Ohio State women's basketball starts season with big win over UIC

Jaloni Cambridge (22) guards Tutu Clayton during their home opener at the Schottenstein Center. (Photo: X/Ohio State Women's Basketball)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Buckeyes women's basketball team, ranked No. 18 in the preseason, kicked off their season with a strong victory against the University of Illinois Chicago, winning 81-34.

They jumped out and never looked back, taking a 27-7 lead into the second quarter and a 50-13 lead into halftime, and holding UIC to 13 total points for the first half.

"I thought we had a good start, and our focus and intensity were good from the tip," said McGuff.

A good start indeed, as Jaloni Cambridge led all scorers with 22 on 28 minutes of playing time and shot 7 for 16 from the field. Elsa Lemmila finished with a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Many contributors in today's win vs. UIC! See you back in the Schott on Thursday, Buckeye Nation 🌰 🔗: https://t.co/Ti1mikjHIZ #GoBucks https://t.co/MsSKarxXTW

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) November 3, 2026

The defense held UIC to 24% shooting from the field and 10% from the 3-point range (2-20) and out-rebounded the Flames 53 to 35.

Sydney Mobley, a true freshman and former star from Big Walnut High School, finished her first college game with 14 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field, and also grabbed three rebounds.

“I wouldn't say anything necessarily took me by surprise. I was thinking the game was going to be fast. I feel like I could have done better finishing. I missed a few open layups. I missed some stuff, but I feel like it was it was an okay performance.” said Mobley.

What's Next?

This was the Buckeyes' (1-0) first of six straight home games to kick off the season; they are set to play again on Thursday, November 5, against Central Michigan on the B1G+ streaming app.