In a thrilling contest in Columbus, the Ohio State Buckeyes held off a late surge from USC to secure an 88-83 victory. The Buckeyes showcased their defensive prowess, forcing USC into a tough stretch where they missed six consecutive shots and committed seven turnovers to start the fourth quarter. Ohio State capitalized with a 15-point run, putting the game just out of reach for the visiting Trojans.
USC's Jazzy Davidson, a standout freshman, tried to rally her team back into contention. She snapped the scoring drought with just over two minutes left and poured in 10 of the Trojans' last 15 points. Despite cutting a 13-point deficit down to a single possession, USC couldn't fully close the gap after Ohio State's commanding 18-2 run to open the final quarter.
Jaloni Cambridge was the star for Ohio State, delivering a stellar performance with 33 points, including 16 in the decisive fourth quarter. Her efficiency was key, hitting 4 of 5 shots and making 7 of 8 free throws to fend off USC's comeback attempts. Davidson countered with a career-high 32 points and six three-pointers but also had nine turnovers, highlighting the pressure Ohio State applied throughout the game.
The Buckeyes started strong with their signature press defense, forcing three turnovers in the opening minutes and setting the tone for the game. Despite USC's early struggles, Davidson's shooting helped them edge ahead by the end of the first quarter.
The Trojans then mounted a significant push in the second quarter, with Dayana Mendes contributing crucial three-pointers to build a seven-point lead. However, Ohio State responded quickly to level the score, and USC's 13 first-half turnovers prevented them from pulling away.
The third quarter saw both teams trading blows, each scoring 26 points. USC shot an impressive 11 of 15 from the field, but Ohio State kept pace by getting to the free throw line effectively. This set the stage for a dramatic fourth quarter, where USC's offense faltered at a critical juncture.
Even as the Trojans found themselves down by double digits late in the game, they showed resilience. Kennedy Smith and Davidson combined for a late push, with Mendes banking in a three-pointer to bring USC within striking distance. Yet, time ran out on their comeback bid.
For Ohio State, all five starters scored in double figures, with Chance Gray adding 16 points and Kennedy Cambridge contributing 14 points and four steals. Ava Watson chipped in 10 points, while Elsa Lemmilä recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The game's turning point was USC's inability to maintain composure in the fourth quarter, where their 25 turnovers proved costly, leading to 31 points for Ohio State. The Trojans struggled against the Buckeyes' relentless pressure, highlighting areas they need to improve to compete with top-tier teams.
Looking ahead, USC will travel to face Penn State, aiming to bounce back and finish the regular season strong. Meanwhile, Ohio State prepares for a high-stakes matchup against No. 6 Michigan, hoping to build on their momentum as they close out their home schedule.