Ohio State University’s women’s basketball team achieved a remarkable upset over Texas Christian University with a final score of 70-69. This thrilling victory took place on January 19 at the Coretta Scott King Classic in Newark, New Jersey. The Buckeyes, ranked No. 12 nationally, improved their record to 17-2, while No. 9 TCU fell to 18-2.
Key Moments in the Game
The Buckeyes experienced a rocky start, trailing by as much as 10 points during the first half. Coach Kevin McGuff emphasized the team’s resilience, stating they have a style conducive to comebacks. In the second half, Ohio State turned the tide, taking the lead with a layup from Kylee Kitts to make it 45-44.
TCU’s Olivia Miles quickly responded with two free throws, showcasing her talent with a game-high 24 points, alongside 11 rebounds and seven assists. Chance Gray emerged as a key player for Ohio State, scoring 22 points and hitting a critical three-pointer with 16 seconds left that secured the win.
Game Statistics
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivia Miles (TCU) | 24 | 11 | 7 | – |
| Chance Gray (OSU) | 22 | – | – | – |
| Elsa Lemmila (OSU) | 17 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
Crucial Final Moments
In the closing seconds, TCU narrowed the margin to a single point with a three-pointer from Veronica Sheffey. Following a subsequent foul on Jaloni Cambridge, she made one free throw, leaving the score at 70-69. This decision was questioned by McGuff, who later regretted not instructing Cambridge to make both free throws.
Despite a last-minute opportunity for TCU, a steal by Lemmila with just 0.3 seconds on the clock secured the victory for Ohio State.
Looking Ahead
Ohio State will return to conference play on January 22, facing Indiana at The Schottenstein Center. Following this thrilling match, they will aim to build on their momentum in the Big Ten.
