Eric Boggs
The No. 12/7 Ohio State women’s basketball team remained unbeaten this season, improving to 8-0 (1-0 Big Ten) with an 83-74 victory over No. 21 Illinois in the Big Ten opener on Sunday. The win marked the Buckeyes’ first against a ranked opponent this season and extended their dominance over Illinois to 11 consecutive games.
Ohio State started the game with energy, leading 18-16 after the first quarter. The turning point came in the second quarter, as the Buckeyes’ defense clamped down, allowing just one point in the final six minutes of the half. This defensive effort, combined with a 15-1 scoring run fueled by standout performances from Taylor Thierry and Chance Gray, gave Ohio State a commanding 40-26 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, the Buckeyes extended their advantage to 61-43, powered by Cotie McMahon’s 11-point outburst. Despite a late push from the Illini in the fourth quarter that trimmed the deficit to single digits, Ohio State responded with a 7-0 run to reestablish control and secure the victory. The team shot an efficient 58.3% from the field in the final period, sealing the win at the free-throw line in the closing moments.
Cotie McMahon led the Buckeyes with a season-high 25 points, her second 20-point performance in just four games this season. Taylor Thierry added 14 points, reaching double figures for the fifth time, while Chance Gray contributed 13 points, marking her sixth double-digit game of the season. The Buckeye defense was a key factor, forcing 19 Illinois turnovers and converting those into 30 points, alongside recording nine steals.
Ohio State’s offense showed balance and resilience throughout the game. Jaloni Cambridge opened the scoring, while McMahon set the tone early with a three-pointer and an and-one play to build the Buckeyes’ momentum. The team’s extended runs and defensive intensity were complemented by their ability to capitalize on turnovers, a hallmark of their success this season.
The Buckeyes now turn their attention to their next challenge as they host Ball State on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The game will be available on B1G+ and AM1460. Ohio State fans can look forward to seeing their team continue its impressive start as the Buckeyes aim to maintain their perfect record and build on the momentum from this key conference win.
