"Still so proud": Iowa coach Jan Jensen shares an uplifting message after Hawkeyes' 78-68 loss vs. Tennessee

Jan Jensen's No. 22 Iowa succumbed to a 78-68 defeat to Tennessee in the inaugural Women's Champions Classic at Barclays Center Saturday. The Hawkeyes struggled against the Lady Volunteers' fast pace, committing 18 turnovers before halftime and 30 by the end of the game.

After the game, Jensen took her Instagram story to share an uplifting post for her team.

"Though we came up short," still so proud of our Hawks... learning & growing together!"

Jan Jenson's uplifting post after Iowa's 78-68 loss to Tennessee in the Women's Champions Classic on Saturday, Dec. 7. IG image via @janjensen13

Jan Jensen reacts to Iowa's 78-68 loss to Tennessee in Women's Champions Classic

The Hawkeyes suffered their first defeat this season in the hands of the Lady Vols, thanks in large part to turnovers. Iowa coach Jensen felt her team's lack of composure was responsible for the setback.

"The key to the game I thought was who was really going to be poised and I don't think we had that at all."

Lucy Olson, who missed two previous games due to a knee injury, led Iowa with 23 points. Addi O'Grady finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Hannah Stuelke grabbed 10 rebounds.

Tennessee made a strong start in the game, bolting to a 10-2 lead in the first quarter. Olson answered right back with 11 points and helped Iowa end the quarter with a 22-18 lead.

The Lady Vols continued to struggle in the second quarter, scoring only one from 3-point range. However, their pressure in Iowa's defense paid off as the Hawkeyes committed 18 turnovers, with Tennessee scoring 23 off those.

The first half ended even at 35-35 but Iowa's turnover issues continued in the second half. Tennessee was more efficient off those and eventually pulled away for the win.

This was also a matchup of two first-year head coaches. This is Jensen's first year as Iowa coach after taking over from Lisa Bulder, who retired last year. Jensen served as an assistant for 24 years and became the first coach in school history to begin her career 8-0.

Kim Caldwell joined Tennessee from Marshall and brought her fast-paced style, which served the Lady Vols well in their win against the Hawkeyes in the first meeting between the two programs since 1993.