In a dominant display of collegiate basketball prowess, the Ohio State Buckeyes, seeded third, decisively defeated the Howard Bison, seeded fourteenth, with a final score of 75-54 in the opening round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament. This victory, fueled by exceptional performances from key players, not only propelled the Buckeyes into the next stage of the competition but also brought an end to the Bison's remarkable 14-game winning streak.
Buckeyes Secure Convincing First-Round Win in Columbus
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, the No. 3 seed Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against the No. 14 seed Howard Bison in a Fort Worth Region 1 first-round matchup. The Buckeyes delivered a powerful performance, securing a 75-54 victory. Guard Jaloni Cambridge was the standout player for Ohio State, contributing an impressive 21 points. Her sister, Kennedy Cambridge, also made significant contributions with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Chance Gray and Ava Watson each added 11 points, further bolstering the Buckeyes' offensive output. Elsa Lemmila was a force on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds. The Buckeyes, now with a 27-7 record, will advance to play the winner of the game between Notre Dame and Fairfield.
For the Howard Bison, Zennia Thomas led the scoring with 15 points, while Ariella Henigan posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Bison's impressive 14-game winning streak was snapped, bringing their season record to 26-8. Ohio State demonstrated superior shooting, converting 45.0% of their field goal attempts, while effectively limiting Howard to 33.9% from the field and an unblemished 0-for-9 from beyond the arc.
The game saw an early lead for Howard, who were up 14-12 with under two minutes remaining in the first quarter. However, Ohio State quickly seized control, embarking on a pivotal 12-0 run that spanned the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second. The Buckeyes extended their dominance with another commanding 13-0 run just before halftime, establishing a significant 43-19 lead at the break. From that point onward, the Bison were unable to mount a serious challenge in the second half, allowing Ohio State to comfortably secure their first-round advancement.
The decisive victory by Ohio State highlights the importance of sustained team effort and strategic play in high-stakes tournaments. Their ability to respond to an early deficit with powerful scoring runs and stifling defense serves as a testament to their readiness for the challenges ahead. This game reminds us that momentum, once gained, can be a formidable advantage, capable of turning the tide and securing a pathway to further success in competitive sports.