COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Buckeyes showcased their basketball prowess in a commanding 78-36 victory over New Orleans on Thursday evening, concluding their home non-conference play on a high note. The team, now boasting a 10-2 record for the season, exhibited resilience and skill, overcoming a slow start to dominate their opponents in a game that featured notable performances and significant milestones.
In a surprising move, senior big man Zed Key made his first start of the season, and he certainly made it count. Key's 16 points and five rebounds played a pivotal role in Ohio State's victory, highlighting the team's depth and versatility. Jamison Battle, who knocked down five three-pointers and finished with a game-high 17 points, was instrumental in the offensive onslaught.
The first half of the game was marked by a fierce defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. However, the Buckeyes managed to break the gridlock with a 17-2 scoring run, sparked by graduate transfer Dale Bonner's and-one layup and consecutive three-pointers from Battle. As they headed into halftime with a 31-17 lead, Battle led the charge with eight points, while sophomore Bruce Thornton added seven.
The second half saw Ohio State continuing their offensive dominance, with Key and sophomore Evan Mahaffey maintaining the momentum. The lead extended to 41-21 just over five minutes into the second half, and the Buckeyes never looked back. Freshman Devin Royal's and-one dunk, off an offensive rebound, stretched the lead to 52-25 with just under 10 minutes to go.
Head coach Chris Holtmann and sophomore center Felix Okpara were notably absent from the game due to illness, with associate head coach Jake Diebler stepping in as acting head coach. Despite missing key personnel, the team displayed a seamless transition and maintained their intensity throughout the game.
The victory also marked a significant change in the starting lineup, with Zed Key earning his first start of the season, a move that paid dividends for the Buckeyes. Evan Mahaffey made his presence felt by grabbing a career-high six rebounds and maintaining a perfect 4-of-4 shooting record.
The game also saw notable achievements from other players, with Jamison Battle tying a season-high with five three-pointers and eight rebounds, and freshman Devin Royal grabbing a season-high seven rebounds. In the final minutes of the game, freshmen Austin Parks and sophomore Colby Baumann scored their first collegiate points, adding to the depth of the Buckeyes' roster.
The defensive prowess of Ohio State was evident as they held New Orleans to just 36 points, the fewest allowed since their 71-31 victory over Louisiana Monroe on Dec. 27, 2013. This victory marked the last time an opponent failed to have a double-figure scorer.
As the Buckeyes head into the Christmas break with a 10-2 record, the anticipation builds for their upcoming non-conference clash against West Virginia in Cleveland on Dec. 30. The team's ability to overcome challenges and showcase depth bodes well for their continued success as they navigate the remainder of the season.
