Indiana's second-half rally extends Ohio State's skid
Feb 6, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Payton Sparks (24) controls the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Zed Key (23) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. credits: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports Anthony Leal's only shot of the game, a 3-pointer, put Indiana ahead to stay with 22 seconds remaining as the Hoosiers erased an 18-point, second half deficit to stun spiraling Ohio State 76-73 in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday.
Leal made it 74-73 before Jamison Battle lost the ball as the Buckeyes were angling for the final shot. Kel'el Ware got the loose ball and attempted a layup for the Hoosiers (14-9, 6-6 Big Ten) but missed. Leal was fouled going for the rebound.
He made both free throws for a three-point lead, and Ohio State's Bruce Thornton missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer. The Buckeyes (13-10, 3-9) have lost five straight and eight of nine.
Malik Reneau had 26 points and 14 rebounds while Trey Galloway scored 25 points for the Hoosiers.
Roddy Gayle Jr. and Battle each scored 19 for the Buckeyes, who got 11 points from Thornton.
Ohio State was ahead by 49-31 with 17:39 left before Indiana methodically chipped away. The Hoosiers pulled within 67-66 on a 3-pointer from Galloway with 4:15 remaining, capping a 10-0 run.
Indiana went up 70-69 with 2:46 remaining on a drive down the middle of the lane by Ware, giving the Hoosiers their first lead since 8-6. Leal followed with a free throw for a 71-69 lead before Battle scored in the paint to tie it 71-71 with 1:40 to go.
Battle made a pair of free throws with 37 seconds left after being fouled by Mackenzie Mgbako, who became the fourth Indiana player with four fouls.
The Hoosiers were without guard Xavier Johnson for a second straight game due to an elbow injury. He averages 8.3 points and 2.2 rebounds.
Ohio State led 42-29 at the half.
After a slow start, the Buckeyes found their touch and went on a 12-2 stretch for a 25-15 lead. They extended the advantage to 33-20 by making five shots in a row, capped by Battle's basket in the lane and Evan Mahaffey's steal and short jumper.
—Field Level Media
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