Buckeyes shock No. 2 Purdue, 73-69, in Jake Diebler’s first game at the helm
COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — In Ohio State’s first game since firing head coach Chris Holtmann , the Buckeyes pulled off a massive upset, defeating No. 2 Purdue, 73-69.
Jamison Battle energized the offense with timely three-pointers that gave the Buckeyes a double-digit lead in the second half while Bruce Thornton led Ohio State (15-11, 5-10 Big Ten) with 22 points. The win marked OSU’s second consecutive at home and second in three games.
Fans stormed the court at the Schottenstein Center after the final buzzer while a visibly emotional Jake Diebler secured his first win as interim head coach.
The Buckeyes led going into the half 35-30, with Battle going 3 for 5 on the threes and helping Ohio State finish 7 for 21 from downtown. Battle finished with 19.