Eric Boggs
In a thrilling showdown at the Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday night, the Ohio State women’s basketball team emerged victorious against the Michigan Wolverines with a final score of 67-51. This triumph not only marked an impressive win but also secured Ohio State’s first outright Big Ten regular-season championship in 14 seasons. After a neck-and-neck first half, the Buckeyes dominated the second-half, outscoring the Wolverines 27-16 in the third and 18-13 in the fourth.
Leading the charge was senior guard Jacy Sheldon, who scored 22 points in her final home game. As Ohio State basks in the glory of a 15-game win streak in the Big Ten, the focus now shifts to a pivotal rematch against the Iowa Hawkeyes, set to take place in Iowa City on Sunday.
Ohio State’s journey to the Big Ten championship was not without its challenges. The team’s last defeat in the conference dates back to December 30, when they suffered a road loss against Michigan. Since then, the Buckeyes have rallied with an impressive winning streak, showcasing resilience, skill, and a determination to reclaim their position at the top of the Big Ten standings.
In the championship-clinching game against Michigan, Jacy Sheldon delivered a standout performance with 22 points, leaving an indelible mark in her final home appearance. Sheldon’s leadership and scoring prowess have been crucial to Ohio State’s success this season, and her contributions were especially vital in securing the Big Ten title. Alongside Sheldon, Cotie McMahon and Celeste Taylor added significant points to the scoreboard, finishing with 18 and 12 points, respectively. The balanced scoring effort exemplified the team’s depth and versatility.
The Buckeyes’ final regular-season contest will be a road matchup against the formidable Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City. The clash with Iowa is poised to be one of the most anticipated games in women’s college basketball in decades. The storyline is amplified by the impending milestone for Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, who is just 18 points away from surpassing Pete Maravich as the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history.
As the Buckeyes prepare for their showdown with Iowa, all eyes will be on Clark, the dynamic guard who has been rewriting the record books. Clark’s pursuit of becoming the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history adds an extra layer of intensity to an already high-stakes matchup. The Ohio State defense will face the challenging task of containing Clark, whose scoring ability and playmaking skills have propelled Iowa to a sixth-place national ranking.
With Iowa initially predicted to win the Big Ten, the upcoming game carries additional weight as they seek revenge against Ohio State. The Buckeyes defeated Iowa 100-92 in overtime last month. The Hawkeyes then lost on the road against Indiana last week, giving the Buckeye Women the opportunity to win the conference outright before the rematch.
The Buckeyes, ranked second in the nation, have established themselves as the team to beat in the conference. With the potential for a historic moment and revenge on the line, the clash between Ohio State and Iowa is undoubtedly one of the most significant events in recent women’s college basketball history.
