Thrilling Showdown: Penn State Edges Out Ohio State 62-59 in Nail-Biting Clash (Jan 19, 2025)

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — — Gabby Elliott netted 14 points, which included a decisive layup with roughly 2 and a half minutes remaining, leading Penn State to secure a victory and hand No. 9 Ohio State their initial defeat of the campaign, 62-59 on Sunday.

Elliott contributed six points during the final quarter for the Lady Lions (10-9, 1-7 Big Ten), ending a seven-game losing streak.

Jayla Oden contributed 13 points while Moriah Murray and Gracie Merkle each added 12 in Penn State’s first triumph over an AP Top 25 team since February 2021.

Cotie McMahon was the top performer for the Buckeyes (17-1, 6-1) with 19 points. Chance Gray totaled 18 points but missed a 3-pointer with three seconds remaining.

Insights

Ohio State: The Buckeyes were in the lead for over 23 minutes but struggled significantly in the fourth quarter, converting only 2 of 12 shots. They were unable to score during the last 6:45.

Penn State: It was a brave performance from the Lady Lions, who faced their third consecutive top-10 squad and were rebounding from two double-digit losses against No. 4 Southern California and No. 1 UCLA.

Crucial moment

Elliott made a couple of layups less than a minute apart in the last 2:31, securing the lead for Penn State, but an inaccurate pass in the waning moments was intercepted by McMahon, who then passed to Gray, who failed to connect on the 3-pointer. Murray retrieved the rebound and was swarmed by her teammates in the center of the court.

Noteworthy statistic

The Buckeyes entered the contest averaging just over 38 rebounds per game. The Lady Lions outperformed them 39-21 on the boards.

Looking ahead

Ohio State: Set to host No. 8 Maryland on Thursday.

Penn State: Scheduled to visit No. 22 Michigan State on Wednesday.

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