Women’s Basketball: The No. 12 Buckeyes overcome No. 23 Michigan State 89-78 to end the regular season undefeated at home.

In the world of college basketball, few things are as rewarding as a perfect home record, especially when it comes at the end of a grueling regular season. For the No. 12-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, their 89-78 victory over No. 23 Michigan State was not just another win—it was a statement that encapsulated their hard work, determination, and ability to shine on the biggest stage.

The victory in front of a roaring home crowd was the culmination of an undefeated home season, a feat that is not easily achieved in the competitive landscape of the Big Ten Conference. The Buckeyes’ performance in this game was a testament to their resilience, with standout individual performances and a team effort that proved they were ready to make a run in the postseason.

Let’s break down the significance of Ohio State’s thrilling win over Michigan State and examine the factors that contributed to their undefeated record at home and what it means for their postseason hopes.

The Stakes: A Home Court Legacy

Heading into this matchup against Michigan State, the Ohio State Buckeyes knew they were on the verge of something special. The regular season was winding down, and with the Big Ten Tournament on the horizon, securing a victory in their final home game was important not just for the win-loss record but for the momentum it would provide heading into the postseason.

For Ohio State, the undefeated home record represented a foundation that they could rely on as they entered the most crucial part of the season. Playing at home can often feel like an advantage, with the energy of the home crowd giving players an extra boost. But it’s not just about the crowd noise—it’s the familiarity with the court, the comfort of playing in front of friends and family, and the sense of pride that comes with defending your home turf.

Ending the regular season with a perfect home record (a feat Ohio State had not accomplished in several years) would be the ultimate reward for a team that had worked so hard to get to this point. But the road to achieving that goal was not an easy one, with tough opponents lining up to challenge them. Michigan State, ranked No. 23 in the country, was one of those opponents, and their physicality and defensive prowess posed a serious threat to the Buckeyes.

A First Half of High Drama

The game itself lived up to the hype. From the tip-off, it was clear that both teams were playing for something much larger than just a regular-season win. The Buckeyes, led by head coach Kevin McGuff, came out aggressive, looking to set the tone early with fast breaks and crisp ball movement. Michigan State, coached by Suzy Merchant, countered with their trademark tough defense and physical play.

The first half was an exciting back-and-forth affair. Ohio State was firing on all cylinders, with their offense looking fluid and efficient. Jacy Sheldon, the Buckeyes’ star guard, was particularly dominant, driving to the basket with ease and knocking down mid-range shots. Her scoring ability set the tone for Ohio State, and she quickly became a focal point of the offense, drawing defenders and creating opportunities for her teammates.

However, Michigan State wasn’t going to be intimidated by the home crowd or Ohio State’s aggressive play. The Spartans, led by standout players like Nia Clouden and Alisia Smith, fought back with a mix of strong perimeter shooting and relentless defense. Clouden, in particular, was a thorn in Ohio State’s side, scoring efficiently and keeping the Spartans within striking distance.

Despite Michigan State’s efforts, the Buckeyes managed to maintain a slight lead at the half, 44-41. Ohio State’s offense had been sharp, but Michigan State’s defense had forced the Buckeyes into some tough shots. The Spartans also did well to control the tempo, limiting Ohio State’s fast-break opportunities. The halftime break provided both teams with a chance to regroup, and it was clear that the second half would be a battle for supremacy.

Ohio State’s Second Half Surge

As the second half began, Ohio State came out with even more intensity. The home crowd, already buzzing with excitement, was ready to push the team across the finish line. The Buckeyes’ defensive effort improved dramatically, as they became more aggressive with their full-court press and tightened up their perimeter defense. Michigan State struggled to find clean looks as the game wore on, with Ohio State’s defense forcing several key turnovers.

