Gabby Elliott Leads Penn State to Upset Victory Over No. 9 Ohio State, 62-59
In a thrilling matchup at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania, Gabby Elliott emerged as the hero for the Penn State Lady Lions as they secured a stunning 62-59 upset victory over the No. 9 Ohio State Buckeyes. The game, which took place on Sunday, saw Elliott shine with a total of 14 crucial points, including a clutch go-ahead layup with just over 2 1/2 minutes remaining.
Key Players and Game Highlights
Elliott’s standout performance was complemented by Jayla Oden’s 13 points, Moriah Murray and Gracie Merkle’s 12 points each, contributing to Penn State’s first win against an AP Top 25 team since February 2021. Despite a seven-game losing streak leading up to this game, the Lady Lions showed resilience and determination, ultimately pulling off a remarkable victory.
On the opposing side, Cotie McMahon led the Buckeyes with 19 points, followed closely by Chance Gray with 18 points. However, Ohio State faltered in the fourth quarter, managing to convert only 2 of 12 field goals and failing to make a single shot in the final 6:45 of the game.
Penn State’s Gutsy Effort and Rebounding Dominance
Penn State’s triumph over the highly-ranked Ohio State team was a testament to their grit and tenacity, especially after facing consecutive double-digit losses against other top-10 opponents. Elliott’s crucial layups in the final minutes sealed the deal for the Lady Lions, securing a memorable victory in front of their home crowd.
One defining factor in Penn State’s win was their dominance on the boards, outrebounding Ohio State 39-21, despite the Buckeyes’ strong rebounding average entering the game. This performance showcased the Lady Lions’ commitment to controlling the game’s pace and possessions, ultimately contributing to their success.
As the Lady Lions celebrate this significant win, they are now set to face off against No. 22 Michigan State in their upcoming game, while Ohio State will look to bounce back as they prepare to host No. 8 Maryland in their next matchup. The thrilling victory underscores the unpredictable nature of college basketball and the resilience of underdog teams rising to the occasion against formidable opponents.