The Lady Vols are back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2023, marking a significant milestone in their NCAA Tournament journey. Under the leadership of first-year coach Kim Caldwell, the No. 5 seed Tennessee (24-9) triumphed over No. 4 seed Ohio State with an impressive 82-67 victory on March 23, 2025, held at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.
This advancement marks the Lady Vols' 37th appearance in the Sweet 16. Caldwell expressed her excitement at the achievement, especially as it sets the stage for what is to follow. “It feels great to be back in the Sweet 16. We worked so hard this season and this is a testament to our effort,” Caldwell stated during the post-game conference.
The upcoming matchup will see Tennessee face the winner of the highly anticipated clash between No. 1 seed Texas and No. 8 seed Illinois, with that game scheduled for March 24. The Lady Vols' Sweet 16 game will take place on March 29 in Birmingham, Alabama. With their sights set on reaching the Elite Eight, a victory against Texas or Illinois would be critical, as it would send Tennessee to its 29th Elite Eight, the first since 2016.
The game against Ohio State was a roller coaster, featuring a dramatic lead shift. Tennessee had established a lead of 17 points in the third quarter only to see Ohio State storm back to take a brief lead. However, the Lady Vols regrouped and managed to reclaim their lead going into the fourth quarter. Caldwell's leadership and strategic timeout proved crucial during the third quarter when Ohio State ran up 12 straight points, forcing a change in momentum.
Talaysia Cooper was a standout performer, leading Tennessee with 19 points while also contributing significantly on defense with seven steals and eight rebounds. Zee Spearman also had a commendable game, scoring 17 points, while Ruby Whitehorn added another 14 points. “Everyone played their part today. It wasn’t just about me or Zee; it was a total team victory,” Cooper noted appreciatively.
Tennessee's shooting performance was commendable, hitting 45.1% from the field and improving their three-point shooting to 29.4% in crucial moments of the game while minimizing turnovers to 14 against Ohio State’s full-court press.
As they prepare for their next game, Caldwell acknowledges the significance of their past encounter with Texas, where they fell short 80-76 back in January. Caldwell was absent during that game due to the birth of her child. Now, the stakes are higher, and Caldwell is determined to lead her team to a different outcome this time around.
The Sweet 16 game is crucial for several reasons—it is not only a showcase of talent but a pivotal moment for the Lady Vols who have been working diligently to reestablish their legacy within women’s basketball. Caldwell and her players are hoping to build off of their momentum from the Ohio State victory, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking back at their thrilling victory over Ohio State, the Lady Vols' journey has been framed by ups and downs. The game began with Tennessee trailing early at 3-2 before quickly falling into a 9-0 hole. Just when it seemed the game would slip away, the Lady Vols rebounded with a 10-2 stretch to cut the deficit. By the end of the first quarter, the score was a tight 21-17 in favor of Ohio State.
The second quarter saw Tennessee rally, with key plays and critical scoring from players like Tess Darby, who led the team at halftime with nine points, propelling them to a 40-35 advantage by the break. In the third quarter, despite losing a significant lead, the team demonstrated determination and quickly regained control, finishing strong with a seven-point lead entering the final 10 minutes.
The upcoming Sweet 16 matchup is not just vital for the team’s progress—it represents the resilience and tenacity of a program that refuses to fade into the background. According to Caldwell, “This is why we play the game—to push boundaries and make a name for ourselves.”
With anticipation building, Tennessee's fans are eager to see the Lady Vols extend their tournament run. A strong performance in Birmingham adds to their exciting trajectory at this year’s NCAA Tournament. Victory next week would not only push them closer to an Elite Eight appearance but reinforce their status as a formidable force in women's college basketball.
All eyes will be on the Lady Vols as they take on either Texas or Illinois, with their Sweet 16 battle expected to draw significant viewership on ABC at either 1 or 3:30 PM ET. The buzz surrounding this matchup epitomizes the excitement of March Madness—a blend of competitive spirit, determination, and the sheer joy of collegiate sports.
In wrapping up, the Lady Vols have proven throughout this season that they are not to be underestimated. The hard work and strategic battles have set them on a promising path, and with Caldwell at the helm, they are poised to make waves in the coming rounds of the tournament.
