Jaloni No. 12 Ohio State defeats No. 23 Michigan State 89-78, with Cambridge scoring 33 points.

In what can only be described as an electrifying game, the No. 12-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed over the No. 23 Michigan State Spartans 89-78. But the real story of the night wasn’t just the win—it was the stellar performance of Ohio State’s Jaloni Cambridge, who scored an impressive 33 points, leading her team to victory and helping them complete their regular season with an undefeated record at home. This game was a testament to Cambridge’s growth as a player and the team’s resilience in overcoming a strong Michigan State squad.

This highly anticipated matchup had all the ingredients of a classic: two top-25 teams, both with powerful defensive and offensive systems, playing for pride, positioning, and momentum heading into the postseason. But on this night, Ohio State’s star guard Cambridge rose above all expectations and delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

The Stage: A High-Stakes Showdown

As the regular season entered its final stretch, both Ohio State and Michigan State were looking to make a statement. For Ohio State, this game was not just about securing a win but about ending their home season undefeated—a feat that speaks volumes about their consistency and dominance. With a loud and passionate crowd behind them, the Buckeyes knew that they needed to bring their best effort to this game, not just for the win but to solidify their place as one of the premier teams in women’s college basketball.

Michigan State, on the other hand, entered the game with a chip on their shoulder. Although the Spartans had been ranked No. 23, they had a reputation for playing gritty basketball, particularly on the defensive end. Coached by the seasoned Suzy Merchant, Michigan State was known for slowing down the pace, working the shot clock, and controlling the tempo to stifle high-powered offenses. Their defense was among the best in the country, and they had proven all season that they could compete with the best in the nation.

However, as the game unfolded, it became clear that Ohio State’s offensive firepower, led by Cambridge, would be too much for Michigan State to contain.

Jaloni Cambridge: The Hero of the Night

Jaloni Cambridge’s 33-point performance was nothing short of spectacular. From the very beginning, she was aggressive, attacking the basket with confidence and knocking down mid-range jumpers. Her versatility was evident as she moved seamlessly between scoring at the rim, hitting outside shots, and making key plays for her teammates. Throughout the game, Cambridge showcased a remarkable ability to find open spaces and create opportunities—whether it was pulling up for a quick jumper, taking defenders off the dribble, or driving to the basket with ferocity.

The Buckeyes needed every one of her points, especially in the first half when Michigan State was right on their heels. Cambridge’s offensive output allowed Ohio State to stay in front, even as the Spartans tried to control the tempo. But it wasn’t just her scoring that stood out—it was her leadership on the court. Cambridge’s presence helped settle her teammates when Michigan State began to tighten their defense, and her ability to make big shots in crucial moments kept Ohio State’s momentum alive.

As the game wore on, the Spartans seemed unable to answer Cambridge’s offensive onslaught. Whether she was drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line or sinking crucial three-pointers, Cambridge proved that she was not just a scorer but a game-changer. By the end of the game, her 33-point performance was the standout achievement in what was a complete team effort.

Ohio State’s Offensive Firepower

While Cambridge was the star of the game, she was far from the only player who contributed to Ohio State’s victory. Taylor Mikesell, the Buckeyes’ sharpshooting guard, was instrumental in spacing the floor and providing additional scoring. Mikesell finished with 19 points and hit several key three-pointers that kept Michigan State’s defense from collapsing on Cambridge. The two guards’ ability to create and score in various ways forced the Spartans to adjust their defensive game plan throughout the night.

In addition to Mikesell, Eboni Walker and Rabia Najee made significant contributions in the paint. Walker’s physicality inside and Najee’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor helped Ohio State dominate the boards and maintain their offensive rhythm. Together, the duo combined for 18 points and 12 rebounds, providing crucial second-chance opportunities and ensuring that Michigan State couldn’t get comfortable.

