Eric Boggs
Ohio State closed out the calendar year with a commanding 77-63 win over Rutgers on the road. The Buckeyes, now 13-0 (2-0 B1G), showcased their trademark defense and depth to remain undefeated and solidify their position among the nation’s elite.
Ohio State wasted no time setting the tone, surging to a 15-4 lead just over three minutes into the game. By the end of the first quarter, the Buckeyes held a 23-16 advantage, thanks to timely three-pointers from Cotie McMahon and Chance Gray, along with a buzzer-beating triple by Ava Watson. The second quarter was a defensive masterclass, as Ohio State stifled Rutgers, outscoring them 23-9 and denying the Scarlet Knights back-to-back baskets. Heading into halftime, the Buckeyes held a commanding 46-25 lead.
The third quarter saw Rutgers attempt to claw back, opening the half with a 9-0 run to cut the deficit to 46-34. However, Ohio State responded with resilience, using an 8-0 run late in the quarter to push the lead back to 25 points. By the end of the frame, the Buckeyes maintained a comfortable 62-45 margin. The final quarter saw back-and-forth scoring, but Ohio State never let Rutgers get closer than 11 points, capping the game with a Taylor Thierry layup for the 77-63 final.
Ajae Petty led the charge for Ohio State, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Cotie McMahon matched Petty’s scoring output with 16 points of her own while adding 11 rebounds for her first double-double of the season. Taylor Thierry (14 points) and Chance Gray (15 points) also contributed double-digit scoring efforts, with Gray hitting a major career milestone by surpassing 1,000 career points.
Jaloni Cambridge made her presence felt in her return to the lineup, dishing out a career-high seven assists. The Buckeyes’ defensive effort was stellar, forcing 22 Rutgers turnovers and tallying 15 steals. Ohio State has now recorded at least 10 steals in 10 games this season and forced 20 or more turnovers in 11 contests.
Ohio State’s defense smothered Rutgers from the outset, forcing seven first-quarter turnovers and holding the Scarlet Knights to 0-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc in the first half. The Buckeyes’ ability to disrupt rhythm and capitalize on turnovers was key to their success.
The Buckeyes will return to action on Sunday, Jan. 5, when they host Northwestern at Value City Arena. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, with coverage available on B1G+ and AM1460. Buckeye Nation, let’s pack the house and cheer this team to their 14th straight win!
