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Caldwell Owns Tactical Misstep as Tennessee Bows Out in First Round With Program-Worst Record

She vows to restore the full‑court press after conceding a midseason switch eroded buy‑in.

Overview

  • Tennessee lost 76-61 to No. 7 NC State in Ann Arbor on March 20, finishing 16-14 with the lowest winning percentage in program history.
  • Kim Caldwell called it the worst year of her career and said introducing a midseason 'Plan B' cost the team its identity and clarity.
  • Her 'Plan B' meant abandoning the press, extending player stints and walking the ball into sets, which she said led to inconsistent rotations.
  • Leading rebounder Janiah Barker was unavailable, Talaysia Cooper scored 24 points, and Cooper reinforced that the program is effort- and press-driven.
  • The Lady Vols ended on an eight-game skid and went winless in March; Athletic Director Danny White has expressed confidence in Caldwell as roster retention and portal decisions loom.