The Big Ten women’s basketball championship race is heating up, with USC emerging as the frontrunner at 8-0 in conference play. Following Thursday’s pivotal matchup in Columbus, Ohio State defeated Maryland, shaking up the standings and adding pressure to the season’s final stretch.
Ohio State’s victory propelled the Buckeyes to 7-1, keeping them in the hunt alongside undefeated UCLA (7-0). Maryland, now 6-2, finds itself slipping behind in the race. The Terps face a must-win scenario on Sunday when they host UCLA, a matchup that could make or break their championship aspirations.
If Maryland falls to the Bruins, it will mark their third conference loss and leave them without crucial head-to-head tiebreakers against USC, UCLA, and Ohio State. This would effectively end Maryland’s realistic title hopes, despite their mathematical viability.
Meanwhile, USC continues to set the pace, with UCLA close on their heels. Ohio State remains within striking distance, but every game matters as the margin for error shrinks. The next week promises intense matchups that will likely define the Big Ten’s championship landscape.
For now, the Trojans, Bruins, and Buckeyes have solidified themselves as the primary contenders in a tightly contested race. All eyes will be on Sunday’s showdown in Maryland as the conference title picture takes its next dramatic turn.
