Despite a very respectable run in the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, Ohio State fell on the sword Sunday to an Iowa team playing at a very high level by a score of 105-72.
The result came one day after the Lady Bucks erased a 24-point deficit against No. 1 seed Indiana to complete the largest-ever comeback in Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament history. The effort may have contributed to some tired legs and an inability to provide much resistance against Big Ten Player of the Year Caitlin Clark and the rest of the Hawkeyes.
Clark was remarkable, recording a triple-double with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. It’s hard to imagine anyone winning the Naismith Player of the Year.
Ohio State actually had more shots than the Hawkeyes, but shooting woes doomed any chance of hanging around an Iowa team that had no problem making baskets. OSU shot just 34.8% from the field compared to the Hawkeyes’ 62.1%. The Buckeyes also forced 16 turnovers but got outrebounded 45-29. Ohio State was simply unable to close out on Clark and her teammates on multiple occasions and they made the Buckeyes pay.
Final in the Big Ten championship game#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/br0SZfG5Yu
— Ohio State WBB (@OhioStateWBB) March 6, 2023
Taylor Mikesell led OSU in scoring with 24 points. Freshman Cotie McMahon (23 points) and Taylor Thierry (13 points) also chipped in with double figures.
Ohio State will now focus its attention on the upcoming NCAA Tournament where it will be likely a number three seed or higher.
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