Micah Parrish Powers Ohio State to Remarkable Comeback Against No. 11 Purdue

Micah Parrish Leads Ohio State's Stunning Comeback to Defeat No. 11 Purdue 73-70

In an electrifying basketball showdown on Tuesday night, Micah Parrish propelled Ohio State to a much-needed 73-70 victory over No. 11 Purdue, snapping the Buckeyes' three-game losing streak. Parrish’s remarkable second-half performance, where he scored 17 of his career-high 22 points, was the driving force behind Ohio State's stunning rally from a 16-point first-half deficit. The victory was sealed during a 15-0 run in the final minutes of the game, a period in which Parrish hit three crucial three-pointers, totaling six for the night.

The Buckeyes, who struggled early, were down 59-53 with just over 7 minutes remaining. However, their shooting turned around dramatically as they hit 8 of 12 three-pointers in the second half, including several key shots from Parrish. Devin Royal contributed 16 points, helping Ohio State improve to 11-8 overall and 3-5 in the Big Ten. Purdue, despite strong efforts from Trey Kaufman-Renn, who scored a career-high 26 points, saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end. Ohio State’s win is a significant turnaround after several tough games, and it marks a potential turning point in their season.

The Second-Half Surge

After a lackluster first half, Ohio State came out firing in the second half, with Parrish leading the charge. His 11 points and three three-pointers during a crucial stretch helped the Buckeyes seize the lead, a moment that turned the tide in their favor. Despite Purdue's late push, led by Kaufman-Renn's eight-point streak, the Boilermakers couldn't regain the lead after Ohio State's run. Purdue’s struggle to rebound and poor three-point shooting in the second half played a significant role in their defeat.

Ohio State shot an impressive 53.3% from the field and 47.8% on three-pointers, both key stats that reflected their offensive efficiency during the final minutes. While Purdue struggled with their shooting, especially from beyond the arc, and suffered from a lack of offensive balance, Ohio State capitalized on their opportunities.

Key Injuries Impact Ohio State's Rotation

The victory wasn’t without challenges for the Buckeyes. Forward Colin White injured his left ankle and was seen wearing a walking boot in the second half, while guard John Mobley Jr. missed some time after a hard fall when fouled. Despite these setbacks, the Buckeyes held their ground and finished strong.

What's Next?

Ohio State will look to build on this momentum as they host Iowa on Monday. Meanwhile, Purdue, now 15-5 and 7-2 in Big Ten play, will return home to face No. 21 Michigan on Friday. With both teams eager to bounce back, the next round of Big Ten matchups promises to deliver more high-stakes basketball action.