Ohio State Upsets No. 2 Purdue Under New Interim Coach
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events, Ohio State claimed a 73-69 victory over the No. 2-ranked Purdue Boilermakers on Sunday. The upset came in the midst of Ohio State's recent coaching change, with Chris Holtmann being fired and replaced by interim coach Jake Diebler.
Ohio State's defense played a key role in the win, as they managed to fluster Purdue's standout player Zach Edey, forcing 13 turnovers while committing just six themselves. The Buckeyes took advantage of these turnovers, converting them into crucial points. Additionally, Ohio State limited Purdue's usually potent perimeter offense to just nine points from beyond the arc.
Despite Edey's impressive performance with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks, Purdue struggled to overcome their limited long-distance shooting and turnover issues. Ultimately, Ohio State's strong defensive efforts, led by players like Bruce Thornton and Jamison Battle, propelled them to the upset victory.
The win marked Jake Diebler's first game as the interim coach of Ohio State, following Holtmann's departure after a challenging season. The victory over Purdue gives the Buckeyes a much-needed boost as they look to finish the season on a high note.
Ohio State's upset win over Purdue serves as a statement victory and a testament to their resilience under new leadership. As they continue to navigate the remainder of the season, the Buckeyes will look to build upon this momentum and make a push towards a successful finish in the Big Ten.