Sun Dec 29 21:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Ohio State Cruises Past Rutgers in Big Ten Women’s Basketball Showdown

**PISCATAWAY, NJ** – No. 10 Ohio State dominated No. Rutgers on Sunday, securing a 77-63 victory fueled by a stifling defense and balanced scoring. Cotie McMahon and Ajae Petty led the Buckeyes with 16 points each, while their full-court press forced 22 Rutgers turnovers, contributing to a 29-point advantage.

Ohio State (13-0, 2-0 Big Ten) established a double-digit lead early in the second quarter and maintained control throughout the game. Although Destiny Adams put up a strong performance for Rutgers (8-5, 0-2) with 31 points and 17 rebounds, including a late-game push, the Scarlet Knights couldn’t overcome the Buckeyes’ defensive pressure and offensive efficiency.

Rutgers’ leading scorer, freshman Kiyomi McMiller, was hampered by foul trouble, finishing with only 14 points on 5-of-19 shooting. The Scarlet Knights also struggled at the free-throw line, converting just 14 of 26 attempts. Ohio State’s Taylor Thierry contributed 8 points in the second quarter alone, helping the Buckeyes build a commanding 46-25 halftime lead.

While Ohio State guard Jaloni Cambridge had an off day, scoring only two points, the Buckeyes’ balanced attack, featuring five players averaging double-digit points, proved too much for Rutgers to handle. The win keeps Ohio State undefeated, while Rutgers faces a tough upcoming schedule, including games against No. 8 Maryland and No. 4 Southern California.

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