Ohio State Looks to Avenge Lone Loss vs. Michigan
Maybe it’s not football season, but this rivalry means just as much to this team.
Just like the football team, however, No. 2 Ohio State women’s basketball is looking to avenge their only conference loss against Michigan Wednesday night.
Head coach Kevin McGuff said Sunday that both teams have improved but the difference for the Buckeyes has been the defense - as well as the play of two of his best players.
“One, Celeste (Taylor) is playing at a different level. Two, Cotie (McMahon) is playing at a different level,” McGuff said .“So, personnel-wise, I think we just have players playing more to their capabilities. We’re not going to be the team we’re capable of being unless they are who they are.”
On their 14-game win streak, Ohio State has had a fatal combination of their full-court press and half-court defense. The Buckeyes have become known for their third-quarter spurt out of the locker room, stifling opposing teams in the backcourt in their man trap.
In fact, according to Her Hoop Stats, out of the 124 players who have played more than 21 games in the Big Ten, five of the top 15 ranked in individual defensive rating are Buckeyes, and all five starters — Sheldon, Taylor, McMahon, junior forward Taylor Thierry and graduate forward Rebeka Mikulasikova — rank in the top 25.
Recently, Taylor has taken a big jump in her game — while the former had not been a prominent scoring threat for the Buckeyes early in the season, she’s averaged 15 points over the last five games — the second-best on the team behind Sheldon in that span — including recording a season-high 20 twice against Michigan State and Maryland.
McMahon has also taken a step up in her overall versatility. After being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2023 mostly due to her great scoring, she has distributed the ball very well and has gone for every rebound on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, over her last 10 games, she’s averaged nearly nine rebounds per game.
On the other hand, the Wolverines have gone 6-8 since their win over Ohio State, a game where junior guard Laila Phelia had a career-high 26 points and has continued to produce for her team on the offensive end. Senior guard Lauren Hansen, who had 17 in their last matchup, is also averaging 13.6 points over the last seven games.
The Buckeyes were dominated on both ends of the floor, unable to stop the Wolverines’ elite backcourt but also allowing 10 offensive rebounds.
Sheldon said Ohio State is a different team and is ready to avenge their last loss.
“We have an extra chip on our shoulder when we play this team anyways, so that just adds to the excitement of this game,” Sheldon said.
Sheldon, Taylor, and the seniors, who celebrated Senior Day Sunday, can hope to end their regular season home careers on a high note when the Wolverines visit Columbus at 7 p.m. Wednesday, streaming on Peacock.
