In a thrilling display of college basketball, No. 15 Virginia staged a dramatic comeback in the final 10 minutes to edge out Ohio State 70-66, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with both teams trading leads and neither willing to yield easily.
But here's where it gets controversial: Was it Virginia's resilience or Ohio State's missed opportunities that ultimately decided the game? Let’s break it down.
The first half ended in a 37-37 tie, but the journey to that point was anything but even. Ohio State burst out of the gates, racing to early leads of 12-4 and 17-6, fueled by a hot start from Bynum and Thornton. Bynum’s three-pointer, Chatman’s jumpers, and Thornton’s three-point play on a fast break set the tone. Yet, Virginia refused to fold, responding with a 9-0 run capped by Thijs De Ridder’s three-point play to narrow the gap to 17-15. And this is the part most people miss: Virginia’s bench depth—nine different players scored in the first half—kept them in the game despite Ohio State’s early dominance.
The half saw both teams trading blows. OSU’s Tilly and Bynum kept the Buckeyes ahead, but Virginia’s balanced attack, led by Mallory, De Ridder, and Onyenso, ensured they stayed within striking distance. Virginia’s rebounding edge (21-12) was a key factor, though their shooting percentages (44% from the floor, 33% from three) were nearly identical to OSU’s (45% and 40%, respectively).
The second half opened with OSU regaining the lead, but Virginia quickly answered. Thornton’s heroics—including a stepback three and a drive for a 59-53 lead—seemed to tilt the game in the Buckeyes’ favor. However, here’s where the narrative shifts: Virginia’s Thomas hit back-to-back threes, and Mallory’s baseline one-hander tied the game at 59-59 with 6:50 left. From there, it was anyone’s game.
The final minutes were a grind, with both teams struggling to score. Turnovers and missed shots dominated until Virginia’s Dallin Hall capitalized on a loose ball, scoring a layup to put the Cavaliers up 65-61 with just over a minute left. Bynum’s late three kept OSU in it, but Virginia’s free throws and Onyenso’s clutch block on Thornton sealed the deal. Tilly’s final dunk made it 70-66, but it was too little, too late.
Now, the question remains: Did Virginia win this game, or did Ohio State lose it? Thornton’s 24 points and Bynum’s 17 were impressive, but the Buckeyes’ inability to close out key moments—like Royal’s turnover with 1:02 left—cost them dearly. Virginia’s poise under pressure and Onyenso’s defensive presence (including that game-saving block) were the difference-makers.
Looking ahead, Ohio State returns home to face Wisconsin on Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. The Badgers, fresh off a win over Michigan State, hold a 18-7 overall record and a 10-4 Big Ten standing. Notably, Wisconsin handed Ohio State a 92-82 loss in Madison on January 31, setting the stage for a must-watch rematch.
What’s your take? Did Virginia’s depth and defense secure the win, or did Ohio State’s late-game mistakes cost them the game? Let us know in the comments!
