Tennessee women’s basketball beats Ohio State in Columbus, moves on to Sweet 16…

Tennessee Women’s Basketball Beats Ohio State in Columbus, Moves on to Sweet 16

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers continued their impressive NCAA Tournament run with a hard-fought victory over Ohio State in Columbus, securing their spot in the Sweet 16. The 78-65 win over the Buckeyes showcased Tennessee’s resilience, defensive intensity, and offensive execution, as they outplayed Ohio State in front of a hostile crowd at Value City Arena.

Dominant Performance by the Lady Vols

Tennessee entered the matchup as an underdog, facing a talented Ohio State squad that had enjoyed a strong season. However, from the opening tip, the Lady Vols established their presence, using their size, speed, and experience to control the tempo of the game.

Senior guard Jordan Horston led the way for Tennessee, delivering a stellar all-around performance with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Her ability to create shots, both for herself and her teammates, kept the Buckeyes’ defense on its heels. Fellow senior Rickea Jackson added 18 points and 7 rebounds, demonstrating her scoring prowess in the paint and from mid-range.

The Lady Vols’ defense was particularly outstanding, limiting Ohio State’s high-powered offense to just 65 points, well below their season average. Tennessee forced 15 turnovers, converted those opportunities into transition baskets, and controlled the rebounding battle, grabbing 42 boards to Ohio State’s 34.

Key Moments in the Game

The first quarter saw Tennessee come out firing, jumping to an early 18-12 lead thanks to their aggressive defensive play and efficient shooting. Horston and Jackson set the tone offensively, while center Tamari Key protected the rim with several key blocks that frustrated Ohio State’s inside scorers.

Ohio State responded in the second quarter with a strong push, led by their star guard Jacy Sheldon. The Buckeyes briefly took the lead at 29-28, but a late 7-0 run by Tennessee, capped by a three-pointer from sophomore guard Tess Darby, allowed the Lady Vols to head into halftime with a 35-29 advantage.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point in the game. Tennessee’s defense intensified, forcing Ohio State into tough, contested shots. The Lady Vols outscored the Buckeyes 22-14 in the period, extending their lead to double digits. Jackson dominated in the paint, scoring on multiple post-ups and drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line.

Ohio State attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, cutting Tennessee’s lead to six points with under five minutes remaining. However, a clutch three-pointer by Horston and a steal-and-score sequence by Jackson sealed the win for Tennessee, silencing the home crowd and ensuring the Lady Vols’ advancement to the next round.

Coaching and Strategy

Head coach Kellie Harper deserves immense credit for her game plan and in-game adjustments. Recognizing Ohio State’s strength in three-point shooting, Harper emphasized perimeter defense, ensuring that the Buckeyes’ shooters never found a rhythm. Tennessee’s aggressive trapping on ball screens and relentless rebounding effort prevented Ohio State from gaining second-chance opportunities.

Offensively, Tennessee played to its strengths by utilizing its size advantage in the post. Jackson and Key were instrumental in establishing a presence inside, forcing Ohio State to collapse defensively, which opened up perimeter opportunities for Darby and Horston. The Lady Vols also executed well in transition, scoring 18 fast-break points compared to Ohio State’s 7.

Player Contributions and Depth

Beyond the standout performances of Horston and Jackson, Tennessee benefited from a deep and versatile roster. Point guard Jasmine Powell orchestrated the offense efficiently, dishing out 7 assists while limiting turnovers. Her ability to control the pace of the game was instrumental in Tennessee’s execution down the stretch.

Tamari Key’s defensive impact cannot be understated. She recorded 5 blocks and altered numerous shots, making it difficult for Ohio State to finish at the rim. Her presence in the paint allowed Tennessee’s perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, knowing they had a shot-blocking anchor behind them.

Freshman forward Justine Pissott also provided valuable minutes off the bench, contributing 8 points and knocking down two crucial three-pointers that helped Tennessee maintain its lead. The depth of the Lady Vols played a key role in keeping the team fresh and engaged throughout the contest.

Looking Ahead to the Sweet 16

With the victory, Tennessee advances to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016. The Lady Vols will face a formidable opponent in the next round, likely a top-seeded team that will present new challenges. However, if Tennessee continues to play with the same defensive intensity and balanced scoring attack, they have a legitimate shot at making a deeper run in the tournament.

The Lady Vols’ ability to control the pace, force turnovers, and dominate the paint will be key factors moving forward. Harper and her coaching staff will spend the next few days preparing a game plan tailored to their Sweet 16 opponent, focusing on defensive matchups and offensive execution.

Historical Significance of Tennessee’s Run

Tennessee’s success this season is particularly significant given the program’s storied history. As one of the most successful women’s basketball programs in NCAA history, the Lady Vols have a legacy of excellence established by the legendary Pat Summitt. While the team has faced ups and downs in recent years, their return to the Sweet 16 signals a resurgence and a step back toward national prominence.

For Harper, a former Lady Vol herself under Summitt, this run is personal. She has worked tirelessly to restore Tennessee’s championship pedigree, and this deep tournament run is a testament to the program’s progress under her leadership.

Tennessee’s Strengths Moving Forward

If Tennessee hopes to advance beyond the Sweet 16, they will need to rely on their biggest strengths:

• Defensive Prowess: The Lady Vols have held opponents to some of their lowest shooting percentages all season. Continued defensive discipline will be critical against high-powered offenses.
• Balanced Scoring Attack: With multiple scoring threats, Tennessee cannot be easily shut down by defensive schemes. Horston, Jackson, and Powell will need to continue their offensive production.
• Rebounding Dominance: Tennessee has consistently won the battle on the boards. Controlling the glass will give them second-chance opportunities and limit their opponent’s scoring chances.
• Poise Under Pressure: The Lady Vols demonstrated composure against Ohio State’s late-game push. In the later rounds of the tournament, handling close games will be essential.

Fan Support and Team Mentality

Tennessee’s fan base has been a driving force throughout the season. The passion of Lady Vols supporters has fueled the team’s energy and created a home-court atmosphere even on the road. As they move deeper into the tournament, the Lady Vols will look to their fans for continued encouragement and support.

Moreover, team chemistry has been evident all season. The players trust each other, communicate well, and buy into Harper’s vision. This unity has allowed them to overcome adversity and thrive on the national stage.