The Tennessee Lady Vols’ season came to an end on Friday night as North Carolina State advanced in the NCAA Tournament, securing a 72-56 victory over the struggling Southeastern Conference program. The loss marked Tennessee’s eighth consecutive defeat, extending a winless streak that has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Despite a valiant effort from junior guard Jordan Horston, who led the Lady Vols with 19 points, Tennessee (18-16) failed to overcome a slow start and a dominant second half from the Wolfpack. North Carolina State (26-7) controlled the pace early, building a 14-point lead by halftime and never relinquishing the advantage. Senior forward Jakia Brown-Turner paced the Wolfpack with 22 points, while guard Diamond Johnson added 18 in a well-balanced offensive performance.
“We knew they were going to come out strong, and they did,” Horston said postgame. “We just couldn’t find a way to get stops when we needed them. They made big shots, and we didn’t.” Tennessee’s defense, typically a strength under coach Kellie Harper, struggled against NC State’s inside-out attack, allowing 45% shooting from the field and 40% from beyond the arc.
The loss extends Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament drought, dating back to 2016, and further questions the program’s trajectory under Harper. The Lady Vols, once a perennial national contender, have failed to reach the Sweet 16 since 2008 and have not advanced past the second round since 2014. With key contributors like Horston and senior center Tamari Key set to return next season, the focus will now shift to offseason development and roster building.
For North Carolina State, the victory sends the Wolfpack to the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history, a milestone that underscores their rise as a contender in the ACC and beyond. Coach Wes Moore’s squad will face either Maryland or West Virginia in the next round, aiming to capitalize on this postseason breakthrough.
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