In a nail-biting game that saw 19 lead changes and seven ties, one particular statistic emerged as the game-changer – second-chance points. Texas A&M capitalized on this crucial aspect, amassing 19 second-chance points with 16 offensive rebounds, ultimately securing a 73-66 victory on Friday night at the Schottenstein Center.
Wade Taylor IV, Tyrece Radford, and Henry Coleman III played pivotal roles in Texas A&M's triumph, contributing 21, 21, and 20 points, respectively. Coleman also dominated the boards with 11 rebounds. On the opposing side, Bruce Thornton displayed an impressive performance, scoring 24 points on 8-of-20 shooting, although it wasn't enough to secure the win for Ohio State.
The Buckeyes showcased formidable interior defense, blocking nine Aggie shot attempts in the first 24 minutes, surpassing their season-high from the previous year. Despite finishing with a total of 10 blocked shots, Ohio State couldn't translate this defensive prowess into a victory.
In the first half, Ohio State initially took a 7-0 lead, but Texas A&M countered with a 9-2 run to gain a narrow lead. The game remained close, with both teams experiencing swings in momentum. Offensive rebounding played a crucial role for Texas A&M, leading to an 8-2 advantage in offensive rebounds and a 13-2 lead in second-chance points.
Despite Ohio State's efforts, Texas A&M used a 6-0 run to take a slim 34-33 lead into halftime.
The second half continued to be closely contested, with 19 lead changes and a neck-and-neck battle between the two teams. Ohio State's Zed Key made key plays, including an and-one layup, keeping the game tied at 51. However, Texas A&M's Wade Taylor IV's and-one layup put the Aggies up 51-49, marking the 19th lead change.
A sequence of plays, including a floater from Thornton and buckets from Taylor and Coleman, gave Texas A&M a 57-53 lead. Despite Ohio State's attempts to close the gap, Texas A&M maintained control, securing the victory with a final score of 73-66.
Looking ahead, Ohio State faces Merrimack College on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Value City Arena, with the game airing on the Big Ten Network.
Notable game highlights include the presence of Basketball Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas, a member of the 1960 Ohio State National Championship team. Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle Jr. showcased their playmaking skills with a combined 11 assists, while Ohio State struggled with a 4-of-19 shooting performance from beyond the arc. The game also featured a halftime corgi race, adding a lighthearted touch to the intense competition.
