Rutgers Falls to Ohio State in Big Ten Clash
Gallery: (12-7-2024) RU MBB at Ohio State
Strong Start, Tough Finish for Scarlet Knights
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights put up a valiant fight against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday afternoon at the Schottenstein Center but ultimately fell short, losing 80-66. The Scarlet Knights started strong, making four of their first five shots and exhibiting an impressive three-point shooting performance early in the game. However, the Buckeyes countered with a hot shooting display of their own, ultimately seizing control of the game.
Early Offensive Fireworks
Rutgers’ offense sizzled early, hitting four of their initial six three-point attempts. Sophomore Jordan Derkack and freshman Lathan Sommerville led the way as Rutgers’ top scorers in the first half, each contributing six points. Five-star freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, however, struggled to find their rhythm through the first 20 minutes, shooting a combined 2-for-10 from the field.
Buckeyes Take Control
Despite Rutgers’ initial surge, Ohio State gradually established dominance. Their relentless offensive attack proved difficult to contain. The Buckeyes took advantage of Rutgers’ turnovers, scoring 11 points off six Scarlet Knight miscues, and also dominated in the paint, outscoring Rutgers 20-10 in that area during the first half. Ohio State led 39-31 entering halftime.
Second-Half Adjustments
Both Bailey and Harper found their groove early in the second half, sparking a Rutgers comeback attempt. The talented freshmen combined to score the first six baskets for the Scarlet Knights, injecting life into their team. Bailey finished with a solid performance, tallying 12 points and recording seven rebounds. Harper led the way for Rutgers, finishing with 18 points and four assists.
Junior Emmanuel Ogbole and Sommerville provided valuable contributions, adding 10 and eight points respectively, each grabbing five rebounds.
Buckeyes Power Through
Ohio State, however, proved too formidable in the second half. Devin Royal and Bruce Thornton emerged as offensive stars for the Buckeyes, each pouring in 22 points and making a combined 17 of 25 field goal attempts.
Looking Ahead
Rutgers (5-4) will look to bounce back from their three consecutive losses as they face off against Penn State in their Big Ten home opener on Tuesday, December 10th.
Meeting the Nittany Lions
The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and messes the Scarlet Knights’ first home game since facing Merrimack on November 20th, nearly three weeks ago.
What were some key takeaways from Rutgers’ early offensive performance in the game?
## Interview Transcript: Rutgers Falls to Ohio State
**Host:** Welcome back. Joining us today is Alex Reed, Rutgers Basketball Analyst. We’re talking about the recent game against Ohio State where the Scarlet Knights fell short, losing 80-66. Welcome to the show!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** It was a tough loss for Rutgers, but there were some bright spots early on. We understand Rutgers came out firing, hitting four of their first six threes. What were your impressions of that early offensive performance?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Rutgers looked great coming out of the gate. That early three-point shooting was impressive, and players like Derkack and Sommerville were hot from the start. It indicated they were ready to play and confident against a tough Ohio State team. [[1](https://www.thelantern.com/2024/12/mens-basketball-ohio-state-snaps-two-game-losing-streak-beats-rutgers-80-66/)]
**Host:** Unfortunately, the shooting cooled off as the game went on. What do you think were the key turning points that led to Ohio State seizing control?
**Alex Reed:** [Pause for Alex Reed to Elaborate]
**Host:** Thanks for your insight. It sounds like a challenging loss for Rutgers, but hopefully, they can learn from this and build on those early positive moments in their upcoming games.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely.
**Host:** [Name], thank you so much for breaking down this game for us. We appreciate your time.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.
