Jaloni Cambridge leads Ohio State to comeback win over USC

The Buckeyes improve to 22-5 on the season with the victory.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:26pm

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Ohio State's women's basketball team snapped its two-game losing streak with an 88-83 win over USC on Sunday. Star guard Jaloni Cambridge scored 21 points in the second half to lead the Buckeyes' comeback, finishing the game with 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Ohio State also got double-digit scoring contributions from Chance Gray, Elsa Lemmilä, and Kennedy Cambridge.

Why it matters

The win improves Ohio State's record to 22-5 overall and 11-4 in Big Ten play, keeping them in contention for a strong postseason position. The Buckeyes will now prepare to host rival Michigan, currently ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll, in their final home game of the regular season.

The details

Ohio State trailed USC for much of the game, but Jaloni Cambridge took over in the second half to will the Buckeyes to victory. Cambridge scored 21 of her game-high 33 points in the final 20 minutes. Chance Gray added 16 points, while Elsa Lemmilä recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Kennedy Cambridge also scored 14 points in the win.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • Ohio State will host rival Michigan on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 to wrap up the month of February.

The players

Jaloni Cambridge

The star guard for Ohio State, who scored 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals to lead the Buckeyes to victory over USC.

Chance Gray

Ohio State's second-leading scorer with 16 points in the win.

Elsa Lemmilä

The Buckeyes' center who recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Kennedy Cambridge

Ohio State guard who scored 14 points in the victory.

Michigan Wolverines

The No. 6 ranked team in the AP Poll that Ohio State will host in their final home game of the regular season.

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What they’re saying

“Jaloni Cambridge really took over in the second half and willed us to this win. She's been a leader all season and this was another example of that.”

— Kevin McGuff, Ohio State Head Coach

What’s next

Ohio State will look to carry the momentum from this comeback win over USC into their final home game of the regular season against rival Michigan on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The takeaway

Jaloni Cambridge's dominant second-half performance was the key to Ohio State's comeback victory over USC, keeping the Buckeyes in contention for a strong postseason position. The win also sets up an intriguing regular season finale against a top-10 Michigan team.