-8; .579), is even at a .500 clip.
• UT is also nine games over .500 (16-7; .696) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC teams in winning percentage are Auburn (8-6; .571) and Kentucky (12-9; .571). No others are above a .500 mark.
• At 8-6 (.571), the Volunteers have the best record in the SEC against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (9-8; .529) places second and no one else is at even a .500 mark.
• Tennessee (5-4; .556) is the only SEC team with a winning record versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch. Arkansas (3-3; .500) ranks second, while all others are under a .500 tally.
• The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (37) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trailing just Texas (45), Oklahoma (41) and Alabama (38) in such outing, while no other SEC school is above 33.
WINNING WAYS
• Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (186), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18) and sits a close second in overall winning percentage (.735). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).
• In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.737) and Kentucky (.704).
• In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (88-40; .688) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (89-39; .695), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (84-45; .648) and Alabama (80-48; .622) are at even 75-plus wins.
• Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own a 94-29 (.764) overall record. That is good for the most victories and the second-best winning percentage (just .0005 behind Auburn) in the SEC over that span.
• In that same four-year stretch, Tennessee (41-16; .719) is tied with both Auburn Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.
POLL PRESENCE
• Tennessee has played 219 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 166-53 (.758) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 319 games since Barnes arrived in 2015- 16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (219 of 253, 86.6 percent).
• UT is 145-48 (.751) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 114-35 (.765) while top-15, 88-26 (.772) while top-10, 44-13 (.772) while top-five, 25-3 (.893) while top-three and 14-2 (.875) while No. 1.
• The Vols are 30-23 (.566) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-16 (.590) with both teams in the top 20, 14-10 (.583) with both in the top 15 and 7-7 (.500) with both in the top 10.
HAPPY AT HOME
• Over the last five seasons, since 2020-21, the Volunteers are 66-7 (.904) on their home court.
• In 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee is 131-24 (.845) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, UT has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.
Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15/15 Tennessee (14-2, 2-2 SEC) welcomes RV/RV Mississippi State (15-3, 2-2 SEC) for the Big Orange’s 2025 “We Back Pat” game on Thursday night at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols and Bulldogs will meet at 7 p.m. ET in a contest televised by SEC Network and carried on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide as well as audio-streamed on UTSports.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 or 190.
UT is coming off a 30-point road win at Arkansas, outscoring the Razorbacks 28-2 on points off turnovers, 22-10 on fast breaks and 40-22 in the paint en route to a 93-63 triumph on Sunday. The Lady Vols feature five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper, who puts up 18.3 points per game and shoots 51 percent from the field. Cooper is coming off a 20-point effort vs. Arkansas, marking her eighth 20+ scoring outburst of the season. Fifth-year guard Jewel Spear has scored 15 points or more in five of her last six games, dropping season highs of 20 at Texas A&M and 28 vs. Oklahoma, followed by 25 vs. LSU. She eclipsed the 2,000-point mark for her career in the second quarter vs. Arkansas.
Mississippi State also owns a 2-2 SEC record after capturing a 79-68 road win at Georgia on Sunday. The Bulldogs are paced by guard Jerkaila Jordan, who puts up 15.6 ppg. and 6.6 rpg. She is joined in double figures by guard/forward Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.).
Kim Caldwell‘s first Lady Vol team enters the match-up ranked No. 1 nationally in four statistical categories through Jan. 14. UT is tops in the NCAA in scoring offense (96.4), three pointers per game (12.0), three point attempts per game (36.0) and offensive rebounds per game (20.6). It is second in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and turnover margin (11.75), third in steals per game (14.4), and sixth in bench points per game (33.8).
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Mississippi State
- Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch: SEC Network
- Radio: Lady Vol Network
- Online: Live Audio, Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy Tickets Walk-Through Metal Detectors In Use Clear Bag Policy Gameday Info Follow @LadyVol_Hoops
TENNESSEE
MISSISSIPPI STATE
THE LATEST FROM THE LADY VOLS
Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday #16/15 Lady Vols Roll Past Arkansas, 93-63 #6/4 LSU Withstands Lady Vol Upset Bid, 89-87 #9/10 Oklahoma Edges #15/13 Tennessee, 87-86 #15/13 Lady Vols Open SEC Play With 91-78 Win Over Aggies Boyd Named SEC Women’s Hoops Co-Freshman of The Week
BROADCAST DETAILS
- Sam Gore (play-by-play) and LVFL Nikki (Caldwell) Fargas (analyst) will have the call for SEC Network.
- All of the games included in the ESPN package (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) will be available through WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
- The contest also can be heard on Lady Vol Network stations and by audio stream, with Brian Rice providing play-by-play and Jay Lifford serving as studio host.
- A link to the live audio stream can be found on the Hoops Central page or the schedule on UTSports.com.
- For a list of Lady Vol Network affiliates, please click the Fans tab at the top of UTSports.com, select Vol Network and then click on the Vol Network Affiliates tab.
- Air-time generally occurs 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
- The Lady Vol Network broadcast also will be available via SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 and 190.
PARKING, TRAFFIC FLOW, ENTRY ALERTS
- Fans coming to campus looking to purchase basketball parking will do so on-site with a credit card.
- Those parking in the G-10 garage are requested to enter from Neyland Drive.
- There is free public parking on the Ag Campus and a free shuttle to and from there for fans. All shuttles are fully accessible for those with disabilities.
- The shuttle location on the Ag campus is on River Drive near the Brehm Animal Sciences Bldg. and across from the CF lot. Visit https://parking.utk.edu/parking/special-events/athletic/ for maps and more information.
- Shuttles begin two hours prior to tip-off. Return shuttles run one hour postgame or until the Food City Center is cleared.
- Accessible shuttle loading and unloading for those with disabilities is located next to Arena Dining.
- For regular shuttles, the unloading and loading areas near Food City Center will be as follows: Prior to the game, regular shuttles will unload at Chamique Holdsclaw and Lake Loudoun Blvd. After the game, regular shuttles will load at Lake Loudoun Blvd and Phillip Fulmer Way.
- All tickets and Tennessee Fund parking passes are digital.
- Fans will again see walk-through metal detectors outside of all Food City Center entrances.
- Gates typically open one hour before tip for women’s games.
PHILLIP FULMER WAY CLOSURE INFO.
- Due to the resumption of construction and upgrades to Neyland Stadium, basketball fans and media members should be advised of immediate changes to normal traffic patterns on Phillip Fulmer Way and Peyton Manning Pass during the rest of the 2024-25 season.
- Phillip Fulmer Way from G-10 garage to Neyland Stadium Gate 21 vicinity is now closed.
- The G-10 garage will not be accessible southbound on Phillip Fulmer Way.
- Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed to southbound traffic at Middle Drive, and it will not be accessible via Peyton Manning Pass.
- For events at Food City Center, G-10 and Staff 5 parking areas will be accessible via Lake Loudoun Boulevard, but it is strongly recommended that vehicles enter G-10 via Neyland Drive.
- Lot G5/30 is only accessible from Lake Loudoun Blvd.
INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING
- COOP IS THE REAL DEAL: Guard Talaysia Cooper is having a break-out season, leading UT in scoring (18.3 ppg.) and steals (3.6 spg.), hitting double figures 14 times, carding eight efforts of 20+ points and notching seven quarters where she scored 10 or more points, including 12 and 10, respectively, in the fourth period vs. Florida State and Iowa.
- “FEAR DA SPEAR”: Jewel Spear is enjoying her best stretch this season, averaging 19.8 ppg. in SEC play, hitting 18 of 31 three-point tries in league action (58.1 pct.) to run her season total to a team-high 41 treys.
- SMOOTH SAMARA: Samara Spencer (11.3 ppg., 5.6 apg.) ranks No. 5 nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.42) with 89 assists, is 11 dimes short of her third 100+ assist season and is second on the team with 38 three-pointers (team-best 42.7 percent).
- DEPENDABLE RUBY: Ruby Whitehorn is UT’s third-leading scorer at 13.0 ppg. contributing 10+ points in her past 10 games and ranking third in rebounding (4.9 rpg.).
- ZEE STEPPING UP: Forward Zee Spearman has been in double figures nine times, averaging 11.2 ppg. and a team-high 5.6 rpg. while shooting 54.4 percent.
FROM A TEAM PERSPECTIVE
- PILING UP POINTS: The Lady Vols rank No. 1 nationally in scoring offense, generating 96.4 points per game. The lowest a Kim Caldwell team has ranked in ppg. is No. 4, where she was in 2023-24 (85.3) at Marshall.
- MAKING THREES IN BUNCHES: UT ranks No. 1 in 3FGs made per game at 12.0 and has hit 10+ treys 12 times, eclipsing the old school best of six. It has hit 10+ threes in its past six games, notching its best streak.
- CRASHING O-BOARDS: UT is No. 1 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game at 20.6. It has twice reached 30+ this season.
- TURNING OVER THE OPPOSITION: UT is No. 2 in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and No. 2 in T.O. margin (11.75). Arkansas had 22 miscues on Jan. 12 for the 12th 20+ T.O. game (7th with 30+) by a foe in 2024-25.
- RACKING UP STEALS: UT is No. 3 nationally in steals per game (14.4). It now has 12 games of 10+ steals and 230 total in 16 games. It had 159 in 33 games a year ago.
- THAT’S A 10-COUNT: Tennessee has prevented its foes from getting the ball over halfcourt in 10 seconds a total of 17 times in 16 games. UT forced only five violations the previous five years combined.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- UT’S BEST START SINCE 2017-18: UT opened at 13-0 for the first time since 2017-18 (15-0) and the seventh time ever.
- SECOND BEST START FOR COACH: UT’s 13-0 start was the second-best opening of a season in Kim Caldwell‘s nine years as a head coach behind her 29-0 start at Glenville State in 2021-22 on the way to 35-1.
- TENNESSEE’S BEST COACHING START: The win over N.C. Central on Dec. 14 gave Kim Caldwell eight straight to open her tenure, making it the best coaching debut in Lady Vol basketball history. She upped it to 13-0.
- UT NO. 16 IN NET RANKINGS: UT is at No. 16 in the NCAA’s NET rankings as of Jan. 14.
- NO. 18 TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols’ full schedule ranks No. 18 on the NCAA Toughest Schedule report (1/14).
- CHASING 2,000/500 STAT LINE: Jewel Spear now as 2,000+ points and needs 16 rebounds to have 500 for her career.
- EYEING 1,000: Junior Ruby Whitehorn (919) is closing in on 1,000 career points.
- 1,500/500/500 IN SIGHT: Samara Spencer sits at 1,549 points, 466 rebounds and 454 assists, standing 34 boards and 46 dimes from a 1,500/500/500 career stat line.
FAMILIAR FACES
- Tennessee assistant coach Gabe Lazo was an associate head coach at Mississippi State and spent two seasons in Starkville before joining Kim Caldwell‘s Lady Vol staff prior to the 2024-25 season.
- He helped the Bulldogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, a top-15 prep signing class and a top-three portal class.
- At UT, he helped Kim Caldwell sign a highly-regarded five-player portal class and a 2025 prep group that is considered either the No. 1 class by 247Sports or the No. 2 unit by ESPN.
- First-year Mississippi State assistant coach Samantha Williams spent three seasons at Tennessee on Kellie Harper’s staff.
- MSU junior guard Denim DeShields is the younger sister of LVFL Diamond DeShields (2014-17) and the daughter of former UT track standout Tisha (Milligan) DeShields.
LOOKING BACK AT THE LAST GAME
- Redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper led four players in double figures with her eighth 20-point effort of the season, as No. 16/15 Tennessee rolled past Arkansas, 93-63, on Sunday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
- Cooper scored exactly 20 points vs. the Razorbacks on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and added a game-high four steals to lead the Lady Vols (14-2, 2-2 SEC). Junior forward Zee Spearman knocked down a career-best trio of three-pointers to tally 18 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Ruby Whitehorn supplied 17 points and senior forward Sara Puckett was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards. In her return to Fayetteville, where she spent her first three college seasons, senior point guard Samara Spencer directed UT’s offense with eight assists and no turnovers while adding four rebounds and three steals.
- Arkansas (8-11, 1-3 SEC) was paced by Izzy Higginbottom, who led all scorers with 26 points. Carly Keats was the only other Razorback scoring in double figures, tossing in 10.
POSTGAME NOTES VS. ARKANSAS
- JEWEL JOINS THE 2K CLUB: Jewel Spear became the 10th player in program history to reach and surpass 2,000 career points. Spear sank her 2,000th point on a free throw at the 2:38 mark in the second quarter. The fifth-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and six assists against Arkansas. Spear became the fifth transfer to hit 2K, joining fellow transfers Rickea Jackson (Mississippi State), Cindy Brogdon (Mercer), Jill Rankin (Wayland Baptist) and Patricia Roberts (Emporia State), who also reached that plateau. Sunday’s contest against the Hogs marked Spear’s 136th career game, her 47th as a Lady Vol.
- ANOTHER COOP 20-PIECE: Talaysia Cooper netted her eighth 20-plus performance of the season and her career, tallying a team-leading 20 points. Cooper hit seven of 14 field goals and knocked down one of three three-pointers. The redshirt sophomore finished with three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Cooper’s last 20-point scoring affair came against LSU on Jan. 9, when she carded 24 points.
- SPENCER DROPPIN’ DIMES: Senior point guard Samara Spencer carded eight assists with no turnovers vs. her old school. It tied her second highest total of the season and pushed her totals to 89 assists vs. 26 turnovers on the season. Her flawless effort with the ball was her third this year without turning the ball over.
- HOT FROM THREE: Tennessee carded its 12th performance of knocking down ten or more three-pointers in a single contest, hitting 12 against the Hogs. Eight Lady Vols made a three-pointer, with Zee Spearman leading the charge with three. Tennessee notched its highest three-point game against N.C. Central, draining an NCAA, SEC and school-record 30 treys. The Lady Vols have tallied 10 or more three-pointers against the following programs: N.C. Central (30), MTSU (15), Liberty (14), Tulsa (14), Memphis (12), Arkansas (12), LSU (11), Western Carolina (10), Winthrop (10), Texas A&M (10), Oklahoma (10) and Samford (10).
- DANGEROUS ON DEFENSE: The Lady Vols forced Arkansas to turn the ball over a total of 22 times during Sunday’s win, posting a 28-2 advantage on points off turnovers and racking up 15 steals for its 12th double-digit effort in that category. Arkansas’s two points were the fewest points Tennessee has allowed off of turnovers all season long. Twelve of Tennessee’s foes thus far have committed at least 22 miscues: NC Central (44), Samford (37), Western Carolina (37), Oklahoma (31), UT Martin (31), Iowa (30), Winthrop (30), Texas A&M (25), Liberty (25), Tulsa (23), Arkansas (22) and MTSU (22). Tennessee also collected a 10-second violation versus the Hogs. This season UT’s press has resulted in 17 10-second violations by opponents through 16 games.
UT/MSU SERIES NOTES
- Tennessee has a 40-8 all-time record vs. Mississippi State after winning three of the past four meetings.
- UT is 18-3 vs. MSU in Knoxville, 18-3 vs. the Bulldogs in Starkville and 4-2 at neutral sites.
- After State had the upper hand from 2016-20, winning seven of eight and three straight in Knoxville, the Big Orange has won its past two at home vs. MSU.
- State has a 2-0 record in overtime games between these programs, winning a 65-63 affair in Starkville on Jan. 29, 2016, and a 91-90 double-overtime thriller at Humphrey Coliseum the last time these programs met on Feb. 26, 2023.
- UT and MSU have faced off six times in the SEC Tournament, with the Lady Vols owning a 4-2 record.
A LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS
- Mississippi State started 8-0 and went 13-1 in non-conference play before opening 2-2 in SEC play.
- After losing at Kentucky and vs. South Carolina in week one, MSU bounced back with wins vs. No. 10/11 Oklahoma and at Georgia last week.
- Jerkaila Jordan paces State at 15.6 ppg., while Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.) also score in double figures.
- The Bulldogs hold foes to 58.7 ppg. and force 17.4 turnovers per contest.
ABOUT THE HEAD COACH
- Sam Purcell is 60-26 in his third season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
- In 2023-24, Purcell led MSU to a 23-12 record and became the only head coach in program history and one of five in the SEC since 2000 to surpass the 20-win mark in each of their first two seasons.
- Purcell totaled the most wins (45), most SEC wins (17) and most NCAA Tournament wins (2) of any MSU women’s WBB coach through their first two seasons.
- Purcell’s career stops include Auburn (student manager/video coordinator/admin. asst.), Tulsa (asst. coach), Georgia Tech (video coordinator/asst. coach) and Louisville (asst. coach/associate coach).
MSU’S LAST GAME
- A season-best shooting day for Mississippi State propelled the Bulldogs past Georgia, 79-68, on Sunday.
- MSU shot 48.3 percent from distance and hit a season-best 14 threes to overcome 17 turnovers.
- Eniya Russell led the way with 21 points, while Madina Okot added a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Jerkaila Jordan tossed in 11 points.
- MSU led 41-27 at the half and staved off a UGA rally.
LAST TIME WE MET STATE
- The Lady Vols overcame a 13-point second-quarter deficit to win, 75-64, over MSU at Humphrey Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2024, the last time these teams met.
- Tennessee (11-6, 4-1 SEC) was led by fifth-year senior Rickea Jackson, who turned in 19 points and seven rebounds. Junior Kaiya Wynn came off the bench to contribute a career-high 13 points, and fifth-year senior Jasmine Powell and junior Sara Puckett each tallied 11.
- Defensively, the Big Orange forced State into 15 turnovers on the evening and allowed the hosts only 19 points combined in the middle two quarters.
- Erynn Barnum led MSU with 15 points in that contest.
LAST TIME WE MET IN KNOXVILLE
- UT moved to 3-0 in SEC play with an 80-69 home win over MSU on Jan. 5, 2023, in the last meeting here.
- Jordan Horston set new season highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year.
- Rickea Jackson and Tess Darby had 18 and 13 points, respectively.
- MSU’s Jessika Carter and Debreasha Powe had 21 each.
UP NEXT
- The Lady Vols make their way to Nashville this weekend, where they’ll face in-state rival Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon in Memorial Gymnasium.
- Tip-off between the Big Orange and the Commodores is set for 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET) with SECN+ streaming.
- The game also will be available on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com.
TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man
A TBI Silver Alert is issued on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for a missing man.
63 year-old Terry Lowe was last seen late yesterday (Tuesday) morning. He is believed to be driving a 2006 Black Mercury Milan with TN tag 961BBJT.
If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Lowe has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return home safely without assistance.
Beloved Zoo Knoxville Gorilla Dies at 47 Years Old
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Zoo Knoxville is mourning after losing a Western lowland gorilla.
Officials Wednesday announcing the death of Kowali; the beloved gorilla passed away at the age of 47.
Kowali had been at Zoo Knoxville since 2013 and was a mother of four. She was born on January 9, 1978 at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
“We performed an ultrasound and heart echocardiogram which revealed signs of heart failure,” said Dr. Andrew Cushing, UTCVM clinical associate professor and specialist in zoological medicine. “We can manage her condition with medication, but the heart disease we found is irreversible.”
Zoo Knoxville CEO and President Bill Street said Kowali played an important part in gorilla conservation.
“Kowali’s life helped raise awareness about the urgent threats facing western lowland gorillas,” Street said. “She was deeply cherished by our staff, and her passing fills us with both sorrow and immense gratitude for the privilege of spending the last 11 years with her.”
There are now five Western lowland gorillas at the zoo.
Tennessee Lifts Water Contact Advisory Months after Helene Flooding
Nashville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) lifted an advisory Wednesday that asked people to avoid touching water affected by Hurricane Helene’s flooding.
The advisory was issued on October 2, just days after the storm hit. It asked people to avoid waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds. Officials say the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution, not tied to any specific water quality data.
“We want to reassure Tennesseans of the water quality in the region,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “TDEC issued the water contact advisory out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the health and safety of our citizens. We are pleased that we can lift this contact advisory today.”
The decision to lift the advisory comes after the state analyzed some water from the region and found that water quality had returned to pre-Helene conditions. Results of the water sample analysis can be found here.
Governor Bill Lee Calls a Special Session of the Tennessee General Assembly
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is calling a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly on January 27th to pass the Education Freedom Act and disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene.
The session will also address illegal immigration public safety measures to ensure Tennessee stands ready to support the Trump Administration.
In 2024, Lee’s first push for his program failed during the legislative session due to concern over money being taken from the public school systems.
Knoxville Firefighters Suing City, Claiming to be Misplaced on Salary Scale
(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Several Knoxville firefighters are suing the city, claiming they’re being underpaid under the city’s employee payment plan.
Attorney Richard Collins filed the lawsuit on Jan. 13 on behalf of Kevin Faddis, Shawn Langley, Stephen Mitchell, Gregory Phillips, Robert Pollard and Christopher Smith. It’s a lawsuit that focuses on the city’s payment step plan, a 2022 effort passed by the city council along with a 6% raise to bring employee salaries up to market value.
In the suit, Collins claimed that all of Knoxville firefighters with more than five years of experience were placed on the wrong “step” in the city’s plan.
“When the City implemented the Pay Step Plan in July 2022, it placed firefighters who had served in their current rank for five or more years at an arbitrary lower step, effectively locking those firefighters into lower pay grades within the step plan,” the lawsuit said.
Collins said that the payment plan was understood to contain 25 steps, with each “corresponding to years of service‚” meaning someone who has fought fires with the city for five years would receive the salary of a “step five” firefighter. That isn’t confirmed, however.
The filing said the firefighters tried to file a grievance with the city. In that complaint, they asked to be reassigned to the “correct” step and asked for the formula that decides where they land. That request was denied, Collins said, because city rules say payment is not “grievable.”
WVLT News has asked the city for documentation outlining the entire pay plan, including how employees were placed into their steps.
If true, Collins said, and the city did place more experienced firefighters at too-low of tiers, it could be considered age discrimination by the city. This, because the more experienced firefighters are generally older.
According to the suit, all the plaintiffs are 49 years old or older and each has at least 25 or more years with the department. On top of the firefighters filing the lawsuit, Collins provided a sample of 12 more he claimed were placed on the wrong “step,” each aged between 48 and 67.
“The City’s misclassification disproportionately (if not entirely) affects older firefighters,” Collins said and “creates a disparate impact on older workers given the years of service and experience within the department required to reach such ranks.”
It’s especially interesting that Faddis is named in the lawsuit. Throughout the course of 2022, he was heavily involved in the implementation of the payment plan. WVLT News reached out to Collins about this, and he provided a statement over email:
“My clients do not challenge the compensation plan as enacted by the Knoxville City Council,” he said. “Instead, my clients seek to redress the City’s failure to execute the plan according to its terms, the City’s own representations, and the expectations of those involved in the development and ultimate approval of the plan.”
That statement came in response to one by the city. Collins said that comment “missed the mark.”
Our compensation overhaul was done after extensive input and consultation with all of our employee reps, that included the Knoxville Fire Department. The 6% salary increase along with the step plan, was designed to bring our employees up to market standards and to address compression.
Please keep in mind, we worked with a national consultant on our compensation plan. Their skill and expertise guided our salary adjustments, and the final plan was ultimately approved both by our employee reps and City Council. – City of Knoxville
YWCA’s 29th Annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism- 1/18
Join the YWCA for the 29th Annual YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Diversity Day and Race Against
Racism on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Phyllis Wheatley Center! This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful movement toward unity and inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor diversity and foster meaningful conversations about inclusivity.
