The Ohio State women's basketball team showcased its dominance in the NCAA Tournament's first round, securing an emphatic 80-57 victory over Maine at the Schottenstein Center. The second-seeded Buckeyes leveraged a powerful second-quarter surge and a relentless full-court press to dismantle the 15th-seeded Black Bears, setting up a second-round clash with No. 7 seed Duke at Value City Arena.
From the outset, Maine demonstrated its shooting prowess, sinking its first five shots, including a trio of 3-pointers from Olivia Rockwood, to briefly lead. However, Ohio State quickly countered, ending the first quarter on a high and extending its advantage with a decisive run in the second quarter. The Buckeyes' defense was pivotal, forcing 22 turnovers from Maine, which they converted into 24 points, underscoring the effectiveness of their aggressive strategy.
Jacy Sheldon spearheaded the Ohio State offense with 19 points, supported by Cotie McMahon, Celeste Taylor, and Taylor Thierry, all scoring in double figures. Despite a spirited performance from Maine's Anne Simon, who led all scorers with 25 points, the Black Bears struggled to keep pace, hampered by turnovers and Ohio State's defensive pressure.
Ohio State's victory was not just a statement of intent in the tournament but also a celebration of individual milestones, with Sheldon surpassing 2,000 career points and Thierry crossing the 500-rebound mark. Despite facing a significant challenge from a resilient Maine team early on, the Buckeyes' depth and tactical execution were on full display as they comfortably sealed the win.
Looking ahead, Ohio State's encounter with Duke promises to be a compelling matchup, with both teams vying for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen. The Buckeyes, having rebounded strongly from a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal loss, appear poised for a deep run, buoyed by their recent performance and the return of Eboni Walker to the lineup.
With a perfect 7-0 record in NCAA Tournament first-round games under coach Kevin McGuff, Ohio State's women's basketball team continues to build on its legacy of success. As they prepare for their next challenge, the Buckeyes remain focused on maintaining their momentum and playing to their strengths, aiming to go even further in the Dance.
