Ohio State women’s basketball falls to Tennessee in March Madness, misses NCAA Sweet 16

The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has been full of surprises, and unfortunately, for Ohio State University, their journey came to an abrupt end in the second round. After a season filled with high expectations, the Buckeyes fell short in a heart-wrenching defeat to the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, failing to reach the coveted Sweet 16. For a team that had been one of the top seeds in the tournament, this loss has left fans and analysts alike pondering what went wrong and what the future holds for this talented Ohio State squad.

In a game that was hotly contested and filled with dramatic momentum shifts, Tennessee showed why they have long been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. The Lady Vols capitalized on key moments, weathered the storm of a determined Ohio State team, and ultimately emerged victorious, sending the Buckeyes home earlier than they had hoped.

In this article, we will break down the game’s pivotal moments, analyze Ohio State’s performance throughout the tournament, and examine how the program can regroup and rebuild for next season.

The Matchup: Ohio State vs. Tennessee

As the second round of the NCAA Tournament approached, Ohio State entered the contest with confidence. Having earned a No. 2 seed in the tournament, they were widely regarded as one of the favorites to make a deep run, if not reach the Final Four. Their offense had been explosive all season long, led by their star player, and their defense had shown significant improvements under head coach Kevin McGuff.

On the other side of the bracket, Tennessee entered the game as a formidable opponent. As a No. 7 seed, the Lady Vols had something to prove. While their season had been slightly more inconsistent, their legacy as a perennial contender in women’s college basketball cannot be overstated. Tennessee was coached by Kellie Harper, a former player for the Lady Vols and an experienced leader, and the team was filled with a blend of seasoned veterans and talented newcomers.

The Game: Tennessee’s 72-69 Victory

From the opening tip, it was clear that this game would be no ordinary second-round matchup. Both teams came out of the gate with intensity, and the lead changed hands multiple times throughout the first half. Ohio State’s offense was led by their star guard, while Tennessee countered with a balanced scoring attack. The game was physical, competitive, and at times, emotional, as both teams played with an urgency that matched the high stakes of the tournament.

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

The first half was characterized by a tight, back-and-forth contest, with neither team able to assert full control. Ohio State had some standout moments, as their dynamic guard play kept them in the game, but Tennessee’s defense made it difficult for the Buckeyes to find consistent rhythm on offense. Tennessee’s physicality on both ends of the floor caused Ohio State to struggle with their ball movement, resulting in turnovers and missed opportunities.

The Lady Vols were particularly effective in the post, where they exploited their size advantage. Tennessee’s forward combination was able to bully their way into the paint, scoring easy baskets and forcing Ohio State’s defense to collapse. The Buckeyes, however, did a good job of staying in the game by hitting some key three-pointers, with their perimeter shooters providing much-needed scoring.

Despite a valiant effort by Ohio State’s guards, who knocked down a couple of deep shots to tie the game late in the half, Tennessee ended the first 20 minutes with a narrow 35-32 lead. This margin was reflective of how closely contested the game had been, but it also left the feeling that Ohio State needed to adjust to avoid falling further behind.

Second Half: Tennessee Pulls Away

The second half was a story of missed opportunities for Ohio State, particularly when they had the chance to retake the lead or tie the game. Tennessee’s defense tightened, and their physicality began to take a toll on Ohio State’s offense. While the Buckeyes tried to push the pace, they found themselves unable to execute in critical moments.

Tennessee’s guards, who had been quiet in the first half, came alive in the second. They were able to penetrate the Ohio State defense, dishing out assists or finishing at the rim. This shift in momentum gave Tennessee a boost, as they built an eight-point lead midway through the second half. Ohio State’s offense, meanwhile, became increasingly disjointed, as they struggled to find open looks against Tennessee’s suffocating defense.

Despite the struggles, Ohio State refused to back down. They fought their way back into the game, with a flurry of three-pointers and solid free-throw shooting closing the gap to just two points with under a minute remaining. But in the final moments, Tennessee held firm. With Ohio State forced to foul, Tennessee extended their lead at the free-throw line, ultimately sealing the game 72-69.

Key Takeaways from the Game

1. Ohio State’s Struggles in the Paint

One of the main issues for Ohio State throughout the game was their inability to effectively defend in the paint. While they had success on the perimeter, where their shooters kept them in the game, Tennessee’s inside game was far more dominant. The Lady Vols scored numerous easy baskets in the post and were able to gain second-chance opportunities due to their offensive rebounding prowess.

