Cori Close Calls Out Lack of Media Coverage After Top 25 Matchup in Columbus
Yesterday the women’s college basketball world had one matchup across the country that featured two ranked teams, and it was No. 4 UCLA Bruins vs. No. 19 Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio.
The Bruins pulled out the win with a score of 82-75, and were led by senior Lauren Betts with a nice double-double of 18 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists. Ohio State battled, and was led by Jaloni Cambridge who had 28 points and dished out four assists. Her sister, Kennedy Cambridge, led the team with eight rebounds.
Still, the Buckeyes weren’t able to pull closer than six points within UCLA’s lead in the fourth quarter. UCLA improved to 12-1, with a meeting at Penn State set for Wednesday at 2:00 pm ET. That game can be seen on Peacock. Ohio State fell to 11-2 and will travel to West Lafayette, Indiana for a B1G matchup with Purdue on Wednesday at 12:30. That game can be seen on the Big Ten Network.
After the game, Bruins head coach Cori Close was disappointed in the lack of media coverage at this game. According to Benjamin Royer of the O.C. Register, he was the only one that asked Close any questions on the game, and it was actually over the phone. No in-person media.
“Honestly, if I’m being really blunt with you, the energy in the building was great, but having no media here at all from either team or either — no AP, no nothing, doesn’t say a lot,” Close told Benjamin Royer afterwards. “We’re the only double-ranked game out today; the only one in the country, and we had no media day today. No media here. You’re the only one that’s asked to talk to me. And credit to you, but I don’t mind if you print that either.”
“Like for the only game that had two ranked opponents to not have more coverage over this particular game — disappointing, honestly.”
My question is where was the media for this game? A top 25 matchup, and no questions in person for the winning team of the game. Maybe I’m misunderstanding. Maybe it was because UCLA was visiting, and no one in Columbus, Ohio wanted to stick around to discuss postgame with her. Where was the national media?
Beth Harris of the Associated Press did mention that there was a freelancer there for the game, but was unsure of the whereabouts afterwards.
I speak for myself when I say independent and small media companies don’t get enough respect from some in the world of sports and media. I’ve been fortunate to cover some great sporting events and will always be grateful for the schools that allow that and don’t try to gatekeep for “big media.”
I have built Fastpitch Wire Softball in a little over six months and have had more access than I could have imagined covering the game. I hope to do that with other sports such as basketball, football, and baseball as well through this site.
I also try to make sure I give women’s sports their spotlight. They deserve it just as much as anyone else. Women’s sports are growing at a rapid rate in this country, and solid media coverage is needed for them. Media members are the ones that help drive awareness and attention.
Another thing I see is people bringing up the lack of resources and money these days for “big” companies. Scaling back, they say. Ok. I’ve never rolled in dough and don’t have companies sponsoring or backing me to do what I do. I just try to find ways to make it happen. I take it seriously and try to do things the best I can.
Whatever the case was for yesterday, and I’m sure there’s more that could speak with examples, no media coverage at a top 25 matchup should never happen.
Stay tuned to Mays Sports Media for continued coverage of women’s basketball and other sports across the landscape.
