COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes pulled off an electrifying comeback Thursday night, rallying from a 15-point deficit to beat No. 8 Maryland 74-66. Freshman guard Jaloni Cambridge led the charge with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Cotie McMahon contributed 14 points and five boards for the Buckeyes (18-1, 7-1 Big Ten).
Taylor Thierry added 13 points and five rebounds, and Kennedy Cambridge delivered a season-high 12 points with four steals to seal the win.
The Comeback Story
Maryland dominated early, building a 29-14 lead with eight minutes remaining in the first half. However, Ohio State clawed back, narrowing the deficit to seven by halftime. The Buckeyes exploded in the second half with a game-changing 24-4 run over eight minutes to take control.
Maryland’s Efforts Fall Short
Kaylene Smikle led Maryland (16-3, 6-2) with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Saylor Poffenbarger added 13 points, Allie Kubek contributed 12 points and nine rebounds, while Sarah Te-Biasu and Christina Dalce chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Dalce also grabbed an impressive 18 rebounds.
Key Turning Point
Trailing for much of the game, Ohio State turned up the defensive intensity late in the third quarter. The Buckeyes unleashed a 15-0 run to claim a 55-50 lead. Kennedy Cambridge played a pivotal role, adding five points and a steal during the surge, while Thierry and McMahon combined for eight points and three steals.
Stat of the Night
Ohio State’s shooting told the story. After struggling with just 23% accuracy in the first half, the Buckeyes found their rhythm, shooting a blistering 59% in the second half to outscore Maryland 47-32.
What’s Next
Maryland will host top-ranked UCLA on Sunday, while Ohio State heads to Nebraska for their next Big Ten battle.
Ohio State’s resilience and defensive dominance ensured a thrilling victory, showcasing why they remain a force to be reckoned with this season.
