Tennessee is set to face either Texas or Illinois in the Sweet 16. The matchup between Texas and Illinois is scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00 PM.

The Sweet 16 game will be held in Birmingham at Legacy Arena. The official date and time for Tennessee’s matchup have not yet been determined.

The Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team is preparing to battle Ohio State in the Round of 32, aiming for a spot in the Sweet 16.

Tennessee dominated South Florida in the opening round, securing a 101-66 victory. The Lady Vols are making their 43rd consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, holding a 41-2 record in first-round games.

Ohio State advanced by defeating Montana State in the first round, 71-51.

Tennessee holds the fifth seed in this region, while Ohio State, as the fourth seed, serves as the host school for the initial two rounds.

Historically, Tennessee and Ohio State have faced off 13 times, with the Lady Vols leading the all-time series 10-3.

The winner of this game will move on to the Sweet 16 to take on the victor of Texas versus Illinois, who are set to compete on Monday.

FIRST QUARTER

Ohio State struck first, scoring quickly on a layup by Chance Grey. Tennessee responded immediately with a three-pointer from Tess Darby. From the beginning, it appeared to be a defensive showdown.

The Buckeyes went on a 9-0 run, making it difficult for Tennessee to find scoring opportunities. Their defense pressured the Lady Vols into rushed shots.

Tennessee struggled early, making only one of their first seven attempts, but Jillian Hollingshead managed to break the drought with a close-range shot.

At the first media timeout, Ohio State held a 13-5 advantage.

Coming out of the break, the Buckeyes added three points, extending their lead to 16-5. Talaysia Cooper answered with a three-pointer for Tennessee, helping her team find some rhythm.

Darby continued to contribute, draining her second three-pointer and confidently staring down the Ohio State crowd. Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell has praised her confidence throughout the postseason.

Minutes later, Jewel Spear’s layup cut the deficit to one point. Ohio State’s free throws were proving crucial, as Tennessee had already committed eight fouls in the first quarter.

END OF FIRST QUARTER | TENNESSEE 17, OHIO STATE 21

Tennessee kept it close as Samara Spencer opened the second quarter with a three-pointer, reducing the margin to a single point once again. The Lady Vols were eager to claim their first lead.

Ajae Petty added a layup for Ohio State, but Darby responded with her third three-pointer, maintaining a perfect shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

Tennessee finally grabbed its first lead of the game with consecutive baskets from Zee Spearman, prompting an Ohio State timeout. The Lady Vols were up 27-25 with 5:59 remaining in the half.

Tennessee increased its tempo, particularly on the boards, securing multiple second-chance opportunities with nine offensive rebounds by the middle of the quarter.

The Lady Vols’ combination of fast play and three-point shooting was making a difference. Tennessee had already knocked down six three-pointers while capitalizing on transition opportunities.

Ruby Whitehorn’s layup and two free throws from Spencer in the final minute gave Tennessee, which had trailed by as many as 11 points in the first quarter, a five-point lead heading into halftime. The Lady Vols outscored Ohio State 23-14 in the second quarter.

HALFTIME | TENNESSEE 40, OHIO STATE 35

The Buckeyes opened the second half with a basket, but Tennessee quickly responded with an 8-0 run, extending their lead to 48-37 and forcing an Ohio State timeout.

Tennessee’s depth was becoming apparent, as Coach Caldwell frequently rotated fresh players onto the court every two minutes.

Back-to-back three-pointers from Spear and Spencer fueled a 14-0 run for the Lady Vols.

Ohio State finally ended their scoring drought with a three-pointer from Madison Greene. That shot sparked a 12-0 Buckeyes run in just two minutes.

Momentum shifted dramatically as Ohio State cut into the lead. With 4:54 remaining in the third quarter, Tennessee’s lead had shrunk to just five points, 54-49, prompting a timeout from Caldwell.

After the timeout, Tennessee committed its 11th turnover and fifth foul of the quarter. Ohio State capitalized at the free-throw line, making both shots and closing the gap to 54-51.

Tennessee missed consecutive shots, allowing Ohio State to score on the other end, reducing the lead to just one point. The Lady Vols had gone scoreless for over two minutes.

Spearman finally broke the drought, but Ohio State responded with a three-pointer to tie the game at 56-56.

The Buckeyes then took their first lead of the second half with two free throws, but Tennessee answered immediately with a deep three-pointer from Cooper.

Tennessee’s sharpshooting continued, as the team had hit nine three-pointers and was shooting 44% from the field. Whitehorn added a layup at the buzzer, giving Tennessee a seven-point cushion heading into the final quarter.

END OF THIRD QUARTER | TENNESSEE 66, OHIO STATE 59

Ohio State opened the fourth quarter with a layup from Taylor Thierry, but Cooper countered with an aggressive drive to the basket.

The Lady Vols maintained their defensive pressure, forcing Ohio State into its 20th turnover of the game—a season-high for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State ended a three-minute scoring drought with another layup from Thierry.

Tennessee continued to pull away, as Ohio State appeared visibly fatigued and frustrated. With under two minutes to go, the Buckeyes resorted to fouling in an attempt to close the gap.

With less than a minute remaining, Spearman sealed the victory with a well-executed hook shot, giving Tennessee a commanding 13-point lead.

The Lady Vols simply outworked Ohio State, particularly in the second half. Tennessee forced 23 turnovers, recording 15 steals in the process.

With the victory, Tennessee advances to the Sweet 16 in Birmingham, where they will take on the winner of the Texas-Illinois matchup.

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