Basketball for Women: No. 12 Ohio State loses to No. 19 Maryland 93-90 in the regular season finale after a last-second overtime attempt.

The No. 12 Ohio State women’s basketball team faced a heartbreaking defeat to the No. 19 Maryland Terrapins on the final day of the 2024 regular season. The game, which took place at the Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio, ended in dramatic fashion with a 93-90 overtime loss. The Buckeyes fought valiantly in a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair, but despite a last-second attempt in overtime, they could not pull off the win.

This thrilling contest marked an intense end to a memorable regular season for Ohio State, leaving both teams with plenty to play for heading into the postseason. While the loss to Maryland stung, the game itself was filled with individual and team performances that would be remembered for months to come.

In this piece, we will break down the crucial moments of the game, analyze the standout performances, explore the strategies employed by both teams, and reflect on what the outcome means for both teams heading into their respective postseason journeys. Despite the tough defeat, Ohio State’s resilience and Maryland’s tactical brilliance made this one of the most exciting games of the season.

The Stakes: Ohio State’s Regular Season Finale

Entering the contest, Ohio State was ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25, with a solid 24-5 overall record and a respectable 12-4 record in the Big Ten Conference. With the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on the horizon, this game against Maryland was crucial in terms of postseason seeding, with both teams vying for a higher placement.

For Ohio State, a win over Maryland would have secured an even stronger position in the tournament standings and could have given them a valuable momentum boost heading into the tournament. Head coach Kevin McGuff had guided the Buckeyes through a successful season, but a loss to Maryland on their home floor was a tough pill to swallow, especially when considering how close the game was.

Meanwhile, Maryland came into the matchup with a No. 19 ranking and a record of 22-7 overall and 11-5 in Big Ten play. The Terrapins were looking to finish the regular season on a high note and make a statement heading into the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament. Their win over Ohio State not only solidified their ranking but also gave them the confidence to compete against some of the best teams in the nation.

A Thrilling First Half: Back-and-Forth Action

The game got off to an exciting start with both teams trading baskets in the opening minutes. Ohio State’s offense, led by Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Mikesell, was firing on all cylinders, as they quickly built an early lead. Mikesell, in particular, showcased her sharpshooting ability, draining several crucial three-pointers to keep Ohio State in the game. On the other side, Maryland’s Diamond Miller and Shyanne Sellers were instrumental in keeping the Terrapins within striking distance.

The two teams exchanged runs, with Ohio State briefly pulling ahead by 9 points in the second quarter, but Maryland’s offense was relentless, led by a scorching shooting performance from Miller, who scored 14 first-half points. Miller’s ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact was a key factor in keeping the game competitive.

By halftime, the Terrapins had erased Ohio State’s early lead and headed into the break with a 48-45 advantage. The first half was marked by impressive offensive displays, with both teams combining for 93 points. The game was setting up to be an exciting second half, and it was clear that neither team was willing to give an inch.

The Second Half: Defensive Intensity and Late Drama

As the second half unfolded, both teams upped their defensive intensity, knowing that the game would likely come down to a few key possessions. Ohio State made adjustments to its defense, trying to limit Miller’s penetration and close out on Maryland’s perimeter shooters. However, Maryland responded with a strong defensive effort of their own, forcing turnovers and getting out in transition.

Despite the defensive adjustments, Ohio State’s offense remained potent. Sheldon, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, began to find her rhythm, attacking the basket and scoring in a variety of ways. Her ability to drive and dish out assists helped Ohio State stay within striking distance.

Meanwhile, Maryland’s defense, spearheaded by Braxtin Miller, was able to slow Ohio State’s perimeter shooting at times, forcing the Buckeyes into difficult contested shots. However, with Mikesell and Sheldon leading the charge, Ohio State was able to find ways to score even against the tough Maryland defense.

