The No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes kept pace with the top-ranked UCLA Bruins for three quarters, trailing by just two points (44-42) heading into the final period. However, UCLA took full control in the fourth quarter, limiting the Buckeyes to only three points in the first seven minutes and outscoring them 21-10 to secure a 65-52 victory.
Cotie McMahon and Jaloni Cambridge led Ohio State’s offense, contributing a combined 35 points—McMahon with 14 and Cambridge with 21. Elsa Lemmila added eight points off the bench, making her the team’s third-highest scorer. While McMahon and Cambridge continue to be the Buckeyes’ key players, the team will need more offensive contributions from others to maintain success moving forward.
This loss is not a reflection of Ohio State’s abilities, as UCLA has dominated opponents all season. Their 22-0 record marks the longest winning streak in program history, solidifying their status as the unanimous No. 1 team. Fortunately, the Buckeyes won’t face the Bruins again until the postseason.
Ohio State must quickly regroup as they remain on the West Coast for a matchup against USC on Saturday night. Both teams hold a 20-2 record, and the Trojans are led by JuJu Watkins, widely regarded as the top player in college basketball. If the Buckeyes replicate their strong performance from the first three quarters against UCLA, they have a solid chance to split their L.A. trip with a victory.
With USC being the last currently ranked opponent on their schedule until the final two games against Michigan State and Maryland, Ohio State will look to make a statement this weekend.
