Ohio State Women's Basketball

The Ohio State women’s basketball team began 2025 in dominant fashion, delivering a statement win over Northwestern with a resounding 92-62 victory. The Buckeyes, ranked No. 10/9 nationally, improved to 14-0 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play, maintaining their perfect season under the leadership of head coach Kevin McGuff.

From the opening whistle, Ohio State imposed its will. The Buckeyes jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first two minutes, forcing four early turnovers and showcasing the relentless defense that has become their hallmark this season. By the end of the first quarter, Ohio State held a 27-17 lead, thanks in part to strong contributions from Cotie McMahon, Madison Greene, and Chance Gray.

The second quarter saw the Buckeyes extend their lead to 53-34 at halftime, fueled by a balanced offensive attack and suffocating defensive pressure. Cotie McMahon continued to shine, reaching double figures within the game’s first seven minutes and finishing with 16 points. Jaloni Cambridge led all scorers with 20 points, marking her second 20-point performance of the season, while Gray and Ava Watson added 14 and 15 points, respectively. The Buckeyes forced an astounding 29 turnovers from Northwestern, converting those opportunities into 16 steals, with Watson and Taylor Thierry leading the charge on defense.

Ohio State’s third quarter was particularly dominant, outscoring the Wildcats 24-9 to take a commanding 77-43 lead into the final period. The Buckeyes’ depth was on full display as all 10 players who saw action contributed points and at least one assist. Elsa Lemmilä added 11 points while anchoring the paint with two blocks, increasing her season total to 30. She was perfect from the field, continuing her streak of impactful performances.

While the offense hummed, the Buckeye defense shone brightly. This marked the 13th time this season Ohio State held an opponent to fewer than 10 points in a quarter. The team’s defensive intensity was highlighted by back-to-back Big Ten games with 15 or more steals, a testament to their aggressive, high-pressure system.

This victory also showcased Ohio State’s ability to sustain success against conference opponents, with the 30-point margin of victory marking their largest against a Big Ten foe since February 2024. It was the first time since a game against Michigan State last season that the Buckeyes scored more than 50 points in a first half against a Big Ten rival.

Off the court, the accolades continue to pile up for the Buckeyes, particularly for junior forward Cotie McMahon. A cornerstone of Ohio State’s success, McMahon was recently named to the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List, further solidifying her status as one of the nation’s premier players. Despite missing four games due to injury, McMahon is averaging a career-high 17.8 points per game, alongside 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Her efficiency from beyond the arc has improved significantly, shooting a career-best 34 percent from three-point range.

As the Buckeyes prepare for their next challenge—a road game against No. 24 Michigan—the team remains laser-focused on maintaining their unblemished record. With their depth, defensive tenacity, and offensive firepower, Ohio State continues to assert itself as a formidable contender, not just in the Big Ten but on the national stage.