Ohio State’s interior defense was often too passive, allowing Tennessee to impose their physicality on both ends of the floor. This struggle was evident during key stretches of the second half, when the Buckeyes gave up multiple easy baskets and failed to capitalize on their own opportunities in the paint.

2. Turnovers and Missed Opportunities

Ohio State’s offense, which had been one of the best in the country during the regular season, faltered at times due to turnovers and missed opportunities. The Buckeyes turned the ball over 16 times during the game, a number that proved costly against a well-coached Tennessee team that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes. Several of Ohio State’s turnovers led to fast-break opportunities for Tennessee, which helped the Lady Vols build momentum in the second half.

In addition to turnovers, Ohio State missed several crucial shots in key moments, particularly around the basket. Their inability to finish at the rim or convert easy opportunities in the post was a major hindrance.

3. Tennessee’s Depth and Physicality

One of Tennessee’s greatest strengths in this matchup was their depth and physicality. The Lady Vols were able to rely on a balanced scoring attack, with contributions from both their starters and bench players. In contrast, Ohio State struggled at times to get consistent scoring from players outside of their main offensive threats. While the Buckeyes have a dynamic core of players, Tennessee’s balanced attack allowed them to wear down Ohio State as the game progressed.

Tennessee’s ability to control the tempo, particularly in the second half, was aided by their size advantage in the post and their depth at the guard position. The Lady Vols’ experience in high-pressure situations also seemed to play a role, as they were able to remain composed when Ohio State made its late charge.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Ohio State Women’s Basketball?

While the loss is undoubtedly a disappointment for Ohio State, the program is far from being in a crisis. In fact, this defeat, while painful, can serve as a valuable learning experience for both the players and the coaching staff. Ohio State’s women’s basketball program has been on an upward trajectory under head coach Kevin McGuff, and there are many positive signs moving forward.

1. Developing Mental Toughness

One of the key areas where Ohio State will look to improve is mental toughness, particularly in high-pressure situations. This game highlighted that the Buckeyes may have struggled when the game was on the line. In future tournaments, developing the ability to stay composed and execute in crunch time will be crucial for Ohio State’s aspirations of reaching the Sweet 16 and beyond.

The loss to Tennessee also underscores the importance of learning how to handle adversity. Ohio State showed great fight in their comeback attempt, but they will need to find a way to avoid putting themselves in such positions in the first place.

2. Addressing the Interior Defense

Ohio State’s weakness in the paint was one of the primary factors in their loss. In order to compete at the highest level, the Buckeyes will need to improve their interior defense and rebounding. This includes both individual defense and team defense, as Ohio State struggled to contain Tennessee’s post players and allowed multiple offensive rebounds.

In the offseason, the Buckeyes will likely focus on improving their frontcourt play, adding more size and depth if possible, and refining their defensive schemes. Strengthening their inside game will be vital for Ohio State to make another deep run next year.

3. Recruiting and Building for the Future

Looking ahead, Ohio State will continue to be a top destination for recruits. With a track record of player development and the consistent success of the program, the Buckeyes are likely to attract high-level talent in the coming seasons. The team’s offensive system, combined with a strong defensive foundation, makes it an appealing place for players looking to elevate their game.

As the 2024-2025 season approaches, the Buckeyes will aim to bounce back stronger than ever, building on the lessons learned from this year’s tournament. The foundation is in place for continued success, and while this loss stings, Ohio State’s future remains bright.

 A Heartbreaking End, But a Promising Future

Ohio State’s loss to Tennessee in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament was a tough pill to swallow for the players, coaches, and fans alike. However, despite the disappointment, this setback does not diminish the success of

the program or the potential of the current roster. The Buckeyes are a talented, competitive team, and while they may have fallen short this time, they will be back stronger and more determined in the future.

For Ohio State, the road to the Sweet 16 and beyond will not be easy, but with continued growth and a focus on improvement, the Buckeyes will remain a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball. This season’s defeat will serve as motivation for the players and coaching staff to return to the drawing board, fine-tune their weaknesses, and come back even stronger next season. The journey is far from over for Ohio State women’s basketball, and their best years may still lie ahead.