Eric Boggs
The No. 11/9 Ohio State women’s basketball team (12-0, 1-0 B1G) delivered a commanding 84-59 victory over Stanford (8-4, 0-1 ACC) on Friday night at the Chase Center in the Invisalign Bay Area Women’s Classic. The win showcased Ohio State’s depth and dominance, marking a strong performance against their toughest nonconference opponent this season.
Ohio State’s defensive intensity set the tone early, holding Stanford scoreless for nearly three minutes and limiting the Cardinal to just 2-of-11 shooting in the opening quarter. A pair of 6-0 runs helped the Buckeyes build a 16-6 lead by the end of the first 10 minutes. The offensive momentum continued in the second quarter as the Buckeyes outscored Stanford 17-13 to take a 33-19 advantage into halftime. In the third quarter, Ohio State extended its lead with an 8-0 run, pushing the score to 45-27 midway through the period. Contributions from across the roster, including a pair of three-pointers by Ava Watson, helped the Buckeyes close the quarter with a 57-39 lead. The fourth quarter saw Ohio State shoot an impressive 70.6% from the field, sealing the game with a decisive 27-20 advantage in the final frame.
The Buckeyes’ balanced attack was on full display as six players scored in double figures. Cotie McMahon led the way with 16 points, her seventh double-figure performance of the season. Madison Greene recorded a season-high 15 points, while Ajae Petty and Chance Gray added 14 points each. Taylor Thierry contributed 12 points, and Ava Watson rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points. Petty also led the team in rebounds with nine, while Elsa Lemmilä continued her defensive prowess with at least one block in every game this season.
Ohio State’s performance was highlighted by standout moments throughout the game. Cotie McMahon set the tone early with a driving layup, while Madison Greene beat the shot clock with a clutch basket in the first quarter. In the second, Ajae Petty controlled the paint, and Chance Gray showcased her mid-range shooting. The third quarter featured McMahon’s and-one play and Watson’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc. Taylor Thierry’s reverse layup in the fourth quarter capped a dominant performance as all five starters reached double figures.
While Stanford is navigating a rebuilding year following the retirement of legendary coach Tara VanDerveer and significant roster changes, they remain a formidable opponent. The Cardinal entered the game as one of the nation’s best three-point shooting teams, ranking second nationally at 41.9%. Despite their struggles, including losses to Indiana, California, and No. 5 LSU, Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff emphasized the challenge Stanford posed. “They shoot the ball extremely well, one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country. We had to be really good defensively, and I think this game helped prepare us for what’s coming in the Big Ten,” McGuff said. Chance Gray, who faced Stanford during her time at Oregon before transferring to Ohio State, used her experience to help the team. “I played against a different Stanford team, but I found ways to score and contribute. I think I was able to help my team get into a flow tonight,” Gray said.
The Buckeyes, now 12-0, turn their attention to conference play. They’ll face Rutgers on Sunday, Dec. 29, with a 2 p.m. tip-off. The game will be broadcast on B1G+ and AM1460. Ohio State’s unbeaten start and depth make them a strong contender as they dive into the heart of the Big Ten schedule.
