AN OUTSTANDING scoring performance from forward Mackenzie Holmes was more than enough to see the Indiana Hoosiers past the Ohio State Buckeyes in the NCAAW earlier today.

The two sides clashed at Value City Arena, with the No. 13 Buckeyes looking to upset the second-seeded Hoosiers. However, Indiana justified its standing as one of the best sides in the nation, snatching a commanding lead in the opening half.

Although Ohio State produced a valiant fightback in the third quarter, the class of the Hoosiers came to the forefront in the final term, finishing the match as 24-point winners and reaffirming their status as one of the toughest college sides to beat.

Holmes was far and away the standout for the match, delivering an unstoppable performance on the offensive end in what was a career-best night for the talented youngster.

Indiana Hoosiers (83) def. Ohio State Buckeyes (59)

Mackenzie Holmes – 32 mins, 33 points, five rebounds, two assists

Holmes was the number-one option for the Hoosiers in a successful night, proving a reliable source of scoring across all four quarters.

33 points was a career-high points total for the forward, and clearly the most of any player on the court. She was in her element scoring the ball inside the paint, in what was quite an accurate outing too. Holmes drained 15 of her 18 attempts from the field, and despite the defence’s best attempts to contest those shots, not much could be done.

All 18 attempts were from two-point territory, with the tall forward playing to her strengths and attacking the paint. At 6ft 3in, she has plenty of height to dominate in the low block, and it was the biggest factor in her game against the Buckeyes.

She scored 18 points in the first half, nailing nine of her 11 attempts and getting the Hoosiers on top on the scoreboard in a big way.

Holmes was also a commanding presence in the paint on the defensive end, and although she had just the one block, her ability to affect the quality of looks the opposition was getting was vital in Indiana holding the Buckeyes to six points in the final quarter.

Holmes has not had a better or more impactful outing in a Hoosiers uniform, showcasing her true scoring potential. A powerful inside scorer, the lengthy forward was the best player on the court, and has shown her value to Indiana’s success in the coming weeks as it looks to hold on to second in the rankings.