No. 12 Ohio State women top Nebraska in Big Ten opener

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Mitchell takes control over Nebraska

Kelsey Mitchell soars scoring 25 points in Ohio State's 73-61 win over Nebraska.

Dec 29, 2017, 04:12 am

OMAHA, Neb. -- Kelsey Mitchell tossed in 25 points and Linnae Harper added 14 points and eight rebounds as No. 12 Ohio State opened Big Ten Conference play with a 73-61 victory over Nebraska on Thursday night.

Sierra Calhoun scored 13 and has made at least three 3-pointers in five straight games, while Stephanie Mavunga snared 10 rebounds for the Buckeyes (12-2), who held Nebraska to one free throw over the final 3:54 of the second quarter to take a 34-24 lead at halftime. Asia Doss had a career-high seven steals for OSU.

Maddie Simon and Kate Cain scored 14 apiece to pace the Cornhuskers (9-5). Simon added six boards and four assists and Cain grabbed eight rebounds. Hannah Whitish totaled 12 points, five rebounds and four assists for Nebraska, but she also had six of the Cornhuskers' 23 turnovers.

Mitchell and Calhoun scored seven apiece as the Buckeyes shot 56 percent from the floor in the third period to open up a 57-40 lead. Mitchell needs two points to pass Penn State's Kelly Mezzante for second place on the Big Ten career scoring list. Ohio State beat Nebraska for the fifth straight time and has won five in a row on the season.