Ohio State pulled off a thrilling comeback on Thursday night, erasing a 17-point deficit to defeat No. 18 Maryland at home. The Buckeyes avenged their lopsided December loss to the Terrapins, thanks in large part to a stellar performance from Bruce Thornton. The sophomore guard erupted for 31 points, including a clutch game-winning three-pointer that sealed the victory.
While Thornton’s heroics grabbed headlines, Ohio State’s overall team effort made the difference. The game was tightly contested in several statistical categories:
• Field Goal Percentage: Ohio State edged Maryland, 45.8% to 41.8%.
• Rebounding Battle: Maryland held a slight advantage, 36-30.
• Turnovers: Ohio State committed fewer, 9 compared to Maryland’s 12.
However, the biggest surprise came in the paint, where Ohio State dominated with a 38-28 scoring edge. This marked a drastic turnaround from their previous game, where Illinois overpowered them 52-30 inside. The improvement was even more remarkable considering starting center Aaron Bradshaw was sidelined due to illness.
Interim head coach Jake Diebler deserves credit for emphasizing interior play, helping the Buckeyes turn a glaring weakness into a strength in just one game. The team’s ability to adapt and execute under pressure showcased their potential to compete with any opponent.
Looking Ahead
Consistency remains Ohio State’s biggest challenge, but this hard-fought victory could serve as a turning point. With March Madness approaching, the Buckeyes have positioned themselves to make a strong tournament push—if they can maintain this level of play.
Next up, Ohio State travels to face 15-8 Nebraska on Sunday in another critical matchup for NCAA Tournament hopes. Like the Buckeyes, the Cornhuskers are battling for a postseason spot, making this a must-win for both teams.
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With a statement win over a ranked Maryland squad, Ohio State has proven they have the talent and resilience to make noise down the stretch. Now, the challenge is sustaining that momentum.
