Women's basketball has been gaining more attention and popularity in recent years, and one of the most exciting matchups in the sport is the rivalry between Penn State and Ohio State. These two Big Ten Conference teams have a longstanding history of intense competition, with each team striving to come out on top. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Penn State vs Ohio State rivalry and explore some of the highlights of past matchups.
A Brief History of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Penn State and Ohio State began in 1982, and since then, the two teams have faced off over 70 times. Both schools have produced numerous talented players and have consistently been among the top teams in the Big Ten Conference.Over the years, the rivalry has produced many memorable moments and exciting games. Some of the most notable matchups include the 2000 Big Ten Conference Tournament Championship Game, which saw Penn State win in a thrilling overtime victory, and the 2014 regular-season game in which Ohio State defeated Penn State in double-overtime.
Statistics
Overall, Ohio State has a slight edge in the rivalry, with a record of 38-33 against Penn State. However, in recent years, Penn State has been dominant, winning the past five matchups between the two teams.When it comes to scoring, both teams have been relatively evenly matched. Ohio State has averaged 73.7 points per game against Penn State, while Penn State has averaged 73.2 points per game against Ohio State. The teams have also been fairly even in rebounding, with Ohio State averaging 39.8 rebounds per game and Penn State averaging 38.9 rebounds per game.
Recent Highlights
In recent years, Penn State has emerged as the dominant team in the rivalry, winning several key matchups. One of the most exciting games in recent history came on January 16, 2021, when Penn State defeated Ohio State by a score of 69-67. The game was closely contested throughout, with neither team able to pull away. In the end, it was Penn State's Makenna Marisa who hit the game-winning shot with just seconds remaining, securing the victory for the Nittany Lions.Another recent highlight was the 2019 matchup between the two teams, which saw Penn State win by a score of 76-71. The game was notable for the outstanding performances by Penn State's Teniya Page, who scored 33 points, and Ohio State's Dorka Juhasz, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Conclusion
The Penn State vs Ohio State women's basketball rivalry is one of the most exciting matchups in the sport. With a rich history of intense competition and numerous memorable moments, these two teams always put on a show when they face off. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just starting to get into women's basketball, be sure to keep an eye out for the next Penn State vs Ohio State showdown.
Related video of Penn State vs Ohio State Women's Basketball: A Rivalry Worth Watching