Columbus, Ohio After falling to Wisconsin 62-54 on Tuesday, Ohio State defeated No. 2 Purdue 73-69 at home on Sunday.Following the termination of Chris Holtmann’s contract earlier this week, Ohio State was managed by interim head coach Jake Diebler.

With 2:51 remaining in the first half, Ohio State gained their first lead, 29-28, and led 35-30 at the half. The game was tied at 16 halfway through the first 20 minutes.Jameson Battle drained three threes as Ohio State went on a 9-0 run to establish a 50-38 lead in the second half. With 1:17 left, Purdue matched the score at 65, but Battle’s jumper for Ohio State answered. Zed Key’s theft gave the Buckeyes the ball, and they converted free throws to end the game and secure the victory.

Purdue committed 14 turnovers, which cost Ohio State 22 points, while Key had five steals. Bruce Thornton led the Buckeyes with a total of 22 points.

Following the game, Diebler, Jameson Battle, and Bruce Thornton met with the media to talk about the victory. These are the salient features.

Diebler, Jake

“Such a strong group.” The players deserve a great deal of praise for their outstanding teamwork. They bonded as though they were a real family. It was so amazing to see them all embracing each other in the locker room.

A few nights ago, he spoke with Chris Holtmann, and that exchange provided him with a great deal of confidence and comfort in taking on this role.

He instructed the players to execute their practiced moves. There was a strong sense of timing and urgency.

Diebler commented on the difference in the way they ended the game today, stating that they had discussed the importance of maintaining aggression and swinging in leads as they came into it.

In this game, there were several standout performances, and everyone seemed to be determined to maintain their aggressiveness no matter what. Their effort, especially on defense, made him proud.

He was anxious about the game, but the counsel was to be loyal to who he is. In the locker room and on the court following the game, Diebler was overcome with emotion.

Regarding the rotation, Diebler stated that while the team’s youth is widely known, they still have faith in the players in the locker room on the bench. They intended for players to play themselves to exhaustion on the court and then require substitutions.

They must maintain this sense of urgency in their practice.

He didn’t change anything about their pregame ritual. This time, though, the time passed much more quickly. He was hoping for an extra hour.

Jameson Battle

When they got back together after a trying week, Battle stated that the most important thing was for them to stay in the moment, grow closer through the hardship, and not allow the past to affect them. They went outside and let loose, enjoying themselves.

After making three 3-pointers in 61 seconds, Battle noted that his teammates saw him in those positions and trusted him when he had a new opportunity in the second half. It was also a heat check in part.

Regarding Ohio State’s head coach, Jake Diebler, Battle stated he brought the man in through recruitment. Diebler brought the fervor, and in order to match his coaching style, they upped the ante and urgency during practice. He also spoke extensively about substitutions and entering and exiting games to sustain tempo and intensity.

Bruce Thornton

He had one of the most difficult weeks ever playing college basketball this past week. However, he informed the players, “Right now, we are all we have.” They only wanted to show Ohio State basketball, no matter who played.

Witnessing the unity of the coaching staff, teammates, and Buckeye Nation was wonderful. Right now, his adrenaline is pumping.

In support of Zed Key, Thornton remarked that although he had never seen him play like he did tonight, they were aware of his potential. Tonight, he demonstrated it. We are aware of his capabilities; therefore, he can no longer deceive us.

They were unable to offer Zach Edey any favorable looks. Because of his size, they had to be sure to try more than once to get the ball away from him. Due to his size, Edey was bound to get some, but stopping him defensively required a team effort.

Regarding the communication from Jake Diebler, Thornton stated that he wished to confirm his mental well-being. They personally witnessed the necessity of improving every day. They managed despite the strange circumstances. They showed all of their annoyance, attitude, and swagger today, and they prevailed.