Event Schedule:
The day kicks off with the Race Against Racism:
- 5K Run: 9:00 a.m.
- 1-Mile Walk: 9:15 a.m.
- Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.
Following the races, enjoy Diversity Day activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring community booths, cultural
performances, and an inspiring keynote speaker.
Keynote Speaker:
We are honored to welcome Delphia L. Howze, a nationally recognized Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) expert and author
of Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are. Delphia brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources
and D&I, equipping organizations with strategies to build inclusive environments.
Event Highlights: - Community Resource Booths: Engage with local nonprofits such as Second Harvest, Positively Living, Metro Drug
Coalition, Helping Mamas, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Planned Parenthood, Knoxville PARC,
Turn Up Knox, Two Bikes, Kim Health Center, and Centro Hispano. - Special Performances: Enjoy dynamic cultural presentations by Drums Up Guns Down and the Appalachian
Equality Chorus, celebrating unity through music and movement. - Breakfast Treats & Entertainment: Arrive early for refreshments and pre-race activities to energize your
morning. Breakfast is provided by Real Good Kitchen
Registration Details - Registration is open now for the 5K, 1-Mile Walk, and Kids Fun Run:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/YWCAKnoxvilleRaceAgainstRacism - Online registration closes at 8:30 a.m. on race day, with in-person registration available until 8:45 a.m.
- All participants receive a long-sleeve, 50/50 blend event shirt with their registration.
Rain, snow, or shine, Diversity Day and the Race Against Racism will proceed! Proceeds from the event benefit YWCA
Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, supporting essential programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center that empower students
to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Where: YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN
For more information and to register, visit www.ywcaknox.com or contact Director of Communications and Events,
Lorena Meza Hubbard at 865.523.6126 or [email protected]
Together, let’s stand strong against racism, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive society.
About YWCA Knoxville
Since 1899, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a leading force in community change. With a mission to
eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA offers transitional
housing and supportive services to women who would otherwise be homeless; advocacy, outreach, support groups,
counseling and prevention services for victims of domestic violence; youth and family development services; and afterschool programming.
Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three
sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge; and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox,
Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier). Annual events that help to grow, expand and sustain the YWCA’s mission
include the Tribute to Women in September, Diversity Day/Race Against Racism in January, Stand Against Racism in
April, and Keys of Hope Luncheon in May.
FEMA Trailers Moving into East Tennessee Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is moving trailers into areas of East Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene.
The storm moved through the area in September of last year, prompting thousands in the eastern third of the state to begin a recovery process that has seen plenty of ups and downs.
FEMA says those in several Tennessee counties including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington can expect trailers to begin arriving this week.
Those trailers are manufactured housing units that come ready for survivors to occupy. The agency addressed the months-long process in getting the units ready, saying it involves ordering, installing and permitting each trailer.
In the months since the disaster, several organizations have donated campers and temporary housing options to individuals.
Blount County Animal Shelter Needs Help After Taking In Multiple Rescue Animals Left in Freezing Conditions
The Blount County Animal Shelter is having problems with space after six people were charged after nearly three dozen animals were rescued from harmful freezing conditions last week.
12 dogs and 13 cats rescued after responders say several dogs were tied up or in cages outside while it was 25 degrees. The six were charged with several counts of animal cruelty and in addition to dogs and cats, the shelter also took in ferrets, rats and ducks. The state also seized two horses from the property.
Ronald Crow, Director of the Shelter, says “We’re going to have these animals, these 35, for a long time,” said Ronald Crow, the shelter’s director. “We can’t adopt these animals out. They’re part of a criminal case, so we’re in charge of their care and custody.”
Crow said the shelter has capacity for 50 kennels in the back for large dogs. He said the rescue put them significantly over that number, adding that several animals are double or triple housed just to accommodate them. The dogs and cats also had to be housed in their own area as a precaution in case they have an illness.
To help combat the space issue, Crow said the shelter has reached out to its transport partners, rescues and foster teams to help make room. He also said adoption rates have been reduced.
“We’ve moved [adoption rates] down to $50 for all dogs and $20 for cats just in an effort to move some of these animals out and give us room for this influx,” Crow said.
Crow says the easiest way to help the shelter is to foster or adopt an animal.
Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Returning home from a two-game road trip, the sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to face No. 23 Georgia Wednesday night at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Georgia Bulldogs
- Tipoff: Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch Online: SEC Network
- Online: Listen Live | Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy TicketsGame Day InformationFollow @Vol_HoopsSEC Clubhouse
TENNESSEE
GEORGIA
THE LATEST FROM THE VOLS
Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls#1 Vols Claim 74-70 Road Win at Texas#1 Vols’ Undefeated Start Ends at #8 FloridaLanier, Zeigler on Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch ListLanier Collects Two National Player of the Week Honors
Fans can catch Wednesday’s game between the Volunteers (15-1, 2-1 SEC) and Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1 SEC) on SEC Network. Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Richard Hendrix (analyst) will have the call.
Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.
In Tennessee’s most recent outing, it earned a hard-fought, 74-70, road victory Saturday night at Texas. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler paced UT with 16 points and a game-high eight assists in a triumph during which neither side led by greater than seven in front of a near-capacity crowd of 10,195 the Moody Center.
THE MATCHUP
• The Volunteers’ 99 wins over Georgia are their second-most against any school, trailing only their 131 against Vanderbilt.
• This is the first time in series history both sides are in the AP top 25. It is also the first time UT faces a ranked Georgia team since 2/8/03, a 78-72 home win.
• UT is 6-1 in its last seven outings versus Georgia after going 2-9 in the prior 11 (with defeats in each of the five before the current seven-game span). The Vols were ranked in all six wins in this stretch and unranked in the lone loss.
• Last season, on 1/13/24 at Georgia, Tennessee trailed by 11 with under seven minutes to go, but closed on a 21-4 run in the last 6:08, including a 15-1 ledger in the final 4:49, to win by six, 85-79. Dalton Knecht dropped 36 points, including 20 in the second half.
• Coming off a 20-17 (6-12) showing that included an NIT semifinal berth, Georgia placed No. 12 in the SEC preseason poll.
• Freshman forward Asa Newell leads the Bulldogs with 15.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
NEWS & NOTES
• Tennessee’s 12 matchups with Mike White are its sixth-most against any active head coach.
• UT Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White (Danny) is the younger brother of Georgia head coach Mike White. Both played college basketball: Danny at Towson and Notre Dame, Mike at Ole Miss. The Volunteers fell to Florida, where Mike then worked, two days before Danny was hired on 1/21/21, but are 5-1 against him since then. More information on the White family can be found on Page 7.
• Rick Barnes and Mike White both joined the SEC in 2015-16. Barnes is 10-2 against White, posting an 8-2 ledger during the latter’s time at Florida (2015-22) and winning both matchups between their current schools.
• Georgia sophomore guard Blue Cain is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and went to Knoxville Catholic for his first three years of high school.
• Tennessee is 18-7 (.720) versus AP top-25 teams at home under Rick Barnes, including 13-1 (.929) in the last 14 such games, since 1/30/21.
• Tennessee is looking to start at least 3-1 in SEC play for the fifth time in seven years, including the third in a row.
• UT is also seeking a 2-0 start in SEC home play for the fifth time in seven years and fourth in a row.
• Zakai Zeigler is seven assists away from 600, while his 209 steals put him three shy of Santiago Vescovi‘s program record (212).
• UT’s DI-best 24.8 3P% defense is 1.8 percent better than second- place Southeast Missouri State (26.6). That is the same gap as No. 2 to No. 19 Kentucky (28.4).
• Igor Miličić Jr., is one of 10 Power Five players averaging at least 10.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.0 apg. The others are Oumar Ballo, Brooks Barnhizer, Johni Broome, Hunter Dickinson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Great Osobor, Ian Schieffelin, Thomas Sorber and Danny Wolf.
• The Volunteers’ 186 wins over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank co-seventh nationally, alongside Saint Mary’s. Only Gonzaga (227), Houston (220), Kansas (203), Duke (199), Purdue (195) and San Diego State (187) possess more.
HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY
• Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.
• The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.
• UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years in that stretch.
• The Vols are among only eight teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.
• Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.
• Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.
• Additionally, over the last three years (2022-25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.
DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK
• Tennessee, through 1/12/25, ranks third in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (88.1), just shy of Houston (86.3) and Duke (87.8).
• The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).
• In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).
• In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.
• UT, through 1/5/25, has won 42 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.
• The Vols, through 1/5/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.
RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES
• TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 22 AP top-25 wins, good for fourth nationally,. It is behind just Kansas (24), Connecticut (23) and Iowa State (23). Only Purdue (21) is even within one of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is two behind (Alabama with 20).
• TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Purdue (18) and Iowa State (17). The closest SEC program is two shy (Alabama with 16).
• TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Alabama (14) and Iowa State (14) are even within two of Tennessee.
• TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-second in the SEC and co- sixth nationally, alongside Alabama and North Carolina. Only Connecticut (11), Iowa State (11), Kansas (11), Purdue (10) and Kentucky (nine) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).
• TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.
…AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY
• Tennessee, at 22-15 (.595), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (13-10 .565) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .530.
• The Volunteers are nine games over .500 (19-10; .655) against AP top-20 teams in that span, while just one other SEC team, Auburn (11-8; .579), is even at a .500 clip.
• UT is also nine games over .500 (16-7; .696) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC teams in winning percentage are Auburn (8-6; .571) and Kentucky (12-9; .571). No others are above a .500 mark.
• At 8-6 (.571), the Volunteers have the best record in the SEC against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (9-8; .529) places second and no one else is at even a .500 mark.
• Tennessee (5-4; .556) is the only SEC team with a winning record versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch. Arkansas (3-3; .500) ranks second, while all others are under a .500 tally.
• The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (37) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trailing just Texas (45), Oklahoma (41) and Alabama (38) in such outing, while no other SEC school is above 33.
WINNING WAYS
• Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (186), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18) and sits a close second in overall winning percentage (.735). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).
• In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.737) and Kentucky (.704).
• In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (88-40; .688) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (89-39; .695), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (84-45; .648) and Alabama (80-48; .622) are at even 75-plus wins.
• Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own a 94-29 (.764) overall record. That is good for the most victories and the second-best winning percentage (just .0005 behind Auburn) in the SEC over that span.
• In that same four-year stretch, Tennessee (41-16; .719) is tied with both Auburn Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.
POLL PRESENCE
• Tennessee has played 219 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 166-53 (.758) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 319 games since Barnes arrived in 2015- 16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (219 of 253, 86.6 percent).
• UT is 145-48 (.751) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 114-35 (.765) while top-15, 88-26 (.772) while top-10, 44-13 (.772) while top-five, 25-3 (.893) while top-three and 14-2 (.875) while No. 1.
• The Vols are 30-23 (.566) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-16 (.590) with both teams in the top 20, 14-10 (.583) with both in the top 15 and 7-7 (.500) with both in the top 10.
HAPPY AT HOME
• Over the last five seasons, since 2020-21, the Volunteers are 66-7 (.904) on their home court.
• In 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee is 131-24 (.845) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, UT has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.
Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15/15 Tennessee (14-2, 2-2 SEC) welcomes RV/RV Mississippi State (15-3, 2-2 SEC) for the Big Orange’s 2025 “We Back Pat” game on Thursday night at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols and Bulldogs will meet at 7 p.m. ET in a contest televised by SEC Network and carried on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide as well as audio-streamed on UTSports.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 or 190.
UT is coming off a 30-point road win at Arkansas, outscoring the Razorbacks 28-2 on points off turnovers, 22-10 on fast breaks and 40-22 in the paint en route to a 93-63 triumph on Sunday. The Lady Vols feature five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper, who puts up 18.3 points per game and shoots 51 percent from the field. Cooper is coming off a 20-point effort vs. Arkansas, marking her eighth 20+ scoring outburst of the season. Fifth-year guard Jewel Spear has scored 15 points or more in five of her last six games, dropping season highs of 20 at Texas A&M and 28 vs. Oklahoma, followed by 25 vs. LSU. She eclipsed the 2,000-point mark for her career in the second quarter vs. Arkansas.
Mississippi State also owns a 2-2 SEC record after capturing a 79-68 road win at Georgia on Sunday. The Bulldogs are paced by guard Jerkaila Jordan, who puts up 15.6 ppg. and 6.6 rpg. She is joined in double figures by guard/forward Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.).
Kim Caldwell‘s first Lady Vol team enters the match-up ranked No. 1 nationally in four statistical categories through Jan. 14. UT is tops in the NCAA in scoring offense (96.4), three pointers per game (12.0), three point attempts per game (36.0) and offensive rebounds per game (20.6). It is second in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and turnover margin (11.75), third in steals per game (14.4), and sixth in bench points per game (33.8).
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Mississippi State
- Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch: SEC Network
- Radio: Lady Vol Network
- Online: Live Audio, Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy Tickets Walk-Through Metal Detectors In Use Clear Bag Policy Gameday Info Follow @LadyVol_Hoops
TENNESSEE
MISSISSIPPI STATE
THE LATEST FROM THE LADY VOLS
Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday #16/15 Lady Vols Roll Past Arkansas, 93-63 #6/4 LSU Withstands Lady Vol Upset Bid, 89-87 #9/10 Oklahoma Edges #15/13 Tennessee, 87-86 #15/13 Lady Vols Open SEC Play With 91-78 Win Over Aggies Boyd Named SEC Women’s Hoops Co-Freshman of The Week
BROADCAST DETAILS
- Sam Gore (play-by-play) and LVFL Nikki (Caldwell) Fargas (analyst) will have the call for SEC Network.
- All of the games included in the ESPN package (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) will be available through WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
- The contest also can be heard on Lady Vol Network stations and by audio stream, with Brian Rice providing play-by-play and Jay Lifford serving as studio host.
- A link to the live audio stream can be found on the Hoops Central page or the schedule on UTSports.com.
- For a list of Lady Vol Network affiliates, please click the Fans tab at the top of UTSports.com, select Vol Network and then click on the Vol Network Affiliates tab.
- Air-time generally occurs 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
- The Lady Vol Network broadcast also will be available via SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 and 190.
PARKING, TRAFFIC FLOW, ENTRY ALERTS
- Fans coming to campus looking to purchase basketball parking will do so on-site with a credit card.
- Those parking in the G-10 garage are requested to enter from Neyland Drive.
- There is free public parking on the Ag Campus and a free shuttle to and from there for fans. All shuttles are fully accessible for those with disabilities.
- The shuttle location on the Ag campus is on River Drive near the Brehm Animal Sciences Bldg. and across from the CF lot. Visit https://parking.utk.edu/parking/special-events/athletic/ for maps and more information.
- Shuttles begin two hours prior to tip-off. Return shuttles run one hour postgame or until the Food City Center is cleared.
- Accessible shuttle loading and unloading for those with disabilities is located next to Arena Dining.
- For regular shuttles, the unloading and loading areas near Food City Center will be as follows: Prior to the game, regular shuttles will unload at Chamique Holdsclaw and Lake Loudoun Blvd. After the game, regular shuttles will load at Lake Loudoun Blvd and Phillip Fulmer Way.
- All tickets and Tennessee Fund parking passes are digital.
- Fans will again see walk-through metal detectors outside of all Food City Center entrances.
- Gates typically open one hour before tip for women’s games.
PHILLIP FULMER WAY CLOSURE INFO.
- Due to the resumption of construction and upgrades to Neyland Stadium, basketball fans and media members should be advised of immediate changes to normal traffic patterns on Phillip Fulmer Way and Peyton Manning Pass during the rest of the 2024-25 season.
- Phillip Fulmer Way from G-10 garage to Neyland Stadium Gate 21 vicinity is now closed.
- The G-10 garage will not be accessible southbound on Phillip Fulmer Way.
- Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed to southbound traffic at Middle Drive, and it will not be accessible via Peyton Manning Pass.
- For events at Food City Center, G-10 and Staff 5 parking areas will be accessible via Lake Loudoun Boulevard, but it is strongly recommended that vehicles enter G-10 via Neyland Drive.
- Lot G5/30 is only accessible from Lake Loudoun Blvd.
INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING
- COOP IS THE REAL DEAL: Guard Talaysia Cooper is having a break-out season, leading UT in scoring (18.3 ppg.) and steals (3.6 spg.), hitting double figures 14 times, carding eight efforts of 20+ points and notching seven quarters where she scored 10 or more points, including 12 and 10, respectively, in the fourth period vs. Florida State and Iowa.
- “FEAR DA SPEAR”: Jewel Spear is enjoying her best stretch this season, averaging 19.8 ppg. in SEC play, hitting 18 of 31 three-point tries in league action (58.1 pct.) to run her season total to a team-high 41 treys.
- SMOOTH SAMARA: Samara Spencer (11.3 ppg., 5.6 apg.) ranks No. 5 nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.42) with 89 assists, is 11 dimes short of her third 100+ assist season and is second on the team with 38 three-pointers (team-best 42.7 percent).
- DEPENDABLE RUBY: Ruby Whitehorn is UT’s third-leading scorer at 13.0 ppg. contributing 10+ points in her past 10 games and ranking third in rebounding (4.9 rpg.).
- ZEE STEPPING UP: Forward Zee Spearman has been in double figures nine times, averaging 11.2 ppg. and a team-high 5.6 rpg. while shooting 54.4 percent.
FROM A TEAM PERSPECTIVE
- PILING UP POINTS: The Lady Vols rank No. 1 nationally in scoring offense, generating 96.4 points per game. The lowest a Kim Caldwell team has ranked in ppg. is No. 4, where she was in 2023-24 (85.3) at Marshall.
- MAKING THREES IN BUNCHES: UT ranks No. 1 in 3FGs made per game at 12.0 and has hit 10+ treys 12 times, eclipsing the old school best of six. It has hit 10+ threes in its past six games, notching its best streak.
- CRASHING O-BOARDS: UT is No. 1 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game at 20.6. It has twice reached 30+ this season.
- TURNING OVER THE OPPOSITION: UT is No. 2 in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and No. 2 in T.O. margin (11.75). Arkansas had 22 miscues on Jan. 12 for the 12th 20+ T.O. game (7th with 30+) by a foe in 2024-25.
- RACKING UP STEALS: UT is No. 3 nationally in steals per game (14.4). It now has 12 games of 10+ steals and 230 total in 16 games. It had 159 in 33 games a year ago.
- THAT’S A 10-COUNT: Tennessee has prevented its foes from getting the ball over halfcourt in 10 seconds a total of 17 times in 16 games. UT forced only five violations the previous five years combined.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- UT’S BEST START SINCE 2017-18: UT opened at 13-0 for the first time since 2017-18 (15-0) and the seventh time ever.
- SECOND BEST START FOR COACH: UT’s 13-0 start was the second-best opening of a season in Kim Caldwell‘s nine years as a head coach behind her 29-0 start at Glenville State in 2021-22 on the way to 35-1.
- TENNESSEE’S BEST COACHING START: The win over N.C. Central on Dec. 14 gave Kim Caldwell eight straight to open her tenure, making it the best coaching debut in Lady Vol basketball history. She upped it to 13-0.
- UT NO. 16 IN NET RANKINGS: UT is at No. 16 in the NCAA’s NET rankings as of Jan. 14.
- NO. 18 TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols’ full schedule ranks No. 18 on the NCAA Toughest Schedule report (1/14).
- CHASING 2,000/500 STAT LINE: Jewel Spear now as 2,000+ points and needs 16 rebounds to have 500 for her career.
- EYEING 1,000: Junior Ruby Whitehorn (919) is closing in on 1,000 career points.
- 1,500/500/500 IN SIGHT: Samara Spencer sits at 1,549 points, 466 rebounds and 454 assists, standing 34 boards and 46 dimes from a 1,500/500/500 career stat line.
FAMILIAR FACES
- Tennessee assistant coach Gabe Lazo was an associate head coach at Mississippi State and spent two seasons in Starkville before joining Kim Caldwell‘s Lady Vol staff prior to the 2024-25 season.
- He helped the Bulldogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, a top-15 prep signing class and a top-three portal class.
- At UT, he helped Kim Caldwell sign a highly-regarded five-player portal class and a 2025 prep group that is considered either the No. 1 class by 247Sports or the No. 2 unit by ESPN.
- First-year Mississippi State assistant coach Samantha Williams spent three seasons at Tennessee on Kellie Harper’s staff.
- MSU junior guard Denim DeShields is the younger sister of LVFL Diamond DeShields (2014-17) and the daughter of former UT track standout Tisha (Milligan) DeShields.
LOOKING BACK AT THE LAST GAME
- Redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper led four players in double figures with her eighth 20-point effort of the season, as No. 16/15 Tennessee rolled past Arkansas, 93-63, on Sunday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
- Cooper scored exactly 20 points vs. the Razorbacks on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and added a game-high four steals to lead the Lady Vols (14-2, 2-2 SEC). Junior forward Zee Spearman knocked down a career-best trio of three-pointers to tally 18 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Ruby Whitehorn supplied 17 points and senior forward Sara Puckett was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards. In her return to Fayetteville, where she spent her first three college seasons, senior point guard Samara Spencer directed UT’s offense with eight assists and no turnovers while adding four rebounds and three steals.
- Arkansas (8-11, 1-3 SEC) was paced by Izzy Higginbottom, who led all scorers with 26 points. Carly Keats was the only other Razorback scoring in double figures, tossing in 10.
POSTGAME NOTES VS. ARKANSAS
- JEWEL JOINS THE 2K CLUB: Jewel Spear became the 10th player in program history to reach and surpass 2,000 career points. Spear sank her 2,000th point on a free throw at the 2:38 mark in the second quarter. The fifth-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and six assists against Arkansas. Spear became the fifth transfer to hit 2K, joining fellow transfers Rickea Jackson (Mississippi State), Cindy Brogdon (Mercer), Jill Rankin (Wayland Baptist) and Patricia Roberts (Emporia State), who also reached that plateau. Sunday’s contest against the Hogs marked Spear’s 136th career game, her 47th as a Lady Vol.
- ANOTHER COOP 20-PIECE: Talaysia Cooper netted her eighth 20-plus performance of the season and her career, tallying a team-leading 20 points. Cooper hit seven of 14 field goals and knocked down one of three three-pointers. The redshirt sophomore finished with three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Cooper’s last 20-point scoring affair came against LSU on Jan. 9, when she carded 24 points.
- SPENCER DROPPIN’ DIMES: Senior point guard Samara Spencer carded eight assists with no turnovers vs. her old school. It tied her second highest total of the season and pushed her totals to 89 assists vs. 26 turnovers on the season. Her flawless effort with the ball was her third this year without turning the ball over.
- HOT FROM THREE: Tennessee carded its 12th performance of knocking down ten or more three-pointers in a single contest, hitting 12 against the Hogs. Eight Lady Vols made a three-pointer, with Zee Spearman leading the charge with three. Tennessee notched its highest three-point game against N.C. Central, draining an NCAA, SEC and school-record 30 treys. The Lady Vols have tallied 10 or more three-pointers against the following programs: N.C. Central (30), MTSU (15), Liberty (14), Tulsa (14), Memphis (12), Arkansas (12), LSU (11), Western Carolina (10), Winthrop (10), Texas A&M (10), Oklahoma (10) and Samford (10).
