Historic UConn streak ends in women's Sweet 16
The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes advanced to the Women's Elite Eight on Saturday, snapping a historic NCAA Tournament streak after downing No. 2 UConn, 73-61 in the Sweet 16.
Ohio State's win ends an impressive stretch for UConn. The Huskies will miss the Elite Eight for the first time in 16 years. Meanwhile, UConn's consecutive Final Four appearances run is over after 14-straight seasons.
After the game, head coach Geno Auriemma spoke candidly with reporters regarding the streak and its end.
"The problem with streaks is the longer they go, you're closer to it ending than you are to the beginning of it and it's just a matter of time," Auriemma said via Sportsnet New York.
The Huskies held a slim two-point advantage after one quarter on Saturday, but the Buckeyes took control thanks to an offensive eruption in the second stanza. Ohio State outscored UConn 21-9, taking a 36-26 lead into the halftime break. According to ESPN Stats and Info, the Huskies faced a halftime deficit for only the sixth time ever in the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State kept the pressure on throughout the second half, keeping UConn at a distance en route to a 12-point win.
Cotie McMahon and Jacy Sheldon combined for over half of the Buckeyes' 73 points on Saturday.
McMahon recently stated that she wanted UConn "so bad" even before the season started. With the opportunity in front of her, McMahon took full advantage, scoring 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including two three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Sheldon finished second on the Buckeyes in scoring with 17 points, adding seven boards and five assists.
Ohio State will take on the winner of No. 1 Virginia Tech/No. 4 Tennessee on Monday with a trip to the Final Four on the line.
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