Eric Boggs
The No. 12/11 Ohio State women’s basketball team delivered a statement victory on Sunday afternoon, dismantling Bowling Green 96-53 at Value City Arena. Despite the absence of star forward Cotie McMahon, the Buckeyes proved why they remain a force to be reckoned with this season, improving their record to 5-0.
From the opening tip, Ohio State set the tone with relentless defensive pressure. The Buckeyes forced nine turnovers in the first quarter, capitalizing with 12 points off those miscues. Bowling Green initially kept things competitive, led by Amy Velasco, who scored eight of her team-high 24 points in the opening frame. However, the Falcons couldn’t withstand Ohio State’s suffocating full-court press. A late 8-0 Buckeyes run in the first quarter gave Ohio State a 23-12 advantage, and they never looked back.
Ohio State’s balanced offensive attack was on full display, with five players scoring in double figures. Freshman guard Ava Watson had a breakout performance, draining six three-pointers en route to a career-high 20 points. Jaloni Cambridge and Taylor Thierry each added 17 points, with Thierry shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field. Chance Gray chipped in 18 points, while Kennedy Cambridge recorded a career-high 10 points in her first start of the season.
The Buckeyes dominated every facet of the game, shooting 52.6% from the field in the first half and forcing 17 Bowling Green turnovers by halftime. A 14-0 run in the second quarter, capped by a fast-break layup from Kennedy Cambridge, helped Ohio State extend its lead to 47-23 at the break.
The third quarter was all Ohio State, as they opened the half with a 21-2 run. The Buckeyes’ defense was impenetrable, holding the Falcons to just 1-of-10 shooting in the first six minutes of the quarter. Freshman center Elsa Lemmilä stepped up in extended minutes, contributing six rebounds, two blocks, and a steal that drew thunderous applause from the home crowd. By the end of the third, Ohio State led 76-35, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Head coach Kevin McGuff used the fourth quarter to give his bench valuable experience. Watson shone in the closing period, scoring 11 of her 20 points, while Madison Greene quietly led the team with seven assists and four steals. All nine Buckeyes who saw the court contributed offensively, underscoring the team’s depth and versatility.
Despite the lopsided score, Bowling Green showed grit, particularly Velasco, who continued her stellar season with a 24-point effort. Yet, the Falcons had no answer for Ohio State’s high-octane offense and stifling defense, which has now forced at least 20 turnovers in every game this season.
Ohio State heads to Florida for the Daytona Beach Classic, where they’ll play Old Dominion on Thanksgiving Day at 11:30 a.m. ET, followed by a matchup against Utah State on Friday afternoon. The Buckeyes will aim to maintain their perfect record as they prepare for tougher tests ahead.
With contributions coming from every corner of the roster and a defense that continues to wreak havoc, this Ohio State team is showing they’re not just a contender—they’re a powerhouse. Fans in Columbus have every reason to be excited as the Buckeyes keep rolling.
