Ohio State
9-0,1-0Big Ten
New Hampshire
4-7,0-0America East
Dominant 2nd Half Leads No. 3 Buckeyes to 92-36 Win over UNH
12/8/2022 2:33:53 PM | Women's Basketball
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The No. 3/4 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0, 1-0 B1G) used a big third quarter to open up the game and ultimately shut down New Hampshire (4-7) in a 92-36 victory on Thursday as Ohio State welcomed nearly 4,000 students from Columbus City Schools to the game.
Ohio State led 39-29 at halftime and limited New Hampshire to just seven points in the second half. The seven points were tied for the fewest Ohio State has allowed in a half in program history as New Hampshire didn’t make a field goal over the final 16 minutes of the game.
Freshman Cotie McMahon led three Buckeyes in double-figures with a season-high tying 20 points. Taylor Mikesell made four three-pointers and finished with 19 points while Taylor Thierry added 14 points.
How it Happened
It was a tale of two halves for Ohio State. Despite the yelling and screaming of the elementary students, the intensity level wasn’t to level in which head coach Kevin McGuff was expecting in the first half. That allowed New Hampshire to shoot 50 percent in the second quarter and the Wildcats were within 10 at the break, 39-29. Mikesell led the Buckeyes with 11 points in the opening half.
The second half was a much different story. The Buckeyes stormed out of the locker room, made their first three three-point attempts and outscored UNH 30-4 in the third quarter. New Hampshire made a layup with 5:56 to play in the third quarter and the Wildcats wouldn’t make another field goal the rest of the way.
The Buckeyes shot 70 percent (12-of-17) in the third quarter and didn’t slow much in the fourth, making two more three-pointers and shooting nearly 60 percent.
When the dust settled and the screaming somewhat subsided, Ohio State had come away with a 92-36 victory to remain undefeated on the year.
Highlights
Q1: McMahon to Thierry for a lay-in
Q2: Mikesell from long range
Q2: Back-to-back lay-in for McMahon
Q3: 10-2 start to the second half
Q3: McMahon steal leads to lay-in
Q4: Walker to Bristow for another lay-in
Game Notes
- Taylor Mikesell has scored in double figures in every game this season, finishing with 19 points today
- Mikesell was 4-of-6 from long range and has now made four or more three-pointers in a game five times this season
- Ohio State’s defense has forced at least 20 turnovers in every game this season and had 10+ steals in eight of the nine games. The Buckeyes forced 27 turnovers and had 17 steals vs. UNH.
- Ohio State’s offense has scored at least 82 points in every game this season and has surpassed the 90-point mark five times
- The seven second-half points allowed is tied for the fewest in a half in program history. Nicholls had just seven points in the opening half of the game on Nov. 26, 2005.
- Freshman Cotie McMahon tied a season-high with her 20 points, matching her mark from the North Alabama game
What They Said
- Head Coach Kevin McGuff: “We didn’t play hard, we didn’t play with focus or with intensity [in the first half] and that’s all we talked about at half time. I told them we looked like a team that, for the last 10 days, we were listening to everyone tell us how good we are. At the start of the year, we were one of the hardest playing teams in the country. I think we got back to that in the second half and the results were reflective of that.”
- Sophomore Taylor Thierry: “I have honestly just let the game come to me. I haven’t forced any shots. Just took the shots when I’m open and being confident in myself.”
- Freshman Cotie McMahon: “Holy cow! I knew it was going to be loud but I didn’t know it was going to be THAT loud. The kids made it an awesome environment and it was fun to play in. I remember being in their shoes and coming to these games and looking up to the Ohio State players. I’m glad we were able to do that.”
Up Next
Ohio State hosts Michigan State in the Buckeyes’ conference home opener on Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. in a game broadcast on BTN.
To support Ohio State women’s basketball throughout the season here on campus, fans may now purchase mini plans HERE or single game tickets for all remaining home games, including the Michigan game at the Covelli Center, HERE. Applicable service fees will apply to all tickets. Season tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-GO-BUCKS and selecting option two. For group tickets and any questions, contact an account representative at 1-800-GO-BUCKS or via email at athletic.tix@osu.edu. All group tickets must be purchased in advance.
Direct links to purchase tickets:
#GoBucks
