Roundup of the Women’s Top 25: No. 12 No. 23 is handled by Ohio State. State of Michigan

In one of the most anticipated matchups of the week, No. 12 Ohio State took on No. 23 Michigan State in a fierce showdown in Big Ten women’s basketball. Both teams entered the game with impressive records and high expectations, as they continue to make their push for a strong finish in the conference and beyond. In front of a raucous crowd, Ohio State came out on top, securing a decisive victory and further cementing their place as one of the premier teams in the nation.

The game, which took place in Columbus, Ohio, was more than just a regular-season contest; it was a statement game for Ohio State, showing not only their dominance over a ranked opponent but also their readiness for the upcoming challenges that lie ahead in the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

A Look at Both Teams Before the Game

Heading into the game, both Ohio State and Michigan State were having strong seasons, each sitting comfortably within the Top 25 rankings. Ohio State, ranked No. 12, had been surging in recent weeks, with a well-balanced roster and a potent offense that could score at will. Led by head coach Kevin McGuff, the Buckeyes were coming off a string of dominant wins, making them a serious contender in the conference. The team had shown depth with solid contributions from Jacy Sheldon, Taylor Mikesell, and Shemberlin Shumpert, as well as a fast-paced, up-tempo offense that allowed them to stretch defenses.

Michigan State, ranked No. 23, had been no slouch this season. Coach Suzy Merchant‘s squad was known for their defensive prowess and had been steadily climbing the rankings as they found their rhythm. They had a talented roster, including standout players like Nia Clouden and Chloe Reitz, who provided a formidable offensive and defensive presence for the Spartans. Michigan State’s success this season was largely attributed to their ability to control the tempo and limit opponents’ opportunities with their defense.

With both teams having significant stakes in the game, the matchup was highly anticipated, with each side looking to make a statement in this highly competitive conference.

First Half: Ohio State Establishes Dominance

From the tip-off, Ohio State made it clear that they were the superior team on this night. The Buckeyes came out with a sharp and focused game plan, executing on both ends of the floor with precision. Ohio State’s defense was stifling early, forcing Michigan State into difficult shots and creating turnovers. Shemberlin Shumpert was a key presence defensively, disrupting passing lanes and contesting shots at the rim.

Offensively, Ohio State took control with their high-scoring, fast-paced style. Jacy Sheldon provided the initial spark for the Buckeyes, scoring quickly in transition and finding her teammates for easy buckets. Sheldon’s ability to attack the basket and finish through contact was on full display, as she got to the free-throw line with regularity and capitalized on those opportunities. Her aggressive play on both ends of the floor set the tone for Ohio State, who quickly built a significant lead.

Taylor Mikesell, another key player for Ohio State, proved why she is one of the best shooters in the nation. Mikesell’s perimeter shooting stretched the Spartan defense, creating space for her teammates to attack the basket. By halftime, Ohio State had built a comfortable lead, heading into the locker room with a 42-28 advantage.

Michigan State, on the other hand, struggled to get their offense going. Despite the efforts of Nia Clouden, who was attempting to create plays, the Spartans couldn’t find a rhythm. Ohio State’s defense was simply too aggressive, and Michigan State’s shooting was off, particularly from beyond the arc. The Spartans were also hampered by Ohio State’s ability to dominate the boards. The Buckeyes held a noticeable advantage in rebounding, and that extra possession allowed them to maintain control of the game.

Key Moments of the First Half:

1. Ohio State’s Defensive Pressure: From the opening tip, Ohio State’s defense was disruptive. They forced Michigan State into difficult shots and turnovers, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
2. Jacy Sheldon’s Explosive Start: Sheldon’s ability to attack the basket and get to the line was instrumental in Ohio State’s first-half success. She had a team-high 15 points by the break, sparking Ohio State’s offense.
3. Michigan State’s Shooting Struggles: Despite solid looks, Michigan State could not find consistency from the field, shooting just 34% in the first half and struggling from three-point range.

Second Half: Ohio State Closes Out Michigan State

While Michigan State came out with a renewed energy in the second half, Ohio State refused to allow any momentum to build for the Spartans. Coach McGuff’s squad kept their foot on the gas, pushing the pace and continuing to exploit Michigan State’s weaknesses.

In the third quarter, Taylor Mikesell hit a couple of crucial three-pointers, extending Ohio State’s lead even further. Mikesell’s outside shooting was a significant factor, as it pulled Michigan State’s defense out of the paint, opening up driving lanes for Sheldon and Rikki Harris to attack.

Michigan State tried to adjust, with Coach Merchant going to a full-court press to speed up the game and force Ohio State into mistakes. However, Ohio State responded by being patient and moving the ball efficiently, finding open looks and creating easy baskets. The Buckeyes also continued to dominate on the glass, out-rebounding the Spartans by a margin of 39-25 by the end of the game.

In the final quarter, Ohio State’s depth came to the forefront. The Buckeyes’ bench provided key contributions, including important minutes from Ava McKeever and Eboni Walker, both of whom provided solid defense and rebounding. As Michigan State struggled to cut into the lead, Ohio State continued to execute their offense with poise, closing out the game with a 75-55 victory.

Key Moments of the Second Half:

1. Taylor Mikesell’s Perimeter Shooting: Mikesell’s back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter helped bury Michigan State’s chances of making a comeback.
2. Ohio State’s Depth: The Buckeyes’ depth became apparent in the second half, as key bench players contributed in all areas of the game.
3. Defensive Rebounding: Ohio State’s dominance on the boards was crucial. They controlled the glass all night, with Shemberlin Shumpert grabbing key rebounds and limiting Michigan State’s second-chance opportunities.

Individual Performances to Remember:

1. Jacy Sheldon: Sheldon led the Buckeyes with a game-high 23 points, along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Her ability to break down Michigan State’s defense with her driving ability and finish around the rim was essential in securing Ohio State’s victory.
2. Taylor Mikesell: Mikesell finished with 17 points and was critical from the outside, hitting several big three-pointers to extend Ohio State’s lead in the second half. Her shooting opened up the court for her teammates.
3. Rikki Harris: Harris added 10 points and was a key defensive presence, helping to limit the effectiveness of Michigan State’s guards.
4. Nia Clouden: For Michigan State, Clouden was their most effective offensive player, finishing with 15 points and 5 assists, but her efforts were not enough to overcome Ohio State’s dominance on both ends.
5. Chloe Reitz: Reitz struggled throughout the game, managing only 8 points on inefficient shooting. Ohio State’s defense did an excellent job limiting her impact on the game.

Postgame Reactions and Implications for Both Teams

After the game, Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff was quick to praise his team for their defensive intensity and offensive execution. “I thought we played a great 40 minutes tonight. Our defense really set the tone, and we did a great job getting out in transition,” he said. “We’ve been working on our defensive principles all season, and tonight it really paid off. Our players stepped up when it mattered most.”

For Michigan State, Coach Suzy Merchant acknowledged that her team needed to improve their shooting and overall execution. “Ohio State was the better team tonight, but we have to take responsibility for the shots we missed and the turnovers we committed. We’ll look at the film, and we’ll get back to work,” Merchant said.

The loss dropped Michigan State to 16-6 overall and 7-4 in the Big Ten, which may hurt their chances of securing a top-four seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. However, with several games left in the season, they still have an opportunity to get back on track.

For Ohio State, the victory pushed their record to 19-4 overall and 9-2 in the Big Ten, further solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the nation. The Buckeyes’ defense, coupled with their offensive firepower, makes them a legitimate contender for the Big Ten Championship and a potential high seed in the NCAA Tournament.