COLUMBUS, Ohio – Kim Caldwell was reminded of a promise she made to her team before the final buzzer even sounded in Lady Vols basketball’s upset over Ohio State.

The first-year Tennessee coach told her players they could wear any shoes they wanted if they made the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. With the game in hand, the Lady Vols brought up the promise as the clock wound down at Schottenstein Center on Sunday.

“I’m happy for them. I’m happy to see how excited they are,” Caldwell said. “I guess at point in time, I told them if we make it to the Sweet 16, they can wear whatever shoes they want, and they remembered that. They were telling me that when there was still time on the clock. So just to see how excited they are and see what it means to them is nice.”

No. 5 seed Tennessee won 82-67 against No. 4 seed Ohio State, upsetting the Buckeyes (26-7) to return to the Sweet 16. It’s the Lady Vols’ third appearance in the Sweet 16 in the last four seasons.

Tennessee (24-9) will play the winner of No. 1 seed Texas and No. 8 seed Illinois in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday. The game will tip off at either 1 or 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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The Lady Vols were led by Talaysia Cooper, who had 19 points, eight rebounds, seven steals, five assists and a block. Zee Spearman had 17 points and five rebounds, and Ruby Whitehorn added 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on X @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.