Ohio State women’s basketball saw another promising season come to an end Sunday, falling to Tennessee in familiar fashion. As a host playing in the second round, the Buckeyes were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament with a 82-67 loss — marking the second straight campaign ending in defeat on Ohio State’s home court. Last season, it was No. 7 seed Duke beating No. 2 seed Ohio State to earn a trip to the Sweet 16. This year, the No. 5-seeded Lady Vols celebrated an upcoming trip to Birmingham, Alabama.
During a game filled with momentum shifts, Tennessee made the final impactful statement with a 10-2 run in the fourth quarter, turning a five-point lead into a commanding 13-point margin. Ohio State, who had started strong, built a lead as large as 11 in the opening quarter, energized by a near-sellout crowd at the Schottenstein Center.
The Buckeyes' early charge saw contributions from six players, with All-Big Ten honoree Cotie McMahon, who scored six points in the first quarter, leading the charge. Freshman Elsa Lemmila provided a spark off the bench with three points and a block, showcasing her capabilities after missing the previous game against Montana State.
“Hats off to the Ohio State fanbase,” said Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell. “It was loud in there.” However, the energy shifted as Tennessee began to take control. The Lady Vols mounted a significant turnaround with a 27-10 run that began at the end of the first quarter and continued into the second, managing to build a lead as large as six points before heading to the halftime break with a 40-35 advantage.
Ohio State’s challenges manifested in nine first-half turnovers, a direct result of Tennessee's press defense and fast-paced play. “They sped us up, and we didn’t handle it very well,” noted OSU coach Kevin McGuff.
As the second half unfolded, Ohio State found itself trailing by 17 in the third quarter before launching a remarkable comeback featuring a swift 16-0 run, powered by a newfound intensity that saw them force five turnovers in just over two minutes. A three-pointer from McMahon tied the game for the Buckeyes for the first time since midway through the second quarter, but Ohio State's inability to maintain momentum soon became apparent.
Despite regaining the lead momentarily at 57-56 with 2:48 remaining in the third, Ohio State allowed the Lady Vols to dominate the closing moments of the quarter, culminating in a 66-59 advantage heading into the final stanza. Coach McGuff emphasized the stats after the game, pointing to Ohio State's 23 turnovers, which gifted Tennessee 37 points. “Credit Tennessee. I thought they played really well, and they deserved to win today,” he said furthermore reflecting on the missed opportunities.
Ohio State struggled in the fourth quarter, making just two of their first 12 shots, while Tennessee continued to find success, pushing the lead back to double digits with an extended scoring run. The final buzzer sealed Ohio State's fate, finishing their season with a 26-7 record and marking this loss as their only home defeat of the season.
Ohio State’s star Jaloni Cambridge led the Buckeyes in scoring with 19 points, while McMahon added 17. Meanwhile, Talaysia Cooper led Tennessee with 19 points, demonstrating the depth of the Lady Vols who capitalized on their chances.
Looking ahead, Tennessee is advancing to the Sweet 16, preparing to face the winner of the matchup between No. 1 seed Texas and No. 8 Illinois. Caldwell highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and working on team chemistry heading into the next round: “We have to continue to work hard when the shots are not falling. We have to continue to play through things.”
The Buckeyes now head into an offseason filled with uncertainty, as several players enter the transfer portal following their exit from the tournament, leaving the team to reassess its strategy for the upcoming season.
As the final score confirmed, the Lady Vols emerged victoriously at 82-67, but for the Buckeyes, the disappointment echoed through the emptying stands of the Schottenstein Center, a stark reminder that next year brings a new opportunity to contend.
