Dec. 30, 2012
VIDEO: Game Highlights | Box Score | Box Score
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State closed out non-conference play in style Sunday afternoon with a 67-50 win over visiting Howard at Value City Arena.
The win moves the Buckeyes to 10-3 entering Big Ten play while Howard, the favorites to win the MEAC this season, dips to 5-6.
Tayler Hill once again led the Buckeyes offensively with 22 points as Ohio State had to grind out the win against the physical Bison who slowed the tempo all game long. Ashley Adams recorded her third double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds and Amber Stokesadded 11 points and five boards as the Buckeyes outrebounded the Bison, 37-27.
The Buckeyes led 33-21 at the half as they shot 62.5 percent from the field. The second half was a different story as Ohio State shot just 7 of 21 (.333 percent), but went to the line 24 times, hitting 19. Hill was 8 of 8 from the line and has now connected on 32 of her last 33 attempts from the stripe.
The Buckeyes hit 20 of 26 from the free throw line overall to counter its 25.0 percent (3 of 12) shooting from beyond the arc.
Darryce Moore came off the bench to score eight points and grab three rebounds and Ameryst Alston dished out a season-high nine assists, giving her 20 in the last four games. Raven Ferguson added seven points – all in the second half – and Martina Ellerbetwo.
Saadia Doyle scored 21 points to lead Howard.
The Buckeyes open Big Ten play Thursday at Iowa on BTN. Game time is 6:30 p.m. ET.
Postgame Notes
• Ohio State now owns the second-longest home win streak with 31 consecutive wins. The Buckeyes last home loss was Feb. 6, 2011 vs. Northwestern. A streak that dates back to the 2010-11 season, it is the longest active streak in the Big Ten. Baylor has won 45 consecutive games at home.
• The game today was the fourth meeting between Ohio State and Howard. The Buckeyes improve to 4-0 vs. the Bison, including a 73-50 victory last season Nov. 22, 2011. The other wins include a 97-52 win in 2006 and a 1997 win (76-56).
• For the third time this season, Ohio State shot better than 60 percent from the field in the first half. The Buckeyes shot 77.3 percent vs. Cincinnati Nov. 14 and 63 percent vs. Evansville Dec. 1. Against Howard Sunday, Ohio State shot 62.5 percent in the first half.
• The Buckeye defense held Howard to 33.3 percent shooting for the game. No opponent has shot 50 percent or better from the field this season against Ohio State. The highest an opponent has shot is 45. 5 percent by Gonzaga Dec. 17 in Spokane.
• Senior guard Tayler Hill moved into 10th place on the Ohio State all-time scoring list with 1633 points after scoring 22 points Sunday.
• Hill has scored in double-figures in 47 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the Big Ten.
• Hill has connected on 32 of her last 33 free throw attempts.
• Freshman guard Ameryst Alston recorded a career best nine assists.
• Alston tied her career high in minutes played with 38.
