Lady Vols Set for Showdown with NC State in WBB Preview

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Lady Vols Set for Showdown with NC State in WBB Preview

The Tennessee Lady Vols are set to begin their 2025-26 basketball season with a highly anticipated matchup against the NC State Wolfpack. This clash will take place on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET during the Ro Greensboro Invitational at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Fans can catch the game live on ESPN2 or via the Lady Vol Network radio stations.

Recent Performance

The Lady Vols are coming off a stunning exhibition win, where they defeated Columbus State, ranked No. 24 in NCAA Division II, with a score of 148-48. This performance saw seven players score in double figures and set a new exhibition scoring record, surpassing their previous high of 144 points.

Leading scorers: Jersey Wolfenbarger, Nya Robertson, and Mia Pauldo each scored 18 points.
Key contributions: Talaysia Cooper added 17 points, while Janiah Barker secured a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Total steals: The Lady Vols accumulated an impressive 30 steals during the game.

Upcoming Challenge Against NC State

NC State comes into this matchup with a strong exhibition record, having defeated No. 10 Maryland with a score of 83-75 in their last game. Last season, NC State finished with an overall record of 28-7 and shared the ACC title. They reached the NCAA Sweet 16 before losing to LSU.

Series History

Tennessee holds a 12-4 advantage over NC State in their all-time meetings. However, the Wolfpack won the last encounter, a tightly contested game in the NCAA Second Round in March 2024.

Lady Vols Season Outlook

Tennessee has entered the new season ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press preseason poll, marking the first time they’ve been in the top 10 to start a season since 2022-23. The team aims to build on last year’s performance where they reached the NCAA Sweet 16.

Key Returning Players

Talaysia Cooper, redshirt junior, averaged 16.6 points per game last season.
Zee Spearman, senior forward, contributed 11.7 points per game and returns strong after last season.

What to Expect

The Lady Vols look to utilize their experience and depth against NC State. With top-rated transfer players and a promising freshman class, expectations are high this season. Coach Kim Caldwell will aim for a strong start against a competitive opponent in NC State.

Following this opening game, the Lady Vols will host East Tennessee State in their home opener and will then travel to play UT Martin. The early season is vital for establishing momentum as they compete in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference.