Ohio State star Cotie McMahon blasts 'disrespectful' Iowa rivalry: 'I take that personal'

Ohio State and Iowa women’s basketball showdowns never disappoint. Friday was no exception, with the Buckeyes squeaking out a 60-59 win over Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. After the game, Ohio State star Cotie McMahon explained the heated nature between the two teams.

“I’m not gonna get into it all the way, but let’s just say they’re a little disrespectful as far as how they view us. So we take that personal. I take that personal,” McMahon said. “I like to fight on the court. I’m very — I have that dog in me, so I go out there and prove it.”

McMahon certainly proved it on Friday night. In the win, McMahon tallied a game-high 18 points while shooting 6-13 from the field. However, McMahon’s biggest moment in the game came at the free throw line.

With six seconds left and the Buckeyes down one point, McMahon was fouled while shooting. McMahon sunk both free throws, giving Ohio State a one-point lead late in the game. Iowa was unable to counter and the Buckeyes are heading to the conference tournament semifinals.

This is the second time this season Ohio State has pulled out a nail-biter against the Hawkeyes. When the two teams met on Feb. 17, the Buckeyes defeated Iowa 86-78 in overtime. In the victory, McMahon notched 25 points and eight rebounds.

Ohio State didn’t need extra time to down the Hawkeyes this time around. After the win, Cotie McMahon discussed the Buckeyes’ game plan against Iowa.

“Iowa’s a great team. I’ll give it to them, credit 1,000%, but we just stay poised in doing what we do,” McMahon said. “Don’t let him get too hot on the outside, on the 3. We do that, we’re gonna be fine. The offense will come, but our defense is what we’ve been needing to focus on.”

With the win, Ohio State improved to 25-5 on the season and 13-5 in conference play. It’s the fourth straight season the Buckeyes have recorded 25 or more wins. Alas, Ohio State has its eyes set on higher goals.

Last season, Ohio State won the regular season conference title but was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament in the second round. The Buckeyes are hungry for a successful postseason this year.

On Saturday, Ohio State will square off against No. 2 seed UCLA at 5:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on the Big Ten Network. UCLA defeated Ohio State 65-52 when they played earlier this season on Feb. 5.