In a pivotal matchup on February 26, 2025, the No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes secured a decisive 89-78 victory over the No. 23 Michigan State Spartans at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. This win not only underscored Ohio State’s dominance on their home court but also highlighted significant performances that could influence postseason trajectories for both teams.
Ohio State’s Home Court Dominance
With this victory, Ohio State completed an unblemished regular season at home, boasting a perfect 15-0 record at the Schottenstein Center. This achievement marks the first time since the 2011-12 season that the Buckeyes have remained undefeated on their home court. Such a formidable home presence has been a cornerstone of their successful season, providing a reliable foundation as they approach postseason play.
Standout Performances
Freshman guard Jaloni Cambridge delivered a career-high 33 points, showcasing her offensive prowess and composure under pressure. Her performance was complemented by graduate forward Ajae Petty, who achieved a perfect shooting night, going 11-for-11 from the field, contributing 23 points, and securing a season-high 15 rebounds. Sophomore forward Cotie McMahon also made significant contributions, tying her career-high with four made three-pointers. The synergy between these players was evident, as they seamlessly executed plays and maintained offensive momentum throughout the game.
Game Progression
The Buckeyes established their dominance early, amassing 31 points in the first quarter with Cambridge contributing 10 points in this period. Their offensive efficiency continued into the second quarter, where Petty’s nine points and eight rebounds extended their lead to 54-41 by halftime. In the third quarter, Cambridge added 14 points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer, pushing the lead to 79-59. Despite a 13-0 run by Michigan State in the fourth quarter that narrowed the gap to seven points, Ohio State maintained their composure and secured the win.
Implications for Postseason
This victory improved Ohio State’s overall record to 24-4 and 13-4 in Big Ten Conference play, ensuring them a top-four seed and a double bye in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. Their consistent performance, especially at home, positions them as strong contenders for both the conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes’ ability to execute under pressure and their depth of talent will be critical as they advance into postseason play.
Conversely, Michigan State, now 20-8 overall and 10-6 in conference play, will need to regroup quickly. Facing three ranked opponents in their last four games, all on the road, has tested the Spartans’ resilience. Their upcoming regular-season finale against Minnesota on March 1 will be pivotal in determining their seeding for the Big Ten Tournament. A strong finish could bolster their confidence and improve their positioning as they prepare for postseason challenges.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season concludes, both teams are poised to make significant impacts in the postseason. Ohio State’s undefeated home record and the emergence of key players like Cambridge and Petty suggest a deep run in the tournaments ahead. Michigan State, despite recent challenges, has demonstrated resilience and the capability to compete against top-tier teams. Their performance in the upcoming games will be crucial in defining their postseason trajectory.
In summary, the February 26 matchup not only highlighted Ohio State’s home court supremacy but also set the stage for an exciting and competitive postseason in women’s college basketball.