In a thrilling showdown, the No. 17/16 Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious over Michigan State with a final score of 70-65 in an intense awareness game held on Sunday afternoon. The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, featuring five lead changes in the first quarter alone, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The first quarter saw both teams trading baskets and Ohio State gaining a narrow 20-18 lead after 10 minutes of play. The second quarter continued the competitive nature of the game, with Michigan State heading into the locker room with a 37-34 lead. Tensions escalated as the teams entered the final quarter tied at 50, setting the stage for a gripping conclusion.
Ohio State made a decisive move in the fourth quarter, scoring the first eight points and establishing an unyielding lead. Despite Michigan State's efforts to close the gap, the Buckeyes maintained control and secured the 70-65 win.
Key players contributed significantly to Ohio State's success, with Cotie McMahon leading the team in double figures with 11 points. Jacy Sheldon, Rikki Harris, Taylor Thierry, and Rebeka Mikulášiková also made substantial contributions, each scoring in double figures. Thierry, in particular, showcased an impressive performance with a game-high 11 rebounds, securing her second double-double of the season. Celeste Taylor recorded a career-high five blocks, displaying a formidable defensive presence.
The game unfolded with several highlights, including McMahon's transition play, Sheldon's triple, and Thierry's critical triple to start the third quarter. The Buckeyes demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly in crucial moments that propelled them to victory.
Head Coach Kevin McGuff praised the team's progress, stating,
"We've gotten a little bit better to put ourselves in a position to win games like this, which is amazing and where we always need to be. Our defense has gotten better, and we'll keep focused on that."
Rikki Harris, the redshirt senior guard, emphasized the importance of rebounding against a physical Michigan State team, stating,
"Michigan State is a good team, a physical team, and they can rebound the ball, so getting an extra chance on offense or defense to get the ball back was very important. We made some big rebounds at big times."
Looking ahead, Ohio State's next challenge awaits as they travel to Maryland for a 7 p.m. game on Wednesday. Fans can catch the action on Peacock and AM1460, anticipating another exciting matchup for the Buckeyes.
