No. 8 Ohio State Women's Basketball Falls to Maryland 76-75 in Late-Game Thriller

Buckeyes unable to hold 15-point second-quarter lead against No. 20 Terrapins

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The No. 8 Ohio State women's basketball team suffered a 76-75 defeat against the No. 20 Maryland Terrapins on Sunday in Columbus. Ohio State had previously defeated Maryland handily on January 11, 2026, in College Park, Maryland, but were unable to hold a 15-point second-quarter lead this time around.

Why it matters

This loss highlights the importance of consistent performance and rebounding throughout the entirety of a game. Maryland's adjustments in the second half, particularly their focus on rebounding, proved to be a key factor in their victory over the higher-ranked Buckeyes.

The details

Ohio State started strong, building a 13-3 lead and hitting their first four shots from beyond the arc. The Buckeyes maintained a 28-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, capped off by a three-point basket from Jaloni Cambridge. However, Maryland began to close the gap in the third quarter, improving their rebounding performance. The Terrapins took their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter, going on an eight-point run. Despite Ohio State's efforts, Maryland maintained the lead, stretching it to nine points before the Buckeyes began to close the gap. A late three-pointer from Saylor Poffenbarger with seven-tenths of a second remaining proved crucial for Maryland.

  • On January 11, 2026, Ohio State defeated Maryland handily in College Park, Maryland.
  • On February 16, 2026, Ohio State hosted Maryland and suffered a 76-75 defeat.

The players

Jaloni Cambridge

A player for the Ohio State women's basketball team who scored 29 points, with 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the game against Maryland.

Kevin McGuff

The head coach of the Ohio State women's basketball team.

Kennedy Cambridge

A guard for the Ohio State women's basketball team who was briefly injured during the game against Maryland.

Kylee Kitts

A player for the Ohio State women's basketball team who made a free throw in the final moments of the game against Maryland.

Saylor Poffenbarger

A player for the Maryland Terrapins women's basketball team who made a crucial three-pointer in the final seconds of the game against Ohio State.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Ohio State will be on the road this week, first facing the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Wednesday. Minnesota, currently unranked, holds the 10th position in the NCAA's NET rankings and entered the weekend on a seven-game winning streak. The Buckeyes will then return home to face the USC Trojans a week from Sunday.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.