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On Thursday night in Columbus, the No. 18 Ohio State women’s basketball team dominated Central Michigan with a commanding 103-36 victory, propelled by an outstanding performance from the Cambridge sisters. Jaloni and Kennedy Cambridge combined for a total of 39 points and eight steals, setting the tone for the Buckeyes’ overwhelming success.
The Buckeyes wasted no time asserting control, applying intense defensive pressure that translated into numerous fast-break opportunities. Their relentless defense forced Central Michigan into 44 turnovers and contributed to a team total of 23 steals, suffocating the Chippewas’ offensive rhythm throughout the game.
Buckeyes’ Defensive Intensity Sparks Balanced Scoring Attack
Jaloni Cambridge, a finalist for last season’s Dawn Staley Award, spearheaded the effort with 23 points, eight assists, and three steals, showcasing her all-around impact on the floor. Her sister Kennedy complemented her with 16 points and five steals, making the siblings a formidable duo on both ends of the court. Adding to the offensive firepower, Elsa Lemmila delivered a perfect shooting night, scoring 15 points on 6-of-6 shooting. Meanwhile, Ava Watson and Sydney Mobley each contributed 14 points, rounding out a well-distributed scoring effort for Ohio State.
Central Michigan struggled to find their footing against the Buckeyes’ aggressive defense, managing just a 29.3% shooting rate. Jailenn Green led the Chippewas with nine points but converted only three of her 11 field goal attempts. The stark contrast in shooting efficiency and ball control was evident in the final score.
This decisive win served as a strong response from Ohio State to the upset they suffered against Central Michigan in the 2017-2018 postseason, where the Chippewas triumphed 95-78 in the tournament’s second round. Thursday’s outcome highlighted the Buckeyes’ growth and determination to assert their dominance on home court this season.
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