The Scarlet Knights' stout defense did what no other Big Ten team has been able to do this season: hold the Buckeyes under 80 points. Still, it was not enough as Ohio State prevailed 67-58 behind a hot third quarter.
Rutgers entered Sunday with the Big Ten's top scoring defense and boasting the conference's second lowest opponent shooting percentage, and it showed. The Scarlet Knights kept the high-powered Ohio State offense relatively quiet, particularly in the first half.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 19 | 11 | 24 | 13 | 67 |
| Rutgers | 17 | 13 | 7 | 21 | 58 |
Rutgers was particularly effective in shutting down the Ohio State transition game and the Buckeyes managed just 30 points in the first half.
The third quarter however, was dominated by the Scarlet and Gray. Led by Ameryst Alston, who scored 10 of her 15 points in the third quarter alone, the Buckeyes went on a tear, not allowing a field goal for the first eight minutes of the quarter and outscoring the Scarlet Knights 24-7.
That proved to be the difference. Rutgers kept the game close in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late. The Buckeyes got the win and remain at the top of the Big Ten standings.
Although the team is undoubtably happy to get the win, today did mark the end of an impressive streak. Entering the day, Ohio State had scored 80 or more points in 11 consecutive games – a school record. However, with the team head coach Kevin McGuff is assembling, that record may not stand long anyway.
Next up for Ohio State is an opportunity for a revenge game against Northwestern. The Wildcats handed the Buckeyes their only conference loss of the season two weeks ago, and the teams will meet again Thursday in Columbus.
