No. 18 Ohio State vs No. 2 Iowa | Big Ten | 1.21.24

COLUMBUS, OH - https://linktr.ee/womensbasketballall...

Written by Declan Walsh | NCAA.com

Stepping onto the floor to begin the fourth quarter, No. 3 Iowa's Caitlin Clark set out to squash Ohio State's spirited upset bid, nailing a three before dropping a dime to Molly Davis. Iowa's lead grew to 70-58 and it appeared the Buckeyes, like nearly everyone who squares up against Iowa, couldn't keep up with their high powered attack.

But No. 18 Ohio State's handsy defensive identity — the Buckeyes force nearly 21 turnovers a game — resurfaced in crunch time, as three crucial takeaways powered Ohio State to a 25-13 run to end regulation, and the Buckeyes ultimately cruised in overtime to a massive 100-92 win over Iowa.

Despite the loss, Iowa star Caitlin Clark finished with one of her best career performances with 45 points, just one off matching an all-time high, and seven rebounds. A pair of first-quarter triples from Clark helped the Hawkeyes build an early four-point cushion. But it was Cotie McMahon who owned the first quarter, totaling 11 points, including the afternoon's very first basket, and helping the Buckeyes stay within just two against the sharp-shooting visitors.

The Buckeyes managed retake their lead on moments into the second period on a Taylor Thierry triple, and after a brief Iowa run ahead of the intermission, OSU's Jacy Sheldon continued an excellent afternoon with another crucial triple before the halftime horn to pull the Buckeyes back within a possession — Sheldon had a splendid 24 points and seven boards.

A pair of unlikely contributors stepped up for Iowa to build much-needed separation from a relentless Buckeye team as Addison O'Grady and Sydney Affolter — the two entered Saturday with just over 10 points per game combined — were the only scorers in a quarter-ending 12-6 run, with the Hawkeyes leading 65-58. Clark's aforementioned magic to begin the fourth quarter dug a near impossible hole for the Buckeyes — trailing by 12, ESPN Analytics gave OSU just a 3.5 percent chance of victory — but McMahon regathered the reins on a dominant 33-point, 12-rebound performance, converting a gritty and-one to spark Ohio State's late rally and scoring 13 points in the final quarter of regulation.


McMahon's layup and a jumper from Celeste Taylor inside the final minute brought Ohio State all the way back, leading 82-81, but it all appeared for naught as Hannah Stuelke was fouled with nine seconds remaining and a chance to win the game. The Iowa forward split the pair, however, and the heavyweight showdown barreled on toward overtime. A hot shooting night for the Buckeyes — OSU shot a scintillating 11-22 on the afternoon from three — peaked in overtime, as the home squad made 83 percent of their field goals in the extra period and dominated OT by a margin of 17-9.

Declan Walsh is the lead reporter for NCAA women's basketball. He is a 2023 graduate from the University of Florida and has previously worked at Sports Illustrated and The Palm Beach Post. Follow on Twitter/X @declanaw for more women's basketball content .