Cotie McMahon of Ohio State appeared to turn the tables on Maryland supporters.

The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, as two Big Ten powerhouses — Ohio State and Maryland — faced off in what was shaping up to be a season-defining game. The crowd, heavily favoring the Maryland Terrapins, had already begun to chant with fervor as the game entered its final quarter. The Terps’ faithful were buzzing with confidence, sensing victory was imminent, but they hadn’t counted on one person: Cotie McMahon.

Ohio State’s sophomore guard had endured a rollercoaster season filled with both dazzling performances and a few missteps, but on this night, she would carve her name into the hearts of Buckeye fans and send shockwaves through the Maryland crowd. As the game reached its climax, McMahon’s rise from the shadows to the forefront of the game would alter the course of the night, much to the dismay of the Maryland supporters who had been so vocal in their support.

Early Struggles for Ohio State

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Maryland was fired up. Their defense was tight, their offense efficient, and they seemed to have Ohio State on the ropes. The Terps’ shooting guard, Diamond Miller, was in a rhythm early, knocking down shots from beyond the arc and slicing through Ohio State’s defense with ease.

Meanwhile, Ohio State found themselves struggling to find their footing. Cotie McMahon, typically known for her aggressive play and smooth shooting, was having an off night. Her first few shots clanged off the rim, and she seemed to lack the spark that had ignited Ohio State’s offense in previous games. The Buckeyes were trying to adjust, but they couldn’t seem to answer Maryland’s onslaught.

By halftime, the Terps were ahead by double digits, and the Ohio State faithful — who had traveled in droves to support their team — were starting to lose hope. The Maryland crowd was loud, enjoying every moment of their team’s dominance and egging on their players with chants that echoed through the gym. Their confidence was high, and the Buckeyes were facing what seemed like an insurmountable challenge.

A Change in Momentum

As the second half began, Ohio State’s head coach, Kevin McGuff, gathered his players in the locker room. His words were measured, but his tone carried an undeniable urgency. “We’re not out of this game,” he told his team. “We’ve been here before. This is the moment to show who we really are.” McMahon, who had been relatively quiet during the first half, nodded along, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew the game wasn’t lost, but she also knew it was up to her to turn things around.

McMahon had always been a player who thrived under pressure. Whether it was hitting clutch shots or providing a defensive stop when needed, she had an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion. As the second half unfolded, she began to settle into her rhythm, finding space on the floor and getting to the basket.

The Buckeyes started to chip away at Maryland’s lead, and McMahon played a pivotal role in that. A quick steal here, a breakaway layup there — she began to make her presence felt. Her energy was contagious, and soon the Ohio State bench was up, clapping and cheering as their star player ignited a comeback.

The Turning Point

With just under six minutes left in the game, Ohio State found themselves down by three points. Maryland’s defense had begun to crack under the pressure, and their once-loud supporters were now starting to grow anxious. The momentum was shifting, and Cotie McMahon was at the center of it all.

The crowd, still overwhelmingly Maryland fans, watched as McMahon received the ball at the top of the key. The moment felt heavy, the entire game hanging in the balance. McMahon took a quick glance toward her coach, who had a look of quiet confidence on his face. This was her time.

As the shot clock wound down, McMahon hesitated for just a fraction of a second, and in that moment, Maryland’s defense shifted. Two defenders collapsed on her, trying to force her into a difficult shot. But McMahon, calm under pressure, faked a drive to the right, sidestepped her defenders, and pulled up for a clean, contested three-pointer. The ball sailed through the air, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still.

The shot hit nothing but net.

The Ohio State bench erupted. McMahon’s three-pointer tied the game, and the loud Maryland crowd fell eerily silent. The momentum had officially swung in Ohio State’s favor, and McMahon’s shot had fired up her teammates and fans alike. Maryland’s supporters, who had been so vocal and confident just moments before, suddenly found themselves on the back foot.

The Final Push

With the game tied, the final minutes were a blur of intense action. McMahon continued to impose her will on the game. On the defensive end, she was relentless, cutting off passing lanes and contesting every shot Maryland attempted. On offense, she was a blur of motion, constantly moving, constantly looking for an opportunity to strike.

With just under two minutes remaining, Ohio State found themselves up by one point. Maryland had possession, and the Terps had one last chance to retake the lead. Diamond Miller, who had been quiet since the early stages of the second half, drove to the basket with the intent to draw contact. But McMahon, showing an exceptional defensive awareness, stepped in front of Miller and took the charge. The referee’s whistle echoed throughout the arena, and the crowd collectively groaned in disbelief.

That was the moment the game truly slipped from Maryland’s grasp. McMahon’s defensive play not only gave Ohio State possession but also sent Miller to the bench with her fifth foul. The Buckeyes now had the chance to extend their lead, and they would not waste it.

Ohio State worked the clock down to under 30 seconds, and McMahon found herself with the ball once again. This time, she drove to the basket, drawing another defender. As she approached the rim, McMahon made a quick dish to an open teammate on the wing. The ball flew out to the perimeter, and the ensuing three-pointer by Taylor Mikesell was good. Ohio State was up by four with just 18 seconds left.

Maryland’s supporters, who had been so hopeful just minutes ago, now seemed resigned to the fact that their team had been outplayed in the final stretch. The Ohio State crowd, on the other hand, erupted in jubilation. The game was all but decided.

The Aftermath

As the final buzzer sounded, Ohio State had secured a hard-fought victory, 74-70. Cotie McMahon finished the game with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, a stat line that reflected her complete dominance over the final minutes. But it wasn’t just the numbers that made her performance so memorable — it was her ability to turn the game around when Ohio State needed it most.

The Maryland supporters, once so loud and confident, had been silenced by McMahon’s clutch shooting and defensive plays. It was a game they had expected to win, but McMahon had shown them that in the world of college basketball, anything could happen, especially when a player of her caliber stepped up in the biggest moments.

For Ohio State, the victory was a statement. It wasn’t just about the win; it was about resilience, determination, and a player like Cotie McMahon who had the ability to turn the tide when everything seemed lost. The Buckeyes had found their leader, and on that night, McMahon’s brilliance had turned the tables on Maryland — a game-changing performance that would be remembered for years to come.