COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Kelsey Mitchell scored 31 points to lead four teammates in double figures and No. 7 Ohio State beat Cleveland State 96-78 on Wednesday night.
The Buckeyes (2-1) won despite poor 3-point shooting from everyone except the junior All-American guard. Early in the fourth quarter her teammates were 0 for 11 from beyond the arc while she was 7 for 13. Finally, Sierra Calhoun hit a 3-pointer as Ohio State finished 8 for 27 from 3-point range.
Stephanie Mavunga, Tori McCoy, Shayla Cooper and Kiara Lewis each had 12 points for the Buckeyes.
Ashanti Abshaw scored 25 points for the Vikings (1-1) and Khayla Livingston 14.
The Buckeyes, who never trailed, led 51-34 at the half and extended the lead to 27 after through quarters after the Vikings went more than six minutes without a basket.
Ohio State responded to a 92-80 home loss to No. 4 South Carolina on Monday by picking up the tempo and using its advantage inside.
The Vikings (1-1) won their opener, beating Evansville 66-62 on Saturday.
TIP-INS
Cleveland State: The Vikings played their first ranked opponent since Green Bay in the 2011-12 season and it was the first top-10 team they've played since No. 7 Notre Dame in the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes increased their record to 6-0 vs. Cleveland State. The most recent meeting was 68-54 victory on Dec 15, 2008.
UP NEXT
Cleveland State: With two road games completed to open the season, the Vikings home opener is Saturday vs. Toledo.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes play the final of a four-game homestand against Long Island University Brooklyn on Saturday.
