DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ajae Petty and Chance Gray each contributed 17 points, helping No. 11-ranked Ohio State secure an impressive 87-51 win over Utah State during the Daytona Beach Classic on Friday.

Ohio State began the game strong, launching an 11-0 run with Petty scoring three field goals early on. In the second quarter, Taylor Thierry also made crucial contributions, scoring six points as the Buckeyes tallied 21 consecutive points. Gray and Jaloni Cambridge added five points each, while Utah State struggled significantly, managing only two baskets out of 14 attempts in the second quarter, leading to a 45-18 deficit by halftime.

The Buckeyes’ defense was fierce, forcing 36 turnovers throughout the game. This follows their previous contest where Old Dominion gave up 28 turnovers against Ohio State. The Buckeyes have managed to force over 20 turnovers in all seven games they have played this season.

Cambridge was a standout player, finishing with 13 points and leading the team with five steals. Elsa Lemmila supported the team’s efforts by adding 11 points. Thierry, who reached the milestone of 1,000 career points just a day earlier, had a quiet game with eight points but secured eight rebounds.

For Utah State, Mia Tarver finished with 12 points, while Taliyah Logwood added 11. The team now stands at 1-6 for the season.

Ohio State will return to their home court on December 8 to face No. 19 Illinois, while Utah State will remain in Florida to take on Stetson on Saturday.