Ohio State Advances to NCAA Second Round with 71-51 Win vs. Montana State

The Ohio State Buckeyes secured a commanding victory over Montana State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a 71-51 win. The game, which took place in a packed arena, saw Ohio State showcase both defensive and offensive prowess, earning them a spot in the second round. This victory marks another step in their quest for a national championship, and it demonstrated the team’s depth, cohesion, and ability to execute under tournament pressure. Here’s a breakdown of how the Buckeyes secured their dominant win.

Pre-Game Expectations

Heading into the game, Ohio State was the higher seed and favored to advance. Montana State, while a solid team in its own right, faced an uphill battle against a team with the pedigree and talent of the Buckeyes. Ohio State had performed well throughout the season, finishing with a strong record in the Big Ten and consistently proving themselves against tough competition. On the other hand, Montana State, which had enjoyed a successful run in the Big Sky Conference, earned their spot in the tournament with a stellar performance in their conference championship game. They were excited for the opportunity to test themselves against one of the country’s top programs but knew that an upset would require them to play near-perfect basketball.

Ohio State’s game plan was clear: control the tempo, dominate on both ends of the floor, and rely on their experienced players to carry them through. Montana State, led by their senior guard, knew that their best chance of success would be to disrupt Ohio State’s offensive flow and keep the game within striking distance.

First Half: Ohio State’s Defensive Dominance

From the tip-off, it was clear that Ohio State was not going to take the game lightly. They started with an intense defensive approach, with the guards applying full-court pressure and the forwards controlling the paint. The Buckeyes quickly forced turnovers and limited Montana State’s offensive options. The Bobcats struggled to find their rhythm, as Ohio State’s defense was smothering, both on the perimeter and in the interior.

Ohio State’s defense not only created turnovers but also led to fast-break opportunities. The Buckeyes, known for their athleticism, capitalized on these chances, moving the ball quickly up the court and converting easy layups. This helped them build an early lead, with the score quickly ballooning to 10-2 in the opening minutes.

Montana State showed flashes of resilience and tried to adjust by switching up their offense. However, they couldn’t break through Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes’ ability to contest every shot, close out on shooters, and protect the rim was evident, as the Bobcats were unable to generate quality looks.

Offensively, Ohio State didn’t rely solely on one player to carry the load. Instead, they played a balanced attack, with multiple players contributing. Star guard and future NBA prospect, EJ Liddell, had an early impact. Liddell’s versatility was on full display as he hit mid-range jumpers, grabbed key rebounds, and blocked shots. His presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively, set the tone for the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes also benefitted from the outside shooting of Malaki Branham. The freshman guard had been a revelation for Ohio State throughout the season and didn’t disappoint in this game. Branham hit a couple of early three-pointers that helped extend the Buckeyes’ lead to double digits. Montana State had no answer for Ohio State’s shooting, as the Buckeyes shot an efficient percentage from the field in the first half.

By the end of the first half, Ohio State had built a comfortable lead. They held Montana State to just 24 points in the first 20 minutes, showcasing their defensive capabilities. The halftime score was 35-24 in favor of the Buckeyes.

Montana State’s Struggles and Resilience

Montana State’s offense was stifled by Ohio State’s defense in the first half, but the Bobcats didn’t give up. They knew they had to make adjustments if they were going to mount a comeback in the second half. Head coach Danny Sprinkle made a concerted effort to get his team back into the game, emphasizing the need for better ball movement and creating open shots for their best players.

One of Montana State’s key contributors, Jubrile Belo, had a quiet first half, and the Bobcats needed him to step up in the second. Belo, who had been a dominant force throughout the season, struggled against Ohio State’s size and athleticism. In the second half, he was more aggressive, driving to the basket and drawing fouls. However, the Buckeyes’ interior defense was still too much for him, as they made sure to contest every shot at the rim.

The Bobcats also tried to get more out of their bench, but Ohio State’s depth and defensive intensity were overwhelming. Riley Searle, a role player for Montana State, hit a few timely shots, but it wasn’t enough to narrow the gap significantly. Montana State also struggled with turnovers, which allowed Ohio State to continue to build on their lead.

Second Half: Ohio State’s Offensive Efficiency

As the second half unfolded, it became apparent that Ohio State’s superior talent and depth were going to be too much for Montana State to handle. The Buckeyes continued to apply pressure on defense, and their offense ran smoothly. The ball movement was crisp, and their spacing on the floor allowed for easy baskets both inside and outside the arc.

One of the defining moments of the second half came early when Liddell took over for a stretch. He scored seven consecutive points for Ohio State, showcasing his ability to score from the post, hit a jumper, and convert free throws. Liddell’s all-around game kept Montana State at bay, as the Bobcats’ defense could not keep up with the Buckeyes’ dynamic scoring.

Branham also continued to shine, hitting another pair of three-pointers that pushed the lead even further. His offensive versatility made it difficult for Montana State to match up with him, as he could create his own shot or spot up for the three. Branham’s maturity for a freshman was evident, and his poise on the big stage made a significant impact on the game.

Ohio State’s depth was also on display as players like Zed Key and Kyle Young contributed both offensively and defensively. Key had a few key offensive rebounds and putbacks, while Young was instrumental in keeping Montana State from getting any second-chance opportunities.

By the 10-minute mark of the second half, Ohio State’s lead had grown to over 20 points, and the game was well in hand. Montana State continued to fight, but it became increasingly clear that their hopes of an upset were dwindling with each passing minute. Despite their best efforts, they couldn’t keep up with the firepower of the Buckeyes.

Key Takeaways from Ohio State’s Win

1. Defensive Dominance: Ohio State’s defense was the primary reason for their success. They held Montana State to just 51 points, a testament to their ability to disrupt the Bobcats’ offensive flow. The Buckeyes’ defensive rotations, contesting shots, and limiting second-chance opportunities kept Montana State from ever getting into a rhythm.
2. Balanced Scoring Attack: Ohio State didn’t rely on one player to carry the load. Liddell and Branham led the charge, but the Buckeyes had contributions from all over the floor. The team’s ability to spread the scoring around made them difficult to defend.
3. Rebounding and Transition Play: Ohio State’s ability to control the boards and get out in transition played a pivotal role in their victory. Their fast-break points were a direct result of defensive stops and rebounds, which allowed them to quickly turn defense into offense.
4. Big Game Experience: Ohio State’s experience in high-pressure games helped them handle the pressure of the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes’ poise on both ends of the floor was evident, and they played with the confidence of a team that has been here before.

Looking Ahead: Ohio State’s Path Forward

With this victory, Ohio State advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face a much tougher challenge. As the tournament progresses, the Buckeyes will need to maintain their defensive intensity and continue to play with the same offensive efficiency. Their next opponent will likely present a bigger challenge, but Ohio State has shown that they are more than capable of handling tournament pressure.

The win against Montana State is a great start, but the Buckeyes’ ultimate goal is to keep advancing and compete for a national title. If they continue to play like they did in this game—executing on both ends of the floor and using their depth and talent—they could very well make a deep run in this year’s tournament.

For Montana State, the tournament experience will undoubtedly be valuable for their young players, and they will look to build on this season’s success in the years to come. Despite the loss, the Bobcats can hold their heads high, knowing that they competed against one of the best teams in the country and gave it their all.

In the end, it was Ohio State’s balance, depth, and defensive pressure that led them to a 71-51 victory, and they move on to the next round with momentum on their side. The Buckeyes will look to continue their journey, with eyes firmly set on a deeper run into the NCAA Tournament.