To begin March Madness, Ohio State women’s basketball will play Montana State. Bracket update

Ohio State Women’s Basketball Set to Face Montana State in First Round of March Madness: Bracket Update and Tournament Outlook

The Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team has once again earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, marking another chapter in the program’s storied history. As the tournament kicks off, the Buckeyes will square off against the Montana State Bobcats in the opening round of March Madness. This matchup, set to take place in the first round of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, provides a fascinating opportunity for both teams to make their mark in the postseason.

In this detailed analysis, we’ll take a closer look at Ohio State’s season, their tournament bracket, the challenge posed by Montana State, and what the Buckeyes need to do to make a deep run. Additionally, we’ll break down the key players, the state of the bracket, and the broader implications of the tournament’s landscape.

Ohio State Women’s Basketball Season Overview

Under the guidance of head coach Kevin McGuff, Ohio State has established itself as one of the top teams in the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes have enjoyed a highly successful regular season, finishing near the top of the Big Ten standings and earning an impressive seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Throughout the season, Ohio State has demonstrated a balanced approach, combining strong offensive firepower with solid defensive play. Their success has been built on a combination of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation.

Regular Season Achievements

Ohio State entered the NCAA Tournament with a strong record, having played a challenging schedule that included several marquee matchups. Some of the highlights of their season include key victories over top-ranked opponents in both the Big Ten and non-conference play. The Buckeyes were able to showcase their versatility, beating teams with high-scoring offenses and gritty defenses alike. This adaptability will serve them well as they head into the tournament.

A major strength for Ohio State has been their offense, where they boast one of the most potent attacks in the nation. With multiple scoring threats at their disposal, the Buckeyes have averaged impressive numbers in points per game, largely due to the prolific scoring from their star players. On the other side of the ball, their defense has been formidable, allowing them to stifle opposing teams and create turnovers to fuel their fast-paced offense.

Ohio State’s success has also been supported by their strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament, where they reached the semifinals and had competitive games against some of the conference’s top teams. While they fell short of winning the conference tournament, their resilience in close games was a testament to their readiness for the challenges ahead in March Madness.

Key Players to Watch

As the NCAA Tournament looms, several key players will be critical for Ohio State’s success. These players have been central to the Buckeyes’ strong campaign and will be expected to step up when the pressure of March Madness kicks in.

1. Jacy Sheldon (Guard) Jacy Sheldon has been the face of Ohio State women’s basketball for the past few seasons. The senior guard is known for her scoring ability, ball-handling, and leadership on the court. Sheldon has the ability to take over a game, whether it’s driving to the basket, hitting mid-range jumpers, or facilitating for her teammates. With her experience and all-around game, Sheldon is a player to watch as she leads Ohio State through the tournament.
2. Taylor Mikesell (Guard/Forward) A versatile player who can play both on the perimeter and inside, Taylor Mikesell is another key piece for Ohio State. She has been a consistent scorer throughout the season and provides the Buckeyes with a strong shooting threat. Her ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches will be important against teams that are more defensively focused.
3. Cotie McMahon (Forward) As a dynamic forward, Cotie McMahon brings energy and athleticism to Ohio State’s frontcourt. Her ability to rebound, defend, and score inside makes her a dual threat for the Buckeyes. McMahon’s physicality and basketball IQ will be critical as Ohio State looks to impose its will in the paint.
4. Alexis Markowski (Center) Ohio State’s bigs, led by Alexis Markowski, provide the Buckeyes with a strong inside presence. Markowski has been effective on both ends of the floor, contributing with timely scoring and shot-blocking. Her rebounding and rim protection will be essential in Ohio State’s efforts to control the tempo of the game and limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents.

Montana State: A Tough Opening Opponent

Ohio State’s first-round opponent, the Montana State Bobcats, will not be an easy team to overlook. Montana State enters the NCAA Tournament after a successful season, winning their conference and earning an automatic bid. Despite being a lower seed compared to the Buckeyes, Montana State has demonstrated the ability to pull off upsets and is more than capable of competing at a high level.

Strengths of Montana State

1. Solid Defensive Scheme: Montana State has earned a reputation for being a tough defensive team. Their ability to pressure the ball, contest shots, and create turnovers will be critical in a matchup against a high-powered Ohio State offense. Montana State will likely look to slow down the Buckeyes and make this game a defensive battle.
2. Balanced Scoring: While Montana State might not have the star power of Ohio State, they boast a balanced attack with multiple players capable of scoring. The Bobcats rely on teamwork and an efficient offense to keep themselves in games, and they’ll look to exploit any weaknesses Ohio State might have defensively.
3. Underdog Mentality: Montana State enters the tournament with the confidence that comes from earning an automatic bid through their conference tournament victory. The underdog mentality can sometimes provide an edge in March Madness, where unexpected upsets are the norm. Montana State will be hungry to prove themselves and show they belong on the national stage.

Key Players for Montana State

1. Tori Williams (Guard) Williams has been a standout for Montana State this season, leading the team in scoring and providing the Bobcats with a dynamic offensive threat. She can create her own shot and will be the player to watch for Montana State as they look to establish a rhythm in the opening game.
2. Maddie Burbage (Forward) As a versatile forward, Burbage contributes both as a scorer and a rebounder. Her ability to stretch the floor and hit mid-range jump shots will be important for the Bobcats as they look to challenge Ohio State’s defense.

Ohio State’s Path to a Deep Tournament Run

With a challenging first-round matchup against Montana State, Ohio State cannot afford to overlook their opponent. However, if the Buckeyes can get past the Bobcats, they will likely face more challenging tests as the tournament progresses. The women’s NCAA Tournament is known for its parity, with upsets happening in nearly every region. To make a deep run, Ohio State will need to address a few key areas:

1. Limiting Turnovers and Maintaining Offensive Flow

Ohio State has a tendency to be turnover-prone at times. While they are an explosive offensive team, they need to make sure they take care of the ball and get quality shots on each possession. Against a team like Montana State, who excels at creating turnovers, Ohio State will need to stay composed and execute their offense efficiently.

2. Defense and Rebounding

While Ohio State’s offense gets most of the attention, their defense will be just as crucial in the tournament. The Buckeyes will need to limit Montana State’s offensive opportunities, especially on the glass. Securing rebounds, especially defensive rebounds, will be key to preventing second-chance points and giving Ohio State’s offense a chance to run.

3. Depth and Player Contributions

March Madness is a grueling tournament that tests a team’s depth. Ohio State will need contributions from its bench, especially when star players are being keyed on by opponents. Players like freshman forward Cotie McMahon will need to step up and make an impact when called upon. The Buckeyes have the depth to compete with anyone, but it will take a team effort for them to make a deep run.