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Marscilla Packer steps up in injured C-J grad's absence, and Buckeyes keep on winning.
Monday, February 12, 2007
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Marscilla Packer made up for Brandie Hoskins' absence in Ohio State's first basketball game since a season-ending injury to its second-leading scorer.
Jessica Davenport scored 28 points and Packer added 17 as the fourth-ranked Buckeyes beat Illinois, 69-60, on Sunday.
Extras
Hoskins, a Chaminade-Julienne High School graduate, was averaging 14.3 points and 5.3 assists per game before she tore her left Achilles' tendon Thursday.
"We obviously tailored some stuff we did for Brandie's unique game, but does that inhibit Marscilla's ability because we're not using her abilities as well?" Ohio State coach Jim Foster said. "We didn't have to. Today without Brandie, we see Marscilla is also a playmaker."
Davenport, averaging 17.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game coming in to this contest, played all 40 minutes for the Buckeyes (22-1, 11-0 Big Ten), drawing Illinois' defensive focus and creating open outside shots for her teammates.
Senior guard Stephanie Blanton scored all seven of her points in the final 3:45 for Ohio State.
"We had the right amount of energy. We tried to move the ball," Davenport said. "Even though Brandie's gone, we have a lot of season left to play. I think we shot the ball well, but rebounding and overall defense is something you can always improve on."