- DANGEROUS ON DEFENSE: The Lady Vols forced Arkansas to turn the ball over a total of 22 times during Sunday’s win, posting a 28-2 advantage on points off turnovers and racking up 15 steals for its 12th double-digit effort in that category. Arkansas’s two points were the fewest points Tennessee has allowed off of turnovers all season long. Twelve of Tennessee’s foes thus far have committed at least 22 miscues: NC Central (44), Samford (37), Western Carolina (37), Oklahoma (31), UT Martin (31), Iowa (30), Winthrop (30), Texas A&M (25), Liberty (25), Tulsa (23), Arkansas (22) and MTSU (22). Tennessee also collected a 10-second violation versus the Hogs. This season UT’s press has resulted in 17 10-second violations by opponents through 16 games.
UT/MSU SERIES NOTES
- Tennessee has a 40-8 all-time record vs. Mississippi State after winning three of the past four meetings.
- UT is 18-3 vs. MSU in Knoxville, 18-3 vs. the Bulldogs in Starkville and 4-2 at neutral sites.
- After State had the upper hand from 2016-20, winning seven of eight and three straight in Knoxville, the Big Orange has won its past two at home vs. MSU.
- State has a 2-0 record in overtime games between these programs, winning a 65-63 affair in Starkville on Jan. 29, 2016, and a 91-90 double-overtime thriller at Humphrey Coliseum the last time these programs met on Feb. 26, 2023.
- UT and MSU have faced off six times in the SEC Tournament, with the Lady Vols owning a 4-2 record.
A LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS
- Mississippi State started 8-0 and went 13-1 in non-conference play before opening 2-2 in SEC play.
- After losing at Kentucky and vs. South Carolina in week one, MSU bounced back with wins vs. No. 10/11 Oklahoma and at Georgia last week.
- Jerkaila Jordan paces State at 15.6 ppg., while Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.) also score in double figures.
- The Bulldogs hold foes to 58.7 ppg. and force 17.4 turnovers per contest.
ABOUT THE HEAD COACH
- Sam Purcell is 60-26 in his third season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
- In 2023-24, Purcell led MSU to a 23-12 record and became the only head coach in program history and one of five in the SEC since 2000 to surpass the 20-win mark in each of their first two seasons.
- Purcell totaled the most wins (45), most SEC wins (17) and most NCAA Tournament wins (2) of any MSU women’s WBB coach through their first two seasons.
- Purcell’s career stops include Auburn (student manager/video coordinator/admin. asst.), Tulsa (asst. coach), Georgia Tech (video coordinator/asst. coach) and Louisville (asst. coach/associate coach).
MSU’S LAST GAME
- A season-best shooting day for Mississippi State propelled the Bulldogs past Georgia, 79-68, on Sunday.
- MSU shot 48.3 percent from distance and hit a season-best 14 threes to overcome 17 turnovers.
- Eniya Russell led the way with 21 points, while Madina Okot added a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Jerkaila Jordan tossed in 11 points.
- MSU led 41-27 at the half and staved off a UGA rally.
LAST TIME WE MET STATE
- The Lady Vols overcame a 13-point second-quarter deficit to win, 75-64, over MSU at Humphrey Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2024, the last time these teams met.
- Tennessee (11-6, 4-1 SEC) was led by fifth-year senior Rickea Jackson, who turned in 19 points and seven rebounds. Junior Kaiya Wynn came off the bench to contribute a career-high 13 points, and fifth-year senior Jasmine Powell and junior Sara Puckett each tallied 11.
- Defensively, the Big Orange forced State into 15 turnovers on the evening and allowed the hosts only 19 points combined in the middle two quarters.
- Erynn Barnum led MSU with 15 points in that contest.
LAST TIME WE MET IN KNOXVILLE
- UT moved to 3-0 in SEC play with an 80-69 home win over MSU on Jan. 5, 2023, in the last meeting here.
- Jordan Horston set new season highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year.
- Rickea Jackson and Tess Darby had 18 and 13 points, respectively.
- MSU’s Jessika Carter and Debreasha Powe had 21 each.
UP NEXT
- The Lady Vols make their way to Nashville this weekend, where they’ll face in-state rival Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon in Memorial Gymnasium.
- Tip-off between the Big Orange and the Commodores is set for 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET) with SECN+ streaming.
- The game also will be available on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com.
TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man
A TBI Silver Alert is issued on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for a missing man.
63 year-old Terry Lowe was last seen late yesterday (Tuesday) morning. He is believed to be driving a 2006 Black Mercury Milan with TN tag 961BBJT.
If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Lowe has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return home safely without assistance.
Beloved Zoo Knoxville Gorilla Dies at 47 Years Old
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Zoo Knoxville is mourning after losing a Western lowland gorilla.
Officials Wednesday announcing the death of Kowali; the beloved gorilla passed away at the age of 47.
Kowali had been at Zoo Knoxville since 2013 and was a mother of four. She was born on January 9, 1978 at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
“We performed an ultrasound and heart echocardiogram which revealed signs of heart failure,” said Dr. Andrew Cushing, UTCVM clinical associate professor and specialist in zoological medicine. “We can manage her condition with medication, but the heart disease we found is irreversible.”
Zoo Knoxville CEO and President Bill Street said Kowali played an important part in gorilla conservation.
“Kowali’s life helped raise awareness about the urgent threats facing western lowland gorillas,” Street said. “She was deeply cherished by our staff, and her passing fills us with both sorrow and immense gratitude for the privilege of spending the last 11 years with her.”
There are now five Western lowland gorillas at the zoo.
Tennessee Lifts Water Contact Advisory Months after Helene Flooding
Nashville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) lifted an advisory Wednesday that asked people to avoid touching water affected by Hurricane Helene’s flooding.
The advisory was issued on October 2, just days after the storm hit. It asked people to avoid waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds. Officials say the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution, not tied to any specific water quality data.
“We want to reassure Tennesseans of the water quality in the region,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “TDEC issued the water contact advisory out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the health and safety of our citizens. We are pleased that we can lift this contact advisory today.”
The decision to lift the advisory comes after the state analyzed some water from the region and found that water quality had returned to pre-Helene conditions. Results of the water sample analysis can be found here.
Governor Bill Lee Calls a Special Session of the Tennessee General Assembly
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is calling a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly on January 27th to pass the Education Freedom Act and disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene.
The session will also address illegal immigration public safety measures to ensure Tennessee stands ready to support the Trump Administration.
In 2024, Lee’s first push for his program failed during the legislative session due to concern over money being taken from the public school systems.
Knoxville Firefighters Suing City, Claiming to be Misplaced on Salary Scale
(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Several Knoxville firefighters are suing the city, claiming they’re being underpaid under the city’s employee payment plan.
Attorney Richard Collins filed the lawsuit on Jan. 13 on behalf of Kevin Faddis, Shawn Langley, Stephen Mitchell, Gregory Phillips, Robert Pollard and Christopher Smith. It’s a lawsuit that focuses on the city’s payment step plan, a 2022 effort passed by the city council along with a 6% raise to bring employee salaries up to market value.
In the suit, Collins claimed that all of Knoxville firefighters with more than five years of experience were placed on the wrong “step” in the city’s plan.
“When the City implemented the Pay Step Plan in July 2022, it placed firefighters who had served in their current rank for five or more years at an arbitrary lower step, effectively locking those firefighters into lower pay grades within the step plan,” the lawsuit said.
Collins said that the payment plan was understood to contain 25 steps, with each “corresponding to years of service‚” meaning someone who has fought fires with the city for five years would receive the salary of a “step five” firefighter. That isn’t confirmed, however.
The filing said the firefighters tried to file a grievance with the city. In that complaint, they asked to be reassigned to the “correct” step and asked for the formula that decides where they land. That request was denied, Collins said, because city rules say payment is not “grievable.”
WVLT News has asked the city for documentation outlining the entire pay plan, including how employees were placed into their steps.
If true, Collins said, and the city did place more experienced firefighters at too-low of tiers, it could be considered age discrimination by the city. This, because the more experienced firefighters are generally older.
According to the suit, all the plaintiffs are 49 years old or older and each has at least 25 or more years with the department. On top of the firefighters filing the lawsuit, Collins provided a sample of 12 more he claimed were placed on the wrong “step,” each aged between 48 and 67.
“The City’s misclassification disproportionately (if not entirely) affects older firefighters,” Collins said and “creates a disparate impact on older workers given the years of service and experience within the department required to reach such ranks.”
It’s especially interesting that Faddis is named in the lawsuit. Throughout the course of 2022, he was heavily involved in the implementation of the payment plan. WVLT News reached out to Collins about this, and he provided a statement over email:
“My clients do not challenge the compensation plan as enacted by the Knoxville City Council,” he said. “Instead, my clients seek to redress the City’s failure to execute the plan according to its terms, the City’s own representations, and the expectations of those involved in the development and ultimate approval of the plan.”
That statement came in response to one by the city. Collins said that comment “missed the mark.”
Our compensation overhaul was done after extensive input and consultation with all of our employee reps, that included the Knoxville Fire Department. The 6% salary increase along with the step plan, was designed to bring our employees up to market standards and to address compression.
Please keep in mind, we worked with a national consultant on our compensation plan. Their skill and expertise guided our salary adjustments, and the final plan was ultimately approved both by our employee reps and City Council. – City of Knoxville
YWCA’s 29th Annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism- 1/18
Join the YWCA for the 29th Annual YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Diversity Day and Race Against
Racism on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Phyllis Wheatley Center! This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful movement toward unity and inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor diversity and foster meaningful conversations about inclusivity.
Event Schedule:
The day kicks off with the Race Against Racism:
- 5K Run: 9:00 a.m.
- 1-Mile Walk: 9:15 a.m.
- Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.
Following the races, enjoy Diversity Day activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring community booths, cultural
performances, and an inspiring keynote speaker.
Keynote Speaker:
We are honored to welcome Delphia L. Howze, a nationally recognized Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) expert and author
of Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are. Delphia brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources
and D&I, equipping organizations with strategies to build inclusive environments.
Event Highlights: - Community Resource Booths: Engage with local nonprofits such as Second Harvest, Positively Living, Metro Drug
Coalition, Helping Mamas, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Planned Parenthood, Knoxville PARC,
Turn Up Knox, Two Bikes, Kim Health Center, and Centro Hispano. - Special Performances: Enjoy dynamic cultural presentations by Drums Up Guns Down and the Appalachian
Equality Chorus, celebrating unity through music and movement. - Breakfast Treats & Entertainment: Arrive early for refreshments and pre-race activities to energize your
morning. Breakfast is provided by Real Good Kitchen
Registration Details - Registration is open now for the 5K, 1-Mile Walk, and Kids Fun Run:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/YWCAKnoxvilleRaceAgainstRacism - Online registration closes at 8:30 a.m. on race day, with in-person registration available until 8:45 a.m.
- All participants receive a long-sleeve, 50/50 blend event shirt with their registration.
Rain, snow, or shine, Diversity Day and the Race Against Racism will proceed! Proceeds from the event benefit YWCA
Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, supporting essential programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center that empower students
to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Where: YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN
For more information and to register, visit www.ywcaknox.com or contact Director of Communications and Events,
Lorena Meza Hubbard at 865.523.6126 or [email protected]
Together, let’s stand strong against racism, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive society.
About YWCA Knoxville
Since 1899, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a leading force in community change. With a mission to
eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA offers transitional
housing and supportive services to women who would otherwise be homeless; advocacy, outreach, support groups,
counseling and prevention services for victims of domestic violence; youth and family development services; and afterschool programming.
Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three
sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge; and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox,
Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier). Annual events that help to grow, expand and sustain the YWCA’s mission
include the Tribute to Women in September, Diversity Day/Race Against Racism in January, Stand Against Racism in
April, and Keys of Hope Luncheon in May.
FEMA Trailers Moving into East Tennessee Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is moving trailers into areas of East Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene.
The storm moved through the area in September of last year, prompting thousands in the eastern third of the state to begin a recovery process that has seen plenty of ups and downs.
FEMA says those in several Tennessee counties including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington can expect trailers to begin arriving this week.
Those trailers are manufactured housing units that come ready for survivors to occupy. The agency addressed the months-long process in getting the units ready, saying it involves ordering, installing and permitting each trailer.
In the months since the disaster, several organizations have donated campers and temporary housing options to individuals.
Blount County Animal Shelter Needs Help After Taking In Multiple Rescue Animals Left in Freezing Conditions
The Blount County Animal Shelter is having problems with space after six people were charged after nearly three dozen animals were rescued from harmful freezing conditions last week.
12 dogs and 13 cats rescued after responders say several dogs were tied up or in cages outside while it was 25 degrees. The six were charged with several counts of animal cruelty and in addition to dogs and cats, the shelter also took in ferrets, rats and ducks. The state also seized two horses from the property.
Ronald Crow, Director of the Shelter, says “We’re going to have these animals, these 35, for a long time,” said Ronald Crow, the shelter’s director. “We can’t adopt these animals out. They’re part of a criminal case, so we’re in charge of their care and custody.”
Crow said the shelter has capacity for 50 kennels in the back for large dogs. He said the rescue put them significantly over that number, adding that several animals are double or triple housed just to accommodate them. The dogs and cats also had to be housed in their own area as a precaution in case they have an illness.
To help combat the space issue, Crow said the shelter has reached out to its transport partners, rescues and foster teams to help make room. He also said adoption rates have been reduced.
“We’ve moved [adoption rates] down to $50 for all dogs and $20 for cats just in an effort to move some of these animals out and give us room for this influx,” Crow said.
Crow says the easiest way to help the shelter is to foster or adopt an animal.
Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Returning home from a two-game road trip, the sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to face No. 23 Georgia Wednesday night at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Georgia Bulldogs
- Tipoff: Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch Online: SEC Network
- Online: Listen Live | Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy TicketsGame Day InformationFollow @Vol_HoopsSEC Clubhouse
TENNESSEE
GEORGIA
THE LATEST FROM THE VOLS
Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls#1 Vols Claim 74-70 Road Win at Texas#1 Vols’ Undefeated Start Ends at #8 FloridaLanier, Zeigler on Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch ListLanier Collects Two National Player of the Week Honors
Fans can catch Wednesday’s game between the Volunteers (15-1, 2-1 SEC) and Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1 SEC) on SEC Network. Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Richard Hendrix (analyst) will have the call.
Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.
In Tennessee’s most recent outing, it earned a hard-fought, 74-70, road victory Saturday night at Texas. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler paced UT with 16 points and a game-high eight assists in a triumph during which neither side led by greater than seven in front of a near-capacity crowd of 10,195 the Moody Center.
THE MATCHUP
• The Volunteers’ 99 wins over Georgia are their second-most against any school, trailing only their 131 against Vanderbilt.
• This is the first time in series history both sides are in the AP top 25. It is also the first time UT faces a ranked Georgia team since 2/8/03, a 78-72 home win.
• UT is 6-1 in its last seven outings versus Georgia after going 2-9 in the prior 11 (with defeats in each of the five before the current seven-game span). The Vols were ranked in all six wins in this stretch and unranked in the lone loss.
• Last season, on 1/13/24 at Georgia, Tennessee trailed by 11 with under seven minutes to go, but closed on a 21-4 run in the last 6:08, including a 15-1 ledger in the final 4:49, to win by six, 85-79. Dalton Knecht dropped 36 points, including 20 in the second half.
• Coming off a 20-17 (6-12) showing that included an NIT semifinal berth, Georgia placed No. 12 in the SEC preseason poll.
• Freshman forward Asa Newell leads the Bulldogs with 15.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
NEWS & NOTES
• Tennessee’s 12 matchups with Mike White are its sixth-most against any active head coach.
• UT Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White (Danny) is the younger brother of Georgia head coach Mike White. Both played college basketball: Danny at Towson and Notre Dame, Mike at Ole Miss. The Volunteers fell to Florida, where Mike then worked, two days before Danny was hired on 1/21/21, but are 5-1 against him since then. More information on the White family can be found on Page 7.
• Rick Barnes and Mike White both joined the SEC in 2015-16. Barnes is 10-2 against White, posting an 8-2 ledger during the latter’s time at Florida (2015-22) and winning both matchups between their current schools.
• Georgia sophomore guard Blue Cain is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and went to Knoxville Catholic for his first three years of high school.
• Tennessee is 18-7 (.720) versus AP top-25 teams at home under Rick Barnes, including 13-1 (.929) in the last 14 such games, since 1/30/21.
• Tennessee is looking to start at least 3-1 in SEC play for the fifth time in seven years, including the third in a row.
• UT is also seeking a 2-0 start in SEC home play for the fifth time in seven years and fourth in a row.
• Zakai Zeigler is seven assists away from 600, while his 209 steals put him three shy of Santiago Vescovi‘s program record (212).
• UT’s DI-best 24.8 3P% defense is 1.8 percent better than second- place Southeast Missouri State (26.6). That is the same gap as No. 2 to No. 19 Kentucky (28.4).
• Igor Miličić Jr., is one of 10 Power Five players averaging at least 10.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.0 apg. The others are Oumar Ballo, Brooks Barnhizer, Johni Broome, Hunter Dickinson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Great Osobor, Ian Schieffelin, Thomas Sorber and Danny Wolf.
• The Volunteers’ 186 wins over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank co-seventh nationally, alongside Saint Mary’s. Only Gonzaga (227), Houston (220), Kansas (203), Duke (199), Purdue (195) and San Diego State (187) possess more.
HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY
• Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.
• The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.
• UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years in that stretch.
• The Vols are among only eight teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.
• Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.
• Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.
• Additionally, over the last three years (2022-25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.
DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK
• Tennessee, through 1/12/25, ranks third in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (88.1), just shy of Houston (86.3) and Duke (87.8).
• The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).
• In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).
• In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.
• UT, through 1/5/25, has won 42 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.
• The Vols, through 1/5/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.
RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES
• TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 22 AP top-25 wins, good for fourth nationally,. It is behind just Kansas (24), Connecticut (23) and Iowa State (23). Only Purdue (21) is even within one of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is two behind (Alabama with 20).
• TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Purdue (18) and Iowa State (17). The closest SEC program is two shy (Alabama with 16).
• TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Alabama (14) and Iowa State (14) are even within two of Tennessee.
• TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-second in the SEC and co- sixth nationally, alongside Alabama and North Carolina. Only Connecticut (11), Iowa State (11), Kansas (11), Purdue (10) and Kentucky (nine) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).
• TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.
…AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY
• Tennessee, at 22-15 (.595), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (13-10 .565) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .530.
• The Volunteers are nine games over .500 (19-10; .655) against AP top-20 teams in that span, while just one other SEC team, Auburn (11-8; .579), is even at a .500 clip.
• UT is also nine games over .500 (16-7; .696) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC teams in winning percentage are Auburn (8-6; .571) and Kentucky (12-9; .571). No others are above a .500 mark.
• At 8-6 (.571), the Volunteers have the best record in the SEC against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (9-8; .529) places second and no one else is at even a .500 mark.
• Tennessee (5-4; .556) is the only SEC team with a winning record versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch. Arkansas (3-3; .500) ranks second, while all others are under a .500 tally.
• The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (37) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trailing just Texas (45), Oklahoma (41) and Alabama (38) in such outing, while no other SEC school is above 33.
WINNING WAYS
• Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (186), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18) and sits a close second in overall winning percentage (.735). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).
• In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.737) and Kentucky (.704).
• In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (88-40; .688) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (89-39; .695), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (84-45; .648) and Alabama (80-48; .622) are at even 75-plus wins.
• Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own a 94-29 (.764) overall record. That is good for the most victories and the second-best winning percentage (just .0005 behind Auburn) in the SEC over that span.
• In that same four-year stretch, Tennessee (41-16; .719) is tied with both Auburn Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.
POLL PRESENCE
• Tennessee has played 219 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 166-53 (.758) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 319 games since Barnes arrived in 2015- 16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (219 of 253, 86.6 percent).
• UT is 145-48 (.751) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 114-35 (.765) while top-15, 88-26 (.772) while top-10, 44-13 (.772) while top-five, 25-3 (.893) while top-three and 14-2 (.875) while No. 1.
• The Vols are 30-23 (.566) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-16 (.590) with both teams in the top 20, 14-10 (.583) with both in the top 15 and 7-7 (.500) with both in the top 10.
HAPPY AT HOME
• Over the last five seasons, since 2020-21, the Volunteers are 66-7 (.904) on their home court.
• In 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee is 131-24 (.845) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, UT has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.
Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15/15 Tennessee (14-2, 2-2 SEC) welcomes RV/RV Mississippi State (15-3, 2-2 SEC) for the Big Orange’s 2025 “We Back Pat” game on Thursday night at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols and Bulldogs will meet at 7 p.m. ET in a contest televised by SEC Network and carried on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide as well as audio-streamed on UTSports.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 or 190.
UT is coming off a 30-point road win at Arkansas, outscoring the Razorbacks 28-2 on points off turnovers, 22-10 on fast breaks and 40-22 in the paint en route to a 93-63 triumph on Sunday. The Lady Vols feature five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper, who puts up 18.3 points per game and shoots 51 percent from the field. Cooper is coming off a 20-point effort vs. Arkansas, marking her eighth 20+ scoring outburst of the season. Fifth-year guard Jewel Spear has scored 15 points or more in five of her last six games, dropping season highs of 20 at Texas A&M and 28 vs. Oklahoma, followed by 25 vs. LSU. She eclipsed the 2,000-point mark for her career in the second quarter vs. Arkansas.
Mississippi State also owns a 2-2 SEC record after capturing a 79-68 road win at Georgia on Sunday. The Bulldogs are paced by guard Jerkaila Jordan, who puts up 15.6 ppg. and 6.6 rpg. She is joined in double figures by guard/forward Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.).
Kim Caldwell‘s first Lady Vol team enters the match-up ranked No. 1 nationally in four statistical categories through Jan. 14. UT is tops in the NCAA in scoring offense (96.4), three pointers per game (12.0), three point attempts per game (36.0) and offensive rebounds per game (20.6). It is second in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and turnover margin (11.75), third in steals per game (14.4), and sixth in bench points per game (33.8).
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Mississippi State
- Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch: SEC Network
- Radio: Lady Vol Network
- Online: Live Audio, Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy Tickets Walk-Through Metal Detectors In Use Clear Bag Policy Gameday Info Follow @LadyVol_Hoops
TENNESSEE
MISSISSIPPI STATE
THE LATEST FROM THE LADY VOLS
Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday #16/15 Lady Vols Roll Past Arkansas, 93-63 #6/4 LSU Withstands Lady Vol Upset Bid, 89-87 #9/10 Oklahoma Edges #15/13 Tennessee, 87-86 #15/13 Lady Vols Open SEC Play With 91-78 Win Over Aggies Boyd Named SEC Women’s Hoops Co-Freshman of The Week
BROADCAST DETAILS
- Sam Gore (play-by-play) and LVFL Nikki (Caldwell) Fargas (analyst) will have the call for SEC Network.
- All of the games included in the ESPN package (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) will be available through WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
- The contest also can be heard on Lady Vol Network stations and by audio stream, with Brian Rice providing play-by-play and Jay Lifford serving as studio host.
- A link to the live audio stream can be found on the Hoops Central page or the schedule on UTSports.com.
- For a list of Lady Vol Network affiliates, please click the Fans tab at the top of UTSports.com, select Vol Network and then click on the Vol Network Affiliates tab.
- Air-time generally occurs 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
- The Lady Vol Network broadcast also will be available via SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 and 190.
PARKING, TRAFFIC FLOW, ENTRY ALERTS
- Fans coming to campus looking to purchase basketball parking will do so on-site with a credit card.
