Ohio State Set to Host Norfolk State in Non-Conference Finale

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — The ninth-ranked Ohio State women’s basketball team looks to continue its dominant start to the season when it hosts Norfolk State in a non-conference matchup on Thursday night at Value City Arena.

The Buckeyes (9-1) have won nine straight games since a season-opening loss to Connecticut, including an 85-60 victory over Toledo on Sunday. Ohio State’s offense has been prolific, averaging 88.7 points per game during the winning streak.

Guard Kennedy Cambridge is coming off a career-high 23 points against Toledo. Over her last five games, she is averaging 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists, providing a versatile backcourt threat alongside leading scorer Chance Gray.

Norfolk State (5-8) arrives after a 63-68 loss at Campbell on Monday. The Spartans have faced a challenging schedule, with losses to Power Five opponents Duke, Iowa State and Georgia Tech already this season.

The Spartans are led by guard Jasha Clinton, who scored 28 points in the loss to Campbell. Clinton has been a consistent scorer, averaging 16.0 points per game over her last seven contests. Da’Brya Clark, who had 15 points against Campbell, is another key perimeter option.

Ohio State’s pressure defense, which forces over 22 turnovers per game, will test a Norfolk State team that averages 17.1 giveaways. The Buckeyes also hold a significant rebounding edge, averaging 46.2 boards to their opponents’ 30.8.

This game marks the final non-conference tune-up for Ohio State before it begins Big Ten play at Purdue on Dec. 31. Norfolk State continues its road swing at Elon on Sunday.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.