How Indiana women took advantage of No. 8 Ohio State’s weakness in shocking upset
The Indiana women had an efficient shooting night and became the latest team to expose No. 8 Ohio State’s poor rebounding in a 71-61 upset on Thursday night.
Indiana out-rebounded Ohio State, 34-20. In each of Ohio State’s four losses this season, issues on the glass have been a massive issue. That was on full display in the Buckeyes’ most recent loss to then-No. 7 USC on Feb. 8 when they lost the edge, 62-30.
Ohio State could not slow down Indiana the entire game, and the lack of rebounding only made matters worse.
Indiana scored 26 first-quarter points and led by as many 18. Along with the advantage on the boards, Indiana shot 54.3% overall and made nine of its 17 three-point shots.
This three at the end of the third quarter from junior Shay Ciezki gave the Hoosiers an 18-point lead going to the fourth quarter.
Along with Ciezki, senior Sydney Parrish (16 points, 2-of-3 3PT) and junior Yarden Garzon (16 points, 3-of-6 3PT) led the way with Garzon adding 11 rebounds and six assists. Garzon also reached a milestone by recording her 200th career triple.
If it was not for Ohio State’s 21 forced turnovers in the game, the margin of victory could have been much worse. Ohio State (22-4, 11-4 Big Ten) has suffered all four of its losses in conference play. With two ranked opponents remaining in the Buckeyes’ final three regular-season games, they must develop a stronger presence on the boards or more losses could be in store.
Indiana’s shocking win was its first of the season over a Top 10 opponent. The Hoosiers (17-9, 9-6 Big Ten) have nonconference losses to Harvard and Butler and have been unable to find consistency all season. If the shots keep falling and the Hoosiers limit their turnovers, they could string some wins together to close out the season.
