Lady Vols Cruise Past Ohio State 82-67, Head to Sweet 16

The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers delivered an impressive performance in their second-round game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, winning decisively 82-67, and advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. With this victory, Tennessee solidified its place among the tournament’s elite teams and showed once again why they are a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball.

The game, which took place in front of a packed arena, was filled with highs and lows for both teams. However, the Lady Vols’ balanced attack, led by their dynamic scoring and defense, ultimately proved too much for Ohio State to handle. Head coach Kellie Harper’s strategy to exploit Ohio State’s defensive lapses, combined with strong performances from key players, led to the Lady Vols’ success.

Let’s break down the game and highlight the critical moments, performances, and strategic moves that propelled Tennessee to victory.

First Half: Strong Start Sets the Tone

From the opening tip, it was clear that Tennessee was on a mission. The Lady Vols came out aggressive, and the offense flowed smoothly. Guard Jordan Horston was instrumental in setting the tone early. Horston, known for her scoring ability and all-around play, took control of the game by creating opportunities for both herself and her teammates.

Ohio State, however, wasn’t about to let Tennessee dictate the pace without a fight. Led by Jacy Sheldon, the Buckeyes tried to keep up, with Sheldon scoring efficiently and showing flashes of the individual brilliance that has made her one of the top players in the nation. The Buckeyes stayed competitive early, and the game was neck-and-neck for the first several minutes.

The Lady Vols took a 15-12 lead midway through the first quarter, but what really helped them seize control was their ability to turn defense into offense. Tennessee’s press defense forced multiple Ohio State turnovers, and the Lady Vols capitalized on those mistakes with fast-break points. The pressure that Tennessee applied caused the Buckeyes to struggle with their ball movement, and they began to force shots that were not falling.

Tennessee’s Rekia Jackson, one of the team’s most consistent scorers, stepped up in a big way during the first half. Jackson found her rhythm quickly, knocking down several key shots from beyond the arc and in the paint. Her versatility allowed Tennessee to stretch the floor, making it difficult for Ohio State to defend.

By halftime, Tennessee had built a comfortable lead of 47-33. The Lady Vols shot 53% from the field in the first half, compared to Ohio State’s 42%, and they were also winning the battle on the boards, with Tamari Key providing a defensive presence in the paint. Key, Tennessee’s towering center, was a force on both ends of the floor, blocking shots and securing rebounds that limited Ohio State’s second-chance opportunities.

Second Half: Ohio State’s Rally Falls Short

As the second half began, Ohio State knew they had to make a move to get back into the game. Head coach Kevin McGuff made adjustments, emphasizing a faster pace of play and trying to exploit any gaps in Tennessee’s defense. Sheldon continued to lead the charge, scoring a few quick baskets to bring the Buckeyes within 10 points, but Tennessee wasn’t about to let their lead slip away.

What stood out in the second half was the depth of Tennessee’s roster. While Horston, Jackson, and Key were the focal points of the offense, players like Jewel Spear and Sara Puckett provided valuable contributions, keeping Ohio State on their heels. Spear, a standout guard, was especially effective with her outside shooting, hitting multiple three-pointers that kept Ohio State’s defense stretched and forced them to adjust their coverage.

One of the turning points in the second half came when Tamari Key had back-to-back blocks on consecutive Ohio State possessions, effectively shutting down any momentum the Buckeyes were trying to build. The crowd erupted, and Tennessee’s defense fueled their offense, leading to a series of quick baskets in transition. This extended the Lady Vols’ lead to 20 points with just under 6 minutes remaining in the game.

Despite their best efforts, Ohio State could never fully recover. While Sheldon continued to score, the Buckeyes struggled with the Lady Vols’ size and athleticism. Tennessee’s defense, particularly on the perimeter, limited Ohio State’s ability to create open shots. The Lady Vols were also excellent at contesting shots and preventing any easy opportunities around the basket. With less than 2 minutes to go, Tennessee had built a commanding 18-point lead, effectively sealing the game.

Key Players of the Game

• Jordan Horston: Horston was the driving force for Tennessee, finishing with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Her leadership and all-around play were pivotal in keeping the Lady Vols in control throughout the game. Her ability to score in various ways—whether it was attacking the basket or hitting timely jumpers—kept Ohio State on their heels.
• Rekia Jackson: Jackson was another key contributor, finishing with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Her versatility allowed Tennessee to exploit mismatches, particularly when Ohio State tried to switch on defense. Her ability to score from beyond the arc was especially crucial in spreading the defense and opening up lanes for other players.
• Tamari Key: With her size and presence in the paint, Key was a dominant defensive force for the Lady Vols. Key finished the game with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks, proving why she is considered one of the top shot-blockers in the country. Her impact on the defensive end was crucial in limiting Ohio State’s scoring opportunities, especially in the paint.
• Jewel Spear: Spear’s outside shooting was a game-changer for Tennessee. She finished with 12 points, with several of them coming from beyond the arc. Her ability to hit timely three-pointers helped the Lady Vols maintain their lead and force Ohio State to keep adjusting their defensive schemes.

Tennessee’s Dominant Defense

While Tennessee’s offense was impressive, it was their defense that truly set them apart in this game. The Lady Vols displayed excellent team defense, making it difficult for Ohio State to get into any rhythm. Tennessee’s press defense, coupled with their ability to switch on screens, limited the Buckeyes’ offensive flow.

Tamari Key’s shot-blocking ability was especially impactful, altering multiple shots around the basket. The Lady Vols’ perimeter defense, led by Horston and Spear, was also crucial in limiting Ohio State’s three-point shooting. Ohio State, which relies heavily on the three-pointer, finished the game shooting only 28% from beyond the arc, a testament to Tennessee’s defensive intensity.

Ohio State’s Struggles

While Ohio State fought hard, their inability to overcome Tennessee’s defense ultimately doomed their chances. Despite a strong performance from Jacy Sheldon, who finished with 22 points, Ohio State lacked the necessary firepower to overcome Tennessee’s lead. Sheldon was forced to take difficult shots under pressure, and Tennessee’s defensive pressure made it difficult for the Buckeyes to execute their offensive sets.

Additionally, Ohio State’s turnovers were costly. The Buckeyes turned the ball over 16 times, and Tennessee capitalized on these mistakes by scoring 22 points off turnovers. Ohio State simply couldn’t match the Lady Vols’ intensity and depth.

Postgame Reactions

After the game, Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper expressed pride in her team’s performance, particularly on the defensive end.

“We knew coming into this game that Ohio State was a talented team, and we had to play our best basketball to win. Our defense was exceptional, and I’m proud of how we handled the pressure. The players stepped up in big moments, and that’s what this tournament is all about,” Harper said.

Tennessee’s players were equally enthusiastic, with Jordan Horston adding, “We knew we had to come out and set the tone early, and I think we did that. Our defense led to easy points, and we just stayed focused on executing the game plan.”

Looking Ahead: Sweet 16

With the win, Tennessee advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face another tough opponent in the next round. However, after this commanding victory over Ohio State, the Lady Vols will enter the next stage of the tournament with confidence. With a balanced team, strong leadership, and a solid defense, Tennessee is poised to make a deep run in the tournament.

The Lady Vols’ victory over Ohio State was a statement win, showcasing their resilience, depth, and championship pedigree. As the Sweet 16 approaches, Tennessee will look to continue their strong play and make a run toward the Final Four.