Lady Vols Face Off Against NC State in Top-10 Showdown
The 2025-26 college basketball season kicks off with an exciting matchup as the No. 8 Tennessee Lady Vols go head-to-head with No. 9 NC State. This top-10 clash is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, as part of the Greensboro Invitational.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The highly anticipated game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and can also be heard on various Lady Vol Network radio stations. Fans can stream the audio online at UTSports.com. Pam Ward and Debbie Antonelli will handle the commentary for television viewers.
Recent Performances
Tennessee enters this matchup fresh off a dominant exhibition performance, where they routed Columbus State 148-48. This win not only showcased their potential but set a new exhibition scoring record for the Lady Vols. The team had seven players scoring in double digits, with Jersey Wolfenbarger, Nya Robertson, and freshman Mia Pauldo each scoring 18 points.
On the other side, NC State had a solid performance in their exhibition games, defeating High Point 77-69 and No. 10 Maryland 83-75. They demonstrated their depth and capability to challenge top teams.
Historical Context: Lady Vols vs. NC State
Tennessee leads the all-time series against NC State with a record of 12-4. However, NC State came away victorious in their last meeting during the 2024 NCAA Second Round, winning 79-72. Historically, this matchup has seen the Lady Vols strong, especially at neutral sites.
A Look Back at Last Season
Last season, Tennessee concluded with a 24-10 record and reached the NCAA Sweet 16. They shared the SEC spotlight while finishing in fifth place according to media predictions. NC State finished with a 28-7 overall record, claiming a share of the ACC title and also advancing to the Sweet 16.
What to Expect This Season
The Lady Vols are recognized as a top contender in this season’s rankings. They opened 2025-26 ranked eighth in the Associated Press poll, marking their highest pre-season ranking since 2022. Tennessee is focused on improving their performance to maintain their top-10 status.
Key Players to Watch
- Talaysia Cooper: Last season, she averaged 16.6 points per game and is known for her defensive skills.
- Zee Spearman: A strong rebounding presence and crucial player for Tennessee.
- Janiah Barker: A transfer from UCLA, she made waves as the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year.
- NC State’s Zoe Brooks: Recognized for her abilities, she is a key player for NC State’s chances.
Upcoming Schedule
Following the clash with NC State, the Lady Vols will return home for their opener against East Tennessee State, scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET. Additionally, Tennessee will face the UT Martin Skyhawks on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET as part of the Pat Summitt Heritage Classic.
This matchup promises to set the tone for what looks to be an exciting season for both teams. Fans will be eager to see how the Lady Vols and Wolfpack perform during this early test of their competitive mettle.
