In Columbus, Tennessee women’s basketball defeats Ohio State to advance to the Sweet 16 | Arace

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is known for its intense competition, unpredictable upsets, and the sheer excitement of seeing college basketball’s best teams clash on the national stage. This year, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers (Lady Vols) have continued their legacy of excellence, advancing to the Sweet 16 after a thrilling victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. The 2025 NCAA Tournament has provided fans with drama, emotion, and high-level basketball, and for Tennessee, this victory is a huge milestone in their quest to reclaim a national championship.

The Lady Vols’ impressive victory over Ohio State—on the road in Columbus—was a testament to their resilience, skill, and grit. In a tournament where every game matters, every possession counts, and every player is under pressure, Tennessee has proven it can rise to the occasion. Their performance in the Round of 32 not only secured their place in the Sweet 16 but also reminded the basketball world that the Lady Vols remain one of the premier programs in the country.

The Significance of Tennessee’s Win Over Ohio State

Tennessee’s History in the NCAA Tournament

Tennessee’s women’s basketball program is one of the most storied in NCAA history. With eight NCAA championships (1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2007, 2008) and numerous SEC titles, the Lady Vols have long been a dominant force in women’s basketball. Under legendary head coach Pat Summitt, who led the program for 38 years, Tennessee became a powerhouse, setting a standard for excellence that has continued even after her retirement in 2012.

In recent years, Tennessee has undergone a period of transition, but under current head coach Kellie Harper, the Lady Vols have remained a top-tier program. Harper, who took over the reins in 2019, has instilled a renewed sense of purpose and intensity in the team. Her leadership has helped Tennessee maintain its status as a perennial contender in the SEC and on the national stage.

Advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2025 is another step forward for Harper and her program. It underscores the growth of the team, the development of its players, and Tennessee’s continued relevance in the national conversation about women’s basketball. However, this victory over Ohio State is significant not just for its immediate impact on the tournament but also for its broader implications. It is a statement to the rest of the field that Tennessee is a legitimate threat to win the national championship this year.

The Importance of Defeating Ohio State on the Road

The Lady Vols’ victory over Ohio State in Columbus is a particularly noteworthy achievement. The Buckeyes were ranked among the top teams in the nation and had the home-court advantage. In the world of college basketball, playing on the road in an opponent’s home arena is always a challenge, but the Lady Vols handled it with poise and precision.

Ohio State is no slouch. The Buckeyes are a perennial NCAA Tournament team and have consistently been one of the top programs in the Big Ten. They entered the game with high expectations and an air of confidence, particularly in front of their home crowd. The challenge of playing on the road in such a high-stakes environment only intensified the pressure on Tennessee, but the Lady Vols stepped up when it mattered most.

For Tennessee to not only defeat Ohio State but do so in their own gym demonstrates the Lady Vols’ maturity and determination. The team’s ability to perform under pressure is one of the hallmarks of Tennessee’s play throughout the tournament. In many ways, this win could serve as a turning point for the Lady Vols, proving that they can compete with anyone, regardless of the location or the opponent.

Key Players in the Victory: Leadership and Performance

Rickea Jackson: A Star in the Making

One of the central figures in Tennessee’s victory over Ohio State was senior forward Rickea Jackson. Jackson has been one of the most dominant players in college basketball this season, and her performance against Ohio State solidified her place as one of the top players in the NCAA Tournament.

Jackson played with a mix of skill, leadership, and composure that helped guide Tennessee to victory. She provided critical scoring when the team needed it most, hitting clutch shots from both the field and the free-throw line. Jackson’s versatility as a scorer allowed Tennessee to stretch the defense, opening up opportunities for her teammates and making it difficult for Ohio State to key in on her.

Moreover, Jackson’s leadership was invaluable. As a senior, she brought a level of experience and calm to the court that helped the Lady Vols maintain their focus despite the high pressure of the tournament. Her poise under fire set the tone for the team, and her play was instrumental in leading Tennessee past Ohio State and into the Sweet 16.