- Those parking in the G-10 garage are requested to enter from Neyland Drive.
- There is free public parking on the Ag Campus and a free shuttle to and from there for fans. All shuttles are fully accessible for those with disabilities.
- The shuttle location on the Ag campus is on River Drive near the Brehm Animal Sciences Bldg. and across from the CF lot. Visit https://parking.utk.edu/parking/special-events/athletic/ for maps and more information.
- Shuttles begin two hours prior to tip-off. Return shuttles run one hour postgame or until the Food City Center is cleared.
- Accessible shuttle loading and unloading for those with disabilities is located next to Arena Dining.
- For regular shuttles, the unloading and loading areas near Food City Center will be as follows: Prior to the game, regular shuttles will unload at Chamique Holdsclaw and Lake Loudoun Blvd. After the game, regular shuttles will load at Lake Loudoun Blvd and Phillip Fulmer Way.
- All tickets and Tennessee Fund parking passes are digital.
- Fans will again see walk-through metal detectors outside of all Food City Center entrances.
- Gates typically open one hour before tip for women’s games.
PHILLIP FULMER WAY CLOSURE INFO.
- Due to the resumption of construction and upgrades to Neyland Stadium, basketball fans and media members should be advised of immediate changes to normal traffic patterns on Phillip Fulmer Way and Peyton Manning Pass during the rest of the 2024-25 season.
- Phillip Fulmer Way from G-10 garage to Neyland Stadium Gate 21 vicinity is now closed.
- The G-10 garage will not be accessible southbound on Phillip Fulmer Way.
- Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed to southbound traffic at Middle Drive, and it will not be accessible via Peyton Manning Pass.
- For events at Food City Center, G-10 and Staff 5 parking areas will be accessible via Lake Loudoun Boulevard, but it is strongly recommended that vehicles enter G-10 via Neyland Drive.
- Lot G5/30 is only accessible from Lake Loudoun Blvd.
INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING
- COOP IS THE REAL DEAL: Guard Talaysia Cooper is having a break-out season, leading UT in scoring (18.3 ppg.) and steals (3.6 spg.), hitting double figures 14 times, carding eight efforts of 20+ points and notching seven quarters where she scored 10 or more points, including 12 and 10, respectively, in the fourth period vs. Florida State and Iowa.
- “FEAR DA SPEAR”: Jewel Spear is enjoying her best stretch this season, averaging 19.8 ppg. in SEC play, hitting 18 of 31 three-point tries in league action (58.1 pct.) to run her season total to a team-high 41 treys.
- SMOOTH SAMARA: Samara Spencer (11.3 ppg., 5.6 apg.) ranks No. 5 nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.42) with 89 assists, is 11 dimes short of her third 100+ assist season and is second on the team with 38 three-pointers (team-best 42.7 percent).
- DEPENDABLE RUBY: Ruby Whitehorn is UT’s third-leading scorer at 13.0 ppg. contributing 10+ points in her past 10 games and ranking third in rebounding (4.9 rpg.).
- ZEE STEPPING UP: Forward Zee Spearman has been in double figures nine times, averaging 11.2 ppg. and a team-high 5.6 rpg. while shooting 54.4 percent.
FROM A TEAM PERSPECTIVE
- PILING UP POINTS: The Lady Vols rank No. 1 nationally in scoring offense, generating 96.4 points per game. The lowest a Kim Caldwell team has ranked in ppg. is No. 4, where she was in 2023-24 (85.3) at Marshall.
- MAKING THREES IN BUNCHES: UT ranks No. 1 in 3FGs made per game at 12.0 and has hit 10+ treys 12 times, eclipsing the old school best of six. It has hit 10+ threes in its past six games, notching its best streak.
- CRASHING O-BOARDS: UT is No. 1 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game at 20.6. It has twice reached 30+ this season.
- TURNING OVER THE OPPOSITION: UT is No. 2 in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and No. 2 in T.O. margin (11.75). Arkansas had 22 miscues on Jan. 12 for the 12th 20+ T.O. game (7th with 30+) by a foe in 2024-25.
- RACKING UP STEALS: UT is No. 3 nationally in steals per game (14.4). It now has 12 games of 10+ steals and 230 total in 16 games. It had 159 in 33 games a year ago.
- THAT’S A 10-COUNT: Tennessee has prevented its foes from getting the ball over halfcourt in 10 seconds a total of 17 times in 16 games. UT forced only five violations the previous five years combined.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- UT’S BEST START SINCE 2017-18: UT opened at 13-0 for the first time since 2017-18 (15-0) and the seventh time ever.
- SECOND BEST START FOR COACH: UT’s 13-0 start was the second-best opening of a season in Kim Caldwell‘s nine years as a head coach behind her 29-0 start at Glenville State in 2021-22 on the way to 35-1.
- TENNESSEE’S BEST COACHING START: The win over N.C. Central on Dec. 14 gave Kim Caldwell eight straight to open her tenure, making it the best coaching debut in Lady Vol basketball history. She upped it to 13-0.
- UT NO. 16 IN NET RANKINGS: UT is at No. 16 in the NCAA’s NET rankings as of Jan. 14.
- NO. 18 TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols’ full schedule ranks No. 18 on the NCAA Toughest Schedule report (1/14).
- CHASING 2,000/500 STAT LINE: Jewel Spear now as 2,000+ points and needs 16 rebounds to have 500 for her career.
- EYEING 1,000: Junior Ruby Whitehorn (919) is closing in on 1,000 career points.
- 1,500/500/500 IN SIGHT: Samara Spencer sits at 1,549 points, 466 rebounds and 454 assists, standing 34 boards and 46 dimes from a 1,500/500/500 career stat line.
FAMILIAR FACES
- Tennessee assistant coach Gabe Lazo was an associate head coach at Mississippi State and spent two seasons in Starkville before joining Kim Caldwell‘s Lady Vol staff prior to the 2024-25 season.
- He helped the Bulldogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, a top-15 prep signing class and a top-three portal class.
- At UT, he helped Kim Caldwell sign a highly-regarded five-player portal class and a 2025 prep group that is considered either the No. 1 class by 247Sports or the No. 2 unit by ESPN.
- First-year Mississippi State assistant coach Samantha Williams spent three seasons at Tennessee on Kellie Harper’s staff.
- MSU junior guard Denim DeShields is the younger sister of LVFL Diamond DeShields (2014-17) and the daughter of former UT track standout Tisha (Milligan) DeShields.
LOOKING BACK AT THE LAST GAME
- Redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper led four players in double figures with her eighth 20-point effort of the season, as No. 16/15 Tennessee rolled past Arkansas, 93-63, on Sunday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
- Cooper scored exactly 20 points vs. the Razorbacks on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and added a game-high four steals to lead the Lady Vols (14-2, 2-2 SEC). Junior forward Zee Spearman knocked down a career-best trio of three-pointers to tally 18 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Ruby Whitehorn supplied 17 points and senior forward Sara Puckett was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards. In her return to Fayetteville, where she spent her first three college seasons, senior point guard Samara Spencer directed UT’s offense with eight assists and no turnovers while adding four rebounds and three steals.
- Arkansas (8-11, 1-3 SEC) was paced by Izzy Higginbottom, who led all scorers with 26 points. Carly Keats was the only other Razorback scoring in double figures, tossing in 10.
POSTGAME NOTES VS. ARKANSAS
- JEWEL JOINS THE 2K CLUB: Jewel Spear became the 10th player in program history to reach and surpass 2,000 career points. Spear sank her 2,000th point on a free throw at the 2:38 mark in the second quarter. The fifth-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and six assists against Arkansas. Spear became the fifth transfer to hit 2K, joining fellow transfers Rickea Jackson (Mississippi State), Cindy Brogdon (Mercer), Jill Rankin (Wayland Baptist) and Patricia Roberts (Emporia State), who also reached that plateau. Sunday’s contest against the Hogs marked Spear’s 136th career game, her 47th as a Lady Vol.
- ANOTHER COOP 20-PIECE: Talaysia Cooper netted her eighth 20-plus performance of the season and her career, tallying a team-leading 20 points. Cooper hit seven of 14 field goals and knocked down one of three three-pointers. The redshirt sophomore finished with three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Cooper’s last 20-point scoring affair came against LSU on Jan. 9, when she carded 24 points.
- SPENCER DROPPIN’ DIMES: Senior point guard Samara Spencer carded eight assists with no turnovers vs. her old school. It tied her second highest total of the season and pushed her totals to 89 assists vs. 26 turnovers on the season. Her flawless effort with the ball was her third this year without turning the ball over.
- HOT FROM THREE: Tennessee carded its 12th performance of knocking down ten or more three-pointers in a single contest, hitting 12 against the Hogs. Eight Lady Vols made a three-pointer, with Zee Spearman leading the charge with three. Tennessee notched its highest three-point game against N.C. Central, draining an NCAA, SEC and school-record 30 treys. The Lady Vols have tallied 10 or more three-pointers against the following programs: N.C. Central (30), MTSU (15), Liberty (14), Tulsa (14), Memphis (12), Arkansas (12), LSU (11), Western Carolina (10), Winthrop (10), Texas A&M (10), Oklahoma (10) and Samford (10).
- DANGEROUS ON DEFENSE: The Lady Vols forced Arkansas to turn the ball over a total of 22 times during Sunday’s win, posting a 28-2 advantage on points off turnovers and racking up 15 steals for its 12th double-digit effort in that category. Arkansas’s two points were the fewest points Tennessee has allowed off of turnovers all season long. Twelve of Tennessee’s foes thus far have committed at least 22 miscues: NC Central (44), Samford (37), Western Carolina (37), Oklahoma (31), UT Martin (31), Iowa (30), Winthrop (30), Texas A&M (25), Liberty (25), Tulsa (23), Arkansas (22) and MTSU (22). Tennessee also collected a 10-second violation versus the Hogs. This season UT’s press has resulted in 17 10-second violations by opponents through 16 games.
UT/MSU SERIES NOTES
- Tennessee has a 40-8 all-time record vs. Mississippi State after winning three of the past four meetings.
- UT is 18-3 vs. MSU in Knoxville, 18-3 vs. the Bulldogs in Starkville and 4-2 at neutral sites.
- After State had the upper hand from 2016-20, winning seven of eight and three straight in Knoxville, the Big Orange has won its past two at home vs. MSU.
- State has a 2-0 record in overtime games between these programs, winning a 65-63 affair in Starkville on Jan. 29, 2016, and a 91-90 double-overtime thriller at Humphrey Coliseum the last time these programs met on Feb. 26, 2023.
- UT and MSU have faced off six times in the SEC Tournament, with the Lady Vols owning a 4-2 record.
A LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS
- Mississippi State started 8-0 and went 13-1 in non-conference play before opening 2-2 in SEC play.
- After losing at Kentucky and vs. South Carolina in week one, MSU bounced back with wins vs. No. 10/11 Oklahoma and at Georgia last week.
- Jerkaila Jordan paces State at 15.6 ppg., while Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.) also score in double figures.
- The Bulldogs hold foes to 58.7 ppg. and force 17.4 turnovers per contest.
ABOUT THE HEAD COACH
- Sam Purcell is 60-26 in his third season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
- In 2023-24, Purcell led MSU to a 23-12 record and became the only head coach in program history and one of five in the SEC since 2000 to surpass the 20-win mark in each of their first two seasons.
- Purcell totaled the most wins (45), most SEC wins (17) and most NCAA Tournament wins (2) of any MSU women’s WBB coach through their first two seasons.
- Purcell’s career stops include Auburn (student manager/video coordinator/admin. asst.), Tulsa (asst. coach), Georgia Tech (video coordinator/asst. coach) and Louisville (asst. coach/associate coach).
MSU’S LAST GAME
- A season-best shooting day for Mississippi State propelled the Bulldogs past Georgia, 79-68, on Sunday.
- MSU shot 48.3 percent from distance and hit a season-best 14 threes to overcome 17 turnovers.
- Eniya Russell led the way with 21 points, while Madina Okot added a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Jerkaila Jordan tossed in 11 points.
- MSU led 41-27 at the half and staved off a UGA rally.
LAST TIME WE MET STATE
- The Lady Vols overcame a 13-point second-quarter deficit to win, 75-64, over MSU at Humphrey Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2024, the last time these teams met.
- Tennessee (11-6, 4-1 SEC) was led by fifth-year senior Rickea Jackson, who turned in 19 points and seven rebounds. Junior Kaiya Wynn came off the bench to contribute a career-high 13 points, and fifth-year senior Jasmine Powell and junior Sara Puckett each tallied 11.
- Defensively, the Big Orange forced State into 15 turnovers on the evening and allowed the hosts only 19 points combined in the middle two quarters.
- Erynn Barnum led MSU with 15 points in that contest.
LAST TIME WE MET IN KNOXVILLE
- UT moved to 3-0 in SEC play with an 80-69 home win over MSU on Jan. 5, 2023, in the last meeting here.
- Jordan Horston set new season highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year.
- Rickea Jackson and Tess Darby had 18 and 13 points, respectively.
- MSU’s Jessika Carter and Debreasha Powe had 21 each.
UP NEXT
- The Lady Vols make their way to Nashville this weekend, where they’ll face in-state rival Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon in Memorial Gymnasium.
- Tip-off between the Big Orange and the Commodores is set for 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET) with SECN+ streaming.
- The game also will be available on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com.
TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man
A TBI Silver Alert is issued on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for a missing man.
63 year-old Terry Lowe was last seen late yesterday (Tuesday) morning. He is believed to be driving a 2006 Black Mercury Milan with TN tag 961BBJT.
If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Lowe has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return home safely without assistance.
Beloved Zoo Knoxville Gorilla Dies at 47 Years Old
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Zoo Knoxville is mourning after losing a Western lowland gorilla.
Officials Wednesday announcing the death of Kowali; the beloved gorilla passed away at the age of 47.
Kowali had been at Zoo Knoxville since 2013 and was a mother of four. She was born on January 9, 1978 at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
“We performed an ultrasound and heart echocardiogram which revealed signs of heart failure,” said Dr. Andrew Cushing, UTCVM clinical associate professor and specialist in zoological medicine. “We can manage her condition with medication, but the heart disease we found is irreversible.”
Zoo Knoxville CEO and President Bill Street said Kowali played an important part in gorilla conservation.
“Kowali’s life helped raise awareness about the urgent threats facing western lowland gorillas,” Street said. “She was deeply cherished by our staff, and her passing fills us with both sorrow and immense gratitude for the privilege of spending the last 11 years with her.”
There are now five Western lowland gorillas at the zoo.
Tennessee Lifts Water Contact Advisory Months after Helene Flooding
Nashville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) lifted an advisory Wednesday that asked people to avoid touching water affected by Hurricane Helene’s flooding.
The advisory was issued on October 2, just days after the storm hit. It asked people to avoid waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds. Officials say the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution, not tied to any specific water quality data.
“We want to reassure Tennesseans of the water quality in the region,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “TDEC issued the water contact advisory out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the health and safety of our citizens. We are pleased that we can lift this contact advisory today.”
The decision to lift the advisory comes after the state analyzed some water from the region and found that water quality had returned to pre-Helene conditions. Results of the water sample analysis can be found here.
Governor Bill Lee Calls a Special Session of the Tennessee General Assembly
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is calling a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly on January 27th to pass the Education Freedom Act and disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene.
The session will also address illegal immigration public safety measures to ensure Tennessee stands ready to support the Trump Administration.
In 2024, Lee’s first push for his program failed during the legislative session due to concern over money being taken from the public school systems.
Knoxville Firefighters Suing City, Claiming to be Misplaced on Salary Scale
(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Several Knoxville firefighters are suing the city, claiming they’re being underpaid under the city’s employee payment plan.
Attorney Richard Collins filed the lawsuit on Jan. 13 on behalf of Kevin Faddis, Shawn Langley, Stephen Mitchell, Gregory Phillips, Robert Pollard and Christopher Smith. It’s a lawsuit that focuses on the city’s payment step plan, a 2022 effort passed by the city council along with a 6% raise to bring employee salaries up to market value.
In the suit, Collins claimed that all of Knoxville firefighters with more than five years of experience were placed on the wrong “step” in the city’s plan.
“When the City implemented the Pay Step Plan in July 2022, it placed firefighters who had served in their current rank for five or more years at an arbitrary lower step, effectively locking those firefighters into lower pay grades within the step plan,” the lawsuit said.
Collins said that the payment plan was understood to contain 25 steps, with each “corresponding to years of service‚” meaning someone who has fought fires with the city for five years would receive the salary of a “step five” firefighter. That isn’t confirmed, however.
The filing said the firefighters tried to file a grievance with the city. In that complaint, they asked to be reassigned to the “correct” step and asked for the formula that decides where they land. That request was denied, Collins said, because city rules say payment is not “grievable.”
WVLT News has asked the city for documentation outlining the entire pay plan, including how employees were placed into their steps.
If true, Collins said, and the city did place more experienced firefighters at too-low of tiers, it could be considered age discrimination by the city. This, because the more experienced firefighters are generally older.
According to the suit, all the plaintiffs are 49 years old or older and each has at least 25 or more years with the department. On top of the firefighters filing the lawsuit, Collins provided a sample of 12 more he claimed were placed on the wrong “step,” each aged between 48 and 67.
“The City’s misclassification disproportionately (if not entirely) affects older firefighters,” Collins said and “creates a disparate impact on older workers given the years of service and experience within the department required to reach such ranks.”
It’s especially interesting that Faddis is named in the lawsuit. Throughout the course of 2022, he was heavily involved in the implementation of the payment plan. WVLT News reached out to Collins about this, and he provided a statement over email:
“My clients do not challenge the compensation plan as enacted by the Knoxville City Council,” he said. “Instead, my clients seek to redress the City’s failure to execute the plan according to its terms, the City’s own representations, and the expectations of those involved in the development and ultimate approval of the plan.”
That statement came in response to one by the city. Collins said that comment “missed the mark.”
Our compensation overhaul was done after extensive input and consultation with all of our employee reps, that included the Knoxville Fire Department. The 6% salary increase along with the step plan, was designed to bring our employees up to market standards and to address compression.
Please keep in mind, we worked with a national consultant on our compensation plan. Their skill and expertise guided our salary adjustments, and the final plan was ultimately approved both by our employee reps and City Council. – City of Knoxville
YWCA’s 29th Annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism- 1/18
Join the YWCA for the 29th Annual YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Diversity Day and Race Against
Racism on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Phyllis Wheatley Center! This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful movement toward unity and inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor diversity and foster meaningful conversations about inclusivity.
Event Schedule:
The day kicks off with the Race Against Racism:
- 5K Run: 9:00 a.m.
- 1-Mile Walk: 9:15 a.m.
- Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.
Following the races, enjoy Diversity Day activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring community booths, cultural
performances, and an inspiring keynote speaker.
Keynote Speaker:
We are honored to welcome Delphia L. Howze, a nationally recognized Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) expert and author
of Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are. Delphia brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources
and D&I, equipping organizations with strategies to build inclusive environments.
Event Highlights: - Community Resource Booths: Engage with local nonprofits such as Second Harvest, Positively Living, Metro Drug
Coalition, Helping Mamas, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Planned Parenthood, Knoxville PARC,
Turn Up Knox, Two Bikes, Kim Health Center, and Centro Hispano. - Special Performances: Enjoy dynamic cultural presentations by Drums Up Guns Down and the Appalachian
Equality Chorus, celebrating unity through music and movement. - Breakfast Treats & Entertainment: Arrive early for refreshments and pre-race activities to energize your
morning. Breakfast is provided by Real Good Kitchen
Registration Details - Registration is open now for the 5K, 1-Mile Walk, and Kids Fun Run:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/YWCAKnoxvilleRaceAgainstRacism - Online registration closes at 8:30 a.m. on race day, with in-person registration available until 8:45 a.m.
- All participants receive a long-sleeve, 50/50 blend event shirt with their registration.
Rain, snow, or shine, Diversity Day and the Race Against Racism will proceed! Proceeds from the event benefit YWCA
Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, supporting essential programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center that empower students
to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Where: YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN
For more information and to register, visit www.ywcaknox.com or contact Director of Communications and Events,
Lorena Meza Hubbard at 865.523.6126 or [email protected]
Together, let’s stand strong against racism, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive society.
About YWCA Knoxville
Since 1899, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a leading force in community change. With a mission to
eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA offers transitional
housing and supportive services to women who would otherwise be homeless; advocacy, outreach, support groups,
counseling and prevention services for victims of domestic violence; youth and family development services; and afterschool programming.
Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three
sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge; and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox,
Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier). Annual events that help to grow, expand and sustain the YWCA’s mission
include the Tribute to Women in September, Diversity Day/Race Against Racism in January, Stand Against Racism in
April, and Keys of Hope Luncheon in May.
FEMA Trailers Moving into East Tennessee Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is moving trailers into areas of East Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene.
The storm moved through the area in September of last year, prompting thousands in the eastern third of the state to begin a recovery process that has seen plenty of ups and downs.
FEMA says those in several Tennessee counties including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington can expect trailers to begin arriving this week.
Those trailers are manufactured housing units that come ready for survivors to occupy. The agency addressed the months-long process in getting the units ready, saying it involves ordering, installing and permitting each trailer.
In the months since the disaster, several organizations have donated campers and temporary housing options to individuals.
Blount County Animal Shelter Needs Help After Taking In Multiple Rescue Animals Left in Freezing Conditions
The Blount County Animal Shelter is having problems with space after six people were charged after nearly three dozen animals were rescued from harmful freezing conditions last week.
12 dogs and 13 cats rescued after responders say several dogs were tied up or in cages outside while it was 25 degrees. The six were charged with several counts of animal cruelty and in addition to dogs and cats, the shelter also took in ferrets, rats and ducks. The state also seized two horses from the property.
Ronald Crow, Director of the Shelter, says “We’re going to have these animals, these 35, for a long time,” said Ronald Crow, the shelter’s director. “We can’t adopt these animals out. They’re part of a criminal case, so we’re in charge of their care and custody.”
Crow said the shelter has capacity for 50 kennels in the back for large dogs. He said the rescue put them significantly over that number, adding that several animals are double or triple housed just to accommodate them. The dogs and cats also had to be housed in their own area as a precaution in case they have an illness.
To help combat the space issue, Crow said the shelter has reached out to its transport partners, rescues and foster teams to help make room. He also said adoption rates have been reduced.
“We’ve moved [adoption rates] down to $50 for all dogs and $20 for cats just in an effort to move some of these animals out and give us room for this influx,” Crow said.
Crow says the easiest way to help the shelter is to foster or adopt an animal.
Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Returning home from a two-game road trip, the sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to face No. 23 Georgia Wednesday night at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Georgia Bulldogs
- Tipoff: Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch Online: SEC Network
- Online: Listen Live | Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy TicketsGame Day InformationFollow @Vol_HoopsSEC Clubhouse
TENNESSEE
GEORGIA
THE LATEST FROM THE VOLS
Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls#1 Vols Claim 74-70 Road Win at Texas#1 Vols’ Undefeated Start Ends at #8 FloridaLanier, Zeigler on Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch ListLanier Collects Two National Player of the Week Honors
Fans can catch Wednesday’s game between the Volunteers (15-1, 2-1 SEC) and Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1 SEC) on SEC Network. Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Richard Hendrix (analyst) will have the call.
Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.
