Ohio State Basketball Upset: Buckeyes’ Buzzer-Beater Stuns Michigan, Ignites March Madness Hopes

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State basketball hits a crucial stretch of Big Ten play this week, and both the men’s and women’s programs have momentum they hope will translate into the win column. Men’s team: road comeback sparks confidence Chris Holtmann’s squad erased a 15-point first-half deficit to stun Rutgers 80-73 behind 20 points from sophomore guard Bruce Thornton, whose late free throws sealed the victory. The Buckeyes (11-3, 2-1 Big Ten) credited a second-half switch to a 2-3 zone for the turnaround, something Holtmann called “a card we’ll keep in the deck” as the schedule tightens. Key matchup vs. Nebraska Ohio State travels to Lincoln tonight to face Nebraska (9-5, 1-2). The Cornhuskers boast All-Big Ten forward Rienk Mast, but his battle with Buckeye center Felix Okpara—who blocked four shots at Rutgers—could swing the outcome. Oddsmakers list OSU as a 3-point favorite, with analytics projecting a 71-68 Buckeye win. A victory would mark the program’s first 3-0 road start in conference play since 2013. Players to watch • Bruce Thornton: averaging 17.8 PPG, 5.2 APG, shooting 42 % from three. • Jamison Battle: Minnesota transfer leads OSU with 36 made threes. • Roddy Gayle Jr.: defensive stopper expected to draw Kesei Tominaga on the perimeter. What’s next After Nebraska, Ohio State returns to Value City Arena for a Sunday matinee with No. 11 Illinois, the lone remaining undefeated team in conference action. Women’s team: Top-20 showdown on the road Kevin McGuff’s No. 19/20 Buckeyes (13-2, 3-1) head to Champaign on Wednesday to meet Illinois in a clash of 3-1 league records. Sophomore sensation Cotie McMahon has averaged 21.4 PPG over her last five outings, while guard Jacy Sheldon ranks third in the Big Ten at 2.9 steals per game. Recruiting and roster notes • Four-star 2026 guard Marcus Harrison, the nation’s No. 37 prospect, is set to take an unofficial visit for the Illinois game, keeping Ohio State atop his shortlist. • Senior forward Zed Key practiced fully Monday after missing two games with an ankle sprain and could log limited minutes tonight. Why this week matters With two winnable but pivotal league matchups, Ohio State basketball can transform January buzz into genuine Big Ten title contention. Wins over Nebraska and Illinois would likely vault the men back into the AP Top 25 and strengthen NCAA tournament résumés for both squads—exactly the surge fans and recruits love to see in Columbus.