Neither team crisp in season-opener, but minor mistakes/missed free throws halt #OhioState upset. #NotreDame wins 57-51 #carrierclassic
— Jayda Evans (@JaydaEvans) November 9, 2012
In a game played on an aircraft carrier between a pair of teams whose star players are guards, offensive rebounding figured to be a significant factor.
That's pretty much how things turned out between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Friday as neither team shot over 40% - Notre Dame's advantage on the offensive boards that contributed to a 16 to 10 advantage in second chance points made a significant difference in a 57-51 win, as expected by head coach Muffet McGraw according to Brian Hartnett of The Observer.
Notre Dame won the battle on the boards, as the team had a 43-32 edge in rebounds. Freshman guard Jewell Loyd led the team with 12 rebounds. Sophomore forward Markisha Wright added seven rebounds off the bench.
"I was really pleased with our defense and rebounding," McGraw said. "We really felt the game was going to be won on the boards. I'll be ecstatic if we can keep that effort up all year."
Top 2013 WNBA Draft prospect Tayler Hill led all scorers with 18 points but ultimately it was the frontcourt play that decided the game.