Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s resilience was on full display in a critical late-season matchup, as the Buckeyes fought off Nebraska in a double-overtime thriller, securing a dramatic 116-114 victory. This win bolstered their NCAA Tournament hopes and capped off an unforgettable Senior Night at Value City Arena.
Coming off a must-win battle at USC, Ohio State once again found itself in a high-pressure contest. The Buckeyes led Nebraska for over 38 minutes in regulation, but the Huskers persistently clawed back, forcing overtime and then double overtime in one of the wildest college basketball games of the season. Despite Nebraska’s relentless efforts, the Buckeyes held their ground.
A well-balanced team effort propelled Ohio State (17-13, 9-10 Big Ten) to victory, with five players scoring in double figures before regulation ended. Bruce Thornton led the charge with 29 points and nine assists, followed by Micah Parrish and Devin Royal, who each contributed 22 points. John Mobley Jr. added 20, and Sean Stewart chipped in 13. Nebraska’s Brice Williams was nearly unstoppable, pouring in 43 points, while Juwan Gary and Connor Essegian added 24 and 16, respectively. However, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Buckeyes’ determined play.
The game started with Thornton displaying his unwavering drive, eager to push Ohio State into tournament contention after falling short in previous seasons. He came out firing, connecting on his first three shots, including a pair of floaters that fueled an early 9-2 Buckeyes run. With key contributions from Aaron Bradshaw and Mobley, Ohio State built a 19-8 lead. Nebraska responded with a quick five-point swing, but Ohio State maintained its advantage thanks to timely baskets from Mobley and Parrish. As halftime approached, the Buckeyes’ lead appeared to dwindle, but Mobley’s deep three-pointer at the buzzer sent them into the locker room with a 45-39 advantage.
The second half saw Nebraska storm back, taking its first lead less than three minutes in as Williams and Gary caught fire. The lead shifted hands multiple times before Ohio State mounted a crucial 12-2 run, highlighted by Stewart’s return after early foul trouble and a strong inside effort from Royal. A flurry of fast-paced exchanges kept the game close, with the Buckeyes holding an 83-76 lead with under three minutes to play. But Nebraska, refusing to fold, clawed back once again. A critical sequence in the final minute saw Mobley split a pair of free throws to give Ohio State a one-point lead, but Williams drew a foul on the ensuing possession, sending the game into overtime at 89-89.
Williams continued his offensive onslaught in overtime, putting Nebraska ahead 94-89 with a quick five-point burst. Thornton and Parrish answered with clutch three-pointers, setting up a dramatic finish. With 15 seconds left, Royal drew a foul and split his free throws, and Nebraska’s final shot missed the mark, extending the battle into double overtime. The second extra period saw Ohio State take control behind Thornton’s relentless scoring and Parrish’s sharpshooting. A critical three-pointer from Thornton pushed the Buckeyes ahead 107-103, and another from Parrish put Nebraska on the brink. Strong defense and efficient free-throw shooting down the stretch finally secured the victory.
Ohio State now turns its attention to another crucial road test against Indiana on Saturday, a matchup that will have significant implications for both the NCAA and Big Ten Tournaments. Tuesday marked Senior Night, with Ques Glover and Kalen Etzler honored before the game. Micah Parrish, a transfer from San Diego State, opted not to participate after being recognized by his former team last year. Both Ohio State and Nebraska entered the night as projected 11-seeds in the NCAA Tournament, per Bracket Matrix projections. Nebraska had three players foul out: Rollie Worster, Sam Hoiberg, and Berke Buyuktuncel. Stewart fouled out for Ohio State. Nebraska’s 114 points were the most allowed by Ohio State since Indiana scored 122 in 1959. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes’ 116 points were their highest total since scoring 121 against George Mason in 1995. With momentum on their side, the Buckeyes will look to carry this energy into their final regular-season contest, knowing that every possession from here on out could determine their postseason fate.