In Tennessee’s most recent outing, it earned a hard-fought, 74-70, road victory Saturday night at Texas. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler paced UT with 16 points and a game-high eight assists in a triumph during which neither side led by greater than seven in front of a near-capacity crowd of 10,195 the Moody Center.
THE MATCHUP
• The Volunteers’ 99 wins over Georgia are their second-most against any school, trailing only their 131 against Vanderbilt.
• This is the first time in series history both sides are in the AP top 25. It is also the first time UT faces a ranked Georgia team since 2/8/03, a 78-72 home win.
• UT is 6-1 in its last seven outings versus Georgia after going 2-9 in the prior 11 (with defeats in each of the five before the current seven-game span). The Vols were ranked in all six wins in this stretch and unranked in the lone loss.
• Last season, on 1/13/24 at Georgia, Tennessee trailed by 11 with under seven minutes to go, but closed on a 21-4 run in the last 6:08, including a 15-1 ledger in the final 4:49, to win by six, 85-79. Dalton Knecht dropped 36 points, including 20 in the second half.
• Coming off a 20-17 (6-12) showing that included an NIT semifinal berth, Georgia placed No. 12 in the SEC preseason poll.
• Freshman forward Asa Newell leads the Bulldogs with 15.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
NEWS & NOTES
• Tennessee’s 12 matchups with Mike White are its sixth-most against any active head coach.
• UT Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White (Danny) is the younger brother of Georgia head coach Mike White. Both played college basketball: Danny at Towson and Notre Dame, Mike at Ole Miss. The Volunteers fell to Florida, where Mike then worked, two days before Danny was hired on 1/21/21, but are 5-1 against him since then. More information on the White family can be found on Page 7.
• Rick Barnes and Mike White both joined the SEC in 2015-16. Barnes is 10-2 against White, posting an 8-2 ledger during the latter’s time at Florida (2015-22) and winning both matchups between their current schools.
• Georgia sophomore guard Blue Cain is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and went to Knoxville Catholic for his first three years of high school.
• Tennessee is 18-7 (.720) versus AP top-25 teams at home under Rick Barnes, including 13-1 (.929) in the last 14 such games, since 1/30/21.
• Tennessee is looking to start at least 3-1 in SEC play for the fifth time in seven years, including the third in a row.
• UT is also seeking a 2-0 start in SEC home play for the fifth time in seven years and fourth in a row.
• Zakai Zeigler is seven assists away from 600, while his 209 steals put him three shy of Santiago Vescovi‘s program record (212).
• UT’s DI-best 24.8 3P% defense is 1.8 percent better than second- place Southeast Missouri State (26.6). That is the same gap as No. 2 to No. 19 Kentucky (28.4).
• Igor Miličić Jr., is one of 10 Power Five players averaging at least 10.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.0 apg. The others are Oumar Ballo, Brooks Barnhizer, Johni Broome, Hunter Dickinson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Great Osobor, Ian Schieffelin, Thomas Sorber and Danny Wolf.
• The Volunteers’ 186 wins over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank co-seventh nationally, alongside Saint Mary’s. Only Gonzaga (227), Houston (220), Kansas (203), Duke (199), Purdue (195) and San Diego State (187) possess more.
HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY
• Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.
• The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.
• UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years in that stretch.
• The Vols are among only eight teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.
• Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.
• Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.
• Additionally, over the last three years (2022-25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.
DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK
• Tennessee, through 1/12/25, ranks third in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (88.1), just shy of Houston (86.3) and Duke (87.8).
• The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).
• In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).
• In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.
• UT, through 1/5/25, has won 42 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.
• The Vols, through 1/5/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.
RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES
• TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 22 AP top-25 wins, good for fourth nationally,. It is behind just Kansas (24), Connecticut (23) and Iowa State (23). Only Purdue (21) is even within one of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is two behind (Alabama with 20).
• TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Purdue (18) and Iowa State (17). The closest SEC program is two shy (Alabama with 16).
• TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Alabama (14) and Iowa State (14) are even within two of Tennessee.
• TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-second in the SEC and co- sixth nationally, alongside Alabama and North Carolina. Only Connecticut (11), Iowa State (11), Kansas (11), Purdue (10) and Kentucky (nine) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).
• TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.
…AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY
• Tennessee, at 22-15 (.595), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (13-10 .565) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .530.
• The Volunteers are nine games over .500 (19-10; .655) against AP top-20 teams in that span, while just one other SEC team, Auburn (11-8; .579), is even at a .500 clip.
• UT is also nine games over .500 (16-7; .696) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC teams in winning percentage are Auburn (8-6; .571) and Kentucky (12-9; .571). No others are above a .500 mark.
• At 8-6 (.571), the Volunteers have the best record in the SEC against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (9-8; .529) places second and no one else is at even a .500 mark.
• Tennessee (5-4; .556) is the only SEC team with a winning record versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch. Arkansas (3-3; .500) ranks second, while all others are under a .500 tally.
• The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (37) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trailing just Texas (45), Oklahoma (41) and Alabama (38) in such outing, while no other SEC school is above 33.
WINNING WAYS
• Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (186), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18) and sits a close second in overall winning percentage (.735). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).
• In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.737) and Kentucky (.704).
• In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (88-40; .688) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (89-39; .695), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (84-45; .648) and Alabama (80-48; .622) are at even 75-plus wins.
• Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own a 94-29 (.764) overall record. That is good for the most victories and the second-best winning percentage (just .0005 behind Auburn) in the SEC over that span.
• In that same four-year stretch, Tennessee (41-16; .719) is tied with both Auburn Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.
POLL PRESENCE
• Tennessee has played 219 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 166-53 (.758) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 319 games since Barnes arrived in 2015- 16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (219 of 253, 86.6 percent).
• UT is 145-48 (.751) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 114-35 (.765) while top-15, 88-26 (.772) while top-10, 44-13 (.772) while top-five, 25-3 (.893) while top-three and 14-2 (.875) while No. 1.
• The Vols are 30-23 (.566) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-16 (.590) with both teams in the top 20, 14-10 (.583) with both in the top 15 and 7-7 (.500) with both in the top 10.
HAPPY AT HOME
• Over the last five seasons, since 2020-21, the Volunteers are 66-7 (.904) on their home court.
• In 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee is 131-24 (.845) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, UT has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.
Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15/15 Tennessee (14-2, 2-2 SEC) welcomes RV/RV Mississippi State (15-3, 2-2 SEC) for the Big Orange’s 2025 “We Back Pat” game on Thursday night at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols and Bulldogs will meet at 7 p.m. ET in a contest televised by SEC Network and carried on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide as well as audio-streamed on UTSports.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 or 190.
UT is coming off a 30-point road win at Arkansas, outscoring the Razorbacks 28-2 on points off turnovers, 22-10 on fast breaks and 40-22 in the paint en route to a 93-63 triumph on Sunday. The Lady Vols feature five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper, who puts up 18.3 points per game and shoots 51 percent from the field. Cooper is coming off a 20-point effort vs. Arkansas, marking her eighth 20+ scoring outburst of the season. Fifth-year guard Jewel Spear has scored 15 points or more in five of her last six games, dropping season highs of 20 at Texas A&M and 28 vs. Oklahoma, followed by 25 vs. LSU. She eclipsed the 2,000-point mark for her career in the second quarter vs. Arkansas.
Mississippi State also owns a 2-2 SEC record after capturing a 79-68 road win at Georgia on Sunday. The Bulldogs are paced by guard Jerkaila Jordan, who puts up 15.6 ppg. and 6.6 rpg. She is joined in double figures by guard/forward Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.).
Kim Caldwell‘s first Lady Vol team enters the match-up ranked No. 1 nationally in four statistical categories through Jan. 14. UT is tops in the NCAA in scoring offense (96.4), three pointers per game (12.0), three point attempts per game (36.0) and offensive rebounds per game (20.6). It is second in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and turnover margin (11.75), third in steals per game (14.4), and sixth in bench points per game (33.8).
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Mississippi State
- Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch: SEC Network
- Radio: Lady Vol Network
- Online: Live Audio, Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy Tickets Walk-Through Metal Detectors In Use Clear Bag Policy Gameday Info Follow @LadyVol_Hoops
TENNESSEE
MISSISSIPPI STATE
THE LATEST FROM THE LADY VOLS
Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday #16/15 Lady Vols Roll Past Arkansas, 93-63 #6/4 LSU Withstands Lady Vol Upset Bid, 89-87 #9/10 Oklahoma Edges #15/13 Tennessee, 87-86 #15/13 Lady Vols Open SEC Play With 91-78 Win Over Aggies Boyd Named SEC Women’s Hoops Co-Freshman of The Week
BROADCAST DETAILS
- Sam Gore (play-by-play) and LVFL Nikki (Caldwell) Fargas (analyst) will have the call for SEC Network.
- All of the games included in the ESPN package (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) will be available through WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
- The contest also can be heard on Lady Vol Network stations and by audio stream, with Brian Rice providing play-by-play and Jay Lifford serving as studio host.
- A link to the live audio stream can be found on the Hoops Central page or the schedule on UTSports.com.
- For a list of Lady Vol Network affiliates, please click the Fans tab at the top of UTSports.com, select Vol Network and then click on the Vol Network Affiliates tab.
- Air-time generally occurs 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
- The Lady Vol Network broadcast also will be available via SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 and 190.
PARKING, TRAFFIC FLOW, ENTRY ALERTS
- Fans coming to campus looking to purchase basketball parking will do so on-site with a credit card.
- Those parking in the G-10 garage are requested to enter from Neyland Drive.
- There is free public parking on the Ag Campus and a free shuttle to and from there for fans. All shuttles are fully accessible for those with disabilities.
- The shuttle location on the Ag campus is on River Drive near the Brehm Animal Sciences Bldg. and across from the CF lot. Visit https://parking.utk.edu/parking/special-events/athletic/ for maps and more information.
- Shuttles begin two hours prior to tip-off. Return shuttles run one hour postgame or until the Food City Center is cleared.
- Accessible shuttle loading and unloading for those with disabilities is located next to Arena Dining.
- For regular shuttles, the unloading and loading areas near Food City Center will be as follows: Prior to the game, regular shuttles will unload at Chamique Holdsclaw and Lake Loudoun Blvd. After the game, regular shuttles will load at Lake Loudoun Blvd and Phillip Fulmer Way.
- All tickets and Tennessee Fund parking passes are digital.
- Fans will again see walk-through metal detectors outside of all Food City Center entrances.
- Gates typically open one hour before tip for women’s games.
PHILLIP FULMER WAY CLOSURE INFO.
- Due to the resumption of construction and upgrades to Neyland Stadium, basketball fans and media members should be advised of immediate changes to normal traffic patterns on Phillip Fulmer Way and Peyton Manning Pass during the rest of the 2024-25 season.
- Phillip Fulmer Way from G-10 garage to Neyland Stadium Gate 21 vicinity is now closed.
- The G-10 garage will not be accessible southbound on Phillip Fulmer Way.
- Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed to southbound traffic at Middle Drive, and it will not be accessible via Peyton Manning Pass.
- For events at Food City Center, G-10 and Staff 5 parking areas will be accessible via Lake Loudoun Boulevard, but it is strongly recommended that vehicles enter G-10 via Neyland Drive.
- Lot G5/30 is only accessible from Lake Loudoun Blvd.
INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING
- COOP IS THE REAL DEAL: Guard Talaysia Cooper is having a break-out season, leading UT in scoring (18.3 ppg.) and steals (3.6 spg.), hitting double figures 14 times, carding eight efforts of 20+ points and notching seven quarters where she scored 10 or more points, including 12 and 10, respectively, in the fourth period vs. Florida State and Iowa.
- “FEAR DA SPEAR”: Jewel Spear is enjoying her best stretch this season, averaging 19.8 ppg. in SEC play, hitting 18 of 31 three-point tries in league action (58.1 pct.) to run her season total to a team-high 41 treys.
- SMOOTH SAMARA: Samara Spencer (11.3 ppg., 5.6 apg.) ranks No. 5 nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.42) with 89 assists, is 11 dimes short of her third 100+ assist season and is second on the team with 38 three-pointers (team-best 42.7 percent).
- DEPENDABLE RUBY: Ruby Whitehorn is UT’s third-leading scorer at 13.0 ppg. contributing 10+ points in her past 10 games and ranking third in rebounding (4.9 rpg.).
- ZEE STEPPING UP: Forward Zee Spearman has been in double figures nine times, averaging 11.2 ppg. and a team-high 5.6 rpg. while shooting 54.4 percent.
FROM A TEAM PERSPECTIVE
- PILING UP POINTS: The Lady Vols rank No. 1 nationally in scoring offense, generating 96.4 points per game. The lowest a Kim Caldwell team has ranked in ppg. is No. 4, where she was in 2023-24 (85.3) at Marshall.
- MAKING THREES IN BUNCHES: UT ranks No. 1 in 3FGs made per game at 12.0 and has hit 10+ treys 12 times, eclipsing the old school best of six. It has hit 10+ threes in its past six games, notching its best streak.
- CRASHING O-BOARDS: UT is No. 1 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game at 20.6. It has twice reached 30+ this season.
- TURNING OVER THE OPPOSITION: UT is No. 2 in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and No. 2 in T.O. margin (11.75). Arkansas had 22 miscues on Jan. 12 for the 12th 20+ T.O. game (7th with 30+) by a foe in 2024-25.
- RACKING UP STEALS: UT is No. 3 nationally in steals per game (14.4). It now has 12 games of 10+ steals and 230 total in 16 games. It had 159 in 33 games a year ago.
- THAT’S A 10-COUNT: Tennessee has prevented its foes from getting the ball over halfcourt in 10 seconds a total of 17 times in 16 games. UT forced only five violations the previous five years combined.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- UT’S BEST START SINCE 2017-18: UT opened at 13-0 for the first time since 2017-18 (15-0) and the seventh time ever.
- SECOND BEST START FOR COACH: UT’s 13-0 start was the second-best opening of a season in Kim Caldwell‘s nine years as a head coach behind her 29-0 start at Glenville State in 2021-22 on the way to 35-1.
- TENNESSEE’S BEST COACHING START: The win over N.C. Central on Dec. 14 gave Kim Caldwell eight straight to open her tenure, making it the best coaching debut in Lady Vol basketball history. She upped it to 13-0.
- UT NO. 16 IN NET RANKINGS: UT is at No. 16 in the NCAA’s NET rankings as of Jan. 14.
- NO. 18 TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols’ full schedule ranks No. 18 on the NCAA Toughest Schedule report (1/14).
- CHASING 2,000/500 STAT LINE: Jewel Spear now as 2,000+ points and needs 16 rebounds to have 500 for her career.
- EYEING 1,000: Junior Ruby Whitehorn (919) is closing in on 1,000 career points.
- 1,500/500/500 IN SIGHT: Samara Spencer sits at 1,549 points, 466 rebounds and 454 assists, standing 34 boards and 46 dimes from a 1,500/500/500 career stat line.
FAMILIAR FACES
- Tennessee assistant coach Gabe Lazo was an associate head coach at Mississippi State and spent two seasons in Starkville before joining Kim Caldwell‘s Lady Vol staff prior to the 2024-25 season.
- He helped the Bulldogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, a top-15 prep signing class and a top-three portal class.
- At UT, he helped Kim Caldwell sign a highly-regarded five-player portal class and a 2025 prep group that is considered either the No. 1 class by 247Sports or the No. 2 unit by ESPN.
- First-year Mississippi State assistant coach Samantha Williams spent three seasons at Tennessee on Kellie Harper’s staff.
- MSU junior guard Denim DeShields is the younger sister of LVFL Diamond DeShields (2014-17) and the daughter of former UT track standout Tisha (Milligan) DeShields.
LOOKING BACK AT THE LAST GAME
- Redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper led four players in double figures with her eighth 20-point effort of the season, as No. 16/15 Tennessee rolled past Arkansas, 93-63, on Sunday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
- Cooper scored exactly 20 points vs. the Razorbacks on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and added a game-high four steals to lead the Lady Vols (14-2, 2-2 SEC). Junior forward Zee Spearman knocked down a career-best trio of three-pointers to tally 18 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Ruby Whitehorn supplied 17 points and senior forward Sara Puckett was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards. In her return to Fayetteville, where she spent her first three college seasons, senior point guard Samara Spencer directed UT’s offense with eight assists and no turnovers while adding four rebounds and three steals.
- Arkansas (8-11, 1-3 SEC) was paced by Izzy Higginbottom, who led all scorers with 26 points. Carly Keats was the only other Razorback scoring in double figures, tossing in 10.
POSTGAME NOTES VS. ARKANSAS
- JEWEL JOINS THE 2K CLUB: Jewel Spear became the 10th player in program history to reach and surpass 2,000 career points. Spear sank her 2,000th point on a free throw at the 2:38 mark in the second quarter. The fifth-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and six assists against Arkansas. Spear became the fifth transfer to hit 2K, joining fellow transfers Rickea Jackson (Mississippi State), Cindy Brogdon (Mercer), Jill Rankin (Wayland Baptist) and Patricia Roberts (Emporia State), who also reached that plateau. Sunday’s contest against the Hogs marked Spear’s 136th career game, her 47th as a Lady Vol.
- ANOTHER COOP 20-PIECE: Talaysia Cooper netted her eighth 20-plus performance of the season and her career, tallying a team-leading 20 points. Cooper hit seven of 14 field goals and knocked down one of three three-pointers. The redshirt sophomore finished with three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Cooper’s last 20-point scoring affair came against LSU on Jan. 9, when she carded 24 points.
- SPENCER DROPPIN’ DIMES: Senior point guard Samara Spencer carded eight assists with no turnovers vs. her old school. It tied her second highest total of the season and pushed her totals to 89 assists vs. 26 turnovers on the season. Her flawless effort with the ball was her third this year without turning the ball over.
- HOT FROM THREE: Tennessee carded its 12th performance of knocking down ten or more three-pointers in a single contest, hitting 12 against the Hogs. Eight Lady Vols made a three-pointer, with Zee Spearman leading the charge with three. Tennessee notched its highest three-point game against N.C. Central, draining an NCAA, SEC and school-record 30 treys. The Lady Vols have tallied 10 or more three-pointers against the following programs: N.C. Central (30), MTSU (15), Liberty (14), Tulsa (14), Memphis (12), Arkansas (12), LSU (11), Western Carolina (10), Winthrop (10), Texas A&M (10), Oklahoma (10) and Samford (10).
- DANGEROUS ON DEFENSE: The Lady Vols forced Arkansas to turn the ball over a total of 22 times during Sunday’s win, posting a 28-2 advantage on points off turnovers and racking up 15 steals for its 12th double-digit effort in that category. Arkansas’s two points were the fewest points Tennessee has allowed off of turnovers all season long. Twelve of Tennessee’s foes thus far have committed at least 22 miscues: NC Central (44), Samford (37), Western Carolina (37), Oklahoma (31), UT Martin (31), Iowa (30), Winthrop (30), Texas A&M (25), Liberty (25), Tulsa (23), Arkansas (22) and MTSU (22). Tennessee also collected a 10-second violation versus the Hogs. This season UT’s press has resulted in 17 10-second violations by opponents through 16 games.
UT/MSU SERIES NOTES
- Tennessee has a 40-8 all-time record vs. Mississippi State after winning three of the past four meetings.
- UT is 18-3 vs. MSU in Knoxville, 18-3 vs. the Bulldogs in Starkville and 4-2 at neutral sites.
- After State had the upper hand from 2016-20, winning seven of eight and three straight in Knoxville, the Big Orange has won its past two at home vs. MSU.
- State has a 2-0 record in overtime games between these programs, winning a 65-63 affair in Starkville on Jan. 29, 2016, and a 91-90 double-overtime thriller at Humphrey Coliseum the last time these programs met on Feb. 26, 2023.
- UT and MSU have faced off six times in the SEC Tournament, with the Lady Vols owning a 4-2 record.
A LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS
- Mississippi State started 8-0 and went 13-1 in non-conference play before opening 2-2 in SEC play.
- After losing at Kentucky and vs. South Carolina in week one, MSU bounced back with wins vs. No. 10/11 Oklahoma and at Georgia last week.
- Jerkaila Jordan paces State at 15.6 ppg., while Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.) also score in double figures.
- The Bulldogs hold foes to 58.7 ppg. and force 17.4 turnovers per contest.
ABOUT THE HEAD COACH
- Sam Purcell is 60-26 in his third season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
- In 2023-24, Purcell led MSU to a 23-12 record and became the only head coach in program history and one of five in the SEC since 2000 to surpass the 20-win mark in each of their first two seasons.
- Purcell totaled the most wins (45), most SEC wins (17) and most NCAA Tournament wins (2) of any MSU women’s WBB coach through their first two seasons.
- Purcell’s career stops include Auburn (student manager/video coordinator/admin. asst.), Tulsa (asst. coach), Georgia Tech (video coordinator/asst. coach) and Louisville (asst. coach/associate coach).
MSU’S LAST GAME
- A season-best shooting day for Mississippi State propelled the Bulldogs past Georgia, 79-68, on Sunday.
- MSU shot 48.3 percent from distance and hit a season-best 14 threes to overcome 17 turnovers.
- Eniya Russell led the way with 21 points, while Madina Okot added a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Jerkaila Jordan tossed in 11 points.
- MSU led 41-27 at the half and staved off a UGA rally.
LAST TIME WE MET STATE
- The Lady Vols overcame a 13-point second-quarter deficit to win, 75-64, over MSU at Humphrey Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2024, the last time these teams met.
- Tennessee (11-6, 4-1 SEC) was led by fifth-year senior Rickea Jackson, who turned in 19 points and seven rebounds. Junior Kaiya Wynn came off the bench to contribute a career-high 13 points, and fifth-year senior Jasmine Powell and junior Sara Puckett each tallied 11.
- Defensively, the Big Orange forced State into 15 turnovers on the evening and allowed the hosts only 19 points combined in the middle two quarters.
- Erynn Barnum led MSU with 15 points in that contest.
LAST TIME WE MET IN KNOXVILLE
- UT moved to 3-0 in SEC play with an 80-69 home win over MSU on Jan. 5, 2023, in the last meeting here.
- Jordan Horston set new season highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year.
- Rickea Jackson and Tess Darby had 18 and 13 points, respectively.
- MSU’s Jessika Carter and Debreasha Powe had 21 each.
UP NEXT
- The Lady Vols make their way to Nashville this weekend, where they’ll face in-state rival Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon in Memorial Gymnasium.
- Tip-off between the Big Orange and the Commodores is set for 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET) with SECN+ streaming.
- The game also will be available on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com.
TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man
A TBI Silver Alert is issued on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for a missing man.
63 year-old Terry Lowe was last seen late yesterday (Tuesday) morning. He is believed to be driving a 2006 Black Mercury Milan with TN tag 961BBJT.
If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Lowe has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return home safely without assistance.
Beloved Zoo Knoxville Gorilla Dies at 47 Years Old
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Zoo Knoxville is mourning after losing a Western lowland gorilla.
Officials Wednesday announcing the death of Kowali; the beloved gorilla passed away at the age of 47.
Kowali had been at Zoo Knoxville since 2013 and was a mother of four. She was born on January 9, 1978 at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
“We performed an ultrasound and heart echocardiogram which revealed signs of heart failure,” said Dr. Andrew Cushing, UTCVM clinical associate professor and specialist in zoological medicine. “We can manage her condition with medication, but the heart disease we found is irreversible.”
Zoo Knoxville CEO and President Bill Street said Kowali played an important part in gorilla conservation.
