The No. 12 Ohio State women’s basketball team showcased their resilience on Sunday as they managed to hold off a gritty Nebraska team, securing a 74-68 victory at home. Behind a standout 23-point performance from guard Jacy Thierry and a strong double-double from forward Cotie McMahon, the Buckeyes extended their win streak, despite a late push from the Cornhuskers that made the game much closer than anticipated.
Ohio State jumped out to an early lead, thanks to Thierry’s scoring outburst. The junior guard found her rhythm early, hitting shots from beyond the arc and driving to the basket with ease. Her aggressive play kept the Buckeyes ahead through most of the game, and she was instrumental in maintaining their momentum throughout. Thierry’s 23 points were a career-high for the guard this season, showcasing her ability to lead the offense when needed most.
While Thierry stole the spotlight with her scoring, Cotie McMahon made her mark with an all-around performance. The sophomore forward contributed 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, helping Ohio State control the boards and limit Nebraska’s second-chance opportunities. McMahon’s double-double was crucial to the Buckeyes’ success, as she also contributed key assists and steals, making her an integral part of Ohio State’s balanced attack.
Nebraska, however, refused to back down. The Cornhuskers mounted a late surge, cutting Ohio State’s lead to just a few points in the final minutes. But clutch free throws from Thierry and McMahon, coupled with a few key defensive stops, were enough to stave off the Nebraska comeback attempt.
With the win, Ohio State improves to 18-3 on the season and remains firmly in the hunt for a top seed in the NCAA tournament. Despite the victory, head coach Kevin McGuff will likely address the need for a more consistent defensive effort, as Nebraska’s late-game surge highlighted areas of vulnerability for the Buckeyes.
Next, Ohio State will look to continue their strong play as they prepare for their upcoming matchups, aiming to build on their momentum and make a statement in the second half of the season. With Thierry’s hot shooting and McMahon’s steady all-around contributions, the Buckeyes are looking poised for a deep run in March.
