It took an overtime to do it but the Buckeyes came from behind at the half to put an end to Purdue’s Big Ten Championship dreams. If ever there was a game Matta’s boys needed to win, this was it. A loss to the Boilermakers and the tournament dreams would have been about dead. However, with a win over the #15 team, the Buckeyes place themselves firmly on the tournament bubble. A win over Michigan State would pretty much secure the spot.
Aside from tournament hopes, there was a lot on the line tonight. Purdue hasn’t won a game in Columbus since 1998 and have never won a game in the Schott. The game also brings an end to a painful four-game losing streak for the Buckeyes. Coach Matta has never lost five in a row with the Buckeyes.
Purdue wrapped up the first half with a four-point play to take the lead. Any momentum was killed as the game was delayed for almost 20 minutes due to a problem with the shot clocks. By the time the game got back underway, the Buckeyes recovered quick, exchanging leads but trailing Purdue for most of the second half.
Toward the end of the second half, OSU stymied Purdue forcing three consecutive turnovers. After forcing Purdue to use their last time out on the baseline, the Buckeyes recovered the ball with the score tied and the shot clock turned off. They failed to convert forcing overtime.
Getting more than a little help from the crowd, the lead changed back and forth until finally, the Buckeyes got on top to hold on for the win, 80-77.
The Buckeyes will have a chance to prove that this wasn’t just a flash in the pan as they take on Michigan State Sunday to wrap up the regular season. A win over the Spartans would probably put a look at an at large position in the NCAA Tourney. After seeing what the Spartans did to Indiana however, it looks like the Buckeyes have their work cut out for them.