Taylor Mikesell, Ohio State’s sharp-shooting guard, was instrumental in the second half. After a quiet first half, Mikesell found her rhythm and began hitting key three-pointers that stretched the lead and forced Michigan State to adjust. Mikesell’s scoring, combined with Sheldon’s continued playmaking, allowed the Buckeyes to pull away in the latter stages of the game.

One of the critical moments of the game came when Eboni Walker and Rabia Najee made their presence felt in the paint. Both players provided excellent rebounding and interior defense, making it difficult for Michigan State to get easy second-chance opportunities. Their efforts on the glass, combined with Ohio State’s offensive efficiency, allowed the Buckeyes to create separation.

As the game moved into its final stages, Michigan State, though resilient, could not keep up with Ohio State’s pace. The Spartans’ defense began to falter, and Ohio State capitalized by executing in transition and taking advantage of Michigan State’s fatigue. The Buckeyes were able to push their lead into double digits, eventually winning 89-78.

Individual Performances: Key Players Shine

The star of the game for Ohio State was undoubtedly Jacy Sheldon. The junior guard played a stellar game, finishing with 27 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds. Her ability to score both inside and from the perimeter, combined with her playmaking ability, was too much for Michigan State to handle. Sheldon’s leadership on the court was a testament to her growth as a player and her importance to the Buckeyes’ success.

Taylor Mikesell, who had struggled to find her shooting touch in the first half, finished with 18 points, including several clutch three-pointers in the second half. Her ability to space the floor and knock down shots from deep made a huge difference in the Buckeyes’ ability to break the game open in the final period.

In the paint, Eboni Walker and Rabia Najee were crucial. Walker finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Najee added 9 points and 7 rebounds. Their interior presence made it difficult for Michigan State to get easy baskets inside, and their hustle on the glass helped Ohio State secure extra possessions.

For Michigan State, Nia Clouden was a standout, finishing with 23 points and 6 rebounds. However, despite her strong performance, Clouden didn’t get enough support from her teammates, as the Buckeyes were able to contain the Spartans’ other scoring threats in the second half. Alisia Smith, who had been a key contributor for Michigan State throughout the season, was limited to just 9 points in this game.

The Importance of Home Court Advantage

The victory over Michigan State was more than just a win—it was a testament to Ohio State’s dominance on their home court. Ending the regular season undefeated at home is a significant achievement, especially in a conference as competitive as the Big Ten. Ohio State’s ability to protect their home floor was a crucial factor in their successful season, and it will serve as an important foundation as they head into the postseason.

Coach Kevin McGuff was understandably pleased with his team’s performance. “We’ve worked really hard this season, and it’s a huge accomplishment to go undefeated at home,” McGuff said after the game. “But we know that the real work begins now. We have to carry this momentum into the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.”

The undefeated home season is not just about the wins—it’s a reflection of the culture that Ohio State has built under McGuff. It speaks to the team’s chemistry, their commitment to each other, and their ability to perform in high-pressure situations. As they move forward, the Buckeyes will look to build on this success and take it into the postseason, where the competition will be even fiercer.

Looking Ahead: Postseason Hopes and Expectations

With the regular season now complete, the focus for Ohio State shifts to the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes have positioned themselves as one of the top teams in the country, and their undefeated home record is a testament to their potential. However, the road ahead will be challenging, with top-ranked teams from both the Big Ten and the country waiting for them.

Ohio State’s victory over Michigan State has given them a confidence boost heading into the postseason. They know they have the talent and the depth to compete with anyone, and their performance in this game proves that they can handle pressure and thrive in big moments. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, Ohio State will lean on their star players like Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Mikesell, as well as their supporting cast, to help guide them toward their ultimate goal: a national championship.

In conclusion, Ohio State’s 89-78 victory over Michigan State was a fitting end to a remarkable regular season at home. The Buckeyes’ undefeated record at Value City Arena is a testament to their hard work, talent, and resilience. As they head into the postseason, they will look to continue their momentum and make a deep run in both the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. With a team this talented and driven, the sky’s the limit for Ohio State women’s basketball.