Women’s Basketball: No. 4 Ohio State Gears Up for High-Stakes NCAA Tournament First-Round Clash Against No. 13 Montana State—A Battle You Won’t Want to Miss….

The stage is set for an electrifying NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament first-round matchup as the No. 4 seed Ohio State Buckeyes prepare to host the No. 13 seed Montana State Bobcats. The game is scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. ET at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio, and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Season Overview

The Buckeyes enter the tournament with a 25-6 overall record, finishing third in the Big Ten Conference with a 13-5 mark. Their season was highlighted by a thrilling 60-59 victory over Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. However, they faced a setback in the semifinals, falling to UCLA 75-46. This marks Ohio State’s third consecutive year hosting the tournament’s first two rounds, a testament to their consistent performance under head coach Kevin McGuff.

Montana State Bobcats: Road to the Tournament

The Bobcats (30-3) secured their NCAA Tournament berth by clinching the Big Sky Conference title in dramatic fashion, edging out Montana 58-57 with a buzzer-beater. This season has been historic for Montana State, achieving their first 30-win season and demonstrating resilience and tenacity throughout their campaign.

Key Players to Watch

For Ohio State:

Jaloni Cambridge: A dynamic guard averaging 16.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game over the last ten games, Cambridge’s playmaking abilities are crucial for the Buckeyes.

Cotie McMahon: Known for her defensive prowess and leadership, McMahon contributes 16.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, providing stability on both ends of the court.

For Montana State:

Esmeralda Morales: Leading the Bobcats with 15.6 points per game, Morales also adds 3.8 assists and 2.1 steals, making her a dual threat offensively and defensively.

Taylee Chirrick: A versatile player contributing across the board with averages of 6.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and an impressive 3.8 steals per game, Chirrick’s defensive intensity could disrupt the Buckeyes’ rhythm.

Matchup Dynamics

Ohio State’s experience and home-court advantage position them as favorites, reflected in the 15.5-point spread favoring the Buckeyes. However, Montana State’s aggressive defense, particularly their ability to force turnovers, could challenge an Ohio State team that has struggled with ball control at times.

What’s at Stake

The winner of this matchup will advance to face the victor between No. 5 seed Tennessee and No. 12 seed South Florida in the second round. For Ohio State, a deep tournament run is within reach, but they must first overcome a resilient Montana State squad eager to make history with their first NCAA Tournament win.

As both teams prepare for this high-stakes clash, fans can anticipate a game filled with intensity, strategic battles, and standout performances. Whether it’s the Buckeyes asserting their dominance or the Bobcats orchestrating an upset, this is a contest that promises to captivate basketball enthusiasts.