The Ohio State Buckeyes showcased their firepower in a dominant win over Bowling Green on Friday night, thanks in no small part to the dazzling performance of freshman sensation Ava Thompson. The Buckeyes cruised to an 87-62 victory, improving to 4-0 on the season in front of a packed Schottenstein Center.
Thompson, a highly touted recruit from Indianapolis, delivered a career-high 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in just 28 minutes of play. The 6-foot-1 guard showed poise beyond her years, lighting up the court with her smooth shooting and aggressive drives to the basket.
“Ava is special,” head coach Kevin McMillan said postgame. “She plays with such confidence and reads the game so well. We knew she’d make an impact, but even this early in the season, she’s exceeding expectations.”
Ohio State set the tone early, opening the game with a 12-2 run and maintaining a double-digit lead for most of the contest. The Buckeyes’ defense was relentless, forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 25 points.
Senior guard Taylor Johnson complemented Thompson’s efforts with 18 points and 7 assists, while forward Mia Carter anchored the post with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Bowling Green struggled to find an answer for Ohio State’s balanced attack, despite a strong showing from junior guard Kayla Brooks, who led her team with 19 points.
“We’re still figuring things out,” said Bowling Green head coach Jessica Watkins. “Ohio State is a tough team, and Ava is the real deal. We’ll learn from this and get better.”
Thompson’s breakout performance has fans and analysts buzzing about her potential. With her leadership and skill already on display, she’s quickly becoming the face of a loaded Buckeyes roster with championship aspirations.
The Buckeyes will look to continue their winning streak when they host Cincinnati next week. For now, all eyes are on Ava Thompson and the bright future she promises for Ohio State basketball.
