The Ohio State women's basketball team made a triumphant return to the Schottenstein Center on Thursday night after a prolonged absence, facing off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The game brought some uncertainty for both teams, with roster questions and a surprise twist for the Buckeyes just before tipoff.
One of the significant uncertainties for Rutgers was the absence of guard Kaylene Smikle, a standout player and the leading scorer for the Scarlet Knights. Smikle continued her time off the court, paving the way for Ohio State to capitalize and secure a commanding 90-55 victory.
On the Buckeyes' side, redshirt senior guard Rikki Harris appeared on the injury report for the first time this season, listed as questionable. Although she took a limited role during warmups, Harris didn't see any minutes on the court. Additionally, forward Rebeka Mikulášiková returned to the starting lineup after missing the previous game due to illness, reshuffling the team dynamics.
From the beginning, Ohio State demonstrated no intention of easing up against Rutgers. The Buckeyes hit their first three shots, including a corner three-point shot from Mikulášiková, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Rutgers called a timeout early in the first quarter, trailing 10-2 with less than three minutes played.
Despite Rutgers attempting a full-court press, Ohio State's deep shooting prowess prevailed. The Buckeyes showcased their long-range accuracy, with four different players hitting shots from beyond the arc in the first ten minutes, ultimately going 5-for-7.
The second quarter mirrored the first, with Ohio State extending its lead. Despite a strong individual performance from Rutgers' Destiny Adams, the Scarlet Knights couldn't keep pace with the Buckeyes' sharpshooting. The first half allowed Ohio State to rest its starters, heading into halftime with a commanding 29-point lead.
In the third quarter, Rutgers tried to play a physical game to cut into the lead, but fouls quickly accumulated. Ohio State capitalized on the bonus situation, securing points from the free-throw line and maintaining a substantial lead. The Buckeyes carried a 33-point advantage into the fourth quarter.
Jacy Sheldon stood out with eight steals, showcasing her defensive prowess. While falling just short of a double-double, Sheldon contributed 11 points to the scoring column. Graduating senior Celeste Taylor led the starting five in scoring, displaying confidence in her first year with the Buckeyes.
Guard Madison Greene took charge in the fourth quarter, leading Ohio State to a second consecutive victory. The Buckeyes now look ahead to facing tougher Big Ten competition against the Michigan State Spartans, Maryland Terrapins, and Iowa Hawkeyes in the upcoming games.
In the next matchup, Ohio State will host the Michigan State Spartans at the Schottenstein Center. The game promises intriguing storylines, with first-year Big Ten head coach Robyn Fralick leading the Spartans against familiar faces in the Buckeyes' lineup. The game marks a reunion for Buckeyes' Parks, who transferred from Michigan State to Columbus after four years as a Spartan. The clash is set to be a competitive encounter, with Michigan State entering the game with an 11-3 record, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming showdown.
