As quickly as the Big Ten season began for the No. 21 Ohio State women’s basketball team, it has now shifted back to non-conference play. Following their hard-fought 79-70 victory over Northwestern, the Buckeyes are set to face off against the Northern Kentucky Norse on Thursday.
Ohio State’s head coach Kevin McGuff was open about the concerns he had regarding the team’s slow start against Northwestern, where the Buckeyes fell behind 16-10 after the first quarter. He expressed disappointment in the team’s lack of energy and focus, highlighting the importance of maintaining intensity throughout the game. With a young roster that includes only three upperclassmen, McGuff emphasized that the Buckeyes cannot afford to overlook any opponent based on past performance.
This mindset is especially relevant as Ohio State prepares to take on Northern Kentucky, a team that currently holds a dismal 3-8 record and has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 73.5 points per game. While Ohio State has the potential to overlook the Norse given their current standings in the Horizon League, McGuff is determined that his team approaches the game with the same level of intensity as they would against tougher rivals.
One standout player for the Buckeyes has been redshirt junior guard Kennedy Cambridge, who recently secured her 100th NCAA steal. Known for her hustle and tenacity on defense, Cambridge has distinguished herself not only within her team but among national leaders in steals, currently ranking first in the Big Ten and seventh in the nation. Her defensive prowess has played a crucial role in Ohio State’s press strategy and she continues to lead by example, reinforcing the team’s defensive capabilities alongside her younger sister, Jaloni Cambridge.
This Thursday’s matchup against the Norse not only provides a platform for Ohio State to demonstrate its growth but also presents an opportunity for Buckeye students to engage with the team. The game, which tips off at 6:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on B1G+, offers free admission to students with a BuckID, along with exciting giveaways, including a PlayStation and personalized jerseys for attendees.
As the Buckeyes return to non-conference play, they look to build on their recent performance and maintain high standards of intensity, setting the stage for more significant challenges ahead in the season.