Brice Williams pumped in 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Nebraska came from eight points down to defeat Ohio State 79-71.
Nebraska pulled off a thrilling second-half comeback to defeat Ohio State 79-71, powered by an impressive double-double performance from Juwan Gary Williams. The win marked a significant Big Ten victory for the Cornhuskers, who showcased resilience and tenacity on both ends of the court, especially after trailing at halftime.
First Half: Ohio State Dominates Early
The Buckeyes started the game strong, capitalizing on Nebraska’s early shooting struggles and defensive lapses. Bruce Thornton led Ohio State in the first half, orchestrating the offense with precision while contributing key points. Alongside him, Jamison Battle was a force from the perimeter, knocking down several three-pointers that widened the gap. By halftime, Ohio State held a solid 41-33 lead, appearing in control and confident.
Defensively, the Buckeyes stifled Nebraska’s attempts to find rhythm. Their aggressive perimeter defense forced the Cornhuskers into tough, contested shots, and they limited second-chance opportunities by controlling the boards. Ohio State’s fast-break offense also caused problems, converting turnovers into easy points in transition.
Second Half: Nebraska’s Adjustments Spark a Turnaround
Coming out of the locker room, Nebraska made noticeable adjustments both offensively and defensively. Head coach Fred Hoiberg emphasized a more aggressive defensive approach, focusing on disrupting Ohio State’s ball movement and closing out on shooters more effectively. This shift in strategy began to pay dividends as the Cornhuskers forced turnovers and limited the Buckeyes’ offensive flow.
The catalyst for Nebraska’s comeback was Williams, who delivered a dominant performance on both ends of the floor. Williams finished the game with 24 points and 12 rebounds, securing his double-double and proving to be an unstoppable force in the paint. His energy on the boards and ability to convert second-chance points kept Nebraska within striking distance as the second half progressed.
In addition to Williams, Keisei Tominaga provided a spark from the perimeter. His clutch three-point shooting in the latter stages of the game helped swing momentum in Nebraska’s favor. Tominaga finished with 15 points, including three crucial shots from beyond the arc that energized both his teammates and the home crowd.
Momentum Shifts and Key Plays
Midway through the second half, Nebraska went on a 12-2 run, fueled by their defensive intensity and fast-break opportunities. A key turning point came with just under eight minutes left, when Williams grabbed an offensive rebound and converted a tough and-one layup, giving Nebraska their first lead since the opening minutes of the game. The Cornhuskers never looked back.
Ohio State, meanwhile, struggled to respond. Their offense, so fluid in the first half, became stagnant under Nebraska’s pressure. Thornton and Battle found it difficult to get clean looks, and the Buckeyes’ turnovers mounted as Nebraska’s defense tightened. The Buckeyes were limited to just 30 points in the second half, a stark contrast to their efficient first-half performance.
A crucial defensive stand with under two minutes left sealed the game for Nebraska. Leading 72-69, the Cornhuskers forced a shot-clock violation, and on the ensuing possession, Williams drove to the basket, finishing with a thunderous dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. Ohio State was unable to recover from that momentum shift, and Nebraska hit their free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Impact on the Season
This win was a pivotal one for Nebraska, not only in terms of conference standings but also in boosting team morale. The Cornhuskers have been striving for consistency this season, and this comeback showcased their potential to compete with top-tier Big Ten teams. Williams’ performance highlighted his growing role as a leader on the team, and if he can maintain this level of play, Nebraska will be a tough matchup for any opponent.
For Ohio State, the loss was a frustrating setback. The Buckeyes had controlled much of the game but were unable to close it out when Nebraska ramped up the pressure. This game exposed some weaknesses in Ohio State’s ability to adjust mid-game, particularly when facing aggressive defensive teams. The Buckeyes will need to regroup quickly as the Big Ten schedule doesn’t get any easier.
Looking Ahead
Nebraska will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming conference matchups. The combination of Williams’ inside presence and Tominaga’s perimeter shooting gives them a balanced offensive attack, while their defensive adjustments in the second half suggest they can compete on both ends of the floor.
Ohio State, on the other hand, will need to address their second-half struggles. Maintaining composure under defensive pressure and finding consistent scoring options beyond Thornton and Battle will be crucial as they move forward. With the Big Ten race heating up, every game becomes critical for both teams in their pursuit of postseason success.
In the end, Nebraska’s 79-71 victory over Ohio State was a testament to resilience, strategic adjustments, and standout individual performances, with Williams’ double-double at the heart of their triumph.
