Ohio State Women's Basketball

The Ohio State women’s basketball team faced a challenging road trip against two top-ranked opponents, falling to No. 7 USC and No. 1 UCLA. Despite strong individual performances and moments of resilience, the Buckeyes were unable to overcome their formidable opponents.

Against USC, Ohio State initially took control, jumping out to a 7-2 lead before the Trojans found their rhythm. A 10-2 USC run midway through the first quarter allowed them to take a 14-11 lead after ten minutes. The Buckeyes remained within striking distance in the second quarter, closing the gap to 23-20 before USC responded with a series of free throws and a three-pointer to extend their lead to 34-26 at halftime. In the third quarter, Ohio State trimmed the deficit to seven points at one stage, but USC maintained control, leading 59-45 entering the final period. The Trojans pulled away in the fourth quarter, closing out the game with an 84-63 victory.

Taylor Thierry led the Buckeyes with 14 points, reaching double figures for the 12th time this season, while also contributing five rebounds. Cotie McMahon (13), Chance Gray (12), and Jaloni Cambridge (11) also scored in double figures. The Buckeye defense remained a bright spot, forcing USC into 23 turnovers—the 16th time this season Ohio State has forced at least 20 turnovers. OSU also recorded 13 steals, marking their seventh consecutive game with 10 or more steals, a feat last achieved at the start of the 2022-23 season.

Before calling to No. 6 USC, the Buckeyes first took on No. 1 UCLA, battling hard but ultimately falling short, 65-52. Ohio State displayed strong defensive intensity early, forcing eight first-quarter turnovers and holding the Bruins scoreless for a four-minute stretch. The Buckeyes built a 13-6 lead during an 11-2 run, but UCLA responded with seven unanswered points to tie the game at 13 before closing the first quarter with an 18-16 advantage. The Bruins extended their lead to 28-18 midway through the second quarter, but Ohio State fought back with a 6-0 run to stay within six at the break.

The third quarter saw the Buckeyes push back aggressively, with McMahon scoring six straight points to bring the deficit to just three. A last-second basket by McMahon closed the gap to 44-42 heading into the final frame. Cambridge tied the game at 44 early in the fourth quarter, but UCLA answered with a 15-0 run, securing the win. Cambridge led Ohio State with 21 points and tied her career-high with eight rebounds. McMahon added 14 points, including the 1,300th of her career, while Chance Gray surpassed 1,100 career points.

Ohio State’s defense remained a force, forcing 23 UCLA turnovers and holding the Bruins to their lowest point total of the season. The Buckeyes also notched 15 steals, their sixth consecutive game with 10 or more steals. Despite falling short, the team’s defensive pressure and individual milestones highlighted their tenacity against elite competition.

The Buckeyes now return to Columbus to face Minnesota, looking to rebound and build on the lessons learned from their challenging West Coast road trip. The game is set for Thursday at 7:30 p.m.