In a thrilling showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, No. 15 Virginia staged a dramatic comeback in the final 10 minutes to edge out Ohio State 70-66, proving once again that basketball is a game of two halves. But here's where it gets controversial: Was it Virginia's resilience or Ohio State's late-game fumbles that decided the outcome? Let’s dive into the action and let you be the judge.
The first half was a tug-of-war, ending in a 37-37 deadlock. Ohio State burst out of the gates, racing to leads of 12-4 and 17-6 behind hot shooting from Bynum and Thornton. Bynum’s three-pointer, Chatman’s jumpers, and Thornton’s fast-break heroics set the tone early. Virginia, however, refused to stay down, answering with a 9-0 run capped by Thijs De Ridder’s three-point play to narrow the gap to 17-15. The half saw both teams trading blows, with OSU’s Tilly and Virginia’s Mallory trading threes in a back-and-forth battle.
But this is the part most people miss: Virginia’s bench depth and rebounding dominance (21-12 in the first half) laid the foundation for their late surge. Nine different Cavaliers scored in the first half, compared to OSU’s more concentrated effort. Despite OSU’s 45% shooting and Virginia’s 44%, the Cavaliers’ balanced attack kept them within striking distance.
The second half opened with OSU’s Thornton hitting two quick jumpers to extend the lead to 41-37. Yet, Virginia’s Lewis and Thomas responded with free throws and a three, reclaiming the lead at 42-41. The game remained tight, with Thornton’s stepback three giving OSU a 57-51 cushion. Here’s where opinions might clash: Did Thornton’s heroics overshadow Virginia’s strategic adjustments, or did the Cavaliers simply outlast the Buckeyes?
With 9:44 left, OSU’s Royal picked up his fourth foul, forcing him to the bench. Virginia capitalized, with Thomas hitting a corner three and Mallory tying the game at 59-59. The Cavaliers then took control with Onyenso’s second-chance basket and Mallory’s drive, leading 63-61 with 4:43 remaining. A three-minute scoring drought followed, punctuated by turnovers and missed opportunities.
The final minute was a rollercoaster. Virginia’s Dallin Hall scooped up a loose ball for a layup, extending the lead to 65-61. Bynum’s three cut it to 66-64, but Virginia’s Lewis and Onyenso sealed the deal with clutch free throws and a game-saving block. OSU’s Tilly slammed home a late dunk, but it wasn’t enough.
So, what do you think? Was Virginia’s victory a testament to their depth and resilience, or did Ohio State let this one slip away? Let us know in the comments!
Looking ahead, Ohio State returns home to face Wisconsin on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. The Badgers, fresh off a win over Michigan State, hold a 18-7 record and a 10-4 Big Ten standing. Wisconsin also boasts a 92-82 victory over OSU earlier this season, setting the stage for another must-watch matchup.