“Kowali’s life helped raise awareness about the urgent threats facing western lowland gorillas,” Street said. “She was deeply cherished by our staff, and her passing fills us with both sorrow and immense gratitude for the privilege of spending the last 11 years with her.”
There are now five Western lowland gorillas at the zoo.
Tennessee Lifts Water Contact Advisory Months after Helene Flooding
Nashville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) lifted an advisory Wednesday that asked people to avoid touching water affected by Hurricane Helene’s flooding.
The advisory was issued on October 2, just days after the storm hit. It asked people to avoid waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds. Officials say the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution, not tied to any specific water quality data.
“We want to reassure Tennesseans of the water quality in the region,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “TDEC issued the water contact advisory out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the health and safety of our citizens. We are pleased that we can lift this contact advisory today.”
The decision to lift the advisory comes after the state analyzed some water from the region and found that water quality had returned to pre-Helene conditions. Results of the water sample analysis can be found here.
Governor Bill Lee Calls a Special Session of the Tennessee General Assembly
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is calling a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly on January 27th to pass the Education Freedom Act and disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene.
The session will also address illegal immigration public safety measures to ensure Tennessee stands ready to support the Trump Administration.
In 2024, Lee’s first push for his program failed during the legislative session due to concern over money being taken from the public school systems.
Knoxville Firefighters Suing City, Claiming to be Misplaced on Salary Scale
(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Several Knoxville firefighters are suing the city, claiming they’re being underpaid under the city’s employee payment plan.
Attorney Richard Collins filed the lawsuit on Jan. 13 on behalf of Kevin Faddis, Shawn Langley, Stephen Mitchell, Gregory Phillips, Robert Pollard and Christopher Smith. It’s a lawsuit that focuses on the city’s payment step plan, a 2022 effort passed by the city council along with a 6% raise to bring employee salaries up to market value.
In the suit, Collins claimed that all of Knoxville firefighters with more than five years of experience were placed on the wrong “step” in the city’s plan.
“When the City implemented the Pay Step Plan in July 2022, it placed firefighters who had served in their current rank for five or more years at an arbitrary lower step, effectively locking those firefighters into lower pay grades within the step plan,” the lawsuit said.
Collins said that the payment plan was understood to contain 25 steps, with each “corresponding to years of service‚” meaning someone who has fought fires with the city for five years would receive the salary of a “step five” firefighter. That isn’t confirmed, however.
The filing said the firefighters tried to file a grievance with the city. In that complaint, they asked to be reassigned to the “correct” step and asked for the formula that decides where they land. That request was denied, Collins said, because city rules say payment is not “grievable.”
WVLT News has asked the city for documentation outlining the entire pay plan, including how employees were placed into their steps.
If true, Collins said, and the city did place more experienced firefighters at too-low of tiers, it could be considered age discrimination by the city. This, because the more experienced firefighters are generally older.
According to the suit, all the plaintiffs are 49 years old or older and each has at least 25 or more years with the department. On top of the firefighters filing the lawsuit, Collins provided a sample of 12 more he claimed were placed on the wrong “step,” each aged between 48 and 67.
“The City’s misclassification disproportionately (if not entirely) affects older firefighters,” Collins said and “creates a disparate impact on older workers given the years of service and experience within the department required to reach such ranks.”
It’s especially interesting that Faddis is named in the lawsuit. Throughout the course of 2022, he was heavily involved in the implementation of the payment plan. WVLT News reached out to Collins about this, and he provided a statement over email:
“My clients do not challenge the compensation plan as enacted by the Knoxville City Council,” he said. “Instead, my clients seek to redress the City’s failure to execute the plan according to its terms, the City’s own representations, and the expectations of those involved in the development and ultimate approval of the plan.”
That statement came in response to one by the city. Collins said that comment “missed the mark.”
Our compensation overhaul was done after extensive input and consultation with all of our employee reps, that included the Knoxville Fire Department. The 6% salary increase along with the step plan, was designed to bring our employees up to market standards and to address compression.
Please keep in mind, we worked with a national consultant on our compensation plan. Their skill and expertise guided our salary adjustments, and the final plan was ultimately approved both by our employee reps and City Council. – City of Knoxville
YWCA’s 29th Annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism- 1/18
Join the YWCA for the 29th Annual YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Diversity Day and Race Against
Racism on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Phyllis Wheatley Center! This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful movement toward unity and inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor diversity and foster meaningful conversations about inclusivity.
Event Schedule:
The day kicks off with the Race Against Racism:
- 5K Run: 9:00 a.m.
- 1-Mile Walk: 9:15 a.m.
- Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.
Following the races, enjoy Diversity Day activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring community booths, cultural
performances, and an inspiring keynote speaker.
Keynote Speaker:
We are honored to welcome Delphia L. Howze, a nationally recognized Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) expert and author
of Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are. Delphia brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources
and D&I, equipping organizations with strategies to build inclusive environments.
Event Highlights: - Community Resource Booths: Engage with local nonprofits such as Second Harvest, Positively Living, Metro Drug
Coalition, Helping Mamas, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Planned Parenthood, Knoxville PARC,
Turn Up Knox, Two Bikes, Kim Health Center, and Centro Hispano. - Special Performances: Enjoy dynamic cultural presentations by Drums Up Guns Down and the Appalachian
Equality Chorus, celebrating unity through music and movement. - Breakfast Treats & Entertainment: Arrive early for refreshments and pre-race activities to energize your
morning. Breakfast is provided by Real Good Kitchen
Registration Details - Registration is open now for the 5K, 1-Mile Walk, and Kids Fun Run:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/YWCAKnoxvilleRaceAgainstRacism - Online registration closes at 8:30 a.m. on race day, with in-person registration available until 8:45 a.m.
- All participants receive a long-sleeve, 50/50 blend event shirt with their registration.
Rain, snow, or shine, Diversity Day and the Race Against Racism will proceed! Proceeds from the event benefit YWCA
Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, supporting essential programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center that empower students
to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Where: YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN
For more information and to register, visit www.ywcaknox.com or contact Director of Communications and Events,
Lorena Meza Hubbard at 865.523.6126 or [email protected]
Together, let’s stand strong against racism, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive society.
About YWCA Knoxville
Since 1899, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a leading force in community change. With a mission to
eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA offers transitional
housing and supportive services to women who would otherwise be homeless; advocacy, outreach, support groups,
counseling and prevention services for victims of domestic violence; youth and family development services; and afterschool programming.
Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three
sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge; and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox,
Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier). Annual events that help to grow, expand and sustain the YWCA’s mission
include the Tribute to Women in September, Diversity Day/Race Against Racism in January, Stand Against Racism in
April, and Keys of Hope Luncheon in May.
FEMA Trailers Moving into East Tennessee Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is moving trailers into areas of East Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene.
The storm moved through the area in September of last year, prompting thousands in the eastern third of the state to begin a recovery process that has seen plenty of ups and downs.
FEMA says those in several Tennessee counties including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington can expect trailers to begin arriving this week.
Those trailers are manufactured housing units that come ready for survivors to occupy. The agency addressed the months-long process in getting the units ready, saying it involves ordering, installing and permitting each trailer.
In the months since the disaster, several organizations have donated campers and temporary housing options to individuals.
Blount County Animal Shelter Needs Help After Taking In Multiple Rescue Animals Left in Freezing Conditions
The Blount County Animal Shelter is having problems with space after six people were charged after nearly three dozen animals were rescued from harmful freezing conditions last week.
12 dogs and 13 cats rescued after responders say several dogs were tied up or in cages outside while it was 25 degrees. The six were charged with several counts of animal cruelty and in addition to dogs and cats, the shelter also took in ferrets, rats and ducks. The state also seized two horses from the property.
Ronald Crow, Director of the Shelter, says “We’re going to have these animals, these 35, for a long time,” said Ronald Crow, the shelter’s director. “We can’t adopt these animals out. They’re part of a criminal case, so we’re in charge of their care and custody.”
Crow said the shelter has capacity for 50 kennels in the back for large dogs. He said the rescue put them significantly over that number, adding that several animals are double or triple housed just to accommodate them. The dogs and cats also had to be housed in their own area as a precaution in case they have an illness.
To help combat the space issue, Crow said the shelter has reached out to its transport partners, rescues and foster teams to help make room. He also said adoption rates have been reduced.
“We’ve moved [adoption rates] down to $50 for all dogs and $20 for cats just in an effort to move some of these animals out and give us room for this influx,” Crow said.
Crow says the easiest way to help the shelter is to foster or adopt an animal.
Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Returning home from a two-game road trip, the sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to face No. 23 Georgia Wednesday night at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Georgia Bulldogs
- Tipoff: Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch Online: SEC Network
- Online: Listen Live | Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy TicketsGame Day InformationFollow @Vol_HoopsSEC Clubhouse
TENNESSEE
GEORGIA
THE LATEST FROM THE VOLS
Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls#1 Vols Claim 74-70 Road Win at Texas#1 Vols’ Undefeated Start Ends at #8 FloridaLanier, Zeigler on Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch ListLanier Collects Two National Player of the Week Honors
Fans can catch Wednesday’s game between the Volunteers (15-1, 2-1 SEC) and Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1 SEC) on SEC Network. Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Richard Hendrix (analyst) will have the call.
Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.
In Tennessee’s most recent outing, it earned a hard-fought, 74-70, road victory Saturday night at Texas. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler paced UT with 16 points and a game-high eight assists in a triumph during which neither side led by greater than seven in front of a near-capacity crowd of 10,195 the Moody Center.
THE MATCHUP
• The Volunteers’ 99 wins over Georgia are their second-most against any school, trailing only their 131 against Vanderbilt.
• This is the first time in series history both sides are in the AP top 25. It is also the first time UT faces a ranked Georgia team since 2/8/03, a 78-72 home win.
• UT is 6-1 in its last seven outings versus Georgia after going 2-9 in the prior 11 (with defeats in each of the five before the current seven-game span). The Vols were ranked in all six wins in this stretch and unranked in the lone loss.
• Last season, on 1/13/24 at Georgia, Tennessee trailed by 11 with under seven minutes to go, but closed on a 21-4 run in the last 6:08, including a 15-1 ledger in the final 4:49, to win by six, 85-79. Dalton Knecht dropped 36 points, including 20 in the second half.
• Coming off a 20-17 (6-12) showing that included an NIT semifinal berth, Georgia placed No. 12 in the SEC preseason poll.
• Freshman forward Asa Newell leads the Bulldogs with 15.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
NEWS & NOTES
• Tennessee’s 12 matchups with Mike White are its sixth-most against any active head coach.
• UT Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White (Danny) is the younger brother of Georgia head coach Mike White. Both played college basketball: Danny at Towson and Notre Dame, Mike at Ole Miss. The Volunteers fell to Florida, where Mike then worked, two days before Danny was hired on 1/21/21, but are 5-1 against him since then. More information on the White family can be found on Page 7.
• Rick Barnes and Mike White both joined the SEC in 2015-16. Barnes is 10-2 against White, posting an 8-2 ledger during the latter’s time at Florida (2015-22) and winning both matchups between their current schools.
• Georgia sophomore guard Blue Cain is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and went to Knoxville Catholic for his first three years of high school.
• Tennessee is 18-7 (.720) versus AP top-25 teams at home under Rick Barnes, including 13-1 (.929) in the last 14 such games, since 1/30/21.
• Tennessee is looking to start at least 3-1 in SEC play for the fifth time in seven years, including the third in a row.
• UT is also seeking a 2-0 start in SEC home play for the fifth time in seven years and fourth in a row.
• Zakai Zeigler is seven assists away from 600, while his 209 steals put him three shy of Santiago Vescovi‘s program record (212).
• UT’s DI-best 24.8 3P% defense is 1.8 percent better than second- place Southeast Missouri State (26.6). That is the same gap as No. 2 to No. 19 Kentucky (28.4).
• Igor Miličić Jr., is one of 10 Power Five players averaging at least 10.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.0 apg. The others are Oumar Ballo, Brooks Barnhizer, Johni Broome, Hunter Dickinson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Great Osobor, Ian Schieffelin, Thomas Sorber and Danny Wolf.
• The Volunteers’ 186 wins over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank co-seventh nationally, alongside Saint Mary’s. Only Gonzaga (227), Houston (220), Kansas (203), Duke (199), Purdue (195) and San Diego State (187) possess more.
HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY
• Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.
• The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.
• UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years in that stretch.
• The Vols are among only eight teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.
• Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.
• Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.
• Additionally, over the last three years (2022-25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.
DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK
• Tennessee, through 1/12/25, ranks third in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (88.1), just shy of Houston (86.3) and Duke (87.8).
• The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).
• In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).
• In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.
• UT, through 1/5/25, has won 42 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.
• The Vols, through 1/5/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.
RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES
• TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 22 AP top-25 wins, good for fourth nationally,. It is behind just Kansas (24), Connecticut (23) and Iowa State (23). Only Purdue (21) is even within one of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is two behind (Alabama with 20).
• TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Purdue (18) and Iowa State (17). The closest SEC program is two shy (Alabama with 16).
• TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Alabama (14) and Iowa State (14) are even within two of Tennessee.
• TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-second in the SEC and co- sixth nationally, alongside Alabama and North Carolina. Only Connecticut (11), Iowa State (11), Kansas (11), Purdue (10) and Kentucky (nine) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).
• TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.
…AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY
• Tennessee, at 22-15 (.595), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (13-10 .565) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .530.
• The Volunteers are nine games over .500 (19-10; .655) against AP top-20 teams in that span, while just one other SEC team, Auburn (11-8; .579), is even at a .500 clip.
• UT is also nine games over .500 (16-7; .696) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC teams in winning percentage are Auburn (8-6; .571) and Kentucky (12-9; .571). No others are above a .500 mark.
• At 8-6 (.571), the Volunteers have the best record in the SEC against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (9-8; .529) places second and no one else is at even a .500 mark.
• Tennessee (5-4; .556) is the only SEC team with a winning record versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch. Arkansas (3-3; .500) ranks second, while all others are under a .500 tally.
• The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (37) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trailing just Texas (45), Oklahoma (41) and Alabama (38) in such outing, while no other SEC school is above 33.
WINNING WAYS
• Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (186), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18) and sits a close second in overall winning percentage (.735). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).
• In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.737) and Kentucky (.704).
• In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (88-40; .688) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (89-39; .695), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (84-45; .648) and Alabama (80-48; .622) are at even 75-plus wins.
• Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own a 94-29 (.764) overall record. That is good for the most victories and the second-best winning percentage (just .0005 behind Auburn) in the SEC over that span.
• In that same four-year stretch, Tennessee (41-16; .719) is tied with both Auburn Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.
POLL PRESENCE
• Tennessee has played 219 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 166-53 (.758) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 319 games since Barnes arrived in 2015- 16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (219 of 253, 86.6 percent).
• UT is 145-48 (.751) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 114-35 (.765) while top-15, 88-26 (.772) while top-10, 44-13 (.772) while top-five, 25-3 (.893) while top-three and 14-2 (.875) while No. 1.
• The Vols are 30-23 (.566) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-16 (.590) with both teams in the top 20, 14-10 (.583) with both in the top 15 and 7-7 (.500) with both in the top 10.
HAPPY AT HOME
• Over the last five seasons, since 2020-21, the Volunteers are 66-7 (.904) on their home court.
• In 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee is 131-24 (.845) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, UT has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.
Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15/15 Tennessee (14-2, 2-2 SEC) welcomes RV/RV Mississippi State (15-3, 2-2 SEC) for the Big Orange’s 2025 “We Back Pat” game on Thursday night at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols and Bulldogs will meet at 7 p.m. ET in a contest televised by SEC Network and carried on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide as well as audio-streamed on UTSports.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 or 190.
UT is coming off a 30-point road win at Arkansas, outscoring the Razorbacks 28-2 on points off turnovers, 22-10 on fast breaks and 40-22 in the paint en route to a 93-63 triumph on Sunday. The Lady Vols feature five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper, who puts up 18.3 points per game and shoots 51 percent from the field. Cooper is coming off a 20-point effort vs. Arkansas, marking her eighth 20+ scoring outburst of the season. Fifth-year guard Jewel Spear has scored 15 points or more in five of her last six games, dropping season highs of 20 at Texas A&M and 28 vs. Oklahoma, followed by 25 vs. LSU. She eclipsed the 2,000-point mark for her career in the second quarter vs. Arkansas.
Mississippi State also owns a 2-2 SEC record after capturing a 79-68 road win at Georgia on Sunday. The Bulldogs are paced by guard Jerkaila Jordan, who puts up 15.6 ppg. and 6.6 rpg. She is joined in double figures by guard/forward Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.).
Kim Caldwell‘s first Lady Vol team enters the match-up ranked No. 1 nationally in four statistical categories through Jan. 14. UT is tops in the NCAA in scoring offense (96.4), three pointers per game (12.0), three point attempts per game (36.0) and offensive rebounds per game (20.6). It is second in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and turnover margin (11.75), third in steals per game (14.4), and sixth in bench points per game (33.8).
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Mississippi State
- Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch: SEC Network
- Radio: Lady Vol Network
- Online: Live Audio, Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy Tickets Walk-Through Metal Detectors In Use Clear Bag Policy Gameday Info Follow @LadyVol_Hoops
TENNESSEE
MISSISSIPPI STATE
THE LATEST FROM THE LADY VOLS
Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday #16/15 Lady Vols Roll Past Arkansas, 93-63 #6/4 LSU Withstands Lady Vol Upset Bid, 89-87 #9/10 Oklahoma Edges #15/13 Tennessee, 87-86 #15/13 Lady Vols Open SEC Play With 91-78 Win Over Aggies Boyd Named SEC Women’s Hoops Co-Freshman of The Week
BROADCAST DETAILS
- Sam Gore (play-by-play) and LVFL Nikki (Caldwell) Fargas (analyst) will have the call for SEC Network.
- All of the games included in the ESPN package (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) will be available through WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
- The contest also can be heard on Lady Vol Network stations and by audio stream, with Brian Rice providing play-by-play and Jay Lifford serving as studio host.
- A link to the live audio stream can be found on the Hoops Central page or the schedule on UTSports.com.
- For a list of Lady Vol Network affiliates, please click the Fans tab at the top of UTSports.com, select Vol Network and then click on the Vol Network Affiliates tab.
- Air-time generally occurs 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
- The Lady Vol Network broadcast also will be available via SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 and 190.
PARKING, TRAFFIC FLOW, ENTRY ALERTS
- Fans coming to campus looking to purchase basketball parking will do so on-site with a credit card.
- Those parking in the G-10 garage are requested to enter from Neyland Drive.
- There is free public parking on the Ag Campus and a free shuttle to and from there for fans. All shuttles are fully accessible for those with disabilities.
- The shuttle location on the Ag campus is on River Drive near the Brehm Animal Sciences Bldg. and across from the CF lot. Visit https://parking.utk.edu/parking/special-events/athletic/ for maps and more information.
- Shuttles begin two hours prior to tip-off. Return shuttles run one hour postgame or until the Food City Center is cleared.
- Accessible shuttle loading and unloading for those with disabilities is located next to Arena Dining.
- For regular shuttles, the unloading and loading areas near Food City Center will be as follows: Prior to the game, regular shuttles will unload at Chamique Holdsclaw and Lake Loudoun Blvd. After the game, regular shuttles will load at Lake Loudoun Blvd and Phillip Fulmer Way.
- All tickets and Tennessee Fund parking passes are digital.
- Fans will again see walk-through metal detectors outside of all Food City Center entrances.
- Gates typically open one hour before tip for women’s games.
PHILLIP FULMER WAY CLOSURE INFO.
- Due to the resumption of construction and upgrades to Neyland Stadium, basketball fans and media members should be advised of immediate changes to normal traffic patterns on Phillip Fulmer Way and Peyton Manning Pass during the rest of the 2024-25 season.
- Phillip Fulmer Way from G-10 garage to Neyland Stadium Gate 21 vicinity is now closed.
- The G-10 garage will not be accessible southbound on Phillip Fulmer Way.
- Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed to southbound traffic at Middle Drive, and it will not be accessible via Peyton Manning Pass.
- For events at Food City Center, G-10 and Staff 5 parking areas will be accessible via Lake Loudoun Boulevard, but it is strongly recommended that vehicles enter G-10 via Neyland Drive.
- Lot G5/30 is only accessible from Lake Loudoun Blvd.
INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING
- COOP IS THE REAL DEAL: Guard Talaysia Cooper is having a break-out season, leading UT in scoring (18.3 ppg.) and steals (3.6 spg.), hitting double figures 14 times, carding eight efforts of 20+ points and notching seven quarters where she scored 10 or more points, including 12 and 10, respectively, in the fourth period vs. Florida State and Iowa.
- “FEAR DA SPEAR”: Jewel Spear is enjoying her best stretch this season, averaging 19.8 ppg. in SEC play, hitting 18 of 31 three-point tries in league action (58.1 pct.) to run her season total to a team-high 41 treys.
- SMOOTH SAMARA: Samara Spencer (11.3 ppg., 5.6 apg.) ranks No. 5 nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.42) with 89 assists, is 11 dimes short of her third 100+ assist season and is second on the team with 38 three-pointers (team-best 42.7 percent).
- DEPENDABLE RUBY: Ruby Whitehorn is UT’s third-leading scorer at 13.0 ppg. contributing 10+ points in her past 10 games and ranking third in rebounding (4.9 rpg.).
- ZEE STEPPING UP: Forward Zee Spearman has been in double figures nine times, averaging 11.2 ppg. and a team-high 5.6 rpg. while shooting 54.4 percent.
FROM A TEAM PERSPECTIVE
- PILING UP POINTS: The Lady Vols rank No. 1 nationally in scoring offense, generating 96.4 points per game. The lowest a Kim Caldwell team has ranked in ppg. is No. 4, where she was in 2023-24 (85.3) at Marshall.
- MAKING THREES IN BUNCHES: UT ranks No. 1 in 3FGs made per game at 12.0 and has hit 10+ treys 12 times, eclipsing the old school best of six. It has hit 10+ threes in its past six games, notching its best streak.
- CRASHING O-BOARDS: UT is No. 1 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game at 20.6. It has twice reached 30+ this season.
- TURNING OVER THE OPPOSITION: UT is No. 2 in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and No. 2 in T.O. margin (11.75). Arkansas had 22 miscues on Jan. 12 for the 12th 20+ T.O. game (7th with 30+) by a foe in 2024-25.
- RACKING UP STEALS: UT is No. 3 nationally in steals per game (14.4). It now has 12 games of 10+ steals and 230 total in 16 games. It had 159 in 33 games a year ago.
- THAT’S A 10-COUNT: Tennessee has prevented its foes from getting the ball over halfcourt in 10 seconds a total of 17 times in 16 games. UT forced only five violations the previous five years combined.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- UT’S BEST START SINCE 2017-18: UT opened at 13-0 for the first time since 2017-18 (15-0) and the seventh time ever.
- SECOND BEST START FOR COACH: UT’s 13-0 start was the second-best opening of a season in Kim Caldwell‘s nine years as a head coach behind her 29-0 start at Glenville State in 2021-22 on the way to 35-1.
- TENNESSEE’S BEST COACHING START: The win over N.C. Central on Dec. 14 gave Kim Caldwell eight straight to open her tenure, making it the best coaching debut in Lady Vol basketball history. She upped it to 13-0.
