Tennessee, Ohio State Clash for Sweet 16 Spot in NCAA Tournament

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The tension mounts as No. 5 seed Tennessee (23-9) faces No. 4 seed Ohio State (26-6) Sunday at 8 p.m. ET in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Schottenstein Center. Both teams are vying for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16 after notching impressive wins in the first round.

Tennessee advanced after dominating No. 12 South Florida 101-66, showcasing their high-octane offense. Meanwhile, Ohio State secured a 71-51 victory over No. 13 seed Montana State, with all five starters contributing double-digit points.

“When we have our starting five scoring in double digits, that’s usually when we see positive outcomes,” said an Ohio State starter. “We need to maintain that momentum and trust in each other’s abilities to knock down shots.”

Ohio State is looking to avoid a repeat of last year’s early exit and aims to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in four years. The Buckeyes will need to rely on their offensive power and composure under pressure against a Tennessee team that thrives on transition play.

Freshman Ava Watson returned to action for Ohio State, contributing valuable minutes. However, the status of center Elsa Lemmila remains uncertain as she strives to recover from a foot injury.

Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell emphasized the importance of team chemistry and adaptability. “We can’t afford to dwell on previous successes. We need to keep the momentum going and focus on executing our game plan,” Caldwell stated.

The Lady Vols are well-known for their aggressive full-court press and fast-paced playing style, averaging nearly 31 three-point attempts per game. They excel in creating offensive opportunities from forced turnovers, scoring an average of 28.5 points from 22.4 turnovers per game.

“It’s vital for us to maintain high energy and focus. We’ve seen what happens when we get complacent,” Caldwell added. Tennessee’s previous success under Caldwell’s direction reinforces their confidence heading into this matchup.

As the second round of the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Columbus as these two powerhouse programs clash for a spot in the Sweet 16. Viewers can watch the game on ESPN with streaming options available on the NCAA March Madness Live app.