Ohio State dominates Montana State in NCAA tournament opener

In the United States, on March 21, 2025, the Ohio State women's basketball team faced off against Montana State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This match held particular significance for Ohio State as they aimed to maintain their perfect home record of 15-0 for the season. The game took place after Ohio State had regrouped from a previous loss to UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament. Led by coach Kevin McGuff, the Buckeyes were hoping to capitalize on their home-court advantage against the Bobcats, who were making their fourth NCAA appearance but had lost their last one in 2022. Ohio State showcased a well-rounded offensive strategy, with Taylor Thierry scoring 16 points, supported by Cotie McMahon and Chance Gray, who both added 15 points. The Buckeyes had an impressive scoring advantage in the paint, dominating with a 44-14 margin and leveraging fast-break opportunities for a 21-2 margin. Their defense was also notable, causing 26 turnovers for Montana State while aggressively pressing the opposing team, which helped initiate several scoring runs throughout the game. The game's first half saw Ohio State pull ahead significantly, resulting in a productive stretch where they outscored Montana State. Montana State, the champions of the Big Sky conference with a season record of 30-4, struggled to keep pace despite Esmeralda Morales scoring 20 points. They experienced a pivotal drought, allowing Ohio State to secure an overwhelming lead by mid-third quarter as Ohio State's Gray hit three consecutive three-pointers. Coach Tricia Binford, in her 20th season with Montana State, remarked on the challenge presented by Ohio State's aggressive game style, which she acknowledged was difficult for her team to handle. As Ohio State advanced to the next round, it marked a critical win following their setback in the conference tournament. They now prepared to face Tennessee, the fifth seed in the tournament, which had also triumphed in its first-round matchup against South Florida. Overall, this NCAA matchup highlighted the enduring strengths of Ohio State's program, particularly in the disciplined execution of both offense and defense. The Buckeyes capitalized on their familiarity with the home court while continuing their quest for longevity in the tournament by setting the tone for their performance through strategic plays and teamwork. The Ohio State players exhibited resilience and tactical finesse that would be crucial for subsequent games, especially against a formidable opponent like Tennessee, aiming to build momentum consistent with their ambitions for a deep tournament run.