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In a surprising turn of events, the Ohio State Buckeyes toppled the No. 2 ranked Purdue Boilermakers with a 73-69 victory on Sunday. This remarkable win marked the debut of interim coach Jake Diebler, just one day following the NCAA Tournament selection committee’s announcement of Purdue as a potential No. 1 seed for the upcoming March Madness tournament.
Leading the charge was Bruce Thornton with an impressive 22 points and Jamison Battle who contributed 19 points, propelling Ohio State (15-11, 5-10 Big Ten) to triumph against the odds.
The Buckeyes’ previous head coach, Chris Holtmann, was relieved of his duties this past Wednesday amid a series of underwhelming seasons, and Ohio State had been undergoing a tough spell, losing nine out of their preceding eleven matches.
The Boilermakers (23-3, 12-3), who were the 8 1/2-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook, struggled to maintain their standing during the game.
From the onset, Ohio State brought an unmatched level of energy, capitalizing on a halftime lead of 35-30, and expanding their lead to 12 halfway through the second half.
Despite Purdue’s attempt to make a comeback, Zach Edey was unable to dominate and shift the momentum entirely in their favor. Lance Jones did sink a tying 3-pointer at 1:39 to bring the score to 65, but Battle’s jumper and subsequent free throws bolstered Ohio State’s position, leading 69-65 with only 34 seconds on the clock. An Edey dunk did put the Boilermakers within striking distance, but Thornton’s successful foul shots essentially clinched the victory for the Buckeyes.
Edey, although unable to ensure a win, did record a notable 22 points and 13 rebounds, marking his 58th career double-double.
Before this loss, Purdue had been on a winning streak, with nine consecutive victories and 16 out of their last 17 games. Their most recent loss had been on January 9th.
BIG PICTURE
Purdue: The Boilermakers faced an unexpected challenge in Ohio State and could not sustain their quest for a flawless Big Ten regular season finish.
Ohio State: Despite a tough week, the Buckeyes ended on a high note, eliciting a court-storming celebration from their elated fans.
UP NEXT
Purdue: Set to play Rutgers at home on Thursday night.
Ohio State: Will travel to face Minnesota on Thursday night.
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FAQ Section
Who scored the highest points for Ohio State?
Bruce Thornton led Ohio State with 22 points in their game against Purdue.
What was significant about this Ohio State win?
It was significant because it marked the debut of interim coach Jake Diebler and it came as an upset over No. 2 Purdue who were the favorites to win.
Where can I follow the AP Top 25 College Basketball Poll updates?
Updates can be followed through the AP’s official site and by subscribing to their alert services.
What is the next game for both teams?
Purdue is scheduled to host Rutgers, while Ohio State is set to visit Minnesota, both games taking place on Thursday night.
How had Purdue been performing before this loss?
Purdue had won nine straight games and 16 out of their last 17 before this defeat, highlighting the unexpected nature of Ohio State’s victory.
Conclusion
In an unexpected twist of the college basketball season, the Ohio State Buckeyes have handed the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers a rare loss. With the guidance of newly appointed interim coach Jake Diebler, Ohio State has demonstrated that they are a team capable of overcoming adversity and delivering high-level performances. Fans and followers alike are eager to see if this victory marks a turning point for the Buckeyes as they progress further into the season, or if it will be a singular highlight in a season of ups and downs.