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Tennessee Lady Vols Fall to NC State, End Season

3/21/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The No. 10 Tennessee Lady Volunteers lost to No. 7 NC State 76-61 in the NCAA Tournament first round on March 20, 2026, ending their season with an eight-game losing streak and their third NCAA first-round exit.
Tennessee shot 33 percent from the field.
Talaysia Cooper of Tennessee led the Volunteers with 24 points.
NC State's Zamareya Jones scored 30 points.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament was established in 1982, transitioning from earlier AIAW tournaments. The inaugural event featured 32 teams, with Louisiana Tech defeating Cheyney State 76-62 for the championship. This marked a significant advancement for women's sports, yet challenges persist, as seen in the Tennessee Lady Volunteers' recent first-round exit, highlighting the competitive evolution in women's basketball.

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Story summary

The No. 10 Tennessee Lady Volunteers lost to No. 7 NC State 76-61 in the NCAA Tournament first round on March 20, 2026, ending their season with an eight-game losing streak and their third NCAA first-round exit.
Tennessee shot 33 percent from the field.
Talaysia Cooper of Tennessee led the Volunteers with 24 points.
NC State's Zamareya Jones scored 30 points.

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