In Columbus, Ohio, a thrilling basketball game took place as No. 3 Ohio State clashed with the sixth-seeded North Carolina team. The stakes were high as the winner would secure a spot in the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season. With the game deadlocked, Jacy Sheldon emerged as the hero, sinking a game-changing jump shot in the lane with a mere 1.8 seconds left on the clock, propelling Ohio State to a 71-69 victory.
The crucial play unfolded when Sheldon received a well-placed pass from Eboni Walker and gracefully floated the ball into the basket, sealing the win for the Buckeyes. North Carolina had one final opportunity, but their hopes were dashed as they turned the ball over with only a second left to play.
Jacy Sheldon, who made the game-deciding shot, credited Eboni Walker for her exceptional playmaking. The victory hinged on maintaining composure in a high-pressure situation and retaining possession of the ball, which Eboni skillfully managed.
Despite initially holding a 12-point lead with 7:02 remaining in the game, Ohio State saw their advantage disappear as the Tar Heels mounted a spirited 13-2 run during the fourth quarter. Notably, North Carolina's star player, Deja Kelly, briefly left the court with a leg injury in the final quarter but later returned.
With only 2:09 left on the clock and Ohio State trailing 66-63, Deja Kelly made two clutch free throws, and Paulina Paris followed up with a transition layup, giving North Carolina their first lead of the game. However, Jacy Sheldon responded by scoring to recapture the lead for Ohio State with 1:07 left on the clock. Sheldon secured the win by adding a free throw 29 seconds later. Deja Kelly, who scored 22 points for North Carolina, managed to tie the game at 69 with a jumper just 9 seconds before the final buzzer.
The Ohio State coach, Kevin McGuff, commended his team for their hard-fought victory, emphasizing the respect they held for their formidable opponents, North Carolina.
In the first half, Ohio State maintained a lead throughout, even enjoying a nine-point advantage during the opening quarter while shooting at a 46% success rate. Taylor Mikesell's three-point shooting prowess, going 3-of-6 from beyond the arc in the first half, contributed to Ohio State's strong start.
Jacy Sheldon finished with 16 points, Eboni Walker added 15, and Cotie McMahon chipped in 14, with Taylor Mikesell leading the team with 17 points.
Ohio State now advances to the Sweet 16 for the fourth time since the 2015-16 season and will face the formidable No. 2 seed UConn in the Seattle 3 Regional.
