Thornton's bucket, Key's block lift Ohio State to 79-75 win against Maryland in 2OT

Updated: Feb 11, 2024, 12:26 am

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- — Bruce Thornton made the go-ahead layup, Zed Key came up with a huge blocked shot and Ohio State outlasted Maryland 79-75 in double overtime on Saturday.

Thornton's layup with 1:11 left in the second extra period matched the Buckeyes' biggest lead of the game to that point, 77-75. His steal on Maryland's ensuing possession set up the Buckeyes for a potential two-possession lead but Jamison Battle missed a jumper. Maryland rebounded and called timeout with 15 seconds left.

The Terrapins worked the ball to Donta Scott who drove the lane, only to be met by Key at the right side of the basket. Key's block led to a breakaway dunk by Roddy Gayle Jr. to cap off the come-from-behind win.

Thornton finished with 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Gayle added 17 points for the Buckeyes (14-10, 4-9 Big Ten).

Jahmir Young had 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists for Maryland (13-11, 5-8). Scott had 19 points and seven rebounds, and Julian Reese had 13 points and 13 rebounds.

It was Thornton who scored last in both regulation and the first overtime period. His 3-pointer with 1:03 left in regulation tied it at 61 and his layup with 1:05 left in overtime tied the score at 71. In both periods, a Maryland player went 0-for-2 from the free-throw line in the final minute — Scott in regulation and Reese in overtime.

Ohio State reached overtime despite trailing for 33 minutes and having a largest lead of one point.

There were 13 lead changes and the game was tied 10 times in the 50-minute game. Maryland led for 36 1/2 minutes; Ohio State for 5 minutes.

It was Maryland's 11th game decided by six points or fewer, with a record of 3-8 in those games.

Ohio State takes on two ranked opponents in the upcoming week, at No. 11 Wisconsin on Tuesday and at home against No. 2 Purdue on Sunday.

Maryland has two home games: Iowa on Wednesday and No. 10 Illinois on Saturday.

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