Mitchell leads No. 9 Ohio St to 85-76 win over Washington

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Kelsey Mitchell scored 27 points to lead No. 9 Ohio State to an 85-76 victory over Washington on Sunday.

Stephanie Mavunga added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Buckeyes (4-1).

The Buckeyes struggled on the glass for much of the game, which kept the Huskies (1-2) within striking distance. Washington trailed by as few as three points on two occasions in the fourth quarter, but Ohio State eventually capitalized on its size advantage in the final minutes.

Trailing 62-45 midway through the third quarter, the Huskies used a 7-0 run at the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth to cut the Ohio State lead to eight. Then, Rooks punctuated another 7-0 run with 6:51 left in the game to cut the Buckeyes' lead to one possession, 70-67.

Mavunga, who had been out of position on the defensive end all game, finally made an impact in the middle. She made the next five Ohio State field goals and the Buckeyes were up by double digits. The senior post player also grabbed five rebounds in the final quarter.

The Huskies outrebounded the Buckeyes 28-17 in the first half, but were minus-five on the boards in the second half.

Kierra Collier and Khayla Rooks each scored 15 points to lead Washington.

BIG PICTURE:

Ohio State: Rebounding is a major issue for the Buckeyes, who will face stiff competition next week in Las Vegas for the Play4Kay Showcase.

Washington: The Huskies showed an ability to battle with a top-10 opponent ahead of its games in Las Vegas next week, which includes a matchup with No. 2 Texas.

UP NEXT:

Ohio State: Travels to Las Vegas to play Memphis on Thanksgiving Day.

Washington: Plays Creighton in Las Vegas on Friday.