Ajae Petty added 23 points and 15 rebounds as the Buckeyes prevailed in their regular-season home finale.
In a thrilling matchup, No. 12 Ohio State triumphed over No. 23 Michigan State with a score of 89-78, thanks to standout performances by Jaloni Cambridge and Ajae Petty. Cambridge impressed with a career-high 33 points, while Petty contributed 23 points and an impressive 15 rebounds in the game.
Cambridge, who currently holds the title of Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Week, put on a show particularly in the third quarter, scoring 14 crucial points. In a pivotal stretch, she scored the last nine points for the Buckeyes, helping them extend their lead from 13 points at halftime to a commanding 79-59 advantage as they entered the fourth quarter.
Although Michigan State staged an early rally in the final period with a 13-0 run, narrowing the gap to just seven points with four minutes remaining, Ohio State showcased their resilience. A timely layup by Cotie McMahon followed by a decisive jumper from Cambridge halted the Spartans’ momentum and secured the victory for the Buckeyes.
Cambridge made 5 of 9 3-pointers and was 12-for-22 shooting overall. Petty’s 15 rebounds were a season-high, as were her six assists. McMahon had 17 points for the Buckeyes (24-4, 13-4 Big Ten).
Theryn Hallock scored a career-high 29 points, Grace VanSlooten 19, Julia Ayrault 11 and Jaddan Simmons 10 for Michigan State (20-8, 10-7).
Petty scored 17 points and Cambridge added 15 in the first half as the Buckeyes rolled to a 54-41 lead. Ohio State shot 67% in the first quarter and scored 31 points.
Ohio State visits No. 19 Maryland in a regular-season finale on Sunday. The Buckeyes and Terrapins are chasing third place in the conference.
Michigan State, with a shot at fifth place, wraps up with a home game against Minnesota on Saturday.
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