Ohio State basketball misses the NCAA Sweet 16 after losing to Tennessee in March Madness.

As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament unfolded, the excitement surrounding Ohio State University’s basketball team reached a fever pitch. The Buckeyes had entered March Madness with a strong regular-season finish, boasting impressive victories and a solid roster led by Coach Chris Diebler. However, despite the buzz surrounding the team, Ohio State’s dream of reaching the Sweet 16 was dashed in a heartbreaking loss to Tennessee in the Round of 32.

The defeat was tough to digest for both the players and the Ohio State faithful, who had hoped this would be the year the Buckeyes could make a deep tournament run. After all, Ohio State had shown promise all season long, and with a talented roster led by standout players like Zed Key, Brice Sensabaugh, and Justice Sueing, many felt they had the potential to go far in the tournament. But, in a game that was tightly contested and full of emotional highs and lows, the Buckeyes found themselves on the losing end, falling to Tennessee by a score of 78-72.

The loss left many fans and analysts alike wondering what went wrong for Ohio State, as they failed to secure a coveted spot in the Sweet 16—a mark of success that would have allowed them to continue their tournament journey. In this article, we’ll break down the key moments of the game, assess what went wrong for Ohio State, and explore how this loss will affect the team’s trajectory moving forward.

The Build-Up: Ohio State’s 2025 NCAA Tournament Run

The Ohio State Buckeyes entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with high hopes. Coming off a solid regular-season campaign in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes had shown flashes of brilliance, winning key games and finishing strong in conference play. Head coach Chris Diebler had brought stability to the program after taking over the reins, and his emphasis on a family-oriented, selfless style of play had resonated with his players.

Key players like Brice Sensabaugh, the team’s leading scorer, and Zed Key, a versatile forward with both offensive and defensive prowess, had been crucial to Ohio State’s success all season. Justice Sueing, another important contributor, had provided leadership and experience as a veteran presence on the floor. Together, these players formed a nucleus that had the ability to go toe-to-toe with the nation’s best.

In the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State faced off against 12-seed Drake, a mid-major team with a reputation for upsets. However, the Buckeyes were able to assert their dominance, winning comfortably by a score of 85-70. The win, though expected, was a confidence booster for Ohio State, and they seemed poised for a deeper run into the tournament.

Advancing to the Round of 32, the Buckeyes were matched up against Tennessee, a team that had earned a 3-seed in the tournament. Tennessee had been one of the best defensive teams in the country all season, and their ability to stifle opposing offenses made them a formidable opponent. Still, Ohio State believed they could advance with a well-executed game plan. What followed, however, would be a game that left fans disappointed and the team searching for answers.

The Game: Ohio State vs. Tennessee – A Tight Contest

The game against Tennessee was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. The first half was defined by intense defensive pressure and physical play, characteristic of both teams. Tennessee’s defense, led by standout players like Josiah-Jordan James and Olivier Nkamhoua, was stifling from the outset. The Volunteers’ ability to contest shots and prevent easy looks at the basket made it difficult for Ohio State to establish any rhythm offensively.

Ohio State, however, was not without its own moments of brilliance. Sensabaugh, who had been the focal point of Ohio State’s offense all season, showcased his ability to create his own shot and get to the basket, finishing with 16 points in the first half. Zed Key also contributed with solid post moves and timely rebounds, helping Ohio State stay within striking distance.

Despite the efforts of their star players, the Buckeyes struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities in the first half. A series of costly mistakes allowed Tennessee to pull ahead by 6 points going into halftime, with the score reading 37-31 in favor of the Volunteers.

During the halftime break, Coach Diebler encouraged his players to settle down and focus on executing their game plan. He emphasized the importance of taking care of the ball and improving their shooting accuracy. Ohio State had the talent to beat Tennessee, but they had to be disciplined and composed in the second half.

The second half started with Ohio State looking much more poised and focused. The Buckeyes came out of the gate with renewed energy, cutting Tennessee’s lead to just 2 points midway through the second half. Brice Sensabaugh was on fire, scoring at will and showing why he had been one of the top scorers in the Big Ten all year. His scoring sparked a mini-run for Ohio State, and the fans in attendance began to believe that the Buckeyes might be able to pull off the upset.

