COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive firepower and a relentless final-quarter push, the Ohio State Buckeyes outlasted the Southern California Women of Troy 88-83 in a non-conference women’s basketball showdown Sunday afternoon at Value City Arena.

The contest, witnessed by 8,144 fans, evolved into a spectacular duel between two of the nation’s premier guards. Ohio State’s Jaloni Cambridge, a sophomore from Nashville, Tennessee, delivered a masterclass, pouring in 33 points to go with six rebounds, steering her team through crucial moments down the stretch. Her counterpart, Southern California’s Jazzy Davidson, was equally brilliant. The freshman from Clackamas, Oregon, matched Cambridge’s scoring output with 32 points of her own, adding six rebounds and four assists in a losing effort.

The game’s decisive chapter unfolded in the fourth quarter. Southern California, after erasing a halftime deficit to enter the final period tied at 61, found itself locked in a tense battle. The Women of Troy last held the lead at 66-63 following a Davidson three-pointer with just over eight minutes remaining. From that point, Ohio State engineered a 12-2 run over the next three and a half minutes, a surge that ultimately decided the outcome.

Cambridge was the catalyst, scoring seven points during that pivotal stretch, including a driving layup and a critical three-pointer. The Buckeyes also capitalized at the free-throw line, a theme throughout the afternoon. Ohio State shot 23 of 28 from the stripe, while Southern California attempted 10 fewer free throws, making 14.

The Buckeyes’ ability to force turnovers and convert them into points proved to be a significant factor. Ohio State’s defense, led by 11 team steals, harassed Southern California into 24 turnovers. Cambridge and backcourt mate Chance Gray, who added 16 points, were central to that pressure. Conversely, the Women of Troy, despite shooting a higher percentage from the field and from three-point range, could not overcome those extra possessions surrendered.

Southern California’s Kennedy Smith provided strong support for Davidson with 18 points and three blocks. Dayana Mendes came off the bench to contribute 13 points. For Ohio State, the Cambridge sisters combined for 47 points, as Kennedy Cambridge scored 14. Finnish center Elsa Lemmilä posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, controlling the paint for the Buckeyes.

The first half set the stage for the shootout. Southern California led 20-19 after a back-and-forth opening quarter, but Ohio State tightened its defense in the second, taking a 35-38 lead into the break. The third quarter saw both offenses explode, each scoring 26 points, setting the table for the dramatic finish.

Ohio State improved its record to 22-5 with the victory, while Southern California fell to 17-10. The game, which far exceeded the pregame over/under line of 139.5, showcased the high-octane potential of both programs as the regular season winds down.

The most important part of the game was Ohio State’s 12-2 run midway through the fourth quarter, which turned a narrow three-point deficit into a seven-point lead they would not relinquish. This surge, fueled by Jaloni Cambridge’s scoring and stifling team defense, provided the necessary cushion to withstand Southern California’s late three-point barrage in the final minute.

Southern California will look to rebound on the road at Penn State on Wednesday. Ohio State remains at home to host Michigan the same evening.