The No. 8 Ohio State women’s basketball team secured a crucial 66-56 victory over Washington on Sunday, clinching a spot in the Big Ten Tournament. The Buckeyes improved to 20-1 on the season and 9-1 in Big Ten play, marking the fourth time in program history they have started with such an impressive record. The win also extends their streak of recording at least 20 victories for the fourth consecutive season.

Washington came out strong, scoring the first seven points of the game before Cotie McMahon put Ohio State on the board. The Buckeyes battled back to close the opening quarter trailing just 15-14. In the second quarter, Ohio State took command with a 12-0 run, fueled by a three-pointer from Ava Watson after forcing a Huskies turnover. Jaloni Cambridge capped the dominant stretch with a buzzer-beater, sending the Buckeyes into halftime with a 36-26 lead.

The Huskies showed resilience in the third quarter, finally connecting from beyond the arc after missing all eight attempts in the first half. They went on an 8-2 run to cut the deficit to four, but Ohio State responded with six straight points to restore a 10-point lead. Washington, however, closed the quarter strong, scoring the final seven points to enter the final frame down just 50-45.

Ohio State’s defense proved vital in the fourth quarter, and a pair of steals and fastbreak layups from Cambridge gave the Buckeyes momentum. Ajae Petty provided key baskets inside, and a late 6-0 run sealed the win for Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ defensive pressure was once again a key factor, as they forced Washington into 25 turnovers, marking the 14th time this season they have forced at least 20.

McMahon led the way with a game-high 19 points, reaching double figures for the 15th time this season. Cambridge contributed 13 points and three steals, while Chance Gray added 11 points, marking her 16th double-figure scoring performance of the year. Elsa Lemmilä made an impact defensively with a career-high three steals, while Taylor Thierry moved into 11th place in program history with 207 career steals.

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Ohio State now turns its focus to a challenging road trip in Los Angeles, where they will face No. 1 UCLA and No. 4 USC. The Buckeyes will look to continue their momentum and solidify their place among the nation’s elite.

Individually, McMahon and Cambridge have garnered national recognition, both earning spots on the midseason watch list for the Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Year award. McMahon, who leads the team in scoring with 16.5 points per game, has already been named to several prestigious watch lists and ranks among Ohio State’s all-time leaders in multiple statistical categories. Cambridge, a standout freshman, leads the Buckeyes in assists and continues to be a key contributor on both ends of the floor.