The Stage Set in the Bahamas
This week, the Ohio State women's basketball team traded the unpredictability of the Central Ohio weather for the sunny climes of the Bahamas, stepping into the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo Championship. Under the warm sun, the Buckeyes aimed to maintain their undefeated streak at this Thanksgiving showcase, entering the game against Belmont with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
A Tough Start Against Belmont
The matchup against Belmont was especially meaningful this year, as roster challenges loomed large over Ohio State. With standout Dasha Biriuk absent from the lineup, the Buckeyes were down to just 10 players. Luckily, center Elsa Lemmilä returned to action, albeit as a bench player, after missing the previous game due to a leg injury.
The first quarter showcased fierce competition, with Ohio State and Belmont trading leads five times. The Bruins surged ahead, closing out the first quarter on a seven-point run, but there was more basketball to be played.
Jaloni Cambridge's Stellar Performance
Ohio State guard Jaloni Cambridge stepped up significantly, determined to lead her team. Only hitting her second three-pointer of the season, her contribution was crucial. Together with senior guard Chance Gray, they combined for 24 of Ohio State's 30 points in the first half. Gray, especially, made her shots count near the end of the second quarter, hitting two three-pointers in the final moments to narrow the gap.
Defensive Struggles and Turnovers
Despite Ohio State's defensive schemes leading to 13 forced turnovers, they couldn't maintain possession themselves, relinquishing 12 turnovers in the first half. This allowed Belmont to capitalize, scoring 10 transition points from Ohio State's mistakes.
A Strong Second Half Surge
As the third quarter began, Ohio State demonstrated why they are known to come out strong after halftime. They scored eight of the first nine points and extended a 14-point scoring stretch. The Buckeyes appeared in control, but then something changed.
Inexplicably, Ohio State went cold, missing nine consecutive shots over a span of 4:25. Belmont seized the opportunity, hitting three straight shots from beyond the arc, tightening the game considerably.
As the third quarter drew to a close, Belmont finished strong, scoring nine of the last 11 points of the period. A buzzer-beater from KK Brodie tied the game and set up a nail-biting final quarter.
Kylee Kitts Shines in the Clutch
The fourth quarter began with Ohio State forward Kylee Kitts making her mark, achieving her first collegiate double-double with 12 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Her aggressive play, along with key baskets from Jaloni Cambridge and Bryn Martin, pushed the Buckeyes ahead. After a strategic Belmont timeout, Ohio State's Gray drove the nail in further with her fourth three-pointer, extending the lead to 11 points.
Stellar Defense Secures the Win
What stood out in the closing minutes was Ohio State's defense, which effectively stifled Belmont's scoring. They held the Bruins to a mere 17.6% shooting percentage during the last quarter, demonstrating the Buckeyes' grit and tenacity.
Post-Game Reflections
After the game, the excitement in the air was palpable. Jaloni Cambridge ended the day as the game's top scorer with 26 points, while Gray added another 17. Belmont's Tuti Jones put forth a valiant effort with 19 points but ultimately fell short.
Adding a personal touch to the narrative, Jaloni and her sister Kennedy Cambridge faced off against their older sister, Jordyn Cambridge, who's an assistant coach for the Bruins—a family rivalry that added drama to this competitive contest.
What's Next for Ohio State?
With this victory, Ohio State now prepares for a match against the winner of No. 21 West Virginia and McNeese State on Wednesday. The Buckeyes look ready to carry this momentum forward, aiming for continued success in their tournament journey.
Source reference: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ohio-state-women-basketball-battle-175205504.html
