Hoosiers Halt Buckeyes’ Dominance With 71-61 Victory
In a thrilling Big Ten showdown that shook the college basketball world, unranked Indiana women’s basketball defeated No. 8 Ohio State 71-61 Thursday night at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The victory marks Indiana’s first win against a top-10 opponent this season and snaps Ohio State’s three-game winning streak in the rivalry series.
Game-Changing Performance
Indiana (17-9, 9-6 Big Ten) controlled the game from tip-off, building an early lead they never relinquished. Sydney Parrish led the charge with 19 points while Yarden Garzon added 15 points and 7 rebounds. The Hoosiers’ defense held Ohio State (22-4, 11-4) to just 38% shooting from the field.
Ohio State star Jaloni Cambridge scored a game-high 22 points but received limited support from her teammates. The Buckeyes struggled particularly from three-point range, making only 4-of-18 attempts (22%).
Historic Context
This upset:
- Extends Indiana’s home winning streak to four games
- Marks Ohio State’s first loss in February
- Represents Indiana’s largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent this season
Conference Implications
The loss drops Ohio State to third place in the Big Ten standings while boosting Indiana’s NCAA tournament resume. Key conference standings now show:
| Team | Conference Record |
|---|---|
| USC | 14-1 |
| UCLA | 12-1 |
| Ohio State | 11-4 |
| Indiana | 9-6 |
“This win proves we can compete with anyone in the country,” said Indiana head coach Teri Moren after the game. “Our team showed tremendous poise against one of the nation’s best defensive squads.”
Looking Ahead
Ohio State will try to rebound Sunday against Michigan State, while Indiana faces a tough road test at Maryland. Both teams remain in contention for double-byes in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.
