Eric Boggs
The No. 9/8 Ohio State women’s basketball team extended its undefeated season to 17-0 (6-0 Big Ten) with a commanding 80-69 victory over Wisconsin on Thursday night in Madison. Despite an early surge from the Badgers, the Buckeyes took control, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity to remain atop the Big Ten standings.
Wisconsin opened with a pair of quick three-pointers, but Ohio State responded with a 9-0 run to take an early lead. By the end of the first quarter, the Buckeyes had established a 22-18 advantage. Jaloni Cambridge was the star of the second quarter, scoring Ohio State’s first 13 points of the period to propel the team to a 39-32 halftime lead. Cambridge’s offensive explosion and efficiency set the tone for the remainder of the game.
The third quarter saw Ohio State maintain its edge, despite a spirited effort by Wisconsin to close the gap. The Badgers pulled within three points at 54-51 late in the quarter, but the Buckeyes responded with a timely timeout and a quick scoring burst to end the period with a 63-54 lead. Chance Gray’s sharp shooting and Cotie McMahon’s inside presence helped Ohio State sustain its momentum in the fourth quarter, outlasting Wisconsin for the 80-69 win.
Cambridge delivered a career-best performance, finishing with 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting and tying for the team lead with a career-high eight rebounds. Gray added 22 points, connecting on five three-pointers, while McMahon chipped in 17 points and eight rebounds. The Buckeyes’ defensive prowess was evident as they recorded 11 steals, marking the 12th game this season with double-digit steals.
Ohio State’s offensive efficiency and defensive grit were evident throughout the game. The team shot 50% from the field in the opening quarter, dominated the boards in the fourth, and consistently disrupted Wisconsin’s rhythm with active hands on defense.
The victory underscores Ohio State’s depth and resilience, particularly with standout performances from Cambridge, Gray, and McMahon. The Buckeyes now shift their focus to a Sunday matchup against Penn State, aiming to extend their perfect record further.
