ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell scored 37 points, carrying No. 10 Ohio State through the final minutes of regulation and leading the Buckeyes to a 78-71 overtime victory over No. 22 Michigan on Sunday.
Mitchell scored Ohio State’s final nine points of the fourth quarter, then added nine more in the extra session, outdueling Michigan’s Katelynn Flaherty in a matchup of two of the nation’s best scorers. Flaherty had 22 points and eight assists, and Hallie Thome added 27 points and eight rebounds for the Wolverines (13-4, 2-2 Big Ten).
Flaherty gave Michigan a 64-62 lead with about a minute left in regulation, sinking a 3-pointer from the left corner. The Wolverines got a stop defensively, but Flaherty missed on their next possession. Mitchell got the rebound and took the ball all the way to the other end for the tying layup with 12 seconds left.
Then Mitchell opened the scoring in overtime with a 3-pointer to give the Buckeyes (15-2, 4-0) the lead for good. After a driving layup that gave Ohio State a 74-67 lead, she appeared to hurt her left ankle on the basket support and walked gingerly off the court. She came back and added a couple free throws before leaving the game again.
Her teammates were able to finish the victory without her.
Mitchell is now just two points shy of 3,000 for her career. She and Flaherty are Division I’s career leaders in scoring among active players.
BIG PICTURE
Ohio State: The Buckeyes were held to only six points in the second quarter, but they played some pretty good defense themselves. And they had Mitchell, who was able to create her own shot seemingly whenever she needed to. At the end, it didn’t seem like Ohio State even needed to call plays. Mitchell could simply dribble around until she found an opening for a drive or enough space to shoot a 3.
Michigan: The Wolverines are still seeking a signature win. They came close against Ohio State but couldn’t overcome Mitchell. Thome was impressive inside and gives Michigan an option down low against opponents that can contain Flaherty.
UP NEXT
Ohio State: The Buckeyes play at Indiana on Saturday.
Michigan: The Wolverines remain at home, facing Indiana on Wednesday night.