INDIANAPOLIS — Cotie McMahon delivered crucial free throws with just six seconds on the clock, securing a narrow 60-59 victory for the 13th-ranked and third-seeded Ohio State over Iowa in a thrilling Big Ten Conference Tournament matchup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night. This win propels the Buckeyes (24-5) into Saturday’s semifinals where they are set to face the formidable second-seeded and No. 4-ranked UCLA, who claimed an 85-74 victory over Nebraska.
Earlier in the season, Ohio State faced a challenging encounter with then-No. 1-ranked UCLA, where they were handed a 65-52 defeat. On Friday, McMahon was instrumental late in the game, giving the Buckeyes a five-point advantage after converting the first of two crucial free throws with 3:04 remaining. However, Iowa’s Sydney Affolter changed the game’s dynamics by hitting consecutive three-pointers, propelling the Hawkeyes ahead 59-58 with just 1:18 left on the clock.
Ohio State encountered some late-game turbulence after turning the ball over with 48 seconds left. Fortunately, Kylie Feuerbach missed a crucial shot from beyond the arc, and Taylor Thierry secured the rebound. Following a strategic timeout, McMahon stepped up and sank both free throws after being fouled. Affolter attempted a daring drive along the baseline for a challenging layup but narrowly missed, allowing the Buckeyes to hold their lead. With mere seconds remaining, the Hawkeyes managed to inbound the ball, but Hannah Stuelke’s desperate shot attempt failed to connect as the final buzzer sounded.
McMahon was a standout performer, particularly in the game’s closing moments, contributing six of Ohio State’s last nine points and finishing with a solid 18 points overall, aided by a 4 of 6 effort from the free-throw line. Thierry also made significant contributions with 14 points, seven rebounds, and an impressive five steals. Ajae Petty bolstered Ohio State’s defense with 12 rebounds.
Iowa, who had previously claimed three consecutive Big Ten Tournament titles, saw their remarkable 11-game tournament winning streak come to an end. Stuelke, Affolter, and Lucy Olsen each put up 14 points for the Hawkeyes (22-10), while Ava Heiden added crucial support off the bench with 10 points.