Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, March 20, 2016
Kelsey Mitchell's 45 points are the most scored in an #ncaaW first or second round and fourth in any round. pic.twitter.com/mscxCSQXWl
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) March 20, 2016
Kelsey Mitchell had a day to remember Sunday afternoon.
[ MORE: NCAA tourney bracket | AP recap | Box score ]
The Ohio State star poured in an eye-popping 45 points, the fourth-most in NCAA tourney opening weekend history, to lead Ohio State to an 88-81 victory over West Virginia.
With the win, the Buckeyes advance to the Sweet 16, their first regional semifinal appearance since 2011.
Harris reached 45 points, thanks to 18 made free throws, which ties for the most in NCAA tourney opening weekend annals; she also added five rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Mitchell's output accounted for 55 percent of Ohio State's scoring, on a day in which only one other Buckeye scored in double digits (Shayla Cooper, 15).
Ohio State will face the No. 2 Arizona State-No. 7 Tennessee victor in the regional semifinals in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Here's what Kelsey Mitchell of @OhioState_WBB had to say after her 45-point performance: https://t.co/GH67eQFH4p
— ESPN Women's Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) March 20, 2016
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In other Big Ten NCAA action, Michigan State fell to Mississippi State, 74-72. Read full AP recap.
Minnesota and Rutgers were eliminated from the NIT tourney, as well, on Sunday. The Golden Gophers lost to South Dakota, 101-89, despite 37 points from Rachel Banham, and the Scarlet Knights couldn't solve Virginia in a 71-55 loss
