The No. 8 Ohio State women’s basketball team suffered a 76-75 defeat against the No. 20 Maryland Terrapins on Sunday in Columbus. The Buckeyes 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.
A Strong Start Undone
Prior to the game, Ohio State honored Jaloni Cambridge for reaching 1,000 career points, achieved against the Oregon Ducks one week prior. Cambridge reached the milestone in 54 games, while former guard Kelsey Mitchell reached the same mark in 41 games.
Ohio State started strong, building a 13-3 lead and hitting their first four shots from beyond the arc. Maryland attempted to speed up the game early, but the Buckeyes responded with a 28-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, capped off by a three-point basket from Jaloni Cambridge.
The second quarter saw a shift in pace, with both teams trading baskets. Ohio State maintained its 15-point lead, aided by a 12-6 rebounding margin in the first quarter, while Maryland doubled up the Buckeyes on the boards 14-7 in the second.
Second Half Struggles
Maryland began to close the gap in the third quarter, improving their rebounding performance. A 6-1 rebounding margin in the first three minutes of the second half prompted a timeout for Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff. During this period, guard Kennedy Cambridge was injured and briefly left the game.
The Terrapins continued their momentum, scoring 12 of the last 19 points of the quarter to cut Ohio State’s lead to three points.
Maryland 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. Despite a final push from Ohio State, including a free throw from Kylee Kitts and a last-second attempt from Jaloni Cambridge, the Buckeyes were unable to tie the game.
Looking Ahead
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Maryland 76, Ohio State 75.
Who led Ohio State in scoring?
Jaloni Cambridge led Ohio State with 29 points.
What is next for the Ohio State women’s basketball team?
Ohio State will play the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Wednesday.
How important is rebounding in women’s college basketball?
