Ohio State Basketball’s 3-Point Shooting Leads to Dominant Victory vs. Purdue
In a thrilling and decisive game that showcased the potency of Ohio State’s offense, the Buckeyes delivered a dominant victory against Purdue, proving their prowess from beyond the arc. The victory not only strengthened Ohio State’s position in the Big Ten standings but also sent a statement to the rest of the league: they are a serious contender this season. With remarkable shooting performance from beyond the three-point line, the Buckeyes sealed the win with a high-scoring, all-around effort that saw them run past the Boilermakers.
From the opening tip, Ohio State demonstrated they were ready to execute a game plan built around perimeter shooting. Against a Purdue team that prides itself on its inside presence and strong defense, Ohio State’s ability to spread the floor with consistent and efficient shooting from deep was the key to their success. The final score, 87-66, showed the overwhelming dominance the Buckeyes had throughout the game, especially from the three-point line.
The Rise of Ohio State’s Three-Point Attack
The Buckeyes’ offensive strategy was clear from the beginning: space the floor, create open looks for their sharpshooters, and take advantage of Purdue’s defensive focus on the paint. Head coach Chris Holtmann, known for his emphasis on spacing and ball movement, orchestrated a game plan that capitalized on the team’s strengths, particularly the shooting ability of key players.
Ohio State’s shooting guard, Justice Sueing, led the charge with a scorching 5-of-7 performance from beyond the arc, finishing with a team-high 22 points. Sueing, whose steady shooting has become a hallmark of his play this season, was a constant threat, hitting crucial threes in both the first and second halves. His ability to stretch the defense opened up lanes for his teammates and forced Purdue’s defense to stretch thinner than it would have liked.
The Buckeyes also received contributions from other players, most notably point guard Bruce Thornton, who connected on four 3-pointers of his own, and forward Brice Sensabaugh, who added two. Thornton’s court vision and ability to create opportunities on the perimeter allowed him to not only score but also set up teammates for open looks. Sensabaugh’s scoring was pivotal in maintaining the momentum as he chipped in with a double-digit scoring performance, making several key three-pointers at crucial moments in the game.
Collectively, Ohio State shot 16-of-26 from three-point range, an astonishing 61.5%, a performance that highlighted their efficiency from the perimeter. For Purdue, which typically excels in defending the paint, the inability to contest these outside shots was a significant factor in their inability to keep pace with the Buckeyes.
Purdue’s Defensive Struggles
Coming into the game, Purdue was known for its imposing presence in the paint, led by 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey. The Boilermakers’ defense generally centers around their ability to protect the rim and defend against post-ups and inside play. However, Ohio State’s red-hot shooting from the outside exposed weaknesses in Purdue’s defense that weren’t often exploited in prior games.
Edey, who usually dominates on both ends of the court, found himself less impactful in this matchup. Though he scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, his influence was diminished because the Boilermakers could not establish a rhythm offensively. With Ohio State spreading the floor and forcing the Purdue defense to extend out, Edey wasn’t able to anchor his team’s defense in the same way he had done so many times in the past. Purdue struggled to adjust to the high number of three-point attempts that the Buckeyes launched, leaving them unable to close the gap.
Additionally, Purdue’s perimeter defenders had difficulty keeping up with the speed and shooting ability of Ohio State’s guards. The Boilermakers allowed too many open looks, and even when they did contest shots, the Buckeyes seemed poised to knock them down with regularity. Purdue head coach Matt Painter acknowledged after the game that his team had been outplayed, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. “We didn’t do a good job contesting shots and weren’t able to stop the ball movement. Ohio State deserves credit for executing their offense at a high level,” Painter said.
Key Moments in the Game
The defining moment of the game came early in the second half. After a strong first-half performance that saw Ohio State lead by 10 points, Purdue looked to make a run and close the gap. Edey had a series of strong post moves that led to a quick 6-0 run, and Purdue’s defense began to show some signs of life. However, Ohio State quickly responded with an explosive barrage of three-pointers that effectively extinguished any hope of a Boilermakers comeback.
At one point in the second half, Ohio State hit five consecutive three-pointers, with Justice Sueing and Bruce Thornton playing a critical role in the outburst. This surge pushed the Buckeyes’ lead to 20 points, and Purdue never recovered from the onslaught. Ohio State’s perimeter shooting proved to be too much for the Boilermakers, who had no answers for the hot shooting streak that saw the Buckeyes shoot over 60% from beyond the arc for much of the game.
The Buckeyes’ ball movement was also exceptional, with 22 assists on 29 made field goals. Each of their 16 three-pointers came as a result of good ball movement, spacing, and trust in their teammates. This unselfish play was another hallmark of their victory, as it allowed Ohio State to continue finding open looks as Purdue scrambled to adjust.
Ohio State’s Defensive Effort
While the offensive display was certainly the headline of the game, Ohio State’s defense also played a key role in the victory. The Buckeyes were able to limit Purdue’s offense by forcing the Boilermakers into uncomfortable situations. They held Purdue to just 66 points, well below their season average, and limited their shooting to 39% from the field.
Ohio State’s defense was especially effective in the paint, where they did an excellent job of neutralizing Zach Edey. While Edey had his moments, Ohio State’s defenders swarmed him when he received the ball in the low post, often forcing him to pass out to less dangerous shooters. Purdue’s perimeter shooting was not enough to keep them competitive, with the Boilermakers shooting just 4-of-17 (23.5%) from three-point range.
The Buckeyes’ ability to contest shots and limit second-chance opportunities for Purdue also kept them on the front foot. The Boilermakers are known for their offensive rebounding prowess, but Ohio State was relentless in boxing out and securing the boards. In fact, Ohio State outrebounded Purdue 38-32, an impressive feat against a team that boasts one of the best big men in college basketball.
Looking Ahead: What This Win Means for Ohio State
This dominant win over Purdue is a significant confidence booster for Ohio State. The team has been steadily improving over the course of the season, and this game was a clear demonstration of their potential. Their shooting from deep is one of their strongest assets, and if they can continue to execute in this fashion, they will be a formidable opponent for anyone in the Big Ten and beyond.
Coach Chris Holtmann was pleased with his team’s performance but emphasized the need for consistency. “We’ve shown we can compete at a high level when we’re firing on all cylinders. But it’s about maintaining this intensity and focus. We need to be more disciplined in our approach, but tonight was a great step forward for us,” Holtmann said.
As the season progresses, Ohio State will need to prove that this victory wasn’t just a one-off performance. However, this win over Purdue has shown that they can compete with the best of the Big Ten and beyond. With an offense capable of hitting shots from anywhere on the floor, combined with a defense that has the potential to shut down star players, the Buckeyes are a team that will be a tough out for any opponent.
For Purdue, this loss serves as a reminder that their defense must evolve if they are to remain at the top of the Big Ten. They have the talent, especially in Edey, to bounce back, but they will need to address their issues on the perimeter and tighten up defensively in future matchups.
Conclusion
In the end, Ohio State’s 87-66 victory over Purdue was a showcase of what the team can do when everything clicks. Their three-point shooting was the focal point, and it led to one of their most impressive wins of the season. As they continue to build momentum, this win will be remembered as a key moment in their campaign, not just for its margin, but for the message it sent: Ohio State is a force to be reckoned with.