Eric Boggs
For the second consecutive year, Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament journey ended in heartbreak on its home court. The Buckeyes, a formidable force throughout the season, were unable to overcome No. 5 seed Tennessee, falling 82-67 at the Schottenstein Center and bringing their 2024-25 campaign to an abrupt conclusion.
Tennessee’s relentless defensive pressure proved to be the deciding factor, as the Volunteers forced 23 Ohio State turnovers and converted them into a staggering 37 points. The Buckeyes, known for their own aggressive press, found themselves beaten at their own game.
“I think just when you look at the stats, and you see 37 points off turnovers and 21 second-chance points (by Tennessee), you’re not really giving yourself a chance to win,” head coach Kevin McGuff admitted postgame. “Credit Tennessee. I thought they played really well, and they deserved to win today.”
Ohio State started strong, playing some of its best basketball in the opening minutes. The Buckeyes surged ahead 16-5, with contributions from six different players, seizing early control and igniting the home crowd. However, Tennessee quickly responded with a 12-2 run, tightening the contest. The Buckeyes maintained a slim four-point lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks to free throws from Jaloni Cambridge and Cotie McMahon.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Tennessee capitalized on Ohio State miscues. Ajae Petty’s efforts briefly extended the Buckeyes’ lead, but the Volunteers countered with a 7-0 run to go ahead 27-25. From that point forward, Tennessee controlled the quarter and entered halftime with a 40-35 advantage.
The third quarter proved decisive. Tennessee erupted on a 14-0 run, fueled by fast-break points off Ohio State turnovers and timely three-pointers. Suddenly, the Buckeyes found themselves trailing by 17. In a spirited response, Ohio State clawed back with a 16-0 run of its own, led by Cambridge’s nine consecutive points. The Buckeyes even momentarily regained the lead at 57-56 after a McMahon three-pointer and free throw. However, Tennessee capitalized on three straight Ohio State turnovers, rebuilding their lead to seven heading into the final period.
The Volunteers solidified their control in the fourth quarter, stretching the margin to double digits as the Buckeyes struggled offensively, hitting just two of their first 12 shots. Despite valiant efforts, Ohio State was unable to mount another comeback.
Cambridge led the Buckeyes with 19 points but also committed a team-high eight turnovers, while McMahon added 17 points in the hard-fought loss. Tennessee’s Talaysia Cooper matched Cambridge’s 19 points, leading the Lady Vols to victory.
“I just think we got out-toughed,” Cambridge reflected. “There was nothing much that they did that we didn’t, we just didn’t do the things that we should have.” McMahon echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the team’s costly mistakes: “Turnover after turnover after turnover, not making the easy plays, and that’s it.”
With the loss, Ohio State concludes its season with a 26-7 record, marking another strong year under McGuff but leaving fans longing for a deeper tournament run. The defeat was particularly bitter, as it marked the Buckeyes’ only home loss of the season. Ohio State is now 13-8 in NCAA Tournament play under Kevin McGuff, and this marks the fourth time in the last eight tournament appearances that the Buckeyes have exited in the second round. Freshman center Elsa Lemmilä returned after missing the first-round game against Montana State but was forced to leave early due to lingering effects of a foot injury. She contributed three points in seven minutes of play. Kennedy Cambridge briefly left the game in the second quarter after taking a hard foul from Tennessee’s Alyssa Latham but returned to action shortly thereafter.
Though the season ended in disappointment, Ohio State remains a program on the rise. With continued development and key players returning, the Buckeyes will look to make a deeper run next season and take another step toward championship contention.