- UT NO. 16 IN NET RANKINGS: UT is at No. 16 in the NCAA’s NET rankings as of Jan. 14.
- NO. 18 TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols’ full schedule ranks No. 18 on the NCAA Toughest Schedule report (1/14).
- CHASING 2,000/500 STAT LINE: Jewel Spear now as 2,000+ points and needs 16 rebounds to have 500 for her career.
- EYEING 1,000: Junior Ruby Whitehorn (919) is closing in on 1,000 career points.
- 1,500/500/500 IN SIGHT: Samara Spencer sits at 1,549 points, 466 rebounds and 454 assists, standing 34 boards and 46 dimes from a 1,500/500/500 career stat line.
FAMILIAR FACES
- Tennessee assistant coach Gabe Lazo was an associate head coach at Mississippi State and spent two seasons in Starkville before joining Kim Caldwell‘s Lady Vol staff prior to the 2024-25 season.
- He helped the Bulldogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, a top-15 prep signing class and a top-three portal class.
- At UT, he helped Kim Caldwell sign a highly-regarded five-player portal class and a 2025 prep group that is considered either the No. 1 class by 247Sports or the No. 2 unit by ESPN.
- First-year Mississippi State assistant coach Samantha Williams spent three seasons at Tennessee on Kellie Harper’s staff.
- MSU junior guard Denim DeShields is the younger sister of LVFL Diamond DeShields (2014-17) and the daughter of former UT track standout Tisha (Milligan) DeShields.
LOOKING BACK AT THE LAST GAME
- Redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper led four players in double figures with her eighth 20-point effort of the season, as No. 16/15 Tennessee rolled past Arkansas, 93-63, on Sunday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
- Cooper scored exactly 20 points vs. the Razorbacks on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and added a game-high four steals to lead the Lady Vols (14-2, 2-2 SEC). Junior forward Zee Spearman knocked down a career-best trio of three-pointers to tally 18 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Ruby Whitehorn supplied 17 points and senior forward Sara Puckett was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards. In her return to Fayetteville, where she spent her first three college seasons, senior point guard Samara Spencer directed UT’s offense with eight assists and no turnovers while adding four rebounds and three steals.
- Arkansas (8-11, 1-3 SEC) was paced by Izzy Higginbottom, who led all scorers with 26 points. Carly Keats was the only other Razorback scoring in double figures, tossing in 10.
POSTGAME NOTES VS. ARKANSAS
- JEWEL JOINS THE 2K CLUB: Jewel Spear became the 10th player in program history to reach and surpass 2,000 career points. Spear sank her 2,000th point on a free throw at the 2:38 mark in the second quarter. The fifth-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and six assists against Arkansas. Spear became the fifth transfer to hit 2K, joining fellow transfers Rickea Jackson (Mississippi State), Cindy Brogdon (Mercer), Jill Rankin (Wayland Baptist) and Patricia Roberts (Emporia State), who also reached that plateau. Sunday’s contest against the Hogs marked Spear’s 136th career game, her 47th as a Lady Vol.
- ANOTHER COOP 20-PIECE: Talaysia Cooper netted her eighth 20-plus performance of the season and her career, tallying a team-leading 20 points. Cooper hit seven of 14 field goals and knocked down one of three three-pointers. The redshirt sophomore finished with three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Cooper’s last 20-point scoring affair came against LSU on Jan. 9, when she carded 24 points.
- SPENCER DROPPIN’ DIMES: Senior point guard Samara Spencer carded eight assists with no turnovers vs. her old school. It tied her second highest total of the season and pushed her totals to 89 assists vs. 26 turnovers on the season. Her flawless effort with the ball was her third this year without turning the ball over.
- HOT FROM THREE: Tennessee carded its 12th performance of knocking down ten or more three-pointers in a single contest, hitting 12 against the Hogs. Eight Lady Vols made a three-pointer, with Zee Spearman leading the charge with three. Tennessee notched its highest three-point game against N.C. Central, draining an NCAA, SEC and school-record 30 treys. The Lady Vols have tallied 10 or more three-pointers against the following programs: N.C. Central (30), MTSU (15), Liberty (14), Tulsa (14), Memphis (12), Arkansas (12), LSU (11), Western Carolina (10), Winthrop (10), Texas A&M (10), Oklahoma (10) and Samford (10).
- DANGEROUS ON DEFENSE: The Lady Vols forced Arkansas to turn the ball over a total of 22 times during Sunday’s win, posting a 28-2 advantage on points off turnovers and racking up 15 steals for its 12th double-digit effort in that category. Arkansas’s two points were the fewest points Tennessee has allowed off of turnovers all season long. Twelve of Tennessee’s foes thus far have committed at least 22 miscues: NC Central (44), Samford (37), Western Carolina (37), Oklahoma (31), UT Martin (31), Iowa (30), Winthrop (30), Texas A&M (25), Liberty (25), Tulsa (23), Arkansas (22) and MTSU (22). Tennessee also collected a 10-second violation versus the Hogs. This season UT’s press has resulted in 17 10-second violations by opponents through 16 games.
UT/MSU SERIES NOTES
- Tennessee has a 40-8 all-time record vs. Mississippi State after winning three of the past four meetings.
- UT is 18-3 vs. MSU in Knoxville, 18-3 vs. the Bulldogs in Starkville and 4-2 at neutral sites.
- After State had the upper hand from 2016-20, winning seven of eight and three straight in Knoxville, the Big Orange has won its past two at home vs. MSU.
- State has a 2-0 record in overtime games between these programs, winning a 65-63 affair in Starkville on Jan. 29, 2016, and a 91-90 double-overtime thriller at Humphrey Coliseum the last time these programs met on Feb. 26, 2023.
- UT and MSU have faced off six times in the SEC Tournament, with the Lady Vols owning a 4-2 record.
A LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS
- Mississippi State started 8-0 and went 13-1 in non-conference play before opening 2-2 in SEC play.
- After losing at Kentucky and vs. South Carolina in week one, MSU bounced back with wins vs. No. 10/11 Oklahoma and at Georgia last week.
- Jerkaila Jordan paces State at 15.6 ppg., while Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.) also score in double figures.
- The Bulldogs hold foes to 58.7 ppg. and force 17.4 turnovers per contest.
ABOUT THE HEAD COACH
- Sam Purcell is 60-26 in his third season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
- In 2023-24, Purcell led MSU to a 23-12 record and became the only head coach in program history and one of five in the SEC since 2000 to surpass the 20-win mark in each of their first two seasons.
- Purcell totaled the most wins (45), most SEC wins (17) and most NCAA Tournament wins (2) of any MSU women’s WBB coach through their first two seasons.
- Purcell’s career stops include Auburn (student manager/video coordinator/admin. asst.), Tulsa (asst. coach), Georgia Tech (video coordinator/asst. coach) and Louisville (asst. coach/associate coach).
MSU’S LAST GAME
- A season-best shooting day for Mississippi State propelled the Bulldogs past Georgia, 79-68, on Sunday.
- MSU shot 48.3 percent from distance and hit a season-best 14 threes to overcome 17 turnovers.
- Eniya Russell led the way with 21 points, while Madina Okot added a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Jerkaila Jordan tossed in 11 points.
- MSU led 41-27 at the half and staved off a UGA rally.
LAST TIME WE MET STATE
- The Lady Vols overcame a 13-point second-quarter deficit to win, 75-64, over MSU at Humphrey Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2024, the last time these teams met.
- Tennessee (11-6, 4-1 SEC) was led by fifth-year senior Rickea Jackson, who turned in 19 points and seven rebounds. Junior Kaiya Wynn came off the bench to contribute a career-high 13 points, and fifth-year senior Jasmine Powell and junior Sara Puckett each tallied 11.
- Defensively, the Big Orange forced State into 15 turnovers on the evening and allowed the hosts only 19 points combined in the middle two quarters.
- Erynn Barnum led MSU with 15 points in that contest.
LAST TIME WE MET IN KNOXVILLE
- UT moved to 3-0 in SEC play with an 80-69 home win over MSU on Jan. 5, 2023, in the last meeting here.
- Jordan Horston set new season highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year.
- Rickea Jackson and Tess Darby had 18 and 13 points, respectively.
- MSU’s Jessika Carter and Debreasha Powe had 21 each.
UP NEXT
- The Lady Vols make their way to Nashville this weekend, where they’ll face in-state rival Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon in Memorial Gymnasium.
- Tip-off between the Big Orange and the Commodores is set for 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET) with SECN+ streaming.
- The game also will be available on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com.
TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man
A TBI Silver Alert is issued on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for a missing man.
63 year-old Terry Lowe was last seen late yesterday (Tuesday) morning. He is believed to be driving a 2006 Black Mercury Milan with TN tag 961BBJT.
If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Lowe has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return home safely without assistance.
Beloved Zoo Knoxville Gorilla Dies at 47 Years Old
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Zoo Knoxville is mourning after losing a Western lowland gorilla.
Officials Wednesday announcing the death of Kowali; the beloved gorilla passed away at the age of 47.
Kowali had been at Zoo Knoxville since 2013 and was a mother of four. She was born on January 9, 1978 at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
“We performed an ultrasound and heart echocardiogram which revealed signs of heart failure,” said Dr. Andrew Cushing, UTCVM clinical associate professor and specialist in zoological medicine. “We can manage her condition with medication, but the heart disease we found is irreversible.”
Zoo Knoxville CEO and President Bill Street said Kowali played an important part in gorilla conservation.
“Kowali’s life helped raise awareness about the urgent threats facing western lowland gorillas,” Street said. “She was deeply cherished by our staff, and her passing fills us with both sorrow and immense gratitude for the privilege of spending the last 11 years with her.”
There are now five Western lowland gorillas at the zoo.
Tennessee Lifts Water Contact Advisory Months after Helene Flooding
Nashville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) lifted an advisory Wednesday that asked people to avoid touching water affected by Hurricane Helene’s flooding.
The advisory was issued on October 2, just days after the storm hit. It asked people to avoid waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River watersheds. Officials say the advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution, not tied to any specific water quality data.
“We want to reassure Tennesseans of the water quality in the region,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “TDEC issued the water contact advisory out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the health and safety of our citizens. We are pleased that we can lift this contact advisory today.”
The decision to lift the advisory comes after the state analyzed some water from the region and found that water quality had returned to pre-Helene conditions. Results of the water sample analysis can be found here.
Governor Bill Lee Calls a Special Session of the Tennessee General Assembly
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is calling a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly on January 27th to pass the Education Freedom Act and disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Helene.
The session will also address illegal immigration public safety measures to ensure Tennessee stands ready to support the Trump Administration.
In 2024, Lee’s first push for his program failed during the legislative session due to concern over money being taken from the public school systems.
Knoxville Firefighters Suing City, Claiming to be Misplaced on Salary Scale
(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Several Knoxville firefighters are suing the city, claiming they’re being underpaid under the city’s employee payment plan.
Attorney Richard Collins filed the lawsuit on Jan. 13 on behalf of Kevin Faddis, Shawn Langley, Stephen Mitchell, Gregory Phillips, Robert Pollard and Christopher Smith. It’s a lawsuit that focuses on the city’s payment step plan, a 2022 effort passed by the city council along with a 6% raise to bring employee salaries up to market value.
In the suit, Collins claimed that all of Knoxville firefighters with more than five years of experience were placed on the wrong “step” in the city’s plan.
“When the City implemented the Pay Step Plan in July 2022, it placed firefighters who had served in their current rank for five or more years at an arbitrary lower step, effectively locking those firefighters into lower pay grades within the step plan,” the lawsuit said.
Collins said that the payment plan was understood to contain 25 steps, with each “corresponding to years of service‚” meaning someone who has fought fires with the city for five years would receive the salary of a “step five” firefighter. That isn’t confirmed, however.
The filing said the firefighters tried to file a grievance with the city. In that complaint, they asked to be reassigned to the “correct” step and asked for the formula that decides where they land. That request was denied, Collins said, because city rules say payment is not “grievable.”
WVLT News has asked the city for documentation outlining the entire pay plan, including how employees were placed into their steps.
If true, Collins said, and the city did place more experienced firefighters at too-low of tiers, it could be considered age discrimination by the city. This, because the more experienced firefighters are generally older.
According to the suit, all the plaintiffs are 49 years old or older and each has at least 25 or more years with the department. On top of the firefighters filing the lawsuit, Collins provided a sample of 12 more he claimed were placed on the wrong “step,” each aged between 48 and 67.
“The City’s misclassification disproportionately (if not entirely) affects older firefighters,” Collins said and “creates a disparate impact on older workers given the years of service and experience within the department required to reach such ranks.”
It’s especially interesting that Faddis is named in the lawsuit. Throughout the course of 2022, he was heavily involved in the implementation of the payment plan. WVLT News reached out to Collins about this, and he provided a statement over email:
“My clients do not challenge the compensation plan as enacted by the Knoxville City Council,” he said. “Instead, my clients seek to redress the City’s failure to execute the plan according to its terms, the City’s own representations, and the expectations of those involved in the development and ultimate approval of the plan.”
That statement came in response to one by the city. Collins said that comment “missed the mark.”
Our compensation overhaul was done after extensive input and consultation with all of our employee reps, that included the Knoxville Fire Department. The 6% salary increase along with the step plan, was designed to bring our employees up to market standards and to address compression.
Please keep in mind, we worked with a national consultant on our compensation plan. Their skill and expertise guided our salary adjustments, and the final plan was ultimately approved both by our employee reps and City Council. – City of Knoxville
YWCA’s 29th Annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism- 1/18
Join the YWCA for the 29th Annual YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Diversity Day and Race Against
Racism on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Phyllis Wheatley Center! This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful movement toward unity and inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor diversity and foster meaningful conversations about inclusivity.
Event Schedule:
The day kicks off with the Race Against Racism:
- 5K Run: 9:00 a.m.
- 1-Mile Walk: 9:15 a.m.
- Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m.
Following the races, enjoy Diversity Day activities from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., featuring community booths, cultural
performances, and an inspiring keynote speaker.
Keynote Speaker:
We are honored to welcome Delphia L. Howze, a nationally recognized Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) expert and author
of Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are. Delphia brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources
and D&I, equipping organizations with strategies to build inclusive environments.
Event Highlights: - Community Resource Booths: Engage with local nonprofits such as Second Harvest, Positively Living, Metro Drug
Coalition, Helping Mamas, Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Planned Parenthood, Knoxville PARC,
Turn Up Knox, Two Bikes, Kim Health Center, and Centro Hispano. - Special Performances: Enjoy dynamic cultural presentations by Drums Up Guns Down and the Appalachian
Equality Chorus, celebrating unity through music and movement. - Breakfast Treats & Entertainment: Arrive early for refreshments and pre-race activities to energize your
morning. Breakfast is provided by Real Good Kitchen
Registration Details - Registration is open now for the 5K, 1-Mile Walk, and Kids Fun Run:
https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/YWCAKnoxvilleRaceAgainstRacism - Online registration closes at 8:30 a.m. on race day, with in-person registration available until 8:45 a.m.
- All participants receive a long-sleeve, 50/50 blend event shirt with their registration.
Rain, snow, or shine, Diversity Day and the Race Against Racism will proceed! Proceeds from the event benefit YWCA
Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley, supporting essential programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center that empower students
to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Where: YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze Street, Knoxville, TN
For more information and to register, visit www.ywcaknox.com or contact Director of Communications and Events,
Lorena Meza Hubbard at 865.523.6126 or [email protected]
Together, let’s stand strong against racism, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive society.
About YWCA Knoxville
Since 1899, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley has been a leading force in community change. With a mission to
eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, YWCA offers transitional
housing and supportive services to women who would otherwise be homeless; advocacy, outreach, support groups,
counseling and prevention services for victims of domestic violence; youth and family development services; and afterschool programming.
Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three
sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge; and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox,
Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier). Annual events that help to grow, expand and sustain the YWCA’s mission
include the Tribute to Women in September, Diversity Day/Race Against Racism in January, Stand Against Racism in
April, and Keys of Hope Luncheon in May.
FEMA Trailers Moving into East Tennessee Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is moving trailers into areas of East Tennessee affected by Hurricane Helene.
The storm moved through the area in September of last year, prompting thousands in the eastern third of the state to begin a recovery process that has seen plenty of ups and downs.
FEMA says those in several Tennessee counties including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington can expect trailers to begin arriving this week.
Those trailers are manufactured housing units that come ready for survivors to occupy. The agency addressed the months-long process in getting the units ready, saying it involves ordering, installing and permitting each trailer.
In the months since the disaster, several organizations have donated campers and temporary housing options to individuals.
Blount County Animal Shelter Needs Help After Taking In Multiple Rescue Animals Left in Freezing Conditions
The Blount County Animal Shelter is having problems with space after six people were charged after nearly three dozen animals were rescued from harmful freezing conditions last week.
12 dogs and 13 cats rescued after responders say several dogs were tied up or in cages outside while it was 25 degrees. The six were charged with several counts of animal cruelty and in addition to dogs and cats, the shelter also took in ferrets, rats and ducks. The state also seized two horses from the property.
Ronald Crow, Director of the Shelter, says “We’re going to have these animals, these 35, for a long time,” said Ronald Crow, the shelter’s director. “We can’t adopt these animals out. They’re part of a criminal case, so we’re in charge of their care and custody.”
Crow said the shelter has capacity for 50 kennels in the back for large dogs. He said the rescue put them significantly over that number, adding that several animals are double or triple housed just to accommodate them. The dogs and cats also had to be housed in their own area as a precaution in case they have an illness.
To help combat the space issue, Crow said the shelter has reached out to its transport partners, rescues and foster teams to help make room. He also said adoption rates have been reduced.
“We’ve moved [adoption rates] down to $50 for all dogs and $20 for cats just in an effort to move some of these animals out and give us room for this influx,” Crow said.
Crow says the easiest way to help the shelter is to foster or adopt an animal.
Hoops Central: #6 Tennessee vs. #23 Georgia
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Returning home from a two-game road trip, the sixth-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball team is set to face No. 23 Georgia Wednesday night at Food City Center. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Georgia Bulldogs
- Tipoff: Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 8 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch Online: SEC Network
- Online: Listen Live | Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy TicketsGame Day InformationFollow @Vol_HoopsSEC Clubhouse
TENNESSEE
GEORGIA
THE LATEST FROM THE VOLS
Vols Ranked Sixth in Both National Polls#1 Vols Claim 74-70 Road Win at Texas#1 Vols’ Undefeated Start Ends at #8 FloridaLanier, Zeigler on Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch ListLanier Collects Two National Player of the Week Honors
Fans can catch Wednesday’s game between the Volunteers (15-1, 2-1 SEC) and Bulldogs (14-2, 2-1 SEC) on SEC Network. Brian Custer (play-by-play) and Richard Hendrix (analyst) will have the call.
Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action.
In Tennessee’s most recent outing, it earned a hard-fought, 74-70, road victory Saturday night at Texas. Senior guard Zakai Zeigler paced UT with 16 points and a game-high eight assists in a triumph during which neither side led by greater than seven in front of a near-capacity crowd of 10,195 the Moody Center.
THE MATCHUP
• The Volunteers’ 99 wins over Georgia are their second-most against any school, trailing only their 131 against Vanderbilt.
• This is the first time in series history both sides are in the AP top 25. It is also the first time UT faces a ranked Georgia team since 2/8/03, a 78-72 home win.
• UT is 6-1 in its last seven outings versus Georgia after going 2-9 in the prior 11 (with defeats in each of the five before the current seven-game span). The Vols were ranked in all six wins in this stretch and unranked in the lone loss.
• Last season, on 1/13/24 at Georgia, Tennessee trailed by 11 with under seven minutes to go, but closed on a 21-4 run in the last 6:08, including a 15-1 ledger in the final 4:49, to win by six, 85-79. Dalton Knecht dropped 36 points, including 20 in the second half.
• Coming off a 20-17 (6-12) showing that included an NIT semifinal berth, Georgia placed No. 12 in the SEC preseason poll.
• Freshman forward Asa Newell leads the Bulldogs with 15.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg.
NEWS & NOTES
• Tennessee’s 12 matchups with Mike White are its sixth-most against any active head coach.
• UT Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Daniel J. White (Danny) is the younger brother of Georgia head coach Mike White. Both played college basketball: Danny at Towson and Notre Dame, Mike at Ole Miss. The Volunteers fell to Florida, where Mike then worked, two days before Danny was hired on 1/21/21, but are 5-1 against him since then. More information on the White family can be found on Page 7.
• Rick Barnes and Mike White both joined the SEC in 2015-16. Barnes is 10-2 against White, posting an 8-2 ledger during the latter’s time at Florida (2015-22) and winning both matchups between their current schools.
• Georgia sophomore guard Blue Cain is a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and went to Knoxville Catholic for his first three years of high school.
• Tennessee is 18-7 (.720) versus AP top-25 teams at home under Rick Barnes, including 13-1 (.929) in the last 14 such games, since 1/30/21.
• Tennessee is looking to start at least 3-1 in SEC play for the fifth time in seven years, including the third in a row.
• UT is also seeking a 2-0 start in SEC home play for the fifth time in seven years and fourth in a row.
• Zakai Zeigler is seven assists away from 600, while his 209 steals put him three shy of Santiago Vescovi‘s program record (212).
• UT’s DI-best 24.8 3P% defense is 1.8 percent better than second- place Southeast Missouri State (26.6). That is the same gap as No. 2 to No. 19 Kentucky (28.4).
• Igor Miličić Jr., is one of 10 Power Five players averaging at least 10.0 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.0 apg. The others are Oumar Ballo, Brooks Barnhizer, Johni Broome, Hunter Dickinson, Collin Murray-Boyles, Great Osobor, Ian Schieffelin, Thomas Sorber and Danny Wolf.
• The Volunteers’ 186 wins over the last eight seasons (2017-25) rank co-seventh nationally, alongside Saint Mary’s. Only Gonzaga (227), Houston (220), Kansas (203), Duke (199), Purdue (195) and San Diego State (187) possess more.
HIGH-CALIBER COMPANY
• Tennessee and Kansas are the only two schools to earn an AP top-five ranking in each of the last four seasons (2021-25). Only two others, Arizona and Purdue, entered 2024-25 with a three-year streak.
• The Volunteers are one of only four teams to reach the AP top six in each of the past five seasons, alongside Alabama, Houston and Kansas.
• UT is one of just five programs to reach the AP top six in at least six of the last seven seasons (2018- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Kentucky. Those are also the only five schools to enter the AP top five in at least five different years in that stretch.
• The Vols are among only eight teams to reach the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll in at least two of the last seven seasons (2018-25), joining Auburn, Baylor, Duke, Gonzaga, Houston, Kansas and Purdue.
• Over that same seven-year stretch (2018-25), UT is also one of seven teams to claim an AP top-two position in at least three seasons, alongside Baylor, Connecticut, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas and Purdue.
• Tennessee is one of just seven schools to earn an AP top-20 ranking in each of the past eight years (2017- 25), alongside Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan State and North Carolina. Just two others— Houston and Purdue—have even reached the AP top 25 in each of those seasons.
• Additionally, over the last three years (2022-25), the Vols are one of just five teams to reach the AP top two in multiple seasons, joining Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas and Purdue.
DYNAMITE “D” A UT TRADEMARK
• Tennessee, through 1/12/25, ranks third in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (88.1), just shy of Houston (86.3) and Duke (87.8).
• The Volunteers finished third in 2023-24 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (90.2) and placed fifth in DI in field-goal percentage defense (39.4).
