In a gritty performance, Ohio State overcame a choppy second half to secure an 81-73 victory over Virginia Tech and advance to the quarterfinals of the NIT tournament. Despite shooting struggles, the Buckeyes relied on their free throw shooting to seal the win.

The game was marred by a total of 32 fouls, with 13 called against Ohio State and 19 against Virginia Tech. The Buckeyes maintained their composure and leaned on their collective toughness to weather the fouls and extend their lead.

With a 90.6% success rate at the free-throw line, Ohio State's 29-of-32 mark proved crucial in navigating the choppy second half. Although they shot just 31% from the field and 12.5% from beyond the arc, the Buckeyes managed to hold on to a 10-point halftime lead and secure the victory.

Defense played a vital role in Ohio State's success, as they forced eight second-half turnovers. Despite facing four consecutive fouls in a 63-second sequence, the team's next-play mentality and focus allowed them to persevere.

Senior forward Jamison Battle was a standout performer for the Buckeyes, scoring a game-high 21 points and converting 17-of-18 free throws. Battle's growth in drawing fouls and his ability to capitalize at the charity stripe proved to be a significant asset for Ohio State.

Despite struggling with his three-point shooting, Battle remained locked in and contributed with a team-high 10 rebounds. The Buckeyes as a team went 26-of-28 on free throws in the second half, including a clutch 7-of-8 in the final minute of the game.

Looking ahead, Ohio State now sets their sights on the NIT quarterfinals. Their opponent will be determined by the outcome of the matchup between first-seeded Wake Forest and fourth-seeded Georgia on Sunday at 4 p.m. The Buckeyes remain confident in their ability to compete and are determined to continue their postseason run.

Coach Jake Diebler expressed pride in his team's accomplishments, recognizing that they have earned the right to be one of the select few teams still playing college basketball. While the disappointment of missing out on the NCAA Tournament lingers, the Buckeyes are thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to play together and compete at a high level.

Ohio State's quarterfinal matchup is scheduled for Tuesday night at 7 p.m. and will be broadcasted on ESPN. As the tournament progresses, the Buckeyes remain focused and determined to make their mark in the NIT.