The thrill of Women’s March Madness is upon us, and it promises an exciting matchup as the Ohio State Buckeyes go head-to-head with the Montana State Bobcats. Set to unfold today at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, this game marks the beginning of an exhilarating tournament for women’s collegiate basketball. With Ohio State as the fourth seed facing the 13th-seeded Montana State, fans can expect a fierce contest filled with skill and determination.
Game Details
The Ohio State Buckeyes, boasting an impressive 25-6 record, have navigated a demanding Big Ten schedule, including challenging games against nationally ranked teams. Their resilience shone through, particularly with standout performances by junior forward Cotie McMahon. Averaging 16.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, McMahon has proven to be a key player for the Buckeyes, helping them secure their place in the tournament despite setbacks, including a significant loss to UCLA in the conference semifinals.
Contrastingly, the Montana State Bobcats arrive with a stellar 30-3 record after clinching the Big Sky championship title by edging out their rivals in a nail-biting 58-57 win. Senior guard Esmeralda Morales has been instrumental in their success, scoring 25 points in that championship game. With her average of 15.3 points per game, Morales will be a focal point for the Bobcats as they seek to upset the higher-seeded Buckeyes.
How to Watch for Free
For those eager to catch this first-round action, there are several ways to stream it without a cable subscription. The game will broadcast live on ESPN2, starting at 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Thankfully, various streaming services are offering free trials that allow fans to watch the game at no cost. Here are the best options:
- DirecTV Stream: Offers a 5-day free trial.
- FuboTV: Features a 7-day free trial along with a $20 discount on the first month.
- Sling TV: Provides a promotional half-off deal for new customers on the first month.
With these options, basketball enthusiasts can enjoy the game while exploring potential new streaming solutions.
The Matchup
As the Buckeyes head into this crucial game, they look to shake off any doubts from their previous losses and capitalize on their offensive depth. Ohio State’s strategy will likely revolve around their ability to penetrate the Bobcats’ defenses and leverage McMahon’s scoring. On the other hand, Montana State will aim to maintain their momentum, relying heavily on Morales to lead the charge against a formidable Ohio State team.
What’s Next?
The victor of this engaging face-off will earn the chance to continue their journey in the NCAA tournament, facing the winner of the matchup between fifth-seeded Tennessee and 12th-seeded South Florida in the second round on March 23. With passion, athleticism, and the unpredictable nature of tournament play, this game is set to deliver memorable moments. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and prepare for an evening of high-stakes basketball as the best in women’s college sports take the court. Don’t miss out on the action—tune in and support these remarkable athletes as they vie for tournament glory!