• In 2022-23, Tennessee led the nation in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency (87.5), holding the top spot for 15 total weeks. The Vols also led all DI teams in 3-point defense (26.5) that year, as well as ranked third in both scoring defense (57.9) and field-goal percentage defense (37.3).
• In five of the last seven seasons (2017-24), UT has finished top-10 in KenPom adjusted defensive efficiency: third in 2023-24, first in 2022-23, third in 2021-22, fifth in 2020-21 and sixth in 2017-18.
• UT, through 1/5/25, has won 42 times in a row when holding its foe under 60 points, including posting a dazzling 22-0 mark in 2022-23.
• The Vols, through 1/5/25, have won 49 straight when allowing 50 points or fewer, since 12/29/12. That includes 12 such victories in 2022-23, matching Houston for the most of any team that season.
RACKING UP RANKED VICTORIES
• TOP 25: In the past four years (2021-25), Tennessee has an SEC-best 22 AP top-25 wins, good for fourth nationally,. It is behind just Kansas (24), Connecticut (23) and Iowa State (23). Only Purdue (21) is even within one of the Volunteers, while the closest SEC school is two behind (Alabama with 20).
• TOP 20: Tennessee possesses an SEC-high 19 AP top-20 wins over that span, the third-most of any DI school, trailing only Connecticut (22) and Kansas (21). The only other schools with even 17-plus are Purdue (18) and Iowa State (17). The closest SEC program is two shy (Alabama with 16).
• TOP 15: The Volunteers own an SEC-best 16 AP top-15 decisions over those four seasons, good for second-most in the country, trailing just Kansas (19). Only Alabama (14) and Iowa State (14) are even within two of Tennessee.
• TOP 10: Since 2021-22, Tennessee owns eight AP top-10 triumphs, co-second in the SEC and co- sixth nationally, alongside Alabama and North Carolina. Only Connecticut (11), Iowa State (11), Kansas (11), Purdue (10) and Kentucky (nine) have more. The eight such wins in that time are against #1 Alabama (2/15/23), #3 Kansas (11/25/22), #3 Auburn (2/26/22), #4 Kentucky (2/15/22), #5 Kentucky (3/12/22), #6 Arizona (12/22/21), #10 Texas (1/28/23) and at #10 Kentucky (2/3/24).
• TOP FIVE: In that same four-year span, UT has five AP top-five wins, tied with Alabama, Arizona and Iowa State for the most in the country. Only two other schools, Gonzaga and Purdue, have even four.
…AND DOING SO EFFICIENTLY
• Tennessee, at 22-15 (.595), has the SEC’s best record versus AP top-25 opponents over the last four seasons (2021-25). Auburn (13-10 .565) ranks second, while no one else has a mark above .530.
• The Volunteers are nine games over .500 (19-10; .655) against AP top-20 teams in that span, while just one other SEC team, Auburn (11-8; .579), is even at a .500 clip.
• UT is also nine games over .500 (16-7; .696) versus AP top-15 foes in that time, while the next closest SEC teams in winning percentage are Auburn (8-6; .571) and Kentucky (12-9; .571). No others are above a .500 mark.
• At 8-6 (.571), the Volunteers have the best record in the SEC against AP top-10 foes over those four seasons. Kentucky (9-8; .529) places second and no one else is at even a .500 mark.
• Tennessee (5-4; .556) is the only SEC team with a winning record versus AP top-five teams in that four-year stretch. Arkansas (3-3; .500) ranks second, while all others are under a .500 tally.
• The Volunteers, despite their excellent winning percentage, have played the fourth-most games (37) against AP top-25 foes of any SEC team in the last four years (2021-25). They trailing just Texas (45), Oklahoma (41) and Alabama (38) in such outing, while no other SEC school is above 33.
WINNING WAYS
• Over the last eight seasons (2017-25), Tennessee paces all SEC programs in total wins (186), plus is tied for first in postseason victories (18) and sits a close second in overall winning percentage (.735). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).
• In that same eight-year stretch, the Vols are one of only three SEC teams with an overall winning percentage above even .660, alongside Auburn (.737) and Kentucky (.704).
• In SEC play over the same eight-year period, Tennessee (88-40; .688) is second in the league, behind Kentucky (89-39; .695), in both victories and winning percentage. Only Auburn (84-45; .648) and Alabama (80-48; .622) are at even 75-plus wins.
• Over just the last four seasons (2021-25), the Volunteers own a 94-29 (.764) overall record. That is good for the most victories and the second-best winning percentage (just .0005 behind Auburn) in the SEC over that span.
• In that same four-year stretch, Tennessee (41-16; .719) is tied with both Auburn Kentucky for the best record in conference play among SEC teams.
POLL PRESENCE
• Tennessee has played 219 games as a ranked team in the AP Poll in Rick Barnes‘ tenure, posting a 166-53 (.758) record. Over 68.0 percent of the Volunteers’ 319 games since Barnes arrived in 2015- 16 have come with the team ranked in the AP Poll, all since 2017-18 (219 of 253, 86.6 percent).
• UT is 145-48 (.751) while in the AP top 20 under Barnes, 114-35 (.765) while top-15, 88-26 (.772) while top-10, 44-13 (.772) while top-five, 25-3 (.893) while top-three and 14-2 (.875) while No. 1.
• The Vols are 30-23 (.566) in AP top-25 matchups under Barnes, including 23-16 (.590) with both teams in the top 20, 14-10 (.583) with both in the top 15 and 7-7 (.500) with both in the top 10.
HAPPY AT HOME
• Over the last five seasons, since 2020-21, the Volunteers are 66-7 (.904) on their home court.
• In 10 seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee is 131-24 (.845) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, UT has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.
Hoops Central: #15/15 Lady Vols vs. RV/RV Mississippi State
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 15/15 Tennessee (14-2, 2-2 SEC) welcomes RV/RV Mississippi State (15-3, 2-2 SEC) for the Big Orange’s 2025 “We Back Pat” game on Thursday night at Food City Center.
The Lady Vols and Bulldogs will meet at 7 p.m. ET in a contest televised by SEC Network and carried on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide as well as audio-streamed on UTSports.com and SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 or 190.
UT is coming off a 30-point road win at Arkansas, outscoring the Razorbacks 28-2 on points off turnovers, 22-10 on fast breaks and 40-22 in the paint en route to a 93-63 triumph on Sunday. The Lady Vols feature five players averaging double figures in scoring, led by redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper, who puts up 18.3 points per game and shoots 51 percent from the field. Cooper is coming off a 20-point effort vs. Arkansas, marking her eighth 20+ scoring outburst of the season. Fifth-year guard Jewel Spear has scored 15 points or more in five of her last six games, dropping season highs of 20 at Texas A&M and 28 vs. Oklahoma, followed by 25 vs. LSU. She eclipsed the 2,000-point mark for her career in the second quarter vs. Arkansas.
Mississippi State also owns a 2-2 SEC record after capturing a 79-68 road win at Georgia on Sunday. The Bulldogs are paced by guard Jerkaila Jordan, who puts up 15.6 ppg. and 6.6 rpg. She is joined in double figures by guard/forward Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.).
Kim Caldwell‘s first Lady Vol team enters the match-up ranked No. 1 nationally in four statistical categories through Jan. 14. UT is tops in the NCAA in scoring offense (96.4), three pointers per game (12.0), three point attempts per game (36.0) and offensive rebounds per game (20.6). It is second in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and turnover margin (11.75), third in steals per game (14.4), and sixth in bench points per game (33.8).
MORE INFO
GAMEDAY TIMES & BROADCAST INFO
- Opponent: Mississippi State
- Date: Thurs., Jan. 16
- Tip-off: 7 p.m. ET
- Venue: Food City Center
- Watch: SEC Network
- Radio: Lady Vol Network
- Online: Live Audio, Live Stats
RELATED LINKS
Buy Tickets Walk-Through Metal Detectors In Use Clear Bag Policy Gameday Info Follow @LadyVol_Hoops
TENNESSEE
MISSISSIPPI STATE
THE LATEST FROM THE LADY VOLS
Lady Vols To Host “We Back Pat” Game Thursday #16/15 Lady Vols Roll Past Arkansas, 93-63 #6/4 LSU Withstands Lady Vol Upset Bid, 89-87 #9/10 Oklahoma Edges #15/13 Tennessee, 87-86 #15/13 Lady Vols Open SEC Play With 91-78 Win Over Aggies Boyd Named SEC Women’s Hoops Co-Freshman of The Week
BROADCAST DETAILS
- Sam Gore (play-by-play) and LVFL Nikki (Caldwell) Fargas (analyst) will have the call for SEC Network.
- All of the games included in the ESPN package (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) will be available through WatchESPN, accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app, and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 or Xbox One to fans who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
- The contest also can be heard on Lady Vol Network stations and by audio stream, with Brian Rice providing play-by-play and Jay Lifford serving as studio host.
- A link to the live audio stream can be found on the Hoops Central page or the schedule on UTSports.com.
- For a list of Lady Vol Network affiliates, please click the Fans tab at the top of UTSports.com, select Vol Network and then click on the Vol Network Affiliates tab.
- Air-time generally occurs 30 minutes prior to tip-off.
- The Lady Vol Network broadcast also will be available via SiriusXM Satellite Radio channels 106 and 190.
PARKING, TRAFFIC FLOW, ENTRY ALERTS
- Fans coming to campus looking to purchase basketball parking will do so on-site with a credit card.
- Those parking in the G-10 garage are requested to enter from Neyland Drive.
- There is free public parking on the Ag Campus and a free shuttle to and from there for fans. All shuttles are fully accessible for those with disabilities.
- The shuttle location on the Ag campus is on River Drive near the Brehm Animal Sciences Bldg. and across from the CF lot. Visit https://parking.utk.edu/parking/special-events/athletic/ for maps and more information.
- Shuttles begin two hours prior to tip-off. Return shuttles run one hour postgame or until the Food City Center is cleared.
- Accessible shuttle loading and unloading for those with disabilities is located next to Arena Dining.
- For regular shuttles, the unloading and loading areas near Food City Center will be as follows: Prior to the game, regular shuttles will unload at Chamique Holdsclaw and Lake Loudoun Blvd. After the game, regular shuttles will load at Lake Loudoun Blvd and Phillip Fulmer Way.
- All tickets and Tennessee Fund parking passes are digital.
- Fans will again see walk-through metal detectors outside of all Food City Center entrances.
- Gates typically open one hour before tip for women’s games.
PHILLIP FULMER WAY CLOSURE INFO.
- Due to the resumption of construction and upgrades to Neyland Stadium, basketball fans and media members should be advised of immediate changes to normal traffic patterns on Phillip Fulmer Way and Peyton Manning Pass during the rest of the 2024-25 season.
- Phillip Fulmer Way from G-10 garage to Neyland Stadium Gate 21 vicinity is now closed.
- The G-10 garage will not be accessible southbound on Phillip Fulmer Way.
- Phillip Fulmer Way will be closed to southbound traffic at Middle Drive, and it will not be accessible via Peyton Manning Pass.
- For events at Food City Center, G-10 and Staff 5 parking areas will be accessible via Lake Loudoun Boulevard, but it is strongly recommended that vehicles enter G-10 via Neyland Drive.
- Lot G5/30 is only accessible from Lake Loudoun Blvd.
INDIVIDUALLY SPEAKING
- COOP IS THE REAL DEAL: Guard Talaysia Cooper is having a break-out season, leading UT in scoring (18.3 ppg.) and steals (3.6 spg.), hitting double figures 14 times, carding eight efforts of 20+ points and notching seven quarters where she scored 10 or more points, including 12 and 10, respectively, in the fourth period vs. Florida State and Iowa.
- “FEAR DA SPEAR”: Jewel Spear is enjoying her best stretch this season, averaging 19.8 ppg. in SEC play, hitting 18 of 31 three-point tries in league action (58.1 pct.) to run her season total to a team-high 41 treys.
- SMOOTH SAMARA: Samara Spencer (11.3 ppg., 5.6 apg.) ranks No. 5 nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.42) with 89 assists, is 11 dimes short of her third 100+ assist season and is second on the team with 38 three-pointers (team-best 42.7 percent).
- DEPENDABLE RUBY: Ruby Whitehorn is UT’s third-leading scorer at 13.0 ppg. contributing 10+ points in her past 10 games and ranking third in rebounding (4.9 rpg.).
- ZEE STEPPING UP: Forward Zee Spearman has been in double figures nine times, averaging 11.2 ppg. and a team-high 5.6 rpg. while shooting 54.4 percent.
FROM A TEAM PERSPECTIVE
- PILING UP POINTS: The Lady Vols rank No. 1 nationally in scoring offense, generating 96.4 points per game. The lowest a Kim Caldwell team has ranked in ppg. is No. 4, where she was in 2023-24 (85.3) at Marshall.
- MAKING THREES IN BUNCHES: UT ranks No. 1 in 3FGs made per game at 12.0 and has hit 10+ treys 12 times, eclipsing the old school best of six. It has hit 10+ threes in its past six games, notching its best streak.
- CRASHING O-BOARDS: UT is No. 1 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game at 20.6. It has twice reached 30+ this season.
- TURNING OVER THE OPPOSITION: UT is No. 2 in turnovers forced per game (26.44) and No. 2 in T.O. margin (11.75). Arkansas had 22 miscues on Jan. 12 for the 12th 20+ T.O. game (7th with 30+) by a foe in 2024-25.
- RACKING UP STEALS: UT is No. 3 nationally in steals per game (14.4). It now has 12 games of 10+ steals and 230 total in 16 games. It had 159 in 33 games a year ago.
- THAT’S A 10-COUNT: Tennessee has prevented its foes from getting the ball over halfcourt in 10 seconds a total of 17 times in 16 games. UT forced only five violations the previous five years combined.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- UT’S BEST START SINCE 2017-18: UT opened at 13-0 for the first time since 2017-18 (15-0) and the seventh time ever.
- SECOND BEST START FOR COACH: UT’s 13-0 start was the second-best opening of a season in Kim Caldwell‘s nine years as a head coach behind her 29-0 start at Glenville State in 2021-22 on the way to 35-1.
- TENNESSEE’S BEST COACHING START: The win over N.C. Central on Dec. 14 gave Kim Caldwell eight straight to open her tenure, making it the best coaching debut in Lady Vol basketball history. She upped it to 13-0.
- UT NO. 16 IN NET RANKINGS: UT is at No. 16 in the NCAA’s NET rankings as of Jan. 14.
- NO. 18 TOUGHEST SCHEDULE: The Lady Vols’ full schedule ranks No. 18 on the NCAA Toughest Schedule report (1/14).
- CHASING 2,000/500 STAT LINE: Jewel Spear now as 2,000+ points and needs 16 rebounds to have 500 for her career.
- EYEING 1,000: Junior Ruby Whitehorn (919) is closing in on 1,000 career points.
- 1,500/500/500 IN SIGHT: Samara Spencer sits at 1,549 points, 466 rebounds and 454 assists, standing 34 boards and 46 dimes from a 1,500/500/500 career stat line.
FAMILIAR FACES
- Tennessee assistant coach Gabe Lazo was an associate head coach at Mississippi State and spent two seasons in Starkville before joining Kim Caldwell‘s Lady Vol staff prior to the 2024-25 season.
- He helped the Bulldogs to a pair of 20-win seasons, a top-15 prep signing class and a top-three portal class.
- At UT, he helped Kim Caldwell sign a highly-regarded five-player portal class and a 2025 prep group that is considered either the No. 1 class by 247Sports or the No. 2 unit by ESPN.
- First-year Mississippi State assistant coach Samantha Williams spent three seasons at Tennessee on Kellie Harper’s staff.
- MSU junior guard Denim DeShields is the younger sister of LVFL Diamond DeShields (2014-17) and the daughter of former UT track standout Tisha (Milligan) DeShields.
LOOKING BACK AT THE LAST GAME
- Redshirt sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper led four players in double figures with her eighth 20-point effort of the season, as No. 16/15 Tennessee rolled past Arkansas, 93-63, on Sunday afternoon at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.
- Cooper scored exactly 20 points vs. the Razorbacks on 7-of-14 shooting from the field and added a game-high four steals to lead the Lady Vols (14-2, 2-2 SEC). Junior forward Zee Spearman knocked down a career-best trio of three-pointers to tally 18 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Ruby Whitehorn supplied 17 points and senior forward Sara Puckett was a rebound shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine boards. In her return to Fayetteville, where she spent her first three college seasons, senior point guard Samara Spencer directed UT’s offense with eight assists and no turnovers while adding four rebounds and three steals.
- Arkansas (8-11, 1-3 SEC) was paced by Izzy Higginbottom, who led all scorers with 26 points. Carly Keats was the only other Razorback scoring in double figures, tossing in 10.
POSTGAME NOTES VS. ARKANSAS
- JEWEL JOINS THE 2K CLUB: Jewel Spear became the 10th player in program history to reach and surpass 2,000 career points. Spear sank her 2,000th point on a free throw at the 2:38 mark in the second quarter. The fifth-year guard finished with six points, two rebounds and six assists against Arkansas. Spear became the fifth transfer to hit 2K, joining fellow transfers Rickea Jackson (Mississippi State), Cindy Brogdon (Mercer), Jill Rankin (Wayland Baptist) and Patricia Roberts (Emporia State), who also reached that plateau. Sunday’s contest against the Hogs marked Spear’s 136th career game, her 47th as a Lady Vol.
- ANOTHER COOP 20-PIECE: Talaysia Cooper netted her eighth 20-plus performance of the season and her career, tallying a team-leading 20 points. Cooper hit seven of 14 field goals and knocked down one of three three-pointers. The redshirt sophomore finished with three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Cooper’s last 20-point scoring affair came against LSU on Jan. 9, when she carded 24 points.
- SPENCER DROPPIN’ DIMES: Senior point guard Samara Spencer carded eight assists with no turnovers vs. her old school. It tied her second highest total of the season and pushed her totals to 89 assists vs. 26 turnovers on the season. Her flawless effort with the ball was her third this year without turning the ball over.
- HOT FROM THREE: Tennessee carded its 12th performance of knocking down ten or more three-pointers in a single contest, hitting 12 against the Hogs. Eight Lady Vols made a three-pointer, with Zee Spearman leading the charge with three. Tennessee notched its highest three-point game against N.C. Central, draining an NCAA, SEC and school-record 30 treys. The Lady Vols have tallied 10 or more three-pointers against the following programs: N.C. Central (30), MTSU (15), Liberty (14), Tulsa (14), Memphis (12), Arkansas (12), LSU (11), Western Carolina (10), Winthrop (10), Texas A&M (10), Oklahoma (10) and Samford (10).
- DANGEROUS ON DEFENSE: The Lady Vols forced Arkansas to turn the ball over a total of 22 times during Sunday’s win, posting a 28-2 advantage on points off turnovers and racking up 15 steals for its 12th double-digit effort in that category. Arkansas’s two points were the fewest points Tennessee has allowed off of turnovers all season long. Twelve of Tennessee’s foes thus far have committed at least 22 miscues: NC Central (44), Samford (37), Western Carolina (37), Oklahoma (31), UT Martin (31), Iowa (30), Winthrop (30), Texas A&M (25), Liberty (25), Tulsa (23), Arkansas (22) and MTSU (22). Tennessee also collected a 10-second violation versus the Hogs. This season UT’s press has resulted in 17 10-second violations by opponents through 16 games.
UT/MSU SERIES NOTES
- Tennessee has a 40-8 all-time record vs. Mississippi State after winning three of the past four meetings.
- UT is 18-3 vs. MSU in Knoxville, 18-3 vs. the Bulldogs in Starkville and 4-2 at neutral sites.
- After State had the upper hand from 2016-20, winning seven of eight and three straight in Knoxville, the Big Orange has won its past two at home vs. MSU.
- State has a 2-0 record in overtime games between these programs, winning a 65-63 affair in Starkville on Jan. 29, 2016, and a 91-90 double-overtime thriller at Humphrey Coliseum the last time these programs met on Feb. 26, 2023.
- UT and MSU have faced off six times in the SEC Tournament, with the Lady Vols owning a 4-2 record.
A LOOK AT THE BULLDOGS
- Mississippi State started 8-0 and went 13-1 in non-conference play before opening 2-2 in SEC play.
- After losing at Kentucky and vs. South Carolina in week one, MSU bounced back with wins vs. No. 10/11 Oklahoma and at Georgia last week.
- Jerkaila Jordan paces State at 15.6 ppg., while Eniya Russell (13.6 ppg.) and Madina Okot (12.0 ppg., 8.8 rpg.) also score in double figures.
- The Bulldogs hold foes to 58.7 ppg. and force 17.4 turnovers per contest.
ABOUT THE HEAD COACH
- Sam Purcell is 60-26 in his third season as head coach of the Bulldogs.
- In 2023-24, Purcell led MSU to a 23-12 record and became the only head coach in program history and one of five in the SEC since 2000 to surpass the 20-win mark in each of their first two seasons.
- Purcell totaled the most wins (45), most SEC wins (17) and most NCAA Tournament wins (2) of any MSU women’s WBB coach through their first two seasons.
- Purcell’s career stops include Auburn (student manager/video coordinator/admin. asst.), Tulsa (asst. coach), Georgia Tech (video coordinator/asst. coach) and Louisville (asst. coach/associate coach).
MSU’S LAST GAME
- A season-best shooting day for Mississippi State propelled the Bulldogs past Georgia, 79-68, on Sunday.
- MSU shot 48.3 percent from distance and hit a season-best 14 threes to overcome 17 turnovers.
- Eniya Russell led the way with 21 points, while Madina Okot added a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Jerkaila Jordan tossed in 11 points.
- MSU led 41-27 at the half and staved off a UGA rally.
LAST TIME WE MET STATE
- The Lady Vols overcame a 13-point second-quarter deficit to win, 75-64, over MSU at Humphrey Coliseum on Feb. 18, 2024, the last time these teams met.
- Tennessee (11-6, 4-1 SEC) was led by fifth-year senior Rickea Jackson, who turned in 19 points and seven rebounds. Junior Kaiya Wynn came off the bench to contribute a career-high 13 points, and fifth-year senior Jasmine Powell and junior Sara Puckett each tallied 11.
- Defensively, the Big Orange forced State into 15 turnovers on the evening and allowed the hosts only 19 points combined in the middle two quarters.
- Erynn Barnum led MSU with 15 points in that contest.
LAST TIME WE MET IN KNOXVILLE
- UT moved to 3-0 in SEC play with an 80-69 home win over MSU on Jan. 5, 2023, in the last meeting here.
- Jordan Horston set new season highs of 27 points and 14 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the year.
- Rickea Jackson and Tess Darby had 18 and 13 points, respectively.
- MSU’s Jessika Carter and Debreasha Powe had 21 each.
UP NEXT
- The Lady Vols make their way to Nashville this weekend, where they’ll face in-state rival Vanderbilt on Sunday afternoon in Memorial Gymnasium.
- Tip-off between the Big Orange and the Commodores is set for 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET) with SECN+ streaming.
- The game also will be available on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide and via audio stream on UTSports.com.
TBI Silver Alert for Missing Blount County Man
A TBI Silver Alert is issued on behalf of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for a missing man.
63 year-old Terry Lowe was last seen late yesterday (Tuesday) morning. He is believed to be driving a 2006 Black Mercury Milan with TN tag 961BBJT.
If you have any information please call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Lowe has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return home safely without assistance.
