Ohio State Edges Iowa in Thrilling Overtime Finish

Feb 18, 2025 at 12:34 AM

In a thrilling contest on Monday afternoon, Ohio State narrowly defeated Iowa 86-78 in overtime at their home ground in Columbus. The game saw outstanding performances from both teams, with Ohio State's Jaloni Cambridge scoring 29 points and Cotie McMahon adding 25 points and eight rebounds. Despite trailing by as much as 14 points, Iowa mounted a remarkable comeback led by Lucy Olsen, who finished with 27 points and seven assists. However, it was Cambridge's clutch play in the extra period that ultimately secured victory for the Buckeyes.

The game was far from one-sided, as Iowa made a significant push in the final minutes of regulation. With the score tight, Lucy Olsen emerged as the key player for the Hawkeyes, hitting three consecutive three-pointers to close the gap. Her efforts were complemented by her teammate Aaliyah Guyton, who also contributed a crucial three-pointer. Sydney Affolter added a three-point play, while Olsen sealed the deal with two free throws, tying the game at 74 with just seconds remaining. For a brief moment, Iowa even took the lead, but Cambridge's timely baskets helped Ohio State regain control and never look back.

The freshman sensation from Ohio State demonstrated her prowess at the free-throw line, making all four attempts in overtime and finishing the game with an impressive 11-for-14 from the charity stripe. Support came from her sister Kennedy Cambridge, who added 16 points to the team's total. Despite the setback, Iowa's performance was commendable, especially considering they had clawed their way back from a significant deficit in the final stages of regulation.

Meanwhile, in Morgantown, West Virginia claimed a decisive victory over Kansas State, winning 70-57. JJ Quinerly was the standout performer for the Mountaineers, contributing 26 points, including a strong second half where he scored 17 points. Jordan Harrison and Jordan Thomas also chipped in with 18 and 11 points respectively. The Mountaineers capitalized on Kansas State's turnovers, converting them into 27 points. Temira Poindexter and Zyanna Walker were the leading scorers for Kansas State, each putting up 17 and 12 points respectively.

Despite Iowa's valiant effort, Ohio State's resilience and timely scoring proved too much to overcome. The Buckeyes' ability to withstand pressure and perform under intense circumstances highlighted their strength as a team. Meanwhile, West Virginia's win against Kansas State showcased their dominance in capitalizing on opponents' mistakes, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season.