Men’s Basketball: No. 22 Ohio State survives with 80-69 overtime win against Indiana
Freshman guard Malaki Branham scored 27 points in Ohio State’s thrilling 80-69 overtime victory over Indiana Monday.
Freshman guard Malaki Branham scored 27 points in Ohio State’s thrilling 80-69 overtime victory over Indiana Monday.
Ohio State (20-18) had no easy task in the nightcap against Indiana (24-16), who entered play with the best pitching staff in the conference. They rebounded in the hour-and-a-half break between games, winning Game 2’s pitcher’s duel 3-1 behind junior right-hander Garrett Burhenn’s brilliance.
The next stop on Ohio State’s rollercoaster ride of a season is in a three-team pod in Bloomington, Indiana, against familiar foes in No. 21 Indiana and Nebraska — who it has already faced this season.
The midway point of the Big Ten softball season has come, and the Buckeyes have a favorable outlook to rise from their current sitting in the middle of the conference standings.
Ohio State (12-7) overcame some costly mistakes early to win the series finale against Indiana (11-7) 4-3 Sunday on Dezenzo’s walk-off single to sweep the four-game set and move into third in the Big Ten.
Ohio State (11-7) swept Indiana (11-6) in the two-game set Saturday, getting contributions from the offense, the pitching staff and a few gifts from Indiana’s poor defensive play. Similar to Friday, the Buckeyes struck first and buried the Hoosiers in each of the two matchups.
The Buckeyes entered play Friday coming off an up-and-down series against Iowa and Maryland, but rose to the occasion against the conference leaders.
The Buckeyes look to string together some wins, which is primed to be a tall task as the Hooisers boast the best pitching staff and second-best offense in the conference.
The Buckeyes reigned victorious over the Hoosiers as rain poured in the second half in Columbus.
After a streak of draws, Ohio State won 2-1 over Illinois Sunday and is looking to keep the momentum alive against Indiana Thursday.