Eric Boggs
Ohio State delivered a thrilling comeback victory over No. 18 Maryland in Value City Arena, showcasing resilience and determination in one of the most electrifying performances of the season. Bruce Thornton, the Buckeyes’ standout point guard, played all 40 minutes and cemented his place as the heart and soul of the team, leading Ohio State to a 73-70 victory with a career-defining performance.
From the opening tip, it looked as if the Buckeyes were destined for another rough night against the Terrapins, who had dominated their first meeting earlier in the season. Maryland stormed out to a 15-2 lead, silencing the Schottenstein Center crowd and putting Ohio State on its heels. Julian Reese and Rodney Rice were relentless, helping Maryland build a 17-point lead late in the first half. However, Thornton refused to let the game slip away, putting together a personal 8-0 run to cut into the deficit. His leadership and offensive prowess brought the Buckeyes within striking distance, trailing just 41-32 at halftime.
The second half was a different story entirely. Ohio State came out with renewed energy, fueled by a 6-0 run that immediately put them back in contention. The crowd erupted as Sean Stewart’s coast-to-coast layup made it 47-42, signaling that the Buckeyes were far from finished. The back-and-forth battle saw Ohio State chip away at Maryland’s lead, with Thornton and Ques Glover finding ways to attack the basket. Every time Maryland tried to pull away, the Buckeyes responded, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Trailing 61-50 with under seven minutes remaining, Thornton took complete control. His ability to navigate Maryland’s defense, finish tough shots, and find teammates kept Ohio State alive. His steal and ensuing trip to the free-throw line cut the deficit to one possession, and Devin Royal’s emphatic putback slam sent the arena into a frenzy. Micah Parrish continued to battle inside, finishing through contact to bring the Buckeyes within striking distance before Thornton delivered the shot of the night.
With two minutes left, Thornton pulled up from beyond the arc despite being double-teamed, drilling a right-wing three-pointer that gave Ohio State its first lead of the game. Value City Arena exploded as the Buckeyes completed their improbable rally. Maryland briefly reclaimed the advantage on free throws, but Thornton wasn’t finished. His aggressive drive resulted in a goaltending call, putting Ohio State back in front. Maryland’s Rice tied the game once more, setting the stage for a moment that will be remembered by Buckeye fans for years to come.
With under eight seconds remaining, Thornton dribbled down the clock, crossed over his defender, and launched a deep three-pointer. The ball banked in, sending Ohio State to victory and securing one of the most satisfying wins of the season. His 31-point performance, including 21 in the second half, exemplified the grit and determination of a team that simply refused to lose.
Ohio State’s victory not only showcased their growth throughout the season but also sent a clear message to the rest of the Big Ten. The Buckeyes, once left for dead in their first meeting with Maryland, proved they are a different team now—one capable of taking down ranked opponents and battling through adversity. Head coach Jake Diebler praised the team’s resilience, emphasizing their toughness and unity in pulling off the comeback.
The Buckeyes now turn their attention to a road matchup against Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena, looking to build on this momentum. As the Big Ten race heats up, Ohio State’s determination and fight will make them a dangerous opponent down the stretch.
