The Tennessee Lady Volunteers have once again demonstrated their prowess in women’s college basketball by securing a decisive 82-67 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes. This win propels them into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the 37th time in the program’s illustrious history.
Game Overview
The matchup, held on March 23, 2025, saw the fifth-seeded Lady Vols face off against the fourth-seeded Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio. Despite the challenges of playing on the road, Tennessee showcased resilience and determination throughout the game.
First Half
The game commenced with Ohio State taking an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead at 21-17. However, the Lady Vols responded assertively in the second quarter, outscoring the Buckeyes 23-14. This surge allowed Tennessee to enter halftime with a 40-35 advantage.
Second Half
Tennessee’s momentum continued into the third quarter, where they extended their lead by adding 26 points to Ohio State’s 24. The final quarter was marked by the Lady Vols’ defensive tenacity, limiting the Buckeyes to just 8 points while adding 16 themselves, culminating in the 82-67 victory.
Key Performances
Several players were instrumental in Tennessee’s success:
- Talaysia Cooper: Delivered an outstanding all-around performance with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals, and 5 assists.
- Zee Spearman: Contributed significantly with 17 points and 5 rebounds.
- Ruby Whitehorn: Added 14 points and 5 rebounds, providing crucial support on both ends of the court.
- Samara Spencer: Chipped in with 10 points, bolstering the team’s offensive efforts.
Defensive Dominance
A hallmark of the Lady Vols’ victory was their defensive intensity:
- Turnovers Forced: Tennessee’s relentless pressure led to 23 Ohio State turnovers, marking the 21st time this season they’ve forced at least 20 miscues.
- Points Off Turnovers: The Lady Vols capitalized effectively, scoring 37 points off these turnovers compared to Ohio State’s 15.
- Second-Chance Points: Tennessee dominated in this area as well, securing a 21-6 edge over the Buckeyes.
Three-Point Prowess
Tennessee’s proficiency from beyond the arc was evident as they drained 10 three-pointers during the game. This achievement marked the 18th time this season the team has made 10 or more treys in a single game, setting a new school record.
Coach’s Perspective
First-year head coach Kim Caldwell expressed immense pride in her team’s performance:
“I thought we played really hard, probably the hardest we’ve played all year, which is what we needed,” Caldwell said. “Hats off to the Ohio State fan base. It was loud in there for a period of time. Our huddles were tight. We did a really good job of playing through the runs.
Historical Significance
The Lady Vols’ consistent excellence is underscored by their unparalleled participation in all 43 NCAA Tournaments since the event’s inception in 1982. This upcoming Sweet 16 appearance further cements their legacy as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball.
Looking Ahead
Tennessee advances to face either No. 1 seed Texas or No. 8 seed Illinois in the Sweet 16. The game is scheduled for Saturday at Legacy Arena in the Birmingham 3 Regional, with tip-off at either 1 or 3:30 p.m. ET. The contest will be televised by ABC and available on Lady Vol Network radio stations statewide, as well as via audio stream on UTSports.com.