In a high-stakes clash on December 2, 2023, the Ohio State men’s basketball team opened their Big Ten season with a closely contested victory over Northwestern, winning 86-82 in Evanston, Illinois. The Buckeyes improved their record to 7-1 overall and advanced to 1-0 in conference play, showcasing an impressive performance led by Brandon Noel, who scored 29 points on an efficient 13-for-15 shooting.
The game saw a pivotal moment in the second half as Ohio State mounted an 18-7 run, taking a 64-61 lead with just under nine minutes remaining. Northwestern’s Arrinten Page quickly responded with a three-pointer to tie the game. Noel then regained the advantage for Ohio State, contributing four consecutive points through two free throws and a layup. The Buckeyes extended their lead to 81-73 with only 2:10 left on the clock.
Despite a late charge from Northwestern, who narrowed the gap to 82-81 with 21 seconds remaining, Ohio State secured their victory by hitting crucial free throws in the closing moments of the game.
Bruce Thornton also played a significant role for the Buckeyes, finishing with 17 points and 10 assists, while Amare Bynum added 11 points and Devin Royal contributed 10 points. Ohio State displayed remarkable shooting accuracy, hitting 57% of their shots from the floor, converting 35 of 61 attempts.
On the opposing side, Nick Martinelli led Northwestern with 32 points, alongside eight rebounds and four assists. Angelo Ciaravino and Arrinten Page supported with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Martinelli’s strong performance in the first half, where he scored 18 points, helped the Wildcats to a 44-40 lead at halftime.
Upcoming Matches
Ohio State looks to build on their success as they prepare to host No. 14 Illinois State on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Northwestern will seek to bounce back when they face Jackson State at home next Saturday.
In a separate matchup, Cleveland State faced a setback against Detroit Mercy, losing 71-59 in a Horizon League contest. J Nadeau led Detroit with 26 points and five rebounds, while Orlando Lovejoy added 17 points and six assists.
The Vikings, now 3-8 overall and 0-2 in conference play, were led by Jaidon Lipscomb, who scored 15 points and recorded three steals. Preist Ryan also contributed with 12 points and 13 rebounds. As Cleveland State continues its season, it will be crucial for them to regroup and find their footing in upcoming games.
