The Ohio State Buckeyes fell to the USC Trojans in a decisive 84-63 loss, marking their second consecutive defeat against top-ranked Big Ten opponents. Key factors in the loss included a significant rebounding disadvantage and struggles with field goal percentage. Despite early defensive pressure, USC ultimately controlled the game, securing a comfortable victory.
The eighth-ranked Buckeyes (20-3, 9-3 Big Ten) faced two opportunities to secure a top-10 victory against one of the Big Ten's top two teams but suffered double-digit losses in both matchups. Following a loss on Wednesday, they fell 84-63 to No. 7 USC (21-2, 11-1 Big Ten) at the Galen Center on Saturday. A significant disadvantage on the boards proved detrimental to Ohio State as they were outrebounded 62-30 by the Trojans.
Ohio State also struggled offensively, converting only 20 out of 68 field goal attempts (29.4%), mirroring their shooting performance against UCLA. While USC star JuJu Watkins had an off shooting night, going 5-of-21 from the field for 17 points, Ohio State had no answer for Trojans forward Kiki Iriafen, who dominated with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Similar to their game against UCLA, Ohio State's turnover-forcing defense initially propelled them to an early lead. They forced five USC turnovers in the game's first five minutes, starting with a 7-2 run. However, the Trojans countered with a 12-4 run for the remainder of the first quarter, taking a 14-11 lead. Despite Watkins' 0-for-8 performance from the field in the first half, scoring her four points solely from free throws, USC maintained the lead throughout the second quarter, ultimately leading 34-26 at halftime. Free throws and rebounding proved crucial for USC as they outrebounded Ohio State 30-15 in the first two quarters and sank 13 of 14 first-half free throws. Ohio State, in contrast, only managed three first-half free throw attempts, all successful by Taylor Thierry.Ohio State found more success at the free throw line in the third quarter, converting 10 out of 14 attempts, but USC's lead remained a comfortable eight points or more. USC entered the final quarter with a 59-45 lead, fueled by a 10-of-16 shooting performance from the field and a 12-4 rebounding advantage in the first 10 minutes of the second half. USC maintained a double-digit lead throughout the fourth quarter, ultimately securing a 21-point victory, marking Ohio State's most lopsided loss this season. Despite these consecutive defeats, Ohio State remains in third place in the Big Ten standings after winning 20 of their first 21 games. However, they now trail first-place UCLA by 2.5 games and second-place USC by two games, both with head-to-head tiebreakers against Ohio State. After spending the past week in Los Angeles, Ohio State will return home for the next week, hosting back-to-back games at the Schottenstein Center against Minnesota on Thursday (7:30 p.m., Peacock) and Iowa on President's Day (Noon, FOX on Monday, Jan. 17).
WOMEN's BASKETBALL OHIO STATE USC BIG TEN KIKI IRIAFEN JUJU WATKINS LOSS
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ohio State Buckeyes Cruise Past Penn State Nittany LionsSenior John Mobley Jr. shines with 19 points, leading Ohio State to a decisive 83-64 victory over Penn State. The Buckeyes dominate the boards and snap a three-game losing streak.
Read more »
Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: Cotton Bowl Score PredictionsOur staff predicts the outcome of the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Read more »
Oregon Ducks, Dana Altman Beat Ohio State Buckeyes, Pivotal Big Ten Conference WinIt was another come from behind victory during the final minutes for the Oregon Ducks in Columbus, 73-71. This is the sixth time this season that this group has ended up winning a game when trailing at halftime.
Read more »
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns - January 10, 20255 Texas and their high-powered O meet 8 Ohio State and their stout D in CFP Semifinal
Read more »
Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: College Football Playoff Semifinal PreviewA clash of titans is set for the College Football Playoff semifinals as the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to battle it out in Arlington, Texas. The winner will advance to face Notre Dame for the national championship.
Read more »
Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State Buckeyes: Cotton Bowl Semifinal ShowdownThe Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes will clash in the College Football Playoff semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The winner advances to face Notre Dame in the national championship. Both quarterbacks, Quinn Ewers of Texas and Will Howard of Ohio State, have championship experience at this venue. A key matchup to watch is All-American cornerback Jahdae Barron against freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Read more »