March Madness 2022: Jacy Sheldon scores 25, Ohio State tops Missouri State

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Ohio State guard Jacy Sheldon found a way to score more than her usual against a stout Missouri State defense that stifled the Buckeyes for significant stretches.

Sheldon had 25 points and five steals, and No. 6 seed Ohio State overcame an early double-digit deficit to beat 11th seed Missouri State 63-56 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.

Sheldon, who came in averaging about 19.5 points per game, made 10 of 12 free throws. Taylor Mikesell scored 14 points for the Buckeyes (24-6), who didn't take the lead for good until her 3-pointer from the left corner made it 54-52 with 3:10 left.

"I’m really proud of our effort and our ability to stay together and execute down the stretch," Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff said. "Their defense was very good and they made us earn everything."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ohio State guard Jacy Sheldon (4) fouls Missouri State guard Mariah White (14) while going for a rebound in the first half of a women's college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Saturday, March 19, 2022, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Missouri State (25-8) got as close as 58-56 with 41 seconds left on a Brice Calip putback. But Sheldon responded with a layup and two free throws to help seal the victory for the Buckeyes, who are playing in their first NCAA Tournament since 2018.

Ohio State shot 33.9% (19 of 56) and was held 16 points below its average of 79.2 points per game. However, the Buckeyes played some feisty defense of their own, converting 22 Bears turnovers into 25 points.

"At this time of year, you’re going to have to win in different ways," McGuff