UConn, Tennessee to Renew Storied Women's Hoop Rivalry

STORRS, CT/SPRINGFIELD, MA – After a 12-year absence, the women's basketball programs at the University of Connecticut and Tennessee will resume their rivalry beginning with the 2019-20 season.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame made the announcement Tuesday.

The two programs, which account for 19 combined NCAA Championships, have not faced each other since 2007.

As part of the two-year series, UConn will host Tennessee during the 2019-20 season, with a portion of proceeds going to the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

In the 2020-21 season, the Lady Vols will host the Huskies in Knoxville, with a portion of proceeds again going to the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Game dates and times will be announced at a later date. The games will be televised and supported worldwide by the ESPN family of networks. The event will be showcased during the annual "We Back Pat" week.

“The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate all levels of the game for both men and women,” said Hall of Fame President John L. Doleva. “When it comes to women’s college hoops, there’s no match-up more highly anticipated than that of UConn versus Tennessee. We’re so proud to unite these teams in a contest benefitting great causes and honoring the late Hall of Famer Pat Summitt.”

“I am happy to have the Lady Vols back on our schedule and am thrilled that proceeds to our games will benefit such an important endeavor like the Pat Summitt Foundation,” UConn head coach Geno Auriemma said. “I know our fans will be excited to renew the rivalry with Tennessee and expect them to fill the building for some good basketball and a great cause.”

The Huskies and Lady Vols have combined for 19 national championships, produced 28 Olympians, 43 WBCA All-Americans and 17 Women’s Basketball Hall of Famers.

UConn leads the all-time series, 13-9. The Huskies defeated the Lady Vols four times in the NCAA championship game.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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