It’s the second straight year Ohio State failed to make the Sweet 16 after also losing in the second round last year.
Ohio — Talaysia Cooper scored 19 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out seven assists, and made seven steals, while Zee Spearman contributed 17 points and five rebounds as Tennessee, the fifth seed, defeated Ohio State, the fourth seed, 82-67 in the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday night.
Ruby Whitehorn added 14 points and five rebounds and Samara Spencer had 10 points for Tennessee (24-9).
The Lady Vols advanced to play either No. 1 seed Texas or No. 8 seed Illinois in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday.
Jaloni Cambridge had 19 points and five rebounds and Cotie McMahon had 17 points and five rebounds for Ohio State (26-7).
Tennessee: The Lady Vols hold the distinction of being the only team to have taken part in every NCAA Tournament since its establishment in 1982. This victory marks Tennessee’s record 37th appearance in the Sweet 16 round. It’s their third time advancing to the round of 16 in the last four seasons.
Ohio State: It’s the second straight year Ohio State failed to make the Sweet 16 after also losing in the second round last year.
Tennessee capitalized on its size and depth advantages, causing Ohio State to commit 23 turnovers. The Lady Vols capitalized on these turnovers, scoring 37 points off of them. Cooper’s seven steals were part of the Vols’ total of 15 steals in the game.
The second half was one run after another. Tennessee scored 14 straight points to go ahead 54-37. But Ohio State came back with a 20-2 run to briefly lead 57-56.
Tennessee responded with a 15-4 run to grab the lead for good. Cooper started it with a 3-pointer and a layup off a steal. Whitehorn then helped cap it with a rebound basket and a 3 from the left corner to beat the shot clock that made it 71-61 with 7:18 left.
