LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Taylor Thierry delivered a stellar performance, scoring 23 points, while Cotie McMahon recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds to help No. 12 Ohio State secure a 72-66 victory over Nebraska on Sunday.
Thierry driving layup extended Ohio State lead to 65-57 early in the fourth quarter, but both teams struggled offensively for the next four minutes. Logan Nissley 3-pointer ended Nebraska scoring drought, narrowing the gap to 65-60 with 3:45 left.
Nebraska continued to chip away with a three-point play by Alexis Markowski and a free throw from Callin Hake, bringing the Cornhuskers within 65-64. Ohio State endured a 5 1/2-minute scoring drought before Thierry hit a crucial 3-pointer, pushing the lead to 68-64 with two minutes remaining.
Markowski responded with a jumper to cut it to 68-66, but Nebraska offense faltered down the stretch. The Cornhuskers missed three 3-pointers and went 0-for-2 from the line in the final moments. Madison Greene sealed the game for Ohio State by sinking four free throws in the last 23 seconds.
Markowski led Nebraska with 18 points, while Hake added 12. The Cornhuskers held a 38-36 halftime advantage and regained the lead in the third quarter with a 3-pointer by Alberte Rimdal. However, Thierry timely response with a 3-pointer helped Ohio State reclaim the lead for good.
Ohio State (19-1, 8-1 Big Ten) will next host Washington on Sunday before heading west for matchups against No. 1 UCLA and No. 4 USC. Nebraska (15-5, 6-3) will face Purdue on Thursday and Indiana on Sunday.
