While the men are sitting at home, the Ohio State women's basketball team is hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. They were able to earn a four-seed after finishing the season 25-6. While it wasn't the best season under Kevin McGuff, they still were a good team.
Their opponent in the first round was Montana State, which came in as a 13-seed. The Bobcats were trying to upset the Buckeyes and end their promising season. Early on, it looked like they might be able to do just that as Ohio State only had a five-point halftime lead.
Then, the third quarter started and one of their best players started to turn it on. Cotie McMahon, the best player the Ohio State Buckeyes has started scoring buckets. The Bobcats had no answer and ended up losing. Ohio State won the game 71-51 and advanced to the second round.
The Ohio State women's basketball team slaughters Montana State
McMahon was the driving force for the Buckeyes pulling away. She took over offensively and defensively and finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists. She also was able to add one steal, and was helped create one of the many turnovers the Bobcats had.
When Ohio State plays their best, they are able to force a ton of turnovers and can score easy buckets in transition. They forced Montana State into 26 turnovers in this game, which was the difference. They just couldn't get up enough shots to keep it close.
The Buckeyes will keep home-court advantage for one more game. They will take on the winner of Tennesee and South Florida, which is the 5/12 matchup in the region. Ohio State is hoping to win that game too and advance into the Sweet 16 yet again under McGuff.
This was a good first win. It's something that should give them confidence moving forward.