It was a night of redemption and resilience for the No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball team as they shook off a rocky first half to overpower Wisconsin 81-58 at the Schottenstein Center on January 29, 2026. The Buckeyes, still stinging from a tough 91-70 defeat at the hands of No. 8 Iowa just four days prior, found themselves in familiar territory early—down by as many as nine points and struggling to find their rhythm. But, as the clock ticked on, Ohio State’s defense came alive, turning the tide in dramatic fashion and leaving the home crowd with plenty to cheer about.
Jaloni Cambridge, the Buckeyes’ dynamic guard, once again proved why she’s the team’s go-to scorer. Cambridge dropped a game-high 29 points, shooting 12-for-21 from the field—a blistering 46.3%. Her relentless energy and knack for attacking the basket kept Wisconsin’s defense on its heels, especially in the second half when Ohio State found its groove. "I think we were very poised towards the end of the game," Cambridge said after the final buzzer. "Just them down low in the shot clock, and even in our 22 [press], getting 10-seconds called. Just being better in the second half, and as the game went on, to take pride in our defense."
That pride was on full display, as Ohio State’s defensive press forced Wisconsin into a season-high 25 turnovers—the most the Buckeyes have forced in Big Ten play this season. Those turnovers were absolute gold, fueling fast breaks and easy buckets that helped erase an early deficit. While the Buckeyes’ offense sputtered out of the gate—managing just 32.4% shooting in the first half—they ultimately finished the game at a respectable 46.3% (31-for-67), thanks largely to their second-half surge.
The opening quarter was anything but comfortable for Ohio State. Wisconsin came out firing, connecting on five of seven shots from beyond the arc and jumping out to a 23-17 lead. The Buckeyes’ offense, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Cambridge and center Elsa Lemmila, who combined for 17 of the team’s first-half points and accounted for all but two points in the opening quarter. But adversity struck when Cambridge picked up her second foul in the waning seconds of the first period, prompting head coach Kevin McGuff to keep her on the bench until just 5:32 remained in the second quarter.
"She plays so aggressive, she’s going to get some fouls," McGuff remarked about Cambridge’s early foul trouble. "She got one 90 feet from the basket, and another one where she fouled a jump-shot shooter. Some of those are a little more controllable than others, and really what I want her to focus on is getting rid of the ones she can control." Despite her absence, the Buckeyes managed to claw their way back, taking a slim 29-28 lead into halftime—a testament to their defensive grit.
With forward Kylee Kitts sidelined by a shoulder injury, sophomore guard Ava Watson stepped into the starting lineup for the third time this season. Watson didn’t disappoint, leading the team with four steals and providing a spark on both ends of the court. "Ava’s done a great job," McGuff said. "She’s a very intelligent player. ... She makes a lot of great plays on offense, but she’s also really good in our press. And it changes our lineup, because we have to play a lot smaller, but I think Ava’s really handled herself really well." Watson’s quick hands and anticipation helped the Buckeyes rack up eight total steals, creating havoc for Wisconsin’s backcourt.
By the time the second half rolled around, Ohio State had clearly found another gear. The defense tightened, the turnovers piled up for Wisconsin, and Cambridge returned to the floor with renewed purpose. The Buckeyes’ offense began to click, shots started to fall, and the home crowd could sense the momentum shift. What started as an uphill battle quickly turned into a runaway, with Ohio State outscoring Wisconsin by a wide margin in the final two quarters.
This win was more than just a bounce-back after the Iowa loss—it showed the Buckeyes’ ability to adapt, respond, and execute under pressure. The victory keeps Ohio State firmly in the hunt in the Big Ten, and with a showdown against Nebraska looming at 6 p.m. on February 1 back at the Schottenstein Center, the Buckeyes will be eager to build on this performance. The continued absence of Kitts remains a concern, but the emergence of Watson and the steady leadership of Cambridge provide plenty of reasons for optimism.
Elsewhere on the college basketball landscape, drama unfolded in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as Northern Iowa’s women’s team suffered a heartbreaking 59-55 loss to Illinois State. The Panthers, now 10-10 overall and 6-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference, fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome a late surge from the Redbirds. With just 20 seconds remaining, Addison Martin hit the decisive basket, putting Illinois State ahead for good. Jenna Twedt led the way for Northern Iowa with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to stave off defeat. The Panthers will be looking to regroup as they chase a stronger finish to their conference campaign.
Both games offered their share of tension and turning points. For Ohio State, the story was one of overcoming adversity—shaking off early struggles, adjusting to lineup changes, and locking in defensively when it mattered most. For Northern Iowa, it was a tale of missed opportunities and a gut-wrenching finish that left the team searching for answers as the season barrels toward its crucial stretch.
As the calendar turns to February, the stakes only get higher. The Buckeyes, with their eyes set on a deep run in the Big Ten and beyond, know that every game is a test of character and chemistry. Their latest victory, hard-earned and gritty, sends a clear message: this Ohio State squad can take a punch and come roaring back. Fans will be watching closely as the team prepares for its next challenge against Nebraska, hoping to see even more of the resolve and defensive tenacity that defined their win over Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, Northern Iowa’s journey continues, marked by both promise and frustration. With players like Jenna Twedt stepping up and close games coming down to the wire, every possession counts and every lesson learned could make the difference come tournament time. The drama of college basketball is alive and well, and as these teams battle through the highs and lows, one thing’s for sure—there’s never a dull moment on the hardwood.