Despite a very respectable record in the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, Ohio State lost to the sword on a very high-level Iowa team 105-72 on Sunday.
The result came the day after the Lady Bucks closed a 24-point gap to the No. 1 seed Indiana, ending the biggest comeback in Big Ten women’s basketball tournament history. The effort may have contributed to leg fatigue and an inability to put up much resistance to Big Ten Player of the Year Caitlin Clark and the rest of the Hawkeyes players.
Clarke was remarkable, posting a triple-double with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. It’s hard to imagine someone named Naismith being player of the year.
Ohio State actually had more shots than the Hawkeyes, but shooting problems made it impossible to stay with a team from Iowa, who had no problems hitting the basket. OSU shot only 34.8% from the field compared to 62.1% for the Hawkeyes. The Buckeyes also made 16 passes but lost 45-29. Ohio State just couldn’t shut down Clarke and her teammates multiple times, and they made the Buckeyes pay.
Taylor Mixell led OSU in scoring with 24 points. Freshmen Coty McMahon (23 points) and Taylor Thierry (13 points) also scored double figures.
Ohio State will now focus on the upcoming NCAA tournament, where it is likely to finish third or better.
More!
The Ohio State Women’s Hockey Club took first place in the NCAA Tournament.
The best photos of Ohio State basketball in Michigan
Ohio Women’s Hockey WCHA Final Faceoff Moved to Minnesota
WATCH: CJ Stroud completes NFL combine workout video
Ohio State Women’s Basketball vs. Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament Finals: How to Watch, Stream the Game
Contact us / Follow us @BukeyesWire on Twitter and like our page on facebook to keep up with constant coverage of news, notes and opinions from the state of Ohio. Follow Phil Harrison on Twitter.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
