Tennessee Lady Vols Dominate Ohio State to Secure Sweet 16 Spot
The Tennessee Volunteers are making waves in the NCAA Tournament this year, with both the men’s and women’s basketball teams advancing to the Sweet 16.
Their strong performances have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best in the nation, and their journey is far from over.
The Lady Vols faced a tough challenge against Ohio State in the second round, struggling early in the game. However, once they found their rhythm, they took control on both ends of the court.
By halftime, Tennessee had seized the lead and never looked back, ultimately securing an 82-67 victory over the Buckeyes.
This marks the Lady Vols’ third Sweet 16 appearance since 2017, but first-year head coach Kim Caldwell has set even higher expectations for her squad.
Her emphasis on high-energy play and defensive intensity has been a game-changer, propelling Tennessee to a dominant season.
Despite falling behind by double digits in the first quarter, the Lady Vols battled back to cut the deficit to just four points.
From that point forward, they dictated the pace of the game.
Tennessee’s relentless defensive effort was the key to victory. The Lady Vols recorded 15 steals and six blocks, making life difficult for Ohio State.
Their defensive pressure was especially effective in the second half, allowing them to pull away for good. Talaysia Cooper was instrumental in the win, leading the team with seven steals while also topping the scoring charts with 19 points.
She filled the stat sheet with eight rebounds and five assists, delivering an all-around stellar performance.
Caldwell’s fast-paced offensive approach, combined with her aggressive defensive philosophy, has been a perfect match for this team in her debut season.
Now, with momentum on their side, Tennessee looks ahead to their next challenge. They will face the winner of No. 1 Texas vs. No. 8 Illinois on March 29 at 3:30 PM ET in Birmingham, hoping to continue their tournament run and inch closer to a championship.