Ohio State Improves to 19-0 with an 84-54 Win Against Northwestern

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The No. 2/2 Ohio State Buckeyes (19-0, 8-0 B1G) beat Northwestern (6-12, 0-8 B1G) by an 84-54 mark on Thursday evening on global engagement night.

Ohio State opened scoring and used a 10-0 run in the first quarter to build a 19-9 lead after 10 minutes. The Buckeyes built a 38-24 lead going into the locker room for halftime. Ohio State used a 27-15 third quarter to increase the lead to 65-39. The Buckeyes completed the season sweep of the Wildcats by winning the fourth quarter and capping scoring at 84-54.

Taylor Mikesell and Rebeka Mikulášiková each reached double figures in the first half, combining for 25 of the team’s 38 first-half points. Cotie McMahon joined the double-figure scorers in the third quarter and finished with 11 points. Taylor Thierry was the final Buckeye in double figures with 10.

How it Happened

Rebeka Mikulášiková opened scoring with a three-pointer as the Buckeyes had a trio of triples (two from Mikulášiková) and a 9-8 lead at the media timeout with four minutes remaining in the quarter. Ohio State scored the next 10 points, including eight from Taylor Mikesell, and held Northwestern without a point for more than four minutes to build a 19-9 lead after 10 minutes.

The Buckeyes did not allow a basket in the first five minutes of the second quarter, taking a 27-14 lead into the media timeout. The teams traded points down the stretch with Ohio State holding a 38-24 lead going into the locker room.

Ohio State scored the first four points of the second half and used another 6-0 run to take a 48-26 lead with 7:17 to play in the third quarter. The Buckeyes strung together nine-unanswered points over a three-minute span later in the quarter to take a 65-39 lead into the final quarter of play.

The Buckeyes used a 14-0 run over three minutes and change to extend their lead to 81-45 with four minutes to play. Northwestern scored the final eight points as scoring was capped at 84-54.

Highlights

Q1: Rebeka Mikulášiková three-pointer

Q1: Rikki Harris steal and pass

Q2: Taylor Mikesell three-pointer

Q2: Eboni Walker move to basket

Q3: Rikki Harris pass, Cotie McMahon finish

Q4: Taylor Thierry layup

Q4: Rikki Harris stretch pass, Taylor Thierry layup

Game Notes

• Ohio State totaled 10+ steals for the 13^th time this season.
• Taylor Mikesell scored in double figures for the 18^th time this season, being the first in the game to reach 10 points with seven minutes to play in the second quarter. Mikesell finished with 18 points, including four three-pointers.
• Rebeka Mikulášiková reached double figures midway through the second quarter for the 12^th time this season. Mikulášiková totaled 18 points and shot 6-of-9 (.667) from the floor.
• Cotie McMahon scored 10+ points for the 11^th time this season, reaching the mark in the third quarter and totaling 11 points.
• Taylor Thierry reached double figures for the 13^th time this season, totaling 10 points. Thierry also tied her career-high five assists.
• Hevynne Bristow (8) and Emma Shumate (4) each tied their career-high in rebounds, while Eboni Walker (6) tied her Buckeye high in rebounds.
• Q1: Ohio State made five three-pointers in the opening quarter and was +3 on the boards.
• Q3: The Buckeyes shot 8-of-13 (.615) from the floor during the quarter.
• Q4: Ohio State won the rebounding battle 14-9.

What They Said

• Head Coach Kevin McGuff: “I thought we executed defensively really well throughout. I think our energy to start the second half was way better. We were in the right spot doing the right things in the first half but not quite as much energy
• Senior guard Hevynne Bristow: “With injuries coming in, people are getting experience that we need. You never know what happens in the future that people have to be ready and this gets them prepared for that.”
• Senior forward Eboni Walker: “My family tries to travel all the time. My mom is in for 10 days for the home stretch. I love to have a little bit of support out there.”

Up Next

Ohio State hosts No. 10/9 Iowa on Monday night for a 7 p.m. tip. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and features Buckeye Club and usher appreciation, free T-shirts for the first 2,000 fans, concession deals and an appearance by a former Buckeye great.

To support Ohio State women’s basketball throughout the season here on campus, fans may purchase single game tickets for all remaining home games HERE. Applicable service fees will apply to all tickets. 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.

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