SEATTLE (WCMH) — Ohio State will make its first Elite 8 appearance in 30 years after knocking off juggernaut Connecticut 73-61 Saturday in the NCAA regional semifinals. This is the Buckeyes' fourth Elite 8 appearance in program history.
OSU's win also snapped the Huskies' 16-year streak of making it to the regional finals.
The Buckeyes persistent and suffocating press defense forced a staggering 25 turnovers. OSU now improves to 19-0 this season when forcing 20-plus turnovers. 18 of those turnovers were forced in the first half resulting in 19 points.
Dublin, Ohio native Jacy Sheldon made her presence known all over the court with 17 points, two steals, seven rebounds and five assists in the win. Taylor Thierry led all Buckeyes with four steals while contributing 11 points.
Ohio State used a 17-0 run during a seven-minute stretch in the first half to take a 36-26 lead into halftime thanks in large part to freshman Cotie McMahon who scored 18 of her 23 points in the first 20 minutes.
Ohio State forward Cotie McMahon, right, and guard Rikki Harris (1) embrace after a victory against UConn in a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament in Seattle, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Caean Couto)
UConn guard Caroline Ducharme (33) holds onto the ball as Ohio State's Cotie McMahon (32) and Taylor Thierry (2) attempt to steal possession during the second quarter of a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament in Seattle, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Caean Couto)
UConn forward Dorka Juhasz (14) and Ohio State guard Rikki Harris battle for a loose ball during the first half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA tournament, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Ohio State forward Cotie McMahon (32) dribbles towards the basket against UConn in the second quarter of a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament in Seattle, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Caean Couto)
Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff reacts during the first half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA tournament against UConn, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma yells to his team during the first half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA tournament against Ohio State, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
UConn forward Aaliyah Edwards (3) attempts to drive past Ohio State forward Eboni Walker (22) and guard Rikki Harris during the first half of a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA tournament, Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Ohio State forward Taylor Thierry (2) drives towards the basket as UConn guard Azzi Fudd (35) plays defense in the first quarter of a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament in Seattle, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Caean Couto)
Ohio State guard Jacy Sheldon (4) drives towards the basket as UConn guard Nika Muhl, left, closes in on defense in the first quarter of a Sweet 16 college basketball game of the NCAA Tournament in Seattle, Saturday, March 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Caean Couto)
It wasn't a particularly strong shooting performance from the Buckeyes who shot under 40% from the field and connected on 5-of-17 three-point attempts. But transition offense off of those 25 turnovers, and 22 free throws, were more than enough to beat the most successful women's basketball program in history.
Ohio State will face the winner of No. 4 Tennessee and No. 1 Virginia Tech on Monday in Seattle.
