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No. 12 Ohio State women's basketball picked up an 81-67 Big Ten victory over Indiana at The Schottenstein Center on Jan. 22.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
When the Buckeyes entered the second half against Indiana down 42-32, it was their defensive effort, led by guard Kennedy Cambridge, that allowed Ohio State to come back.
Ohio State vs. Indiana: No. 12 Ohio State women's basketball overcomes Indiana for Big Ten win
Of Ohio State's 16 steals, which helped account for 34 points off turnovers, Cambridge recorded six.
More: No. 12 Ohio State women's basketball overcomes Indiana for Big Ten win
With four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Cambridge grabbed the ball from behind forward Maya Makalusky down on Indiana's block. Ohio State quickly turned the takeaway into a 3-point play to tie the score 47-47.
Cambridge has solidified herself as a top contender for the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award through 20 games. Celeste Taylor was the last Buckeye to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, winning the award in 2024.
The 4.2 steals per game Cambridge averages is the highest in the league, and the second-best average, belonging to Michigan State guard Rashunda Jones, is 1.4 lower than Cambridge's.
Going into the Indiana matchup, starting forward Kylee Kitts was ruled out with a shoulder injury she sustained during Ohio State's 71-69 victory over No. 9 TCU on Jan. 19.
Without Kitts, sophomore guard Ava Watson slotted into the starting lineup and made her first collegiate start. Watson entered the game averaging 6.6 points, 2.2 assists and 1.9 steals as a reserve, and with the bigger opportunity, she made a bigger impact.
Watson finished with 12 points and six steals.
A majority of Watson's points were scored in the second half, and she contributed a 3-pointer to the 13-1 third-quarter run that resulted in Ohio State taking a 50-47 lead.
With Kitts sidelined, the Buckeyes' starting lineup goes from an average height of just over 6-feet to just under 5-foot-10.
When center Elsa Lemmila is the only Buckeye standing over six-feet in the starting lineup, Ohio State has to capitalize on running a fast press and outside shooting to make up for the lack of height.
Indiana grabbed 11 more boards than Ohio State, despite the Hoosiers going into the game ranked last in the conference for rebounding. The Buckeyes' 21 rebounds matched their lowest total of the season.
Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff said Kitts could have played against Indiana and is still being considered "day-to-day."
The Buckeyes take on No. 10 Iowa on the road Jan. 25, with tipoff set for 2 p.m.
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@brimackay15
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 3 takes from No. 12 Ohio State women's basketball defeating Indiana
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Here are three takeaways from the game:
Kennedy Cambridge continues to have DPOY-caliber season
When the Buckeyes entered the second half against Indiana down 42-32, it was their defensive effort, led by guard Kennedy Cambridge, that allowed Ohio State to come back.
Ohio State vs. Indiana: No. 12 Ohio State women's basketball overcomes Indiana for Big Ten win
Of Ohio State's 16 steals, which helped account for 34 points off turnovers, Cambridge recorded six.
More: No. 12 Ohio State women's basketball overcomes Indiana for Big Ten win
With four minutes remaining in the third quarter, Cambridge grabbed the ball from behind forward Maya Makalusky down on Indiana's block. Ohio State quickly turned the takeaway into a 3-point play to tie the score 47-47.
Cambridge has solidified herself as a top contender for the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award through 20 games. Celeste Taylor was the last Buckeye to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, winning the award in 2024.
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The 4.2 steals per game Cambridge averages is the highest in the league, and the second-best average, belonging to Michigan State guard Rashunda Jones, is 1.4 lower than Cambridge's.
Ava Watson capitalizes on starting opportunity vs Indiana
Going into the Indiana matchup, starting forward Kylee Kitts was ruled out with a shoulder injury she sustained during Ohio State's 71-69 victory over No. 9 TCU on Jan. 19.
Without Kitts, sophomore guard Ava Watson slotted into the starting lineup and made her first collegiate start. Watson entered the game averaging 6.6 points, 2.2 assists and 1.9 steals as a reserve, and with the bigger opportunity, she made a bigger impact.
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Watson finished with 12 points and six steals.
A majority of Watson's points were scored in the second half, and she contributed a 3-pointer to the 13-1 third-quarter run that resulted in Ohio State taking a 50-47 lead.
Ohio State has to adjust to potentially playing with shorter lineup
With Kitts sidelined, the Buckeyes' starting lineup goes from an average height of just over 6-feet to just under 5-foot-10.
When center Elsa Lemmila is the only Buckeye standing over six-feet in the starting lineup, Ohio State has to capitalize on running a fast press and outside shooting to make up for the lack of height.
Indiana grabbed 11 more boards than Ohio State, despite the Hoosiers going into the game ranked last in the conference for rebounding. The Buckeyes' 21 rebounds matched their lowest total of the season.
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Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff said Kitts could have played against Indiana and is still being considered "day-to-day."
The Buckeyes take on No. 10 Iowa on the road Jan. 25, with tipoff set for 2 p.m.
[email protected]
@brimackay15
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 3 takes from No. 12 Ohio State women's basketball defeating Indiana
Continue reading...
