OSU Women’s Basketball Shocks TCU with Another Upset Victory

No. 12 Ohio State University (OSU) delivered a remarkable performance, defeating No. 9 TCU with a score of 70-69 at the Coretta Scott King Classic. This thrilling match took place on January 19 in Newark, New Jersey. Coming off a solid win against former No. 8 Maryland, Ohio State faced a tough challenge against the Horned Frogs, who had a strong season record of 18-2.

Ohio State’s Comeback Strategy

Ohio State’s victory showcased their strong comeback capabilities. After trailing by as much as 10 points in the first half, the Buckeyes rallied to take their first lead late in the third quarter. Coach Kevin McGuff highlighted the team’s capacity to press, create turnovers, and maintain a fast pace, stating, “We never feel like we’re out of the game.”

Key Players and Game Highlights

Key contributions came from several players. Forward Kylee Kitts connected with Elsa Lemmila for a crucial layup, briefly giving Ohio State a 45-44 lead. TCU’s Olivia Miles, a standout player and two-time All-American, scored a game-high 24 points, alongside 11 rebounds and seven assists.

• Chance Gray: Led the Buckeyes with 22 points, including a decisive 3-point basket with just 16 seconds left.
• Elsa Lemmila: Contributed significantly with 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and six blocks.
• Jaloni Cambridge: Provided eight assists, guiding the Buckeyes’ playmaking efforts despite scoring 18 points on 7-for-22 shooting.

The teams exchanged leads multiple times throughout the game, with TCU tying the score nine times. Ohio State capitalized on TCU’s errors, scoring 18 points from 20 Horned Frogs turnovers.

Final Moments and Coaching Decisions

In a nail-biting finish, TCU’s Veronica Sheffey hit a 3-pointer, narrowing the gap to just one point. Following a foul from TCU, Cambridge made one free throw, allowing the Horned Frogs one last attempt for victory. A last-second pass was intercepted by Lemmila, sealing Ohio State’s win.

McGuff, reflecting on the final free throw decision, admitted to a coaching error in strategy. “I should have just told her to make it,” he said, emphasizing the importance of clear instructions in critical moments.

Looking Ahead

Ohio State’s next challenge comes in Big Ten play as they host Indiana at The Schottenstein Center on January 22. With an impressive record of 17-2, the Buckeyes aim to build on this momentum and continue their strong season.