Ohio State Women’s Basketball Faces Howard in NCAA Tournament Opener The Ohio State women’s basketball team heads into its NCAA Tournament first-round matchup against Howard with a mix of confidence and caution. While the Buckeyes hold a clear advantage in most statistical categories, the unpredictability of March Madness means the game could take any number of turns. Three key factors will shape Saturday’s contest, whether the outcome leans toward a dominant Buckeye win or an underdog upset. Jaloni Cambridge’s performance will be central to Ohio State’s success. The sophomore guard, the nation’s sixth-best scorer, has been a driving force for the Buckeyes, averaging 22.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. However, her recent game against UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament highlighted the challenges she faces. The Bruins, known for their defensive intensity, managed to limit her opportunities, forcing her into difficult situations. Despite that, Cambridge bounced back in her next game, scoring 33 points against Michigan State to tie her season-high. Against Howard, the Bison will likely double-team her to disrupt her rhythm, but the Buckeyes’ depth, including second-highest scorer Chance Gray, ensures they have multiple threats. Gray’s ability to step up when Cambridge is contained could determine how effectively Ohio State can maintain its offensive flow. Turnovers will also play a critical role in the game’s outcome. Ohio State excels at forcing turnovers, averaging 21.4 per game, which ranks them among the top 20 teams nationally. Redshirt junior guard Kennedy Cambridge (Jaloni’s older sister) leads the country in steals with 3.9 per game, while Ava Watson and Jaloni Cambridge both rank in the Big Ten’s top 10. The Buckeyes convert these turnovers into 24.#ohio_state #jaloni_cambridge #chance_gray #kennedy_cambridge #zennia_thomas
