In a thrilling basketball showdown, No. 15 Virginia emerged victorious over Ohio State with a final score of 70-66. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading leads and displaying their offensive prowess. But it was Virginia's dominant performance in the final 10 minutes that sealed the deal.
The first half was a tight affair, with Ohio State taking an early lead of 11 points, only to be matched by Virginia's response. Bynum and Thornton led the charge for Ohio State, each scoring 10 points, while Tilly contributed seven. Virginia, on the other hand, showcased their depth with nine different players finding the score sheet, led by Mallory's seven points and De Ridder and Onyenso's six each. Despite Ohio State's 45% shooting accuracy and 4 of 10 three-pointers, Virginia's 44% field goal percentage and 3 of 9 three-pointers kept them in the game. Virginia also dominated the boards, outrebounding Ohio State 21-12 in the first half.
Ohio State started strong, building leads of 12-4 and 17-6, fueled by Bynum's three-pointer, Chatman's jumpers, and Royal's steal. Tilly added a tip-in, and Thornton hit a stepback three, giving Ohio State a 17-6 lead with 13:58 left in the first half. But Virginia wasn't going down without a fight. They reeled off nine straight points, capped by De Ridder's three-point play, cutting the deficit to 17-15.
As the game progressed, Ohio State's Gabe Cupps stole the ball and found Bynum for a three-pointer, extending their lead to 22-17. Despite Royal's 17-footer, Virginia rallied and took a 29-28 lead on a three by Jacari White with 6:35 left. Tilly responded with a three for Ohio State, but De Ridder's hook shot and free throw put Virginia up 36-31 with 3:24 left. Ohio State fought back, taking a 37-36 lead with Thornton's rebound basket, Bynum's jam, and Thornton's one-hander. Onyenso's free throws sent the game into halftime tied at 37-37.
The second half saw Virginia take control early. Thornton's jumpers gave Ohio State a 41-37 lead, but Virginia's Lewis hit two free throws and Thomas hit a three, putting Virginia up 42-41. Thornton responded with another jumper, but Bynum's steal and layup over Onyenso gave Virginia a 45-42 lead. Ohio State kept fighting, with Thornton feeding Njegovan for a layup and driving around Onyenso for another score, making it 49-44.
Virginia cut the deficit to three at 54-51 on Thomas' three-pointer. But Thornton's stepback three and drive to the basket gave Ohio State a 57-51 lead with 10:04 left. Royal's fourth foul forced him to the bench with 9:44 left. Virginia's Thomas hit a three, and Mallory went baseline for a one-hander, tying the game at 59-59. Ohio State called timeout with 6:50 left.
Virginia took the lead on a second-chance basket by Onyenso, making it 61-59. Ohio State tied it at 61-61, but Virginia's Mallory scored on a drive, taking a 63-61 lead with 4:43 left. The game then entered a stagnant phase with turnovers and missed shots. With 1:42 left, Chatman fouled Mallory, but missed the front end of a one-and-one, and Royal rebounded. Royal lost the ball, and Virginia's Dallin Hall scored a layup, putting Virginia up 65-61 with 1:02 left.
Ohio State's Bynum hit a three, cutting the deficit to 66-64 with 40 seconds left. Virginia's Lewis was fouled and hit two free throws, making it 67-64. Thornton attempted a shot in the lane but was swatted by Virginia's Onyenso. With 12 seconds left, Virginia's Lewis was fouled and hit two free throws, extending their lead to 69-64. Ohio State's Tilly scored a jam, cutting the deficit to 69-66 with six seconds left. Virginia's Mallory was fouled and hit two free throws, capping the game.
Despite the loss, Ohio State will return home to host Wisconsin on Tuesday night. The game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. Eastern and will be televised by Fox Sports 1. Wisconsin, with a 18-7 overall record and 10-4 in Big Ten play, will look to avenge their earlier loss to Ohio State. The teams last met on January 31 in Madison, with Wisconsin emerging victorious 92-82.
