Cotie McMahon Records Fifth Double-Double, No. 2 Ohio States Crush Nebraska
After yet another big third quarter, Ohio State (22-3, 13-1 Big Ten) humbled the hot Nebraska Cornhuskers (16-9, 8-6 Big Ten) 80-47 as “Love Story” by Taylor Swift played in the background on Valentine’s Day at Value City Arena Wednesday.
Both teams started off slow and more than two-and-a-half minutes passed before either scored a bucket. Sophomore forward Cotie McMahon led the way in the first with five points and just as many rebounds as she continued her dominance on the glass for yet another game.
However, the Cornhuskers could not have started any worse, recording more turnovers (eight) — mostly passes out of bounds — than total points scored (seven). Ohio State led by seven after the first period.
Ohio State took off in the second quarter, however, behind their old reliable full-court press. The Buckeyes were recipients of Nebraska’s 15 first-half turnovers which led to 11 points for the Buckeyes.
Although graduate guard Jacy Sheldon picked up two fouls early, she led the way with 12 points to complement McMahon’s nine points and seven boards. The Buckeyes led by 14 with 20 left to play.
It might be turning into a love story for the Buckeyes; that is, between Ohio State and the third quarter. As usual, the Buckeyes blew the door off, scoring 13 unanswered in the first 3:44 of the half behind their stellar press.
Sheldon continued her stellar play as the lead player in the backcourt in the press but even when they went into set plays, Sheldon knocked down jumpers from all over the court. She had just eight in the quarter, including two 3s. Senior guard Rikki Harris added the cherry on the top in the third with a last-second 3, giving her six for the quarter as well.
From then on, the Cornhuskers’ 30 turnovers were no match for the Buckeyes, who subbed their starters out with just over five minutes to play. Sheldon finished with 20, six assists, and six rebounds while McMahon picked up her fifth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four steals.
Ohio State looks to extend its win streak to 13 when they go on the road to State College, Pennsylvania, to take on Penn State at Bryce Jordan Center at 6 p.m.
