Eric Boggs
In a heart-wrenching showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Ohio State Buckeyes suffered a devastating defeat against the Georgia Bulldogs in the third round of the NIT tournament. The final scoreline of 79-77 in favor of the Bulldogs marked the end of the road for the #2 seed Buckeyes, concluding their season on a bitter note.
Throughout the game, both teams grappled with inconsistent offense and struggles in ball handling, making for a tense and unpredictable contest. The first half showcased a neck-and-neck battle, with the Bulldogs edging ahead 36-35 as they headed into halftime.
However, it was in the second half where the Bulldogs truly ignited, surging to a commanding 12-point lead early on, putting the Buckeyes on the defensive. Yet, displaying an ability to adjust in game under new head coach Jake Diebler, Ohio State orchestrated a remarkable 17-point run late in the game, propelling them into a six-point lead.
Just when it seemed the Buckeyes might secure a miraculous comeback victory, the Bulldogs swiftly retaliated with back-to-back three-pointers, erasing Ohio State’s lead in the blink of an eye. The see-saw battle intensified, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final moments.
Ultimately, it was a missed three-pointer by the Buckeyes in the dying seconds that sealed their fate, denying them a coveted spot in the NIT Final Four. Despite a valiant effort, Ohio State fell short, unable to overcome the Bulldogs’ relentless offensive onslaught.
Leading the charge for the Buckeyes was Jamison Battle, whose stellar performance netted him 22 points, but it was the three he missed at the buzzer that will haunt him. Joining him in double figures were Bruce Thornton with 13 points, Felix Okpara with 12, and Roddy Gayle Jr., contributing 11 points to the team’s effort.
As the final buzzer sounded, disappointment swept through the Buckeyes’ camp, bringing an end to their magical late season run and dashing their hopes of winning the NIT. Though the journey may have concluded sooner than desired, the Buckeyes undoubtedly showcased what could have been, and what could be to come under the leadership of Diebler.
