A Bright Start in the Bahamas

The Ohio State women’s basketball team traded chilly weather back home for a sunny week at the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo Championship in the Bahamas. With aspirations of remaining undefeated during this Thanksgiving week tournament, they secured a 68-56 victory against the Belmont Bruins—marking their second win at the event in three years.

Game Overview

Despite being a nonconference matchup, the absence of Dasha Biriuk reduced Ohio State’s roster to just 10 players, making the game against Belmont a closely contested affair. Center Elsa Lemmilä, who missed the recent game against Kent State due to an injury, returned but took on a bench role.

First Half Highlights

In the opening quarter, the teams exchanged leads five times before Belmont capped the quarter with a seven-point run, establishing an early advantage. Ohio State’s Jaloni Cambridge emerged as a key player, scoring from beyond the arc for the second time this season. Together with senior guard Chance Gray, they contributed 24 of the team’s 30 first-half points.

Gray proved critical as the first half drew to a close. With Ohio State trailing by seven, she netted two three-pointers in the final moments, narrowing the deficit to just one point by halftime.

Defensive Strategies

Ohio State’s defense forced 13 turnovers in the first half but also struggled, yielding 12 turnovers and allowing Belmont to capitalize with 10 points off transition plays.

Second Half Surge

Ohio State, known for its strong second-half performance, did not disappoint. They began the third quarter with eight of the first nine points, creating a momentum shift. Their defensive efforts limited Belmont to no field goals for over eight minutes, allowing the Buckeyes to build a six-point lead.

However, a lull in scoring saw Ohio State miss nine consecutive shots, while Belmont seized the opportunity with three successive three-pointers. Notable contributions from Cambridge and freshman Bryn Martin helped maintain offensive pressure, but Belmont closed the third quarter strong, tying the game with a buzzer-beater from center KK Brodie.

Key Performers

Forward Kylee Kitts showcased her talent in the fourth quarter, recording her first collegiate double-double with 12 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Her early contributions in the final quarter, along with key baskets from both Cambridge and Martin, forced a Belmont timeout as Ohio State extended their lead to eight points.

Gray continued to shine, hitting her fourth three-pointer to secure an 11-point lead as the game wound down. The Buckeyes’ strong defensive pressure kept Belmont’s shooting efficiency to a mere 17.6% in the final quarter.

Game Statistics

Jaloni Cambridge finished as the leading scorer with 26 points, while Chance Gray added 17 to the team total. On the opposing side, Belmont’s Tuti Jones tallied 19 points, shooting 4-of-6 from long range.

Next Steps

Ohio State will face the winner of the matchup between No. 21 West Virginia and McNeese State in their next game scheduled for Wednesday.