Connecticut came into Columbus riding a 37-game winning streak as the three-time defending national champions. The preseason No. 1 team certainly looked the part Monday night as the Huskies handed the Buckeyes a 100-56 loss.
The atmosphere was everything the team could have asked for — the crowd turned out and energy was high, but Connecticut's talent was just too much for the Buckeyes.
The Huskies returned the two-time reigning National Player of the Year in Brianna Steward as well as last season's top point-guard in Moriah Jefferson, and the game was never close as the two combined for 45 points.
Defensively, the Huskies had Kelsey Mitchell's number. Last season's NCAA scoring leader missed her first nine shots from the field and ended with just eight points, a career low.
One bright spot for the Buckeyes was the play of junior forward Shayla Cooper. After shooting a lackluster 2-17 from the field in Friday's game against South Carolina, Cooper was Ohio State's only reliable source of offense in tonight's game. She led the team with 17 points and scored nine of the team's first 13 points.
It's early in the season and a loss like this does little to nothing to Ohio State's tournament résumé. The Buckeyes are still legitimate Final Four contenders, but Connecticut is lightyears ahead of everyone else.
Head Coach Kevin McGuff and the rest of the team was adamant that this game will only help the team. They now know exactly where they stand and will play the remainder of the season with a chip on their shoulder.
These Buckeyes are preparing for a deep tournament run in March — not November.
