An Ohio State women’s basketball player appeared to make a controversial gesture toward fans during her team’s intense matchup against Maryland on Sunday. The incident, which occurred in the final moments of the game, quickly became a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts.
Maryland sealed a dramatic 93-90 overtime victory with a clutch three-pointer in the final second, stunning Ohio State in a thrilling battle at Xfinity Center in College Park, Maryland. Junior forward Cotie McMahon played a key role in keeping the Buckeyes competitive, contributing 18 points, including five in overtime.
However, her night took a frustrating turn when she fouled out with just over 14 seconds remaining in the game.
As McMahon made her way to the bench, Maryland fans seized the opportunity to taunt her, a common occurrence when opposing players exit due to foul trouble. In response, McMahon appeared to briefly raise both middle fingers toward the crowd after taking her seat on the bench.
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Although the gesture was quick and subtle, the arena cameras caught the moment, making it impossible to go unnoticed. The footage quickly circulated on social media, sparking a wave of reactions.
Some fans viewed McMahon’s actions as an understandable moment of frustration in a high-stakes game, while others criticized the display as unsportsmanlike and inappropriate.
McMahon has been one of Ohio State’s standout performers this season, averaging 16.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Her leadership and scoring ability have played a crucial role in the Buckeyes’ strong season, with the team currently ranked No. 12 in the nation.
Despite Sunday’s loss, Ohio State secured a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament, meaning they will not have to take the court until the quarterfinals on Friday.
It remains to be seen whether McMahon will face any disciplinary action from the team or the conference for her gesture. Given the high-pressure environment of competitive college basketball, emotional reactions are not uncommon, but public scrutiny often follows when such moments are caught on camera.
As Ohio State prepares for postseason play, McMahon and her teammates will likely shift their focus to making a deep tournament run.
However, the incident serves as a reminder of the intense emotions that come with high-level competition and the ever-watchful eyes of fans and media alike.
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