FOR YOU GOPHERS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL FANATICS - THE BULLS ARE RUNNING
Minnesota currently boasts the #1 scoring defense in the Big Ten, allowing only 56.5 PPG. This is the ultimate "streak-buster" against an Ohio State team that relies on a high-octane offense (83.8 PPG) but has shown vulnerability when their stars are neutralized.
Ohio State's Jaloni Cambridge (22.8 PPG) is a major force. Maryland recently proved that a "triangle-and-one" defense can frustrate her. Ohio State is coming off a deflating loss to Maryland where they blew a 19-point lead.
Minnesota is on a season-high 8-game winning streak. Minnesota is 13–2 at home this season.
Last 8 Games Comparison (2025–26 Season)
| Feature | Minnesota Golden Gophers | Ohio State Buckeyes |
|---|
| Record (Last 8) | 8–0 | 6–2 |
| Avg. Points For | 81.4 PPG | 81.3 PPG |
| Avg. Points Against | 62.3 PPG | 70.6 PPG |
| Point Differential | +19.1 | +10.7 |
| Rank (Current) | #23 | #10 |
| Last Result | W 83–60 vs. Wisconsin | L 75–76 vs. #20 Maryland |
Minnesota's offense under Coach Dawn Plitzuweit is a positionless, motion-based system that prioritizes ball security and tempo control to neutralize high-pressure teams like Ohio State.
Core Offensive Principles of Minnesota Gophers
- "Read and React" Motion: The half-court offense relies on a fluid system where players make decisions based on off-ball screening and strict "read" rules rather than fixed plays.
- Elite Ball Security: Minnesota leads the nation with only 10.1 turnovers per game. This discipline is their primary weapon against Ohio State’s signature full-court "trap".
- Transition from Defense: The system is "defense-first," meaning the Gophers use defensive stops to fuel quick transition buckets, often "pitching ahead" to guards for open three-pointers before the defense can set.
- Versatile Scoring: The offense features a balanced attack with multiple threats; while they don't have a top-25 individual scorer in the conference, they often have five players in double figures.
- Inside-Out Pressure: They establish an interior presence through players like Sophie Hart to force defenses to collapse, creating open looks for shooters like Grace Grocholski (46% from 3-point range) and Mara Braun.
Recent Game Logs
Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-0 streak)
- Feb 15: W 83–60 @ Wisconsin
- Feb 12: W 84–67 vs. Nebraska
- Feb 8: W 63–52 @ Rutgers
- Feb 5: W 91–85 @ #10 Iowa
- Feb 1: W 88–55 vs. Purdue
- Jan 28: W 87–66 @ Penn State
- Jan 25: W 88–53 vs. Wisconsin
- Jan 21: W 65–60 @ Oregon
Ohio State Buckeyes (6-2 record)
- Feb 15: L 75–76 vs. #20 Maryland
- Feb 8: W 80–64 @ Oregon
- Feb 5: W 70–60 @ #24 Michigan State
- Feb 1: W 90–71 vs. Nebraska
- Jan 29: W 81–58 vs. Rutgers
- Jan 25: L 70–91 @ #10 Iowa
- Jan 22: W 81–67 vs. Wisconsin
- Jan 19: W 71–69 vs. #9 Michigan
The Ohio State "trap"
Their signature full-court press is the single biggest factor that could flip the math back in the Buckeyes' favor for tomorrow's game.
Ohio State's defensive pressure is designed to disrupt precisely what the Gophers rely on most: disciplined ball security.
The Breakdown of the Trap
- The Scheme: Ohio State primarily runs a 1-2-1-1 "Diamond" or 1-2-2 zone press. They focus on trapping ball handlers immediately after the inbounds pass or in the corners of the backcourt to force 10-second violations and errant passes.
- The Personnel: Freshman sensation Jaloni Cambridge is the primary "agent of chaos" in this press. She is currently averaging 3.5 steals per game (up from 2.0 last season). Her sister, Kennedy Cambridge, adds another 4.1 steals per game, making them the most dangerous defensive backcourt in the country for creating "live-ball" turnovers.
- The Strategy: Coach Kevin McGuff often uses this press coming out of the half to create massive scoring runs. In their recent game against Wisconsin, Ohio State's pressure forced a disastrous second half for the Badgers, despite Wisconsin leading early.
Minnesota's Counter: Can They Break It?
The Gophers are uniquely equipped to handle this "trap" for two reasons:
- Ball Security: Minnesota currently leads the nation in fewest turnovers per game (10.1). Their offense is "gap-oriented" and slow-paced, which naturally limits the transition opportunities Ohio State needs.
- Veteran Guards: Unlike younger teams that panic under the trap, Minnesota starts multiple guards who can handle the ball and "pitch ahead" in transition to exploit the holes the press leaves behind.
Minnesota's coaching staff, led by Dawn Plitzuweit, will likely employ a scheme that prioritizes methodical tempo and interior physicality to counteract Ohio State’s high-pressure "trap" and transition-heavy offense.
Defensive Scheme: "Wall Up" and Contain
Minnesota currently leads the Big Ten in scoring defense, allowing only 56.5 PPG. Their defensive plan will likely center on:
- Neutralizing the Cambridge Sisters: Expect a "triangle-and-two" or a heavy gap-help man-to-man defense designed to keep Jaloni Cambridge (22.8 PPG) out of the paint. Maryland successfully used this to overcome a 19-point deficit against the Buckeyes last week.
- Limiting Transition: Ohio State thrives on "chaos" points. Minnesota will likely ignore offensive rebounding at times to ensure four or five players get back on defense immediately to prevent Buckeye fast breaks.
- Protecting the Paint: Gophers will want to exploit Ohio State’s rebounding struggles in their recent loss to Maryland.
Offensive Scheme: "Press-Break to Attack"
To beat Ohio State's signature full-court trap, Minnesota will utilize their nation-leading ball security (10.1 turnovers per game):
- The "Hub" Guard: Amaya Battle often acts as the primary press-breaker, using her 1,000-point/500-assist experience to find "pitch-ahead" passes to Grace Grocholski (46% from 3-point range) for quick transition buckets when the Buckeyes overcommit to the trap.
- Post-Heavy Initiation: Plitzuweit has recently emphasized getting the ball into the paint early in the shot clock. By establishing Sophie Hart (10.4 PPG) or Finau Tonga inside, they can force Ohio State out of their aggressive defensive stances and into foul trouble.
- Slow Down the Game: Minnesota will likely use the full 30-second clock on most possessions. By reducing the total number of possessions, they minimize the opportunities for Ohio State to go on one of their trademark 10-0 scoring "blitzes".
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