Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team experienced another heartbreaking close call on Friday night, losing 77-76 against the Indiana Hoosiers at Value City Arena. The Buckeyes fought valiantly, managing to tie the game and push it to overtime, but inconsistencies plagued their performance, resulting in their third straight defeat.
Both teams entered the game with their backs against the wall, having lost two consecutive matches. The importance of the win was magnified as Ohio State was striving to keep their hopes for the NCAA Tournament alive. For the first half, the Buckeyes appeared to be on course, heading to the locker room with a 35-29 lead thanks to solid defensive efforts and effective shooting. Their initial strong play gave the home crowd something to cheer about, as they looked to bounce back from prior disappointments.
Things turned sour for Ohio State once the second half began. The Hoosiers quickly capitalized on defensive lapses, leading to Indiana taking control and stretching its lead to double digits. Luke Goode emerged as Indiana's prime playmaker, showcasing his sharpshooting skills. With just five minutes remaining, the teams seemed to be on divergent paths, but the resolute Buckeyes refused to capitulate. They stormed back, closing the gap and eventually tying the game at 71-71 with just 38 seconds left, thanks to another clutch three-pointer from John Mobley Jr.
But the celebration was short-lived. The Buckeyes had to survive several tense moments in overtime. Despite coming close multiple times to taking the lead, they were unable to find consistency and finish. Goode hit a pivotal three-pointer to hand the Hoosiers the lead for good, and as the clock wound down, Ohio State's Bruce Thornton had one final chance to snatch victory. He found himself open on the left wing for what could have been the game-winning shot, only to see the ball rim out as time expired, sealing the Buckeyes' fate.
"It feels like we’re so close, but close isn’t enough right now," said head coach Jake Diebler. His team fell to 10-8 overall and 2-5 within the Big Ten—statistics troubling for any coach focused on NCAA aspirations. Mobley Jr. finished the game with 22 points, leading the Buckeyes’ scoring efforts. Micah Parrish and Bruce Thornton contributed 19 and 18 points, respectively, but the team’s shooting percentages and turnovers (12 total) left them frustrated once again.
Diebler's first season continues to be challenging, presenting obstacles at every turn. The squad has showcased flashes of brilliance but too often succumbed to lapses of concentration. The third consecutive loss is stark on the scoreboard but could weigh heavily on their morale, as the potential for postseason play slips away.
The mounting losses cast shadows over the Buckeyes' season, leaving fans questioning what could have been if they managed to close out more of their contests. "We’ve got to do it together and be more connected on the court," said Thornton after the game. It’s evident the athletes recognize their potential, but it needs to translate to consistent performance.
Next up for Ohio State is a matchup against the Purdue Boilermakers on Tuesday, where the Buckeyes hope to halt the slump and begin to positively shift the season narrative before it’s too late.