The Buckeyes smothered Bellarmine, holding the Knights to 23% shooting while forcing 27 turnovers. Cotie McMahon (22 points) and Celeste Taylor (14 points, 6 steals) led a balanced attack.
Coach Kevin McGuff said the lopsided result “let us play thirteen players and build confidence before the toughest road trip of the month.” Ohio State travels to Hartford midweek to face top-ranked UConn.
McGuff believes the UConn matchup is “the perfect measuring stick” for a roster aiming to return to the Elite Eight after last season’s Sweet 16 exit.