Ohio (2-3) prepares to meet their biggest challenge yet Tuesday as they face off against top-25 ranked Ohio State (6-1 overall, 0-0 Big Ten) on the road. Ohio is coming off of a crucial loss against a Longwood team that had only won one game before the two-team matchup while Ohio State has won five straight following an opening night loss against sixth-ranked USC.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the matchu:.
Game Information
Opponent: #16 Ohio State (6-1)
Time: Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Location: The Schottenstein Center (Columbus)
How to Watch: B1G+
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Meet the Opponent
History: Ohio has a 1-1 record against Ohio State all-time
Head Coach: Kevin McGuff (11th season)
Projected Starters for Ohio State:
#4 Jacy Sheldon
#12 Celeste Taylor
#32 Cotie McMahon
Statistical Leaders for Ohio State
Points: Sheldon (17.1 per game)
Rebounds: Thierry (7.1 per game)
Assists: Taylor (3.7 per game)
Steals: Sheldon (2.7 per game)
Blocks: Thierry (0.6 per game)
Field Goal Percentage: Thierry 63%
Three Point Percentage: Emma Shumate 43%
Free Throw Percentage: Sheldon 86%
Ohio State Notes
It is easy to see why Ohio State came into the season ranked in the top 25 – and why the team is poised to stay there for a while. Following a season-opening loss to an incredible sixth-ranked Trojans team, the Buckeyes have rallied off six-straight wins in dominant fashion, winning those games with an average 29.5-point margin.
The Buckeyes’ game plan offensively is to get into the paint and use their size and skill to finish around the rim with efficiency. Ohio State has plenty of size on their roster, with all nine of their players who have received at least 10 minutes per game being over 5 feet 9 inches. They are not just tall but also incredibly athletic, and the Bobcats will have to find ways to break through their press defense and keep them off the glass and out of passing lanes if they hope to win this game.
Player to Watch (Ohio State): Jacy Sheldon
Ohio State’s leading scorer is one of the best players and prospects in the entire country. Sheldon, the older sister of Ohio’s own Ajay Sheldon on the men’s basketball team, is top ten in the Big Ten in scoring.
Additionally, Sheldon is projected as a top-ten draft pick in next year’s WNBA draft. Sheldon was sidelined for most of last season’s campaign with a leg injury that held her to just 13 games played, but she has since returned to form as one of the NCAA’s premier players.
Limiting Sheldon’s diverse shot diet will be the key to success for Ohio on defense, as she’s adept at scoring from just about anywhere on the court. Additionally, as a capable defender and playmaker, there isn’t a setting in the game where the Bobcats won’t have to worry about Sheldon having an impact.
Player to Watch (Ohio): Jaya McClure
With the offensive firepower that Ohio State possesses, simply being able to play sound defense won’t be enough. Ohio will need to match Ohio State’s offense with a great performance on that end.
For the Bobcats, McClure has been the player they have turned to whenever they have needed a crucial bucket. McClure leads the team in scoring 14.5 points per game and has proven that she can get hot at any moment, regardless of the defense. Making sure McClure has the chance to get going for the Bobcats and keeping her going is going to be huge.
