Eric Boggs
In an early Saturday morning matchup at the Schottenstein Center, No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball showcased their dominance with an emphatic 87-39 win over in-state rival Youngstown State. The game marked a historic moment as fraternal twins Taylor and Haley Thierry faced off on opposing sides for the first time in their lives.
Buckeyes senior Taylor Thierry contributed 9 points to Ohio State’s victory, while her twin sister, Youngstown State’s Haley Thierry, added 2 points for the Penguins. At the 3:16 mark of the second quarter, the twins sat together at the scorer’s table, a surreal moment for both. In the fourth quarter, Taylor scored a layup over Haley before sprinting back on defense to block her sister’s shot in a sequence that epitomized the Buckeyes’ tenacity.
Postgame, the sisters reflected on the unique experience, highlighting the emotional mix of competing against each other and sharing the court. The crowd’s energy added to the special occasion, as fans celebrated the rare family rivalry.
Junior forward Cotie McMahon led Ohio State with a stellar 29-point performance, 19 of which came in the first half. McMahon’s aggressive play set the tone early, including a layup just 17 seconds into the game and a dominant 16-point first quarter that outpaced Youngstown State’s entire team by two points. Graduate forward Ajae Petty notched her second double-double of the season, tallying 19 points and 12 rebounds to anchor the Buckeyes’ effort in the paint.
Despite missing key players Kennedy and Jaloni Cambridge due to injuries, Ohio State’s short bench of three players proved sufficient. Jaloni Cambridge, who suffered a right shoulder injury against Ball State earlier in the week, and Kennedy Cambridge, dealing with a right lower-leg injury, are both day-to-day. In their absence, the Buckeyes showcased depth and resilience, forcing 23 turnovers and holding Youngstown State to just 14 points in the first quarter and 4 in the second.
Ohio State’s defensive intensity limited the Penguins to 19 first-half shots, compared to 34 by the Buckeyes, who built a commanding 52-18 halftime lead. The Buckeyes remained in control throughout the second half, maintaining a lead of at least 36 points and finishing with a balanced team effort.
Earlier in the week, Ohio State improved to 9-0 with an 80-48 win over Ball State on Pride Night. Sophomore Chance Gray led with 21 points, and four Buckeyes scored in double figures, including Taylor Thierry (12) and Ava Watson (15). The Buckeyes’ defense shone once again, forcing 27 turnovers and holding Ball State to single-digit scoring in the first quarter.
Ohio State’s defensive prowess and offensive depth have been key factors in their undefeated season. Against Ball State, the Buckeyes scored 31 third-quarter points, their fourth 30-point quarter of the season, and forced at least 20 turnovers for the eighth time this year.
Following the win over Youngstown State, head coach Kevin McGuff praised the team’s intensity but emphasized the need for consistent effort over 40 minutes. Both McMahon and Taylor Thierry echoed this sentiment, lamenting the Penguins’ 14-point first quarter and underlining the importance of maintaining focus from start to finish.
As Ohio State prepares for their next game against Grand Valley State on Tuesday, the Buckeyes aim to build on their 10-0 record and continue showcasing the depth, defense, and leadership that have defined their season. With players like McMahon stepping into leadership roles and key contributors like the Cambridge sisters on the mend, Ohio State looks poised to keep their momentum rolling.