But Tennessee, as they had done all season, showed their ability to respond in big moments. Santiago Vescovi, Tennessee’s sharpshooting guard, caught fire from beyond the arc and knocked down a series of three-pointers that extended Tennessee’s lead back to 8 points. Every time Ohio State seemed to inch closer, Tennessee had an answer, with their defense continuing to make life difficult for the Buckeyes.

Despite Ohio State’s best efforts, including a late push from Justice Sueing and Zed Key, they could never fully close the gap. With just under two minutes left in the game, Ohio State had a chance to make it a one-possession game, but Brice Sensabaugh missed a contested three-pointer that would have cut the deficit to three. Tennessee responded by hitting crucial free throws down the stretch, and Ohio State’s hopes of advancing to the Sweet 16 were dashed.

The final buzzer sounded, and the scoreboard read Tennessee 78, Ohio State 72. The Buckeyes’ tournament run had come to a disappointing end, and they were left to reflect on what might have been.

What Went Wrong for Ohio State?

While Tennessee’s victory was certainly hard-fought and well-earned, Ohio State’s loss raised a number of questions about the team’s performance and what went wrong in the Round of 32. Several factors played a role in the Buckeyes’ early exit from the tournament.

Turnovers and Lack of Execution

One of the most glaring issues for Ohio State in the game against Tennessee was their turnover problems. Ohio State turned the ball over 15 times, a number that proved costly against a team like Tennessee, which thrives on creating turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. While the Buckeyes had a talented offense, their inability to take care of the ball and execute in crucial moments hurt their chances.

Many of the turnovers came in the form of forced passes or poor decisions in transition. Tennessee’s aggressive defense made Ohio State uncomfortable, and the Buckeyes’ guards, while talented, struggled to handle the pressure. These mistakes not only allowed Tennessee to capitalize on easy points but also disrupted Ohio State’s offensive flow.

Tennessee’s Defensive Prowess

Tennessee’s defense was another key factor in the Buckeyes’ downfall. The Volunteers’ ability to limit Ohio State’s offensive execution, particularly in the first half, made it difficult for the Buckeyes to get into any kind of rhythm. While Ohio State’s stars like Sensabaugh and Key were able to make individual plays, Tennessee’s team defense prevented Ohio State from running their sets effectively.

Tennessee’s size and length were especially problematic for Ohio State, as they were able to contest nearly every shot the Buckeyes attempted. Josiah-Jordan James and Olivier Nkamhoua were standout defenders, providing constant pressure on the Buckeyes’ primary scorers and forcing them to work harder for every basket.

Missed Opportunities and Poor Shooting

Another crucial issue for Ohio State was their shooting. While Sensabaugh had an impressive outing, finishing with 24 points, the Buckeyes as a team shot just 42% from the field and 28% from three-point range. Ohio State had numerous open looks, especially from the perimeter, but they failed to knock down key shots when they needed them the most. This inefficiency in shooting meant that even when the Buckeyes fought their way back into the game, they couldn’t close the gap.

Ohio State’s inability to hit open shots meant that Tennessee was able to maintain their lead and keep the Buckeyes at bay. In a game of such high stakes, making shots is critical, and Ohio State simply wasn’t able to deliver in that department.

Looking Ahead: Ohio State’s Future

While Ohio State’s loss in the Round of 32 was disappointing, it’s important to note that the team’s future remains bright. Coach Chris Diebler has built a solid foundation for the program, and despite this setback, Ohio State will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons. The Buckeyes have a strong core of returning players, and their recruiting efforts are expected to continue bringing in top-tier talent.

For players like Brice Sensabaugh, Zed Key, and Justice Sueing, this loss will be a bitter pill to swallow, but it will also serve as motivation for the

future. The experience gained from competing in March Madness will be invaluable, and the lessons learned in this tournament will only make the team stronger moving forward.

As for Coach Diebler, the loss to Tennessee provides an opportunity to reflect on what went right and what went wrong. The Buckeyes will undoubtedly work on improving their decision-making, shooting efficiency, and ball control as they look ahead to next season.

While Ohio State’s journey to the Sweet 16 was cut short, the program’s long-term trajectory remains positive. The future of Ohio State basketball is bright, and with a dedicated coaching staff, a talented roster, and passionate fans, the Buckeyes will continue to strive for greatness on the national stage.