OSU gains ‘inches’ in rout
While the outcome of Ohio State’s game against Wagner was decided by halftime, the Buckeyes still found a way to use the final 20 minutes to add an inch or two to the team’s growth.
“These games, it’s not really about the opponents,” Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff said following the 106-47 rout on Sunday. “It’s about what we’re doing. I thought today we handled success.
“We were up by a bunch in the first half, and we scored 37 points in the third quarter. That was a good step for us because sometimes we don’t handle success well. When we get a lead, we quit doing the things that allowed us to get the lead.”
Of course, it helps to have guards like Ameryst Alston and Kelsey Mitchell. Alston did all the scoring in a 9-0 run in the third quarter. Mitchell followed that by scoring 13 of the next 15 points for the Buckeyes (2-2).
“I thought our energy and our defense was better today,” McGuff said. “It’s a war of attrition in that every single day you’ve got to gain inches and gain inches. It’s not easy. We gained (today).”
Ohio State played without guards Cait Craft and Kianna Holland. Craft is dealing with a lower leg injury, but McGuff is optimistic that she can play on Friday against Liberty in Las Vegas.
Ohio State 106, Wagner 47
Holland missed a second consecutive game because of knee soreness. She has undergone ACL surgery in both. McGuff is not so sure she will be ready this weekend.
Freshman guard Kaylan Pugh received her most extensive action of the season and responded with 18 points and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes.
“Kaylan played really hard,” McGuff said. “And she does that. She got a lot of points in transition just by playing defense and running. People got a chance to see what she can bring to our team.”
Pugh got to the basket for five of her six field goals.
“I just wanted to go play hard and help my teammates,” she said. “It’s fun to play. It’s also fun to see your teammates play extremely well.”
The Buckeyes dominated every facet of the game. Of note, they outrebounded the Seahawks 60-30. On Thursday, Belmont outrebounded the Buckeyes 53-34.
“Probably the biggest stat is we were really good on the glass (against Wagner),” McGuff said. “Even though it was an inferior opponent, our intensity and effort were way better than it was in the last game.”
Alston noted the emphasis on rebounding in practices leading up to the game.
“We came out with great intensity,” she said. “Our focus in practice was rebounding. We went a whole practice without touching the ball offensively. That is something we’re going to work on every day in practice.”
Shayla Cooper led the Buckeyes with 12 rebounds, while adding 15 points. Makayla Waterman had six points and six rebounds.
Jordyn Peck led Wagner (0-3) with 22 points.