Ohio State Holds Off Late Surge from Rutgers in Thrilling Big Ten Opener

Wednesday night's clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights was a basketball spectacle that kept fans at the edge of their seats. The Buckeyes, led by standout performances from Bruce Thornton and Jamison Battle, secured a 76-72 victory in a roller-coaster game that showcased both teams' strengths and resilience.

The Buckeyes' Sizzling Start:

Ohio State started the game on fire, hitting 9-of-11 three-point attempts in the first half against a stout Rutgers defense. Jamison Battle, in particular, was unstoppable, going 5-of-5 from downtown during this scorching stretch, contributing significantly to the team's 17-point lead before halftime.

Rutgers' Resilient Comeback:

Despite Ohio State's early dominance, Rutgers fought back valiantly, narrowing the deficit to just one point with 3:20 left and two points with 15 seconds remaining. The Scarlet Knights, led by guard Derek Simpson and his 23 points, gave the Buckeyes and the Value City Arena crowd quite a scare in the closing minutes.

Thornton and Battle Shine:

The dynamic duo of Bruce Thornton and Jamison Battle proved instrumental in securing the victory for the Buckeyes. Thornton's team-high 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting, combined with Battle's 22-point performance fueled by his perfect three-point shooting, accounted for 46 of Ohio State's 76 points.

First-Half Surge and Ball Movement:

The first half saw Ohio State making impressive runs, highlighted by Battle's hot shooting and Thornton's offensive prowess. A sequence of crisp ball movement led to an 11-0 run, with Battle connecting on his fourth triple. Thornton then took over, hitting two threes in an 8-0 run, allowing Ohio State to take a commanding 17-point lead at halftime.

Rutgers' Second-Half Resurgence:

Rutgers mounted a comeback in the second half, cutting the lead to single digits early on. However, Battle's timely shooting and Thornton's clutch plays helped Ohio State maintain control. Despite Rutgers closing in, the Buckeyes managed to hold on, securing the win with Thornton and Roddy Gayle Jr. making key free throws in the final minute.

Looking Ahead:

With this hard-fought win, Ohio State (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten) now sets its sights on a challenging road test against Indiana on Saturday. The game promises to be another intense matchup as the Buckeyes aim to continue their success in the Big Ten.

Game Notes:

Jamison Battle's remarkable three-point shooting streak puts him in elite company, becoming the first Ohio State player since Jon Diebler in 2009 to hit five threes in three straight games. Despite some turnovers and an ankle injury to Roddy Gayle Jr., the Buckeyes showcased their resilience and ability to close out a tough contest.