_HLs: No. 19 Maryland Beats No. 12 Ohio State in OT_
In a thrilling matchup between two of the top teams in the Big Ten, the No. 19 Maryland Terrapins pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes 75-73 in overtime.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. Maryland’s Hakim Hart led the way with 18 points, while Ohio State’s E.J. Liddell scored 17 points to pace the Buckeyes.
The game was tied at 66-66 at the end of regulation, sending the contest into overtime. In the extra period, Maryland outscored Ohio State 9-7, with Hart scoring four of the Terrapins’ points in overtime.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but our guys showed a lot of heart and determination,” said Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon. “We made some big plays down the stretch and were able to come out on top.”
The win was a significant upset for Maryland, which had been struggling in conference play. The Terrapins had lost three of their previous four games, including a 21-point loss to Michigan State.
“This was a huge win for us,” said Hart. “We’ve been working hard and trying to get back on track. To beat a team like Ohio State is a big confidence booster for us.”
Ohio State, on the other hand, was looking to bounce back from a loss to Purdue earlier in the week. The Buckeyes had been playing well, winning seven of their previous nine games, but were unable to overcome Maryland’s strong defensive effort.
“We didn’t play our best basketball tonight, but you have to give Maryland credit,” said Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann. “They played a great game and made some big shots down the stretch. We’ll have to regroup and get ready for our next game.”
The loss was a setback for Ohio State, which had been looking to move up the rankings. The Buckeyes will now have to regroup and refocus as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
Maryland, on the other hand, will look to build on its momentum as it heads into its next game against Minnesota. The Terrapins will be looking to make a push for the NCAA Tournament, and a win over Ohio State is a big step in that direction.
“We’re not done yet,” said Turgeon. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, but this win gives us some confidence and momentum. We’ll see where it takes us.”
The win over Ohio State was a big one for Maryland, and it will be interesting to see how the Terrapins follow it up. With a strong defensive effort and some clutch shooting, Maryland was able to pull off a significant upset and give itself a boost in the Big Ten standings.
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