Dynamic duo help coach reach milestone

Yesterday’s game was a big one for Ohio State coach Jim Foster. Not only would a win mark his 200th victory at The Ohio State University, but he reached another milestone as well. Foster became only the second coach to reach 200 wins at three different schools, joining Vivian Stringer.

Indiana hung close in the first half of Sunday’s game, but the Hoosiers were no match for Ohio State’s dynamic duo of Jantel Lavender and Samantha Prahalis. The game started with Sarah Schulze leading off for the Buckeyes with the first 6 points of the game, and they never fell behind. After a 31-26 lead at halftime, the Buckeyes went on a 5-0 run. Nerves set in when Lavender asked for a sub with about 15 minutes left in the second half after a fall that seemed to result in an ankle injury. When Lavender left the game and headed for the locker room, OSU was up 43-35 and both Prahalis and Lavender had 14 points. Senior Andrea Walker replaced Lavender, and really set the tone in the second half for the Buckeyes on the board by pulling down 10 rebounds. Lavender returned a few minutes later after having her ankle re-taped. She seemed to have no serious problems when she checked back in, and immediately hit a three.

The Hoosiers relied on Davis, who stepped up every time IU needed a basket or big play. She led Indiana with 17 points, and was helped out by Brown and Elam, who added 11 and 10 respectively.

The biggest differences between the Buckeyes and the Hoosiers came from points in the paint and rebounds. Indiana just couldn’t keep OSU off the boards, allowing Ohio State to double them in rebounds. Obviously, Jantel Lavender has a lot to do with those advantages. Sunday was her 86th consecutive game in double-figures, which is the longest active streak in Division I.

After the 5-0 run that started the half, Indiana never came within 8 points again, but it wasn’t until about 5 minutes remaining that Ohio State really pulled away. They built a significant lead and were ahead 73-55 with just under 4 minutes left. A lot of high/low plays helped the Buckeyes to establish that lead, along with numerous three-pointers and 23 points from Prahalis.

Prahalis has already impressed everyone this season with her clear improvements since last year. In the past three games she has averaged 26.3 points, and all season long she has shown remarkable footwork. Even besides the scoring, most people have to admit they enjoy watching her play. As a reporter joked with her after the game, she has that “Prahalis Pizzaz” which she attributes to, no matter what, focusing on having fun. She says fun is what it’s all about because after all, she plays the game because of how much she loves it.

Although it’s difficult not to focus on Prahalis and Lavender, the 81-64 win wasn’t simply a two-woman show. Ten different players put points on the board and three different players finished with at least nine rebounds. This is exactly what Foster points to as the reason for his success in his 32 years of coaching, he says it’s not really about him, the key is recruiting good players.

While Indiana coach Felisha Legette-Jack was proud of her team’s resiliency, she was impressed by Ohio State. “They can beat you in multiple ways. Their press game, their size, and their ability are all factors. We have to continue to learn how to adjust to all parts of their game.”

The Buckeyes will take on their rival, Michigan, on Thursday night. Check out the “Hottest Games” List here for the time of this game, and others to make sure you watch this week!

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