KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Southern Indiana team riding a five-game win streak will face its toughest test of the season when the Screaming Eagles visit the Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. The nonconference matchup pits two teams with strong early-season records. Southern Indiana (8-2) has not lost since a Nov. 30 overtime defeat at Northern Kentucky. Tennessee (7-3), a perennial power, is looking to rebound after a decisive 89-65 road loss to Louisville this past Saturday. The game will feature a compelling backcourt duel. Southern Indiana is led by guard Ali Saunders, who is coming off a career-high 35-point performance in a 78-59 win over Morehead State. Over her last three games, Saunders is averaging 23.7 points and 4.3 assists. She will be matched against Tennessee’s dynamic guard Talaysia Cooper, who averages 11.8 points and a team-leading 6.2 assists per game. Cooper posted 19 points and six assists in the Lady Vols’ key road win at Stanford on Dec. 3. Southern Indiana’s success has been built on stifling defense, holding opponents to 41.8 points per game during its current win streak. The Gannon sisters, Chloe and Channah, combined for 27 points off the bench in the latest victory. Tennessee, which averages 78.8 points per game, possesses more size and depth. Alongside Cooper, contributors like Zee Spearman (18 points vs. Louisville) and Mia Pauldo provide multiple scoring threats. The Lady Vols are 4-0 at home this season, winning those contests by an average of 52.5 points. This marks the first-ever meeting between the programs. For Southern Indiana, it is a premier opportunity against a Southeastern Conference opponent. For Tennessee, it is a final tune-up before opening SEC play at home against Florida on Jan. 1, 2026. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.