Ohio State Edges Iowa in Dramatic Big Ten Quarterfinal Showdown

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — In a thrilling finish, Cotie McMahon sank two free throws with just six seconds remaining, securing a 60-59 victory for the 13th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes over the Iowa Hawkeyes in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The win advances Ohio State (24-5) to the tournament semifinals, where they will face second-seeded and No. 4-ranked UCLA, who defeated Nebraska, 85-74. Earlier in the season, the Buckeyes were bested by UCLA, suffering a 65-52 defeat.

With 3:04 left in the game, McMahon nailed the first of her two free throws, propelling Ohio State to a 58-53 lead. However, Sydney Affolter answered back with consecutive 3-pointers, shifting the momentum and briefly putting Iowa ahead, 59-58, with 1:18 remaining.

In a tense final minute, Ohio State turned the ball over with 48 seconds left, but a missed last-second shot from Kylie Feuerbach allowed Taylor Thierry to secure the rebound. After a strategic timeout, McMahon drew a foul, converting both free throws, which proved pivotal for the Buckeyes.

The Hawkeyes had one last chance. With time winding down, Affolter missed a contested layup, and although Hannah Stuelke managed to get a hurried shot off from out of bounds, it did not convert as the clock expired.

McMahon led Ohio State with 18 points, contributing significantly to the Buckeyes’ final minutes. Thierry added 14 points, seven rebounds, and five steals, while Ajae Petty dominated the boards with 12 rebounds.

Iowa’s loss ended their remarkable 11-game winning streak in Big Ten Tournament play. Stuelke, Affolter, and Lucy Olsen each scored 14 points for the Hawkeyes (22-10), while Ava Heiden provided valuable support with 10 points off the bench.

The Hawkeyes had previously claimed victory in three consecutive Big Ten Tournament titles, but their defense faltered against McMahon’s late game heroics, marking a significant upset in the tournament.