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LGHL Ohio State and Wisconsin square off in the WCHA Final Faceoff Championship Game
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Ohio State and Wisconsin square off in the WCHA Final Faceoff Championship Game
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Before the NCAA Tournament starts next week, the Buckeyes and Badgers battle for the conference crown.
Minneapolis will be the setting for another epic showdown between the Ohio State women’s hockey team and the Wisconsin Badgers. Following the Badgers beating the Buckeyes 1-0 in last year’s NCAA Championship Game, Ohio State was able to take three of four regular season meetings with Wisconsin this season. These two teams are considered the best two teams in the country and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they go on to meet for a sixth time this season in the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State was able to reach their fifth straight WCHA Final Faceoff Championship Game with an easy 5-0 win over Minnesota-Duluth yesterday afternoon. The Buckeyes took the lead at the 11:03 mark of the first period when Joy Dunne lit the lamp for the 21st time this season. Kiara Zanon doubled Ohio State’s lead less than a minute later. Emma Peschel and Makenna Webster extended the lead with second period goals, while Olivia Mobley closed out the scoring in the third period. Raygan Kirk stopped all 17 shots she faced, recording her eighth shutout of the season, which ties her for most in the country.
Unlike the Buckeyes, Wisconsin had their backs against the wall for most of their semifinal contest against Minnesota. The Badgers jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 38 seconds into the game when Kirsten Simms notched her 30th goal of the season, becoming the first Badger since the 2011-12 season to reach the 30-goal mark in a season. The Golden Gophers responded with two goals before Simms knotted the score with a power play goal nearly nine minutes into the second period.
Minnesota looked like they were on the verge of pulling an upset when they scored a power play goal with less than four minutes left in the third period. Wisconsin were rescued by Casey O’Brien, who put the puck in the back of the net with less than 10 seconds left in the game. Lacey Eden scored 7:59 into the extra session to send Wisconsin to the title game. This wasn’t the first time Eden was the hero in a WCHA Final Faceoff game, as she scored the game-winner in overtime back in 2021 to beat Ohio State in the championship game.
Out of the teams Ohio State played this season, Wisconsin definitely provided the most resistance. Not only did the Badgers take Ohio State to overtime in one of the games in Columbus back in November, Wisconsin handed the Buckeyes one of their three losses during the series in Madison at the end of the regular season. Of the five losses the Badgers have suffered this season, three of those setbacks came at the hands of Ohio State.
The first game of the season between these teams saw the most lopsided result of the four regular season matchups, as Ohio State shutout the Badgers 3-0. Kiara Zanon opened the scoring at the 13:17 mark of the first period, while Jennifer Gardiner added two power play goals less than two minutes apart in the second period. Raygan Kirk was in net for the Buckeyes, stopping all 19 shots she faced.
The next night Wisconsin provided a sterner test, tying the game in the second period after Gardiner scored in the first period, recording her third goal of the weekend. The game would remain tied through regulation before Hannah Bilka scored a little over a minute into the overtime period. After Kirk started the previous night, Amanda Thiele was in net for Ohio State, saving 21 of Wisconsin shots.
When the teams met in Madison, Wisconsin actually handed Ohio State one of their few deficits of the season in the opening game when Maddi Wheeler scored early in the second period. The Buckeyes responded with goals from Zanon and Webster in the second period before Jenna Buglioni put the result out of reach with an empty net goal. Much like the first game in Columbus, Raygan Kirk played the first game of the weekend, stopping 28 shots in the victory.
The second game in Madison didn’t go nearly as smoothly for Ohio State. At first it looked like another victory for the Buckeyes when Kenzie Hauswirth scored two goals in the first period. Casey O’Brien responded with a goal early in the second period, followed by her second tally midway through the third period. Laila Edwards not only scored the game-winning goal just over a minute later, she added an empty net goal with less than 10 seconds left in the game.
With the Buckeyes and Badgers at the top of the national rankings, the result of this game won’t change their path in the NCAA Tournament much. If Wisconsin wins, they would likely be bumped up to the top seed, while Ohio State would be given the second seed. As long as that line of thinking isn’t wrong, a possible sixth meeting of the season wouldn’t happen until the NCAA Championship Game. The teams met last year in the title game, with Wisconsin squeaking out a 1-0 win after Kirsten Simms scored the only goal of the game in the first period. The selection show for this year’s NCAA Tournament will be held at noon tomorrow and can be seen on ESPNews.