With 3:30 remaining in the game, Ohio State found themselves down by 5 points—a significant deficit given the stakes. The Buckeyes managed to claw their way back, scoring 9 unanswered points to take a 1-point lead with just under a minute left in regulation. In a game filled with lead changes, it felt like this was Ohio State’s moment to seal the victory.

But Maryland, not to be outdone, responded with a clutch shot from Shyanne Sellers, who drained a three-pointer with 18 seconds left, putting the Terrapins up by 2 points. The Buckeyes had one last chance to tie or win the game, and it came down to Jacy Sheldon with the ball in her hands.

Sheldon, who had been the driving force for Ohio State in the second half, launched a three-pointer from the top of the key with just a few seconds remaining. The ball bounced off the rim, and the arena erupted as the buzzer sounded, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime: The Final Act of Drama

The overtime period was a microcosm of the entire game—fast-paced, filled with emotions, and dramatic. Both teams had their chances, but it was clear that the tension was mounting. Ohio State, playing in front of a raucous home crowd, came out with energy and determination.

Mikesell and Sheldon continued to shine, hitting crucial shots in the extra period. Ohio State briefly took the lead, but Maryland answered back with a couple of critical shots of their own, including a huge basket from Diamond Miller in the final minute of overtime. With just 10 seconds remaining, Ohio State had a chance to tie the game after Mikesell hit a clutch free throw to bring the Buckeyes within 1 point.

With just a few seconds left, Ohio State had one final opportunity to win or force another overtime period. In a play reminiscent of their late-game struggles all season, the Buckeyes’ final possession was disjointed. Despite getting a solid look from Sheldon, her attempt from mid-range was well-contested and missed, sealing the 93-90 win for Maryland.

Key Players and Standout Performances

Though Ohio State came up just short, there were numerous standout performances from both teams. Jacy Sheldon, despite the defeat, was exceptional for Ohio State, finishing the game with 25 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. Her ability to create offense for herself and her teammates was a major highlight in what was a thrilling individual performance. Taylor Mikesell also chipped in with 20 points and several clutch shots, including key three-pointers that kept Ohio State in the game during crucial moments.

For Maryland, Diamond Miller was the star of the game, putting up an impressive 30 points, including key baskets down the stretch. Her ability to drive to the basket, finish through contact, and hit timely jumpers made her one of the most difficult players to defend on the floor. Shyanne Sellers also had a stellar performance, contributing 19 points and playing an essential role in Maryland’s late-game success.

Maryland’s depth, along with Miller and Sellers’ leadership, proved to be the difference in this hard-fought battle. The Terrapins’ ability to execute in critical moments and play tough defense in overtime was what ultimately gave them the victory.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

Despite the loss, Ohio State is still poised to make a deep run in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament and the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes, with a strong roster and talented leadership from Sheldon and Mikesell, will likely still be a dangerous team come tournament time. The resilience they showed throughout the season and in the game against Maryland suggests that they can bounce back and use this defeat as motivation moving forward.

In particular, the Buckeyes will need to sharpen their defense, especially in late-game situations. They will need to focus on executing better in the final minutes of games, both offensively and defensively, to avoid heartbreak like the one they experienced against Maryland.

What’s Next for Maryland?

Maryland, on the other hand, will use this win as a springboard into the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. Their victory over a ranked opponent like Ohio State shows that they have the potential to go deep into the postseason. With the leadership of Miller and Sellers, along with the strong team play they’ve exhibited throughout the season, Maryland could be a dangerous contender come March Madness.

A Hard-Fought Battle

The game between Ohio State and Maryland was a thrilling, high-stakes battle that exemplified the passion and excitement of women’s college basketball. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Ohio State showed their resilience, and Maryland showcased the grit that made them a top-tier team all season.

As both teams head into the postseason, they will carry with them valuable lessons from this game—Ohio State will look to build on their offensive success, while Maryland will use their victory to continue their push for greatness in the Big Ten and beyond. Ultimately, the 93-90 overtime thriller will go down as one of the most exciting games of the season in women’s college basketball.