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COLUMBUS, Ohio – The No. 4/5 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0, 1-0 B1G) beat Rutgers (4-6, 0-1 B1G) by an 82-70 margin in the Big Ten opener on Sunday in Piscataway.
Ohio State gave up a season-low six points in the first quarter to jump out to a 20-6 lead. The Buckeyes continued their sharp shooting in the second and held a 43-28 lead at halftime, led by Taylor Mikesell’s 19 first-half points. The second half was more even in scoring, but Ohio State did not allow Rutgers to get closer than eight points.
How it Happened
Madison Greene opened scoring, but Rutgers responded to tie the game at two. Ohio State used an 8-0 run midway through the quarter to extend its lead to 13-4. The Scarlet Knights had just one basket in the final five minutes of the quarter as the Buckeyes scored the final seven points to lead by a 20-6 margin after 10 minutes.
Neither team put together a large run in the second quarter as Rebeka Mikulášiková and Mikesell traded baskets with Rutgers to push the Buckeyes’ lead to 30-10 just two minutes into the quarter, forcing a timeout. A fifth Mikesell triple saw OSU up 39-18 midway through the quarter. Rutgers made a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the first half as Ohio State held the 43-28 advantage.
Rutgers opened the third quarter with a 7-2 run to cut the Buckeyes’ lead to 10 at 45-35. The Scarlet Knights were able to trim their deficit to single digits at 50-41 and 53-45, but each time the Buckeyes responded. Ohio State put together a 6-0 run and led by a 61-49 mark after 30 minutes.
The teams traded baskets for the majority of the fourth quarter with neither team scoring more than two-unanswered baskets. Rutgers was able to get back within single digits at 77-68 with 2:22 to play. Ohio State ended the game on a 5-2 run, winning 82-70.
Highlights
Q1: Rebeka Mikulášiková three-pointer
Q1: Taylor Mikesell three-pointer
Q2: Taylor Mikesell three-pointer
Q2: Cotie McMahon steal, Taylor Thierry layup
Q3: Taylor Mikesell three-pointer
Q3: Madison Greene steal, Taylor Mikesell basket
Q4: Rebeka Mikulášiková turnaround jumper
Q4: Madison Greene driving layup
Game Notes
- The Buckeye defense has forced at least 20 turnovers in all eight games this season, forcing 21 turnovers today.
- Ohio State’s offense has totaled at least 20 assists in five-consecutive games with 21 assists today.
- This is the first time since Jan. 20, 2022 that two Buckeyes have each…
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