Game Recap: Ohio State Dominates Michigan State 89-78

Ohio State’s Victory: Ohio State extended its winning streak to six games with a solid 89-78 win over No. 23 Michigan State, improving its record to 24-4. The victory also allowed the Buckeyes to secure an undefeated home record for the season, a rare accomplishment they hadn’t achieved since the 2011-12 campaign. With this win, they continue to make a strong case for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

Offensive Firepower: The Buckeyes’ offensive efficiency was on full display against the Spartans. As a team, they shot an impressive 54.8% from the field, making 34 of 62 attempts, and 50% from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 18 three-pointers.

A major contributor to Ohio State’s offensive dominance was Jaloni Cambridge, who set a career-high with 33 points, leading the team in scoring. Cambridge was all over the floor, contributing both from inside and outside, showing her well-rounded offensive game. Her three-point shooting was particularly potent as she hit 5 of her 9 attempts from deep. Her ability to drive to the basket, pull up for mid-range jumpers, and create for her teammates helped give Ohio State a considerable edge.

Ajae Petty also had a remarkable game, scoring 23 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Petty’s performance in the paint was crucial as she grabbed key offensive boards, converting them into second-chance opportunities for Ohio State. Her size and presence in the post gave the Buckeyes an added dimension that Michigan State couldn’t quite match. Petty also showed great efficiency, shooting 9-of-14 from the field.

Meanwhile, Cotie McMahon, another key player for Ohio State, added 17 points. McMahon’s balanced game helped maintain the offensive flow and prevent Michigan State from mounting a comeback. McMahon’s contribution is especially important as she provided support to Cambridge and Petty when the game got tight.

Defensive Mastery: On the defensive side, Ohio State was relentless. They forced Michigan State into 28 turnovers, creating opportunities for fast breaks and easy transition points. The Buckeyes were also aggressive with their hands, leading to deflections and steals that disrupted the Spartans’ offensive flow. Ohio State’s defense seemed to frustrate Michigan State, which shot just 31.5% from the field overall.

One of the key aspects of Ohio State’s defense was their ability to shut down Michigan State’s leading scorers. Despite Theryn Hallock’s excellent individual performance (29 points), the rest of Michigan State’s offense struggled to find consistency. Hallock, however, was exceptional, hitting 5 of 5 three-pointers and showing the range of her offensive game. Unfortunately for the Spartans, Hallock’s heroics weren’t enough to overcome Ohio State’s depth and overall execution.

Michigan State’s Struggles:

Despite Hallock’s 29 points, Michigan State could not keep up with Ohio State’s offensive firepower. The Spartans shot just 31.5% from the field and were also ineffective from the free-throw line, making only 18 of 29 attempts (62%). The Spartans were also hurt by their lack of transition defense and by the turnovers they committed.

Tori Jankoska, another Spartan star, was held in check for most of the game and had trouble finding her rhythm offensively. She scored only 8 points on 3-of-9 shooting, which was a far cry from the scoring production Michigan State needed to keep pace with Ohio State. Similarly, Megan Lukan struggled with her shooting, making only 1 of 6 shots from the field.

The Spartans’ poor shooting percentage and inability to take care of the ball ultimately doomed them in this crucial matchup. They had their moments but were never able to seriously challenge the Buckeyes in the final quarter.

Game Breakdown:

First Half: The first half of the game saw both teams exchanging baskets, but Ohio State’s shooting dominance helped them build a significant lead. The Buckeyes jumped out early, and despite a few runs from Michigan State, they managed to hold onto a solid advantage. Ohio State led 31-24 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Ohio State extended that lead by shooting 57.1% from the field, compared to Michigan State’s 40%. Ohio State’s aggressive play in both half-court offense and transition resulted in a 54-41 lead at halftime.

Third Quarter: The third quarter was when Ohio State took full control of the game. They outscored Michigan State 25-18 and extended their lead to 79-59. The Buckeyes’ defense continued to stifle Michigan State’s offense, while their scoring remained consistent, with Cambridge, Petty, and McMahon leading the charge.

Fourth Quarter: In the final period, Michigan State mounted a late rally, fueled by Hallock’s perimeter shooting and some timely baskets from her teammates. However, Ohio State’s lead was too large for the Spartans to overcome. Despite the Spartans closing the gap to just seven points at one point, the Buckeyes held on for the 89-78 victory.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ohio State’s Depth: The Buckeyes proved once again that they are a well-balanced team capable of playing at a high level on both ends of the floor. Their offensive efficiency, combined with their ability to disrupt Michigan State’s rhythm, was the key to their success.
2. Jaloni Cambridge’s Breakout Performance: Cambridge has quickly emerged as one of the best players in the Big Ten. Her performance in this game was a clear indication that she can carry a team with her scoring and leadership.
3. Michigan State’s Inability to Handle Pressure: Despite Hallock’s strong performance, Michigan State could not handle Ohio State’s defensive intensity and couldn’t shoot effectively enough to keep pace with their opponents. Turnovers and missed free throws also proved costly.
4. Big Ten Implications: With the win, Ohio State positions itself as one of the top teams in the Big Ten and strengthens its argument for a high seed in the NCAA tournament. Michigan State, on the other hand, will need to bounce back from this loss to maintain their spot in the NCAA tournament discussion.

Looking Ahead:

For Ohio State, this victory further solidifies their status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, particularly in the Big Ten. With key matchups still remaining in the regular season, the Buckeyes are set to make a deep run in March.

Michigan State, while showing flashes of brilliance from Hallock, will need to adjust its game plan and improve its shooting and turnover issues to remain competitive in a crowded Big Ten field.

This game was an exciting showcase of talent, strategy, and resilience, with Ohio State emerging as the better team on this occasion. As both teams head into the final stretch of the regular season, they’ll be looking to sharpen their game ahead of the postseason.