Gophers Fall in OT to Ohio State Despite Gritty Comeback - Rebounding Woes Continue
Minnesota showed plenty of fight in Columbus, but effort alone couldn’t erase the same issues that have haunted them during this recent skid. Down by 11 in the second half, the Gophers clawed their way back to force overtime, only to fall short once again - their fourth straight loss, and second in that stretch to go beyond regulation.
This one was a battle from start to finish - 11 ties, 18 lead changes, and a dramatic close to regulation that could’ve gone either way. With the game knotted in the final seconds, Langston Reynolds attacked the rim with a strong drive, but his contested layup rimmed out as time expired. From there, Ohio State seized control in overtime, jumping out to a quick five-point lead and never looking back.
Buckeyes' Backcourt Brings the Heat
