Ohio State Women's Hoops Charges to Big Ten Semis After Beating Minnesota

INDIANAPOLIS — The No. 11/11 Ohio State women's basketball team, seeded No. 5 with a 26-6 record, outlasted No. 19/20 Minnesota 60-55 in Friday's Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Buckeyes, who improved to 13-5 in Big Ten play, reached their fourth semifinal in the last five years, showcasing resilience in a tightly contested battle. Scoring was balanced across quarters: 16-18, 12-10, 16-10, 16-17, with OSU pulling ahead late.

Ohio State's defensive stand in the final frame proved decisive, matching Minnesota's 17 points while limiting the Golden Gophers' comeback bid. The win sets up a marquee semifinal clash against No. 2-ranked, No. 1-seeded UCLA on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, airing on BTN and AM1460. For Buckeye Nation in Columbus, this run revives memories of recent tournament success amid a strong 2026 campaign.

Meanwhile, the Ohio State men's team fell short in its own tournament push, losing 71-67 to No. 1 seed Michigan in Friday's quarterfinals after upsetting Iowa 72-69 earlier. Bruce Thornton's 22-24 points couldn't overcome Aday Mara's 17 for the Wolverines, ending OSU men's hopes at 21-12. Women's focus now shifts to UCLA in a critical step toward an NCAA bid.