Tamari Key: A Defensive Presence

While Rickea Jackson was the offensive spark for Tennessee, senior center Tamari Key provided the defensive backbone that helped propel the Lady Vols to victory. Key, who has long been regarded as one of the top shot-blockers in women’s college basketball, was a presence in the paint against Ohio State. Her ability to alter shots and dominate the boards made it difficult for Ohio State to find easy scoring opportunities inside.

Key’s size and defensive instincts were critical in neutralizing Ohio State’s post players. She also provided valuable leadership on the defensive end, organizing the Lady Vols’ defense and ensuring that they remained locked in throughout the game. Her ability to defend the rim, along with her tenacity on the glass, allowed Tennessee to dictate the flow of the game and limit Ohio State’s scoring chances.

While Key’s offensive output wasn’t as prominent as Jackson’s, her contributions on the defensive side of the ball were vital to Tennessee’s success. In a tournament where every possession matters, Key’s defensive efforts allowed the Lady Vols to build a lead and hold off a late push from Ohio State.

Jordan Horston: A Playmaker’s Influence

Another standout in the game against Ohio State was junior guard Jordan Horston. Known for her ability to facilitate the offense and create opportunities for her teammates, Horston played a crucial role in Tennessee’s win. She was instrumental in moving the ball and creating scoring opportunities, helping to set up Jackson, Key, and others for high-percentage shots.

Horston’s court vision and ability to make plays for others are some of the key reasons why she is such a valuable asset to the Lady Vols. Against Ohio State, she was not only a playmaker but also a scoring threat in her own right. Her ability to score from mid-range, drive to the basket, and create mismatches for Ohio State’s defense made her one of the most dangerous players on the floor.

With Horston facilitating and orchestrating the offense, Tennessee was able to stay in control of the game, even as the intensity ramped up in the second half. Her leadership on the floor and her ability to make the right decisions in critical moments helped keep Tennessee ahead and ensured that the Lady Vols would be the ones advancing to the Sweet 16.

The Road to the Final Four: What’s Next for the Lady Vols?

Overcoming the Sweet 16 Challenge

With their victory over Ohio State, the Lady Vols have now set their sights on the next challenge: advancing to the Elite Eight and beyond. While the Sweet 16 is a major milestone, it is just the beginning of the road to the Final Four and the National Championship. To reach the pinnacle of women’s college basketball, Tennessee will need to continue playing at a high level and stay focused on the task at hand.

One of the biggest questions facing the Lady Vols as they advance in the tournament is how they will handle the level of competition in the Sweet 16. Teams in this round will be battle-tested and will present new challenges on both sides of the ball. Tennessee will need to maintain its defensive intensity, keep sharing the ball offensively, and ensure that its key players, like Jackson, Key, and Horston, stay healthy and continue performing at an elite level.

Championship Contender Status

Given Tennessee’s success this season, particularly in the tournament, the Lady Vols are now widely considered one of the top contenders for the national title. The team has all the ingredients to win it all: strong defense, explosive offense, experienced leaders, and a winning culture that dates back decades. With Jackson leading the way, Key anchoring the defense, and Horston running the offense, Tennessee has the necessary tools to compete with the best teams in the country.

However, the road to the championship will not be easy. Other top teams like South Carolina, Stanford, and UConn will be formidable opponents, and the Lady Vols will need to rise to the occasion to keep advancing. Still, after their impressive win over Ohio State, Tennessee has proven that they have the talent and resolve to go all the way.

Conclusion: A Milestone Victory for Tennessee

The Lady Vols’ victory over Ohio State in the Round of 32 is more than just another win in the tournament; it’s a statement about Tennessee’s continued relevance in women’s basketball. Their ability to defeat a high-quality opponent on the road and advance to the Sweet 16 showcases the team’s depth, talent, and mental toughness.

With key players like Rickea Jackson, Tamari Key, and Jordan Horston leading the way, Tennessee is primed to make a deep run in the tournament. The Lady Vols are undoubtedly one of the top teams in the field and have proven that they are more than capable of challenging for a national championship. The journey to the Final Four is far from over, but after their impressive performance in Columbus, Tennessee has made it clear: they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s March