The Ohio State Buckeyes began their 2021/22 with a dominating three quarter performance against Bucknell University, of the Patriot League. The 71-48 win came one day after losing junior guard Madison Greene, the third highest goalscorer of last season, averaging 13.4 points per game. With little time to adjust, the Buckeyes still handled business in Columbus, Ohio.
A Hot & Cold First Half
Right away, the Buckeyes came out strong. Guard Taylor Mikesell made her first Ohio State jumper since transferring from the University of Oregon and Ohio State looked like they had the makings of an early route.
Bisons head coach Trevor Woodruff adjusted from Bucknell’s early midrange shooting to getting his team into the paint. The adjustment turned a one-for-six shooting quarter into hitting six-of-12. Bucknell also had some late quarter help from the Buckeyes.
Leading the way for Bucknell was outstanding senior guard Taylor O’Brien. O’Brien played 30 minutes, scoring 17 points and securing four rebounds.
Ohio State played mistake-free basketball for the first nine minutes of the game; not registering a single turnover. In the final minute though, two turnovers turned into Bucknell fast breaks. Bucknell cut the 11-point, first quarter, Ohio State lead to six.
The second quarter didn’t start any better. Bucknell went on a 14-point run that stretched halfway into the second quarter. What turned the game back into the Buckeye’s favor was outstanding play from a pair of juniors: guard Jacy Sheldon forward Tanaya Beacham.
Down by two points, Sheldon scored six of the Buckeyes eight quarter points in the final four minutes of the half. Allowing Sheldon to take those shots was the defensive work of Beacham.
Beacham shined in the second quarter with four rebounds and two big blocks in the paint. Ohio State held Bucknell to two points after their quarter-to-quarter run, going into halftime up 28-24.
Second Half Surge
After a difficult second quarter, the Buckeyes bounced back in the second half. Ohio State returned to their first quarter form and never let off the pedal.
Ohio State out assisted Bucknell four assists to one, and turned the ball over just twice. Because of the improved passing, shooting improved. In quarter two, the Buckeyes shot a rough 17.8%. Shooting in the third jumped up to 58.7%. The Buckeyes scored 12 of the final 16 third quarter points, taking a 13-point lead into the final quarter.
Sheldon and Mikesell led the second-half offensive attack, scoring 11 and nine points respectively. Ohio State’s defense forced 20 turnovers for Bucknell University and survived a tough second quarter to what ended up being a comfortable non-conference victory.
The Buckeyes will miss their primary point guard Greene. Fortunately, they have time to adjust, and experienced players to fill the hole. Ohio State continues their non-conference schedule Sunday, against Norfolk State.
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