Ohio State women eliminated from Big Ten tournament vs UCLA in season-worst loss

For the Ohio State women’s basketball team, the 2024 Big Ten Tournament held plenty of promise. After a strong regular-season showing, the Buckeyes entered the tournament as one of the favorites to make a deep run. However, their hopes were dashed by a crushing defeat at the hands of the UCLA Bruins, marking a season-low point for the Buckeyes and eliminating them from the competition.

While the loss to UCLA was undeniably disappointing, it serves as a crucial moment for reflection, analysis, and understanding for the team, their coaches, and their fans. As one of the most storied programs in the Big Ten, Ohio State has experienced both the highs and lows of competitive basketball. The defeat to UCLA is just one chapter in a much larger story of the Buckeyes’ season—a story filled with triumphs, challenges, and moments of growth. In this article, we will break down Ohio State’s crushing loss to UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament, identify the factors that led to the defeat, and take a closer look at the team’s performance throughout the season.

1. The Setting: A Strong Regular Season Comes to a Close

Heading into the Big Ten Tournament, Ohio State women’s basketball was riding high after a strong regular season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Kevin McGuff, the Buckeyes had built a team that showcased a balance of offensive firepower, defensive tenacity, and team chemistry. Players like Jacy Sheldon, Taylor Mikesell, and Cotie McMahon were pivotal in the team’s success, contributing with dynamic performances that made Ohio State a threat to anyone in the conference. Their overall record of 22-7 and their impressive finishes throughout the regular season led to high expectations heading into the tournament.

However, the loss to UCLA, a team that had its own ups and downs in the season, felt like an unexpected and shocking turn of events. The Buckeyes had looked solid in earlier matchups and were believed to have the tools to secure a deep run in the postseason. But despite the high hopes, Ohio State found themselves on the losing end of a game that was arguably one of their worst performances of the season.

2. The Game Breakdown: A Struggling Performance from Ohio State

When the Ohio State women took the court against UCLA in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, there was palpable anticipation in the air. Both teams had entered the tournament with momentum, but only one would continue to fight for a championship.

From the tip-off, it became clear that this would be a challenging game for the Buckeyes. UCLA was aggressive, disciplined, and seemed to capitalize on nearly every misstep Ohio State made. The Bruins took control early, building a lead that they would never relinquish. Ohio State struggled on both ends of the floor, unable to find the rhythm that had made them successful during the regular season.

Offensive Struggles: A Lack of Flow

Ohio State’s offensive struggles were apparent from the outset. The Buckeyes were unable to establish their usual fast-paced offensive style, and it became clear that they were struggling to execute their plays. UCLA’s defense, led by their talented defenders, was suffocating, forcing Ohio State into difficult shots and turnovers.

Jacy Sheldon, one of the team’s key offensive players, had a particularly difficult game. After an impressive season of scoring, Sheldon found herself contained by the Bruins’ defensive schemes, finishing with a season-low number of points. The team’s inability to run effective offensive sets put them in a constant hole throughout the game.

Meanwhile, Taylor Mikesell, who had been one of the team’s leading scorers, also struggled with her shooting. She was forced into contested shots and seemed to be a step behind the defense. While the Buckeyes had depth in their lineup, the inability of their top players to get going on offense doomed the team in this matchup.

UCLA’s defense, however, was more than just a product of Ohio State’s struggles. The Bruins executed a disciplined game plan that made it hard for Ohio State to create clean looks. They pressured the ball, clogged driving lanes, and rotated effectively, preventing Ohio State from getting into a rhythm. As a result, the Buckeyes were limited to forced shots and were unable to make significant inroads on the scoreboard.

Defensive Lapses: Ohio State’s Uncharacteristic Weakness

Defensively, Ohio State was also uncharacteristic. The Buckeyes, known for their physical play and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, were ineffective at getting stops against UCLA. The Bruins moved the ball well, finding open looks from beyond the arc and exploiting mismatches inside. Ohio State struggled to contain UCLA’s guards, who were able to create open shots, and they allowed the Bruins to score in transition at key moments.

One of the major breakdowns for Ohio State was their inability to keep UCLA’s star players in check. The Bruins were able to break down Ohio State’s defense with ease, and key players were allowed to get into a rhythm. Without the usual defensive stops, Ohio State found themselves constantly playing catch-up, which only compounded their offensive struggles.

Turnovers and Missed Opportunities

Another issue for Ohio State was their turnovers. The Buckeyes were not as sharp as usual with their ball handling, giving up possessions that they could not afford to lose. They were pressured into making poor decisions, leading to unforced errors. The turnovers allowed UCLA to capitalize in transition, extending their lead and making it even harder for Ohio State to mount a comeback.

The missed opportunities also added to the frustration. Ohio State had several chances to get back into the game, but their inability to convert on wide-open shots and free throws proved costly. The failure to capitalize on these chances was a theme that haunted the Buckeyes throughout the game.

3. UCLA’s Impressive Performance: Why They Were Able to Dominate

While Ohio State’s performance was lackluster, UCLA should be credited for their execution in the game. The Bruins entered the Big Ten Tournament with their own set of goals and a chip on their shoulder, having already faced several tough tests in the regular season. They were hungry for a win and played like it, pushing the pace and taking advantage of every mistake Ohio State made.

UCLA’s balanced attack was a major factor in the game. They had multiple players who contributed offensively, spreading the scoring around and preventing Ohio State from focusing on any one player. Their ability to move the ball and find open looks was a testament to their offensive efficiency.

Defensively, UCLA’s game plan was executed to perfection. They made sure to contain Ohio State’s key offensive players and were quick to react when opportunities presented themselves. Their ability to stifle Ohio State’s offense was a major reason for the Buckeyes’ frustration.

4. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ohio State Women’s Basketball?

While the loss to UCLA was undoubtedly a setback for Ohio State, it’s important to remember that one loss does not define a season. The Buckeyes still have plenty of reason for optimism as they head into the NCAA Tournament.

The team has shown throughout the season that they can compete with the best teams in the country, and while they didn’t perform at their best in the Big Ten Tournament, their previous successes indicate that they have the potential to bounce back. Players like Sheldon, Mikesell, and McMahon are all capable of leading the team to success in the upcoming tournament.

The coaching staff will also need to take a hard look at the UCLA loss and make adjustments. Ohio State’s struggles on both offense and defense were clear in this game, and the Buckeyes will need to regroup, focus on improving their execution, and refine their strategy as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. They will need to eliminate the mistakes that cost them in this game and make sure they come out with a focused, determined effort in their next opportunity.

: Reflecting on a Difficult Tournament and the Bigger Picture

The Ohio State women’s basketball team’s elimination from the Big Ten Tournament at the hands of UCLA was a difficult and disappointing result, particularly considering the high expectations the team had for the postseason. The loss, which included offensive struggles, defensive lapses, and missed opportunities, was a season-low point for the Buckeyes. However, it’s important to understand that this game represents just one chapter in the larger story of the Buckeyes’ season. The team still has the chance to make a run in the NCAA Tournament and show the resilience and talent that carried them throughout the regular season. With a talented roster, experienced coaches, and a group of players hungry for redemption, Ohio State will be eager to regroup and push forward as they chase their dreams in the national tournament.