Ohio State Blows 18-Point Lead In Loss to Indiana
How much deeper can the hole get for the Ohio State Buckeyes?
The Buckeyes fell to the Indiana Hoosiers 76-73 at Value City Arena on Tuesday night in a loss that marked their eighth in the last nine games.
Despite leading by 13 points entering halftime, which inflated to 18 points in the minute following the break, Ohio State could not pull out the win. The Buckeyes are now just 3-9 against Big Ten Conference opponents this season.
Fifth-year forward Jamison Battle and sophomore guard Roddy Gayle Jr. each recorded 19 points in the contest, leading the way for the Buckeyes in the scoring department. Sophomore guard Bruce Thornton was the only other Ohio State player to score in double figures, ending the game with 11 points.
Ohio State got off to a hot start in the first half, shooting 50 percent from the floor (14-for-28) and 33 percent from behind the three-point line (two-for-six). Things began to come undone in the second period however, as the Buckeyes dropped to 32 percent and 27 percent in those categories, respectively.
One of the few high points for Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann was that his squad once again found their touch at the free-throw line. The Buckeyes posted one of their best clips of the season at the charity stripe, converting just shy of 89 percent (24-for-27).
Indiana freshman guard and Ohio native Gabe Cupps scored two points while shooting one-for-three from the floor over his almost 26 minutes of playing time against the Buckeyes.
Ohio State will once again look to defend their home court on Saturday, when the Maryland Terrapins come to town. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 4 p.m. eastern on FS1.
