Overview
- Tennessee fell 76-61 to No. 7 NC State in the NCAA first round, finishing 16-14 with an eight-game losing streak and the lowest winning percentage in program history.
- Caldwell said a midseason "Plan B" that scrapped the press at times, slowed tempo and tightened rotations cost Tennessee its identity and buy-in.
- The loss was just the program’s third first-round exit, as NC State shot 51% from the field and Zamareya Jones scored 30 points.
- Tennessee played without leading rebounder and second-leading scorer Janiah Barker, while Talaysia Cooper led the Lady Vols with 24 points.
- Athletic director Danny White signaled patience, saying he does not expect a quick fix but remains confident Caldwell can rebuild the program.