KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Tennessee Lady Volunteers look to build on a signature road win when they host the Winthrop Eagles in a nonconference women’s basketball game Sunday at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tennessee (6-2) is coming off a 65-62 victory at then-Stanford on Dec. 3, a result that highlighted the team’s potential. The Lady Vols are led by guard Talaysia Cooper, who scored 19 points and dished six assists in the win over the Cardinal. Cooper is averaging 13.5 points and 6.8 assists per game, serving as the engine for Tennessee’s offense. Winthrop (7-4) enters on a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating UNC Wilmington 78-68 on Dec. 7. The Eagles are paced by guard Madison Ruff, who tied for the team lead with 17 points in that victory. Ruff has scored in double figures in five of her last six games, providing consistent offensive production. The matchup presents a stark contrast in competition level. Tennessee’s two losses came against ranked opponents UCLA and North Carolina State, and its schedule is ranked among the nation’s toughest. Winthrop’s wins have largely come against mid-major opponents, with its most challenging game a 106-56 loss at top-ranked South Carolina. For Winthrop, containing Cooper and handling Tennessee’s defensive pressure will be paramount. The Eagles have shown scoring balance, with Amourie Porter and Mya Pierfax also capable of big nights. Tennessee will aim to leverage its size and athleticism to disrupt Winthrop’s rhythm and control the paint. This game marks the first meeting between the programs. Following this contest, Tennessee prepares for a neutral-site showdown with Louisville in Brooklyn on Dec. 20, while Winthrop continues a road swing at Charlotte on Dec. 17. Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon, Dec. 14, 2025.