Ace Bailey shines as Rutgers falls short against Texas A&M

In Columbus, Ohio, on December 7, 2024, the Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in a Big Ten Conference matchup. The Buckeyes secured an impressive victory, defeating Rutgers 80-66, showcasing a much-improved performance following their previous disappointing game against Maryland. Devin Royal played a pivotal role in the win, scoring a career-high 22 points, with 16 of those points coming in the second half, while Bruce Thornton matched him with another 22 points. Micah Parrish contributed as well, adding 12 points to the scoreboard as Ohio State organized an effective offense. The game started with a tight contest featuring seven lead changes in the first half. Thornton was particularly instrumental in establishing Ohio State’s lead, shooting 6 of 7 from the field, including two three-pointers, to give the Buckeyes a 39-31 advantage at halftime. Rutgers struggled offensively, managing only 37% shooting from the field, which severely impacted their ability to keep pace with the Buckeyes, who shot 55% for the game and dominated the paint with a 46 to 18 point advantage. In the early stages of the second half, Rutgers attempted to close the gap, highlighted by Ace Bailey hitting consecutive jumpers to reduce the deficit to four points. However, Ohio State responded promptly with Royal scoring four consecutive points, quickly shifting momentum back in favor of the Buckeyes. Following a dunk by Thornton, Royal scored 14 straight points for Ohio State, effective in extending their lead to a comfortable margin. The Buckeyes ultimately sealed the game with a decisive 11-3 run late in the second half. This victory marks a significant turn for Ohio State as they bounce back from their previous league loss. The Buckeyes have shown resilience and determination, improving their record to 6-3 overall and 1-1 in the Big Ten. Meanwhile, Rutgers, now at 5-4, will aim to regroup before facing Penn State in another conference challenge. The strong performance by key players, particularly Royal and Thornton, provides optimism for Ohio State as they prepare for their next match against No. 2 Auburn in Atlanta. As the Big Ten season progresses, the Buckeyes will look to build on this win to strengthen their position in the conference standings.