A decade ago, Jake Diebler started his journey at the Ohio State University as a video coordinator. After five years, he moved up to become an assistant coach for the Ohio State basketball team. Now, in a surprising twist, Diebler has notched his first win as the interim head coach of the Ohio State basketball team, pulling off an upset against the second-ranked Purdue with a final score of 73-69 – a remarkable feat just four days into his new role.
Facing off against Purdue’s towering 7’4″ Zach Edey, Ohio State showed resilience at Value City Arena. Despite falling behind 0-8 initially, the Buckeyes, led by the skillful Bruce Thornton, managed to level the score at 16. By halftime, they had surged ahead to lead the Boilermakers by five points, with Thornton making a significant contribution with 22 field goals.
In a game where Purdue dominated the boards, Ohio State relied on their shooting accuracy, boasting a solid 48 percent shooting percentage as a team. The Buckeyes showcased their depth with 26 bench points, overshadowing Purdue’s meager four. Three-point shooting played a crucial role, particularly when Jamison Battle scored three consecutive triples, extending Ohio State’s lead to 50-38.
As Purdue attempted a comeback in the second half, relying on inside scoring and free throws, Ohio State held firm. The game reached a tense 65-65 tie with less than two minutes remaining. However, timely free throws by Thornton and Battle sealed the victory for the Buckeyes, prompting a jubilant court-storming celebration.
Jake Diebler stepped into the role of interim head coach on Valentine’s Day following the departure of Chris Holtmann. The Buckeyes, coming off a loss to No. 20 Wisconsin, had struggled to maintain consistency this season. Diebler’s fresh perspective seemed to breathe new life into the team, offering a glimmer of hope with this unexpected triumph. The Buckeyes now stand at 15-11 overall for the year, with a 5-10 record in Big Ten play.
This surprising win under Diebler’s guidance suggests a potential turning point for the Ohio State basketball team, highlighting the impact of a fresh perspective on the court.
