Jackson Shelstad leads Oregon to victory over Maryland with 23 points
- In a closely contested game, Jackson Shelstad scored 24 points leading Oregon to a 73-71 victory over Ohio State.
- The Ducks overcame a halftime deficit, managing their sixth win of the season when trailing at the half.
- This marked the first loss for Ohio State against Oregon since their 1939 championship game defeat.
In the United States, a thrilling college basketball game took place on January 9, 2025, where the No. 15 Oregon Ducks faced off against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Oregon managed to secure a narrow 73-71 victory, greatly thanks to Jackson Shelstad's stellar performance, wherein he scored 24 points, including crucial free throws in the final seconds. Nate Bittle also played a significant role, contributing 21 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing the team's depth and resilience in a challenging away game. The tight matchup saw Ohio State lead at halftime with a score of 32-27. Their offense was highlighted by Bruce Thornton, who led all scorers for the Buckeyes with 20 points, while freshman John Mobley Jr. added 16 points. However, Ohio State’s lead hinged on several missed opportunities in the second half, including a final 3-pointer attempt by Thornton that fell short as time expired. Oregon displayed remarkable tenacity, improving to 6-1 when trailing at halftime this season. The critical moment of the game came when Shelstad made a pivotal open 3-pointer with just under two minutes remaining, giving Oregon a slender lead at 68-67. Following a back-and-forth exchange that saw Ohio State briefly reclaim the lead, Shelstad’s ability to draw a foul and sink two free throws with just seven seconds remaining clinched the victory for the Ducks. This win marked a significant moment in the series, as it was the first time Ohio State lost to Oregon since their championship matchup in 1939. Overall, this contest highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball, showcasing key performances while also underlining the importance of composure under pressure. With this victory, the Ducks improved to 14-2 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play, while Ohio State fell to 10-6 and 2-3 in conference play. As both teams look to build momentum, Oregon next faces off against Penn State, while Ohio State will have a few days off before their game against Wisconsin.