SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The end of Ohio State’s season arrived in the unwelcome way of a midnight power outage Friday during a 78-62 loss to Tennessee in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
The Buckeyes (26-8) struggled in the dark, searching for the fast pace and long-range shooting touch that helped them contend for a Big Ten title and earn the third seed in the Sioux Falls Regional.
The taller, deeper and equally athletic Lady Vols (22-13) never let the Buckeyes flip the switch that would spark the necessary rhythm to advance.
Tears followed along with soft-spoken appreciation of the season that put the Buckeyes back on the national map.