The No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes extend their winning streak to 10 games following a dominant 71-47 victory against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Thursday night. Cotie McMahon led the way with 13 points and nine rebounds, while Jacy Sheldon overcame a slow start to contribute 12 points and six assists, helping the Buckeyes (20-3, 11-1) maintain their lead at the top of the Big Ten.
Celeste Taylor poured in 14 points along with two blocks, and Rebeka Mikulasikova added 11 points for Ohio State. The Gophers (14-9, 4-8), in contrast, suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, partly due to a season-high 23 turnovers. Janay Sanders stood out for Minnesota with 16 points.
Despite a sluggish offensive start, Sheldon still influenced the game significantly. Her second-quarter three-pointer turned the tide, and her smart defensive plays, including a full-court assist to Taylor, highlighted her on-court impact.
Ohio State’s defensively focused game, which features an aggressive press and perimeter control, has led them to lead the Big Ten in steals per game. They also boast formidable 3-point defense, allowing only 28.6% from behind the arc. The Buckeyes capitalized on turnovers, outscoring the Gophers by 20 points in this area, as Minnesota struggled from the 3-point line, making just 4 of 16 attempts.
The victorious streak of the Buckeyes has seen them defeat top-ten ranked teams and climb to their highest ranking of the season in the latest Associated Press poll.
The Gophers are navigating through the season with a handicap as they miss star guard Mara Braun, who is recovering from foot surgery. Dawn Plitzuweit, the team’s first-year coach, has seen improvements, but a return to the NCAA Tournament will require additional victories.
It’s worth noting that Ohio State has dominated the recent series against Minnesota, with the Gophers’ last victory dating back to February 2016.
BIG PICTURE
After reaching the Elite Eight last season, Ohio State has high aspirations for the Final Four, which will be held in Cleveland. Adding talent like Duke transfer Celeste Taylor has only increased their chances.
Minnesota continues to face challenges when up against top-tier teams and aims to break a 27-game losing streak against ranked opponents.
UP NEXT
The Buckeyes will face Michigan State on Sunday, while Minnesota will meet Rutgers on Tuesday.
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For more information on women’s college basketball, visit the AP Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Poll at https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball.
FAQ Section
- Who was the leading scorer for Ohio State against Minnesota?
Cotie McMahon was the leading scorer with 13 points.
- What contributed to Minnesota’s loss?
Minnesota had a season-high 23 turnovers, which Ohio State capitalized on for points.
- Has Ohio State been successful against Minnesota historically?
Yes, they have won the last 13 matchups against Minnesota, with the Gophers’ last win coming in February 2016.
- Where will the Final Four be held this season?
The Final Four will be held in Cleveland, Ohio, which is effectively the backyard for Ohio State.
- What is next for Ohio State and Minnesota?
Ohio State is scheduled to play Michigan State on Sunday, while Minnesota will take on Rutgers on Tuesday.
Conclusion
The Ohio State Buckeyes solidify their position at the top of the Big Ten with a decisive win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Led by standout performances from their key players, they continue to showcase their depth and defensive prowess, keeping fans optimistic about a deep run in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Despite the loss, the Gophers under Coach Dawn Plitzuweit still have a chance to turn the season around, but their path to the NCAA Tournament appears to be difficult without their injured star Mara Braun. Both teams have important upcoming games that could influence their bids for post-season success.