OSU takes lessons from lumps

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff challenged his Buckeyes in their first two games, playing the top two teams in the country.

Despite losing both contests, including a 100-56 rout by No. 1 UConn on Monday night, McGuff hopes his team will learn from the defeats.

“One of two things is going to happen,” he said. “We’re going to sit around and sulk and pout about it, or we’re going to say that’s where we are and see where we need to get better and we’re going to improve.”

Monday’s loss, in front of 11,435 fans, came after the Buckeyes fell to No. 2 South Carolina by eight on Friday.

All-American guard Kelsey Mitchell, who had 36 points against South Carolina and last season became the first freshman to lead the nation in scoring with a 24.9 average, picked up two fouls in the opening minutes.

Mitchell had eight points on 2 of 14 shooting from the floor.

“She didn’t have a great night but they did a great job defending her,” McGuff said.

Ohio State (0-2) trailed by three with just over two minutes left in the first quarter before the Huskies took over.

“Some of the adversity we didn’t react that well to,” McGuff said. “That’s where we really need to get better.”

At one point of the second period the Huskies hit eight straight field goals and 10 of 11 and led 50-24 at the half.

UConn (1-0) returns four starters from its championship game win against Notre Dame on April 7 led the way against Ohio State.

Breanna Stewart had 24 points, Moriah Jefferson 21, Kia Nurse 16 and Morgan Tuck 15. Also, new starter Gabby Williams had 10 points and 11 rebounds.