Ohio State achieved a hard-fought victory in its Big Ten opener, defeating Northwestern 86-82 on December 2, 2023. The game took place in Evanston, Illinois, where Ohio State’s Brandon Noel delivered a standout performance, scoring an impressive 29 points with a shooting accuracy of 86.7% (13-for-15).
The Buckeyes (7-1, 1-0) showcased their resilience in the second half, surging with a critical 18-7 run that allowed them to take a 64-61 lead with 8:41 remaining. Northwestern’s Arrinten Page responded with a timely 3-pointer, tying the game. Noel quickly regained control for Ohio State, contributing four consecutive points through two free throws and a layup. The Buckeyes extended their lead to 81-73 with just over two minutes left in the match.
Despite a late rally from the Wildcats, who narrowed the gap to 82-81 with only 21 seconds remaining, Ohio State sealed the win at the free-throw line. In addition to Noel’s stellar performance, Bruce Thornton added 17 points and 10 assists, while Amare Bynum and Devin Royal contributed with 11 and 10 points, respectively. The team shot 57% (35 of 61) from the field, demonstrating their offensive efficiency.
Northwestern (5-4, 0-2) was led by Nick Martinelli, who scored 32 points and recorded eight rebounds along with four assists. Martinelli’s strong first half, where he netted 18 points, helped the Wildcats establish a 44-40 lead heading into halftime. Angelo Ciaravino and Arrinten Page also made significant contributions with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, Ohio State will host No. 14 Illinois State on December 5, 2023. The Buckeyes will aim to build on their momentum from this victory. Meanwhile, Northwestern prepares for its next challenge as they face Jackson State at home on December 9, 2023.
In a separate Horizon League matchup, the Cleveland State Vikings fell to Detroit Mercy, losing 71-59. J Nadeau led the Titans (4-6, 2-0) with 26 points and five rebounds, while Orlando Lovejoy added 17 points and six assists. Cleveland State (3-8, 0-2) struggled to find their rhythm, with Jaidon Lipscomb leading the team with 15 points and three steals. Preist Ryan also made a notable impact with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
As both Ohio State and Cleveland State navigate their respective seasons, fans will be eager to see how these teams respond in their upcoming games.
