SHE'S GOT GAME

Ohio State, ranked No. 3 in the nation in the Associated Press preseason poll, is loaded with talent. Even though the Buckeyes graduated two starters, there are plenty of possibilities waiting in the wings to improve on last year’s squad that went 29-6, won its fifth straight Big Ten regular-season and second conference tournament title and then made it to the NCAA regional semifinals before falling. Still, don’t expect coach Jim Foster to get tendinitis from patting himself and his players on the backs. ‘‘I tell my kids, we’re the preseason favorite — what do you want us to do? Have a banquet now?’’ he said, sort of joking in a caustic way. ‘‘What is it? It’s like winning the pole in an (auto) race.’’