Ohio State’s ball movement was another key factor in their offensive success. The Buckeyes recorded 21 assists on 30 made field goals, showcasing a well-rounded offensive approach. They moved the ball quickly and efficiently, consistently finding open shots both inside and beyond the arc. This unselfishness and team-first mentality ensured that the Buckeyes had multiple scoring threats on the floor at all times, making it difficult for Michigan State to key in on any one player.

Michigan State’s Fight: A Strong Challenge

Despite the Buckeyes’ offensive firepower, Michigan State did not back down easily. The Spartans put up a strong fight, with Nia Clouden leading the charge. Clouden, who had been one of the best players in the Big Ten this season, finished with 22 points and 5 assists. She was particularly dangerous in the second quarter when she scored several quick buckets to keep Michigan State within striking distance.

In addition to Clouden, Alisia Smith and Maiya McKinney were key contributors. Smith, who is known for her physicality and rebounding, contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds, while McKinney provided a scoring spark off the bench with 10 points. Michigan State’s defensive game plan was to limit Ohio State’s shooting from beyond the arc and slow the pace of the game, but they found it difficult to maintain that strategy against Ohio State’s offensive depth.

One of Michigan State’s strengths—defense—was exploited by Ohio State’s quick ball movement and the individual brilliance of Cambridge. The Spartans’ defense, though strong at times, couldn’t keep pace with the pace at which the Buckeyes were scoring. As the game progressed, it became evident that Michigan State’s defense was wearing thin, unable to contain the sharp shooting and relentless drives by the Buckeyes.

The Key Moments: Ohio State Pulls Away in the Second Half

The turning point in the game came midway through the third quarter. After a tight first half, where Michigan State managed to stay within striking distance, Ohio State found another gear. Cambridge, Mikesell, and the rest of the Buckeyes exploded offensively, going on a 10-0 run to push their lead to double digits. The run was sparked by several key plays, including an and-one finish by Cambridge, a couple of clutch three-pointers by Mikesell, and solid defense that led to fast-break opportunities.

As the Spartans tried to mount a comeback, they found themselves in foul trouble, which further limited their ability to play their brand of physical defense. Ohio State capitalized, getting to the free-throw line consistently and converting at a high rate. Cambridge, in particular, was money from the line, hitting 10 of 12 free throws, which helped maintain the Buckeyes’ lead.

Michigan State made one last push late in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 5 points with just over two minutes remaining, but Ohio State’s experience and poise were too much. The Buckeyes knocked down their free throws in the final minutes, sealing the victory and securing their undefeated home season.

Postgame Thoughts: A Perfect Home Record and a Strong Postseason Outlook

The Buckeyes’ victory over Michigan State not only marked a significant win against a ranked opponent, but it also completed their regular season with an undefeated record at home—an accomplishment that Coach Kevin McGuff was quick to acknowledge.

“Tonight was a special performance, and I’m so proud of the way our team responded,” McGuff said. “Jaloni [Cambridge] was outstanding, and our entire team stepped up when we needed it most. To finish the regular season undefeated at home is a testament to the hard work and commitment of this group. But we know the job isn’t done—we have bigger goals ahead.”

For Ohio State, this victory was more than just about bragging rights. It showed the strength of their roster, their offensive depth, and their ability to execute when the pressure was on. With the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the Buckeyes are poised to make a deep run, and Cambridge’s performance has solidified her as one of the top players in the country.

As for Michigan State, the Spartans will undoubtedly look back on this game and take lessons from their loss. While they showed flashes of brilliance, their inability to contain Cambridge and Ohio State’s fast-paced offense was the difference. However, with a strong core of players like Clouden and Smith, Michigan State will still be a team to watch as they enter postseason play.

Conclusion: Ohio State’s Undefeated Home Season

In the end, it was Jaloni Cambridge’s historic performance that led Ohio State to an 89-78 victory over Michigan State, capping off a perfect home season. Her 33 points, combined with contributions from her teammates, made for a memorable game that will go down as one of the best in Ohio State’s regular season. With the postseason on the horizon, the Buckeyes will look to carry this momentum into the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.