Ohio State Routs UIC 81-34 in Season Opener
Eight Buckeyes scored as Ohio State shot 42.5 percent from the field in its opening win Monday night.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
Ohio State defeated UIC 81-34 in its season opener on Monday, November 2. The Buckeyes went on a 20-0 first-quarter run after UIC was held scoreless for the final 5:32 of the period.
Why it matters
The lopsided opening win gives Ohio State an early statement in its new season, with depth across eight scorers and four double-digit contributors. For Columbus fans, it offers an early look at a team that controlled the glass and built a large lead quickly.
Ohio State shot 42.5 percent from the field and collected 25 offensive rebounds in the 81-34 win. UIC shot just 24.1 percent from the field, and the Buckeyes' 6-of-31 (19.4 percent) three-point shooting was a notable weak spot in the opener.
The players
Jaloni Cambridge
Ohio State guard who led all scorers with 22 points in the season opener.
Elsa Lemmila
Ohio State forward who recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks in the win.
The details
Jaloni Cambridge led all scorers with 22 points on 7-of-16 shooting. Elsa Lemmila added 15 points with 11 rebounds and three blocks, and Sydney Mobley and Kennedy Cambridge scored 12 and 10 points, respectively. Ohio State also opened the second quarter with an 11-0 run that pushed its lead to 38-11.
Timeline
Monday, November 2, 2026: Ohio State defeats UIC 81-34 in its season opener.
Season Trajectory
A season-opening blowout offers an early read on how deep the Buckeyes' rotation may be, with eight different scorers contributing in the win. Ohio State's 25 offensive rebounds suggest its frontcourt pressure could be a strength as the schedule progresses.
Ohio State's opener shows a team that can win the rebounding battle and spread scoring across its roster. Fantasy and bracket watchers should note the balanced production, with four Buckeyes reaching double figures in a single game.
The takeaway
Depth and rebounding carried Ohio State in its opener, and watching whether the three-point shooting improves will be key to tracking how far the team can go.
Further reading
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