Ohio State’s women’s basketball team faced a challenging week on the West Coast, falling to two top-ranked opponents in back-to-back games. After a 13-point loss to No. 1 UCLA on Wednesday, the Buckeyes were overwhelmed by No. 7 USC on Saturday, suffering an 84-63 defeat.
Following the tough stretch, head coach Kevin McGuff, along with players Taylor Thierry and Cotie McMahon, addressed the media in a postgame press conference. The conversation covered key struggles, particularly Ohio State’s rebounding issues and offensive missteps.
Rebounding Woes and Offensive Struggles
McGuff wasted no time acknowledging a major factor in the loss: rebounding. USC dominated the glass, securing 62 rebounds compared to Ohio State’s 30. That discrepancy gave the Trojans second-chance opportunities that the Buckeyes simply couldn’t match.
McMahon echoed McGuff’s sentiments, pointing out that the team struggled to find offensive rhythm, with players often forcing plays rather than letting the game flow. Against elite competition, those small breakdowns proved costly.
Thierry’s Defensive Effort Stands Out
Despite the difficult road trip, one bright spot was Thierry’s defensive performance. She played a crucial role in limiting USC star guard JuJu Watkins to just 10 points before fouling out early in the fourth quarter. McMahon was quick to praise Thierry’s effort, emphasizing her impact in keeping the game competitive early on.
More on the Latest “Uncut”
For the full breakdown of Ohio State’s road trip and postgame insights from McGuff, Thierry, and McMahon, check out the latest episode of Uncut.
