Despite having just one Big Ten win on the season, Illinois gave Big Ten leader Ohio State a game. Ultimately however, the Scarlet and Gray came out on top, downing the Illini 80-70.
The Buckeyes got the win, but they had to do it without one of their most consistent post players as sophomore forward Shayla Cooper did not play.
Shayla Cooper will not play for @OhioState_WBB vs. Illinois. Told it is "Coach's decision." More after game from McGuff..
— Jim Massie (@MassDispatch) February 1, 2016
According to Massie, Cooper was in uniform and participated in pregame warmups but did not play in the game.
In her absence, Alexa Hart stepped up playing all but 4 minutes. The sophomore dominated the boards, scoring 18 points on a 7 for 11 shooting performance. She also pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds.
The high-scoring duo Ameryst Alston and Kelsey Mitchell also came up big for the Bucks. Alston led the way with 24 points. The senior was perfect from the free-throw going 12-12, scoring more points from the line than all other players combined. Mitchell finished with not far behind with 22 points and 6 rebounds.
Next up for the Buckeyes is a home matchup against Wisconsin Thursday night.
