Ohio State Women’s Basketball Loses to Tennessee, Ending NCAA Tournament Run

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ Women’s Basketball team entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with high hopes and a strong sense of determination. After an impressive regular season in which they proved themselves as one of the top teams in the nation, they found themselves in a highly anticipated matchup against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers in the Sweet 16. However, despite a valiant effort, Ohio State’s season came to a heartbreaking end as they lost to Tennessee, marking the conclusion of their run in the tournament.

This loss to Tennessee not only ended their championship hopes but also left fans, players, and coaches reflecting on what could have been for the Buckeyes. The 2025 season had already been a remarkable one, with Ohio State making significant strides under head coach Kevin McGuff. However, the road to the Final Four proved to be too steep against a talented Tennessee team that was playing with the urgency and passion that only comes in the postseason.

In this article, we will delve into Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament journey, explore what went wrong in their defeat to Tennessee, analyze the key moments of the game, and reflect on the season as a whole.

Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament Journey: A Strong Start

Heading into the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Ohio State was coming off a strong regular season that included a top-tier finish in the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Taylor Mikesell and Jacy Sheldon. Mikesell, a sharpshooter from the perimeter, and Sheldon, known for her speed, scoring ability, and leadership, were two of the most talented players in the country, and they were expected to carry Ohio State deep into the tournament.

Ohio State’s path to the Sweet 16 was impressive. They breezed through the opening rounds with dominant wins over lesser competition, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive discipline. Their first-round matchup against an overmatched team was a confidence-builder, and they followed that up with a hard-fought victory in the second round, where their teamwork, depth, and resilience were on full display.

The Buckeyes seemed to be peaking at the right time, and as they entered the Sweet 16, they were brimming with confidence. They had faced stiff competition throughout the Big Ten season, and many believed they were more than capable of competing with the best teams in the nation, including Tennessee.

Tennessee: A Tough Opponent with a Rich History

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers have long been one of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball. Under head coach Kelly Harper, Tennessee had continued to uphold its reputation as one of the most dominant forces in the sport. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented younger players, Tennessee had navigated their own challenging road to the Sweet 16.

Led by standout guard Jordan Horston, Tennessee had one of the most dynamic and well-rounded teams in the tournament. Horston’s versatility, combined with strong play from Rickea Jackson and Tess Darby, made Tennessee a tough opponent for anyone. They were a team that could score in a variety of ways, defend with intensity, and execute in crunch-time moments. For Ohio State, matching up against Tennessee’s physicality, size, and depth would be no easy task.

Tennessee’s tournament experience and championship pedigree were always going to be a factor in this game. The Lady Volunteers were battle-tested, having faced some of the best teams in the country throughout the SEC regular season, and they were ready for the intensity of the Sweet 16 stage.

The Sweet 16 Matchup: Ohio State vs. Tennessee

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that the Sweet 16 matchup between Ohio State and Tennessee was going to be a closely contested affair. Both teams came out with high energy, and the game quickly became a back-and-forth battle. Ohio State’s offense, which had been high-powered all season long, had difficulty getting into a rhythm early against Tennessee’s physical defense.

Tennessee made its presence known right from the start. Their defense was stifling, with Jordan Horston and Tess Darby applying constant pressure on Ohio State’s perimeter players. Ohio State’s guards, Mikesell and Sheldon, were forced to work much harder for their usual open looks. Tennessee’s length and athleticism made it tough for Ohio State to establish any kind of offensive flow, and the Buckeyes struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities.

Despite the challenges, Ohio State stayed within striking distance for most of the first half. Jacy Sheldon, as she has done so often throughout the season, provided a much-needed spark for the Buckeyes, driving to the basket and keeping her team in the game. Taylor Mikesell, known for her ability to hit clutch three-pointers, was also able to get a few shots to fall, but her usual hot shooting hand was inconsistent, as Tennessee’s defense was in her face every time she attempted a shot.

The game remained tight throughout the first two quarters, but Tennessee gradually started to pull away in the second half. A combination of stifling defense, timely shooting, and key offensive contributions from Rickea Jackson gave Tennessee the lead. Horston, who had been quiet in the first half, started to take over, contributing both as a scorer and a playmaker. She demonstrated why she’s regarded as one of the best players in the nation, and her leadership on both ends of the court was pivotal for Tennessee’s success.

Ohio State continued to battle, but they were unable to stop the Lady Vols’ momentum. Tennessee’s ability to capitalize on Ohio State’s mistakes—particularly turnovers and missed shots—allowed them to extend their lead. The Buckeyes found themselves in a hole, trailing by double digits as the final minutes of the game ticked away.

Key Moments and Turning Points

There were several key moments in the game that ultimately determined Ohio State’s fate. Perhaps the most significant was in the third quarter when Ohio State, after a brief rally, seemed poised to close the gap. However, Tennessee responded with a quick 7-0 run that swung the momentum in their favor. During this stretch, Horston hit a big three-pointer, followed by a steal and an easy fast-break layup, pushing Tennessee’s lead back to a comfortable margin.

Another turning point came with about five minutes left in the fourth quarter when Ohio State was down by 8 but had managed to trim the deficit with a few clutch shots. However, a missed three-pointer by Mikesell and a subsequent fast-break layup by Tess Darby gave Tennessee a 10-point lead, effectively sealing the game for the Lady Vols.

Despite a valiant effort from the Buckeyes, they were unable to make one final push in the closing minutes. Jacy Sheldon, who had played her heart out and finished the game as Ohio State’s leading scorer, had few opportunities in the final minutes to get her team back in the game. As time expired, Tennessee had emerged victorious with a 74-64 win, ending Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament run and sending them to the Elite Eight.

Ohio State’s Season Reflection: What Went Right and What Went Wrong

While the loss to Tennessee was certainly a painful one for Ohio State, the 2025 season as a whole was one of significant growth and achievement. The Buckeyes showed that they belong among the elite teams in women’s college basketball, finishing near the top of the Big Ten and earning a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. They were one of the most entertaining teams to watch, with a fast-paced offense and strong defense, and they achieved some memorable wins during the regular season.

Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Mikesell both had fantastic individual seasons, and their leadership was key to Ohio State’s success. The team’s young players also gained valuable experience that will serve them well in future seasons. Though the loss to Tennessee stung, it should not overshadow the progress that the program made under Coach Kevin McGuff.

As the team looks ahead, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. The Buckeyes will have a strong core of players returning for the 2026 season, and with continued development, they have the potential to make another deep run in next year’s NCAA Tournament. Ohio State has proven that they can compete with the best, and this tournament loss to Tennessee will only serve as motivation to work harder and come back stronger.

Tennessee Advances: What’s Next for the Lady Vols

For Tennessee, the win over Ohio State was another step toward their ultimate goal of reaching the Final Four. The Lady Vols now have their sights set on advancing further in the tournament, and with players like Horston and Jackson leading the charge, they are a dangerous team to watch. Their experience and depth make them a formidable opponent for any team left in the tournament, and they’ll be looking to add another national championship to their storied program.

Ohio State’s Resilient Season Ends with Heartbreak

Although the Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2025 NCAA Tournament run came to an end at the hands of Tennessee, the season as a whole was an impressive and successful one. The team showcased their resilience, talent, and heart throughout the year, and their performance in the tournament proved that they are a team to be reckoned with in the future. As Coach Kevin McGuff and his staff look to build upon this season’s success, Ohio State will be hungry to return to the tournament next year and make another run at the ultimate prize. For now, though, they can take pride in the strides they’ve made and the incredible effort they gave in this year’s tournament.