Similar to a powerful gale affecting the weather, Roddy Gayle Jr. brought a surge of offensive prowess to Ohio State on Wednesday.
In the matchup against Merrimack, Ohio State secured a 76-52 victory, thanks in large part to Gayle's impressive performance. The sophomore scored 20 points, falling just short of his career-high, showcasing efficiency with an 8-for-12 shooting record, including 3-for-4 beyond the three-point line.
Despite a challenging game, Ohio State managed to break away from the Warriors with a decisive 16-0 run in the second half, transforming a six-point lead into a commanding 22-point advantage.
Jamison Battle contributed 13 points, with nine of them coming in the second half, and Zed Key added 11 points, making it three Buckeyes in double figures.
Ohio State dominated the rebounding game, boasting a 42-25 advantage, along with a 14-0 lead in second-chance points.
In the first half, Gayle energized Ohio State's offense with two early three-pointers, setting the tone for a 6-0 run. The Buckeyes strategically exploited the elbow area in zone defenses, further extending their lead.
Although Merrimack mounted a brief comeback, accumulating fouls allowed Ohio State to capitalize on free-throw opportunities, converting 15 of 20 attempts. Despite a lower shooting percentage from the field in the first half, Ohio State entered halftime with a 35-29 lead.
The second half saw a slow start for Ohio State, but Gayle once again played a pivotal role in reigniting the offense. An and-one layup and an emphatic slam on an alley-oop pass contributed to a 10-0 run, establishing a 45-31 lead.
Even as Merrimack narrowed the gap, Gayle's offensive contributions, along with support from Key and Battle, fueled a decisive 16-0 run that secured the 76-52 victory.
Looking ahead, Ohio State will play its final game of four consecutive home matches against Western Michigan on Sunday at 4 p.m. in Value City Arena, with the contest airing on Big Ten Network.