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: B1G+/WSYX 6.2 The Nest
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Before the NCAA Tournament starts next week, the Buckeyes and Badgers battle for the conference crown.
Minneapolis will be the setting for another epic showdown between the Ohio State women’s hockey team and the Wisconsin Badgers. Following the Badgers beating the Buckeyes 1-0 in last year’s NCAA Championship Game, Ohio State was able to take three of four regular season meetings with Wisconsin this season. These two teams are considered the best two teams in the country and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they go on to meet for a sixth time this season in the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State was able to reach their fifth straight WCHA Final Faceoff Championship Game with an easy 5-0 win over Minnesota-Duluth yesterday afternoon. The Buckeyes took the lead at the 11:03 mark of the first period when Joy Dunne lit the lamp for the 21st time this season. Kiara Zanon doubled Ohio State’s lead less than a minute later. Emma Peschel and Makenna Webster extended the lead with second period goals, while Olivia Mobley closed out the scoring in the third period. Raygan Kirk stopped all 17 shots she faced, recording her eighth shutout of the season, which ties her for most in the country.
Unlike the Buckeyes, Wisconsin had their backs against the wall for most of their semifinal contest against Minnesota. The Badgers jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 38 seconds into the game when Kirsten Simms notched her 30th goal of the season, becoming the first Badger since the 2011-12 season to reach the 30-goal mark in a season. The Golden Gophers responded with two goals before Simms knotted the score with a power play goal nearly nine minutes into the second period.
Minnesota looked like they were on the verge of pulling an upset when they scored a power play goal with less than four minutes left in the third period. Wisconsin were rescued by Casey O’Brien, who put the puck in the back of the net with less than 10 seconds left in the game. Lacey Eden scored 7:59 into the extra session to send Wisconsin to the title game. This wasn’t the first time Eden was the hero in a WCHA Final Faceoff game, as she scored the game-winner in overtime back in 2021 to beat Ohio State in the championship game.
Out of the teams Ohio State played this season, Wisconsin definitely provided the most resistance. Not only did the Badgers take Ohio State to overtime in one of the games in Columbus back in November, Wisconsin handed the Buckeyes one of their three losses during the series in Madison at the end of the regular season. Of the five losses the Badgers have suffered this season, three of those setbacks came at the hands of Ohio State.
The first game of the season between these teams saw the most lopsided result of the four regular season matchups, as Ohio State shutout the Badgers 3-0. Kiara Zanon opened the scoring at the 13:17 mark of the first period, while Jennifer Gardiner added two power play goals less than two minutes apart in the second period. Raygan Kirk was in net for the Buckeyes, stopping all 19 shots she faced.
The next night Wisconsin provided a sterner test, tying the game in the second period after Gardiner scored in the first period, recording her third goal of the weekend. The game would remain tied through regulation before Hannah Bilka scored a little over a minute into the overtime period. After Kirk started the previous night, Amanda Thiele was in net for Ohio State, saving 21 of Wisconsin shots.
When the teams met in Madison, Wisconsin actually handed Ohio State one of their few deficits of the season in the opening game when Maddi Wheeler scored early in the second period. The Buckeyes responded with goals from Zanon and Webster in the second period before Jenna Buglioni put the result out of reach with an empty net goal. Much like the first game in Columbus, Raygan Kirk played the first game of the weekend, stopping 28 shots in the victory.
The second game in Madison didn’t go nearly as smoothly for Ohio State. At first it looked like another victory for the Buckeyes when Kenzie Hauswirth scored two goals in the first period. Casey O’Brien responded with a goal early in the second period, followed by her second tally midway through the third period. Laila Edwards not only scored the game-winning goal just over a minute later, she added an empty net goal with less than 10 seconds left in the game.
With the Buckeyes and Badgers at the top of the national rankings, the result of this game won’t change their path in the NCAA Tournament much. If Wisconsin wins, they would likely be bumped up to the top seed, while Ohio State would be given the second seed. As long as that line of thinking isn’t wrong, a possible sixth meeting of the season wouldn’t happen until the NCAA Championship Game. The teams met last year in the title game, with Wisconsin squeaking out a 1-0 win after Kirsten Simms scored the only goal of the game in the first period. The selection show for this year’s NCAA Tournament will be held at noon tomorrow and can be seen on ESPNews.
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: B1G+/WSYX 6.2 The Nest
Continue reading...
LGHL You’re Nuts: Which Rutgers player should be at the top of Ohio State’s scouting report on Sunday?
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You’re Nuts: Which Rutgers player should be at the top of Ohio State’s scouting report on Sunday?
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Big Ten Tournament won’t matter much if the Buckeyes don’t take care of business this weekend in New Jersey.
Ohio State is on the doorstep of doing something incredibly unlikely and also incredibly funny, but first the Buckeyes have to secure their second road win of the year at Rutgers. The Fighting Jake Dieblers are 4-1 since the 37-year-old northwest Ohio native took over on Valentine’s Day, and could potentially punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament next week with a strong showing in Minneapolis at the Big Ten Tournament.
However, the Big Ten Tournament won’t be very relevant if Ohio State can’t beat Rutgers this weekend and complete the season sweep. The Buckeyes beat Rutgers 76-72 on January 3, but 72 points was one of the best offensive outputs in Big Ten play for the Scarlet Knights. Since that game, Rutgers has gone 7-10 and is now No. 276 in the country in offensive efficiency. They are, however, one of the four best defensive teams in the nation, according to KenPom. More on the Scarlet Knights later.
Last week, Connor and Justin debated what the odds are that the Buckeyes hear their names called on Selection Sunday. 62% of the people agreed with Connor, who said that there was still less than a 50% chance that the Buckeyes would make it. 38% of people agreed with Justin, who said there was greater than a 50% chance. Since this poll, Ohio State went 1-0 with a win over Michigan.
Connor- 70
As stated earlier, Ohio State has to beat Rutgers on Sunday if they want to head to Minneapolis with any hope of punching a ticket to the big dance. The Scarlet Knights have had a tough season, but they’re elite defensively and have been very good at the RAC.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25324403/usa_today_22656954.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Michigan at Rutgers")
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
It’s going to be a big day for Big Cliff on Sunday. It’ll be Senior Day for the 6-foot-11, fourth-year big man from Nigeria — potentially his final game at the RAC. It’ll also be a chance for Omoruyi to make up for a poor first game against the Buckeyes when he scored just seven points on 2-of-6 shooting over 28 minutes in Rutgers’ loss in January.
While Omoruyi never developed into the elite offensive player that we thought he would after his breakout sophomore season, he has established himself as one of the best interior defenders in the nation and by far the best shot blocker in the Big Ten. Omoruyi is the Scarlet Knights’ leading scorer this season at 10.8 points per game, but he is only taking eight shots per game — two fewer than he did last season. He’s also shooting 52.1% overall this year, a slight bit better than last season but 10.3% lower than his sophomore season. With it being Senior Day and emotions running high he may score above his season average, but Omoruyi has been more of a difference-maker on defense than offense his last two seasons at Rutgers.
Ohio State’s trio of Jamison Battle, Bruce Thornton, and Roddy Gayle took a combined 36 free throws in wins over Nebraska and Michigan, and Thornton didn’t even play in the Nebraska game. The Buckeyes’ success has coincided with those three getting downhill and drawing fouls at a high rate, but that will be a whole lot tougher with Omoruyi patrolling the paint on Sunday.
Omoruyi is averaging a Big Ten-leading three blocks per game and was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team last year. He will force Ohio State to change their game plan, and likely take more jump shots than they have been under Jake Diebler. That type of game doesn’t suit Ohio State, as the Buckeyes are currently shooting 33.7% from three — 10th in the Big Ten.
I think Omoruyi will have a big game on Sunday and could be the reason Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament dreams die. If you let him get a deep position in the paint he will make you pay, but it’s really his presence on defense that will put the Buckeyes in difficult spots this weekend.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25324502/usa_today_22687548.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Rutgers at Nebraska")
Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Rutgers quietly has a couple of guys who can hurt you, even though they struggle on offense in general. However, I think Derek Simpson is always close to a big game.
Simpson was one of the names to look out for preseason by many people, as a sophomore jump was expected. He has not quite lived up to that bar this season, averaging 8.7 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, and 3.0 assists per game.
The main reason for these struggles has been his shooting. He is shooting just 31.2 percent from the field and 28.8 percent from three-point range. Those. Numbers are incredibly underwhelming.
However, he is still a capable scorer and went for 19 points two games ago against Minnesota. Also, in the last game against Wisconsin, he only scored nine points, but he was 4-for-9 from the field and was efficient.
Omoruyi will take most of the attention, and the Buckeyes will look to force Rutgers into jump-shot situations because that is where they struggle the most. If that happens, Derek Simpson could be the guy who randomly knocks down four or five three-pointers to make life difficult for the Buckeyes on Sunday.
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Big Ten Tournament won’t matter much if the Buckeyes don’t take care of business this weekend in New Jersey.
Ohio State is on the doorstep of doing something incredibly unlikely and also incredibly funny, but first the Buckeyes have to secure their second road win of the year at Rutgers. The Fighting Jake Dieblers are 4-1 since the 37-year-old northwest Ohio native took over on Valentine’s Day, and could potentially punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament next week with a strong showing in Minneapolis at the Big Ten Tournament.
However, the Big Ten Tournament won’t be very relevant if Ohio State can’t beat Rutgers this weekend and complete the season sweep. The Buckeyes beat Rutgers 76-72 on January 3, but 72 points was one of the best offensive outputs in Big Ten play for the Scarlet Knights. Since that game, Rutgers has gone 7-10 and is now No. 276 in the country in offensive efficiency. They are, however, one of the four best defensive teams in the nation, according to KenPom. More on the Scarlet Knights later.
Last week, Connor and Justin debated what the odds are that the Buckeyes hear their names called on Selection Sunday. 62% of the people agreed with Connor, who said that there was still less than a 50% chance that the Buckeyes would make it. 38% of people agreed with Justin, who said there was greater than a 50% chance. Since this poll, Ohio State went 1-0 with a win over Michigan.
After 142 weeks:
Connor- 70
Justin- 53
Other- 15
(There have been four ties)
As stated earlier, Ohio State has to beat Rutgers on Sunday if they want to head to Minneapolis with any hope of punching a ticket to the big dance. The Scarlet Knights have had a tough season, but they’re elite defensively and have been very good at the RAC.
Today’s Question: Which Rutgers player should be at the top of Ohio State’s scouting report on Sunday?
Connor: Cliff Omoruyi
It’s going to be a big day for Big Cliff on Sunday. It’ll be Senior Day for the 6-foot-11, fourth-year big man from Nigeria — potentially his final game at the RAC. It’ll also be a chance for Omoruyi to make up for a poor first game against the Buckeyes when he scored just seven points on 2-of-6 shooting over 28 minutes in Rutgers’ loss in January.
While Omoruyi never developed into the elite offensive player that we thought he would after his breakout sophomore season, he has established himself as one of the best interior defenders in the nation and by far the best shot blocker in the Big Ten. Omoruyi is the Scarlet Knights’ leading scorer this season at 10.8 points per game, but he is only taking eight shots per game — two fewer than he did last season. He’s also shooting 52.1% overall this year, a slight bit better than last season but 10.3% lower than his sophomore season. With it being Senior Day and emotions running high he may score above his season average, but Omoruyi has been more of a difference-maker on defense than offense his last two seasons at Rutgers.
Ohio State’s trio of Jamison Battle, Bruce Thornton, and Roddy Gayle took a combined 36 free throws in wins over Nebraska and Michigan, and Thornton didn’t even play in the Nebraska game. The Buckeyes’ success has coincided with those three getting downhill and drawing fouls at a high rate, but that will be a whole lot tougher with Omoruyi patrolling the paint on Sunday.
Omoruyi is averaging a Big Ten-leading three blocks per game and was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team last year. He will force Ohio State to change their game plan, and likely take more jump shots than they have been under Jake Diebler. That type of game doesn’t suit Ohio State, as the Buckeyes are currently shooting 33.7% from three — 10th in the Big Ten.
I think Omoruyi will have a big game on Sunday and could be the reason Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament dreams die. If you let him get a deep position in the paint he will make you pay, but it’s really his presence on defense that will put the Buckeyes in difficult spots this weekend.
Justin: Derek Simpson
Rutgers quietly has a couple of guys who can hurt you, even though they struggle on offense in general. However, I think Derek Simpson is always close to a big game.
Simpson was one of the names to look out for preseason by many people, as a sophomore jump was expected. He has not quite lived up to that bar this season, averaging 8.7 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, and 3.0 assists per game.
The main reason for these struggles has been his shooting. He is shooting just 31.2 percent from the field and 28.8 percent from three-point range. Those. Numbers are incredibly underwhelming.
However, he is still a capable scorer and went for 19 points two games ago against Minnesota. Also, in the last game against Wisconsin, he only scored nine points, but he was 4-for-9 from the field and was efficient.
Omoruyi will take most of the attention, and the Buckeyes will look to force Rutgers into jump-shot situations because that is where they struggle the most. If that happens, Derek Simpson could be the guy who randomly knocks down four or five three-pointers to make life difficult for the Buckeyes on Sunday.
Continue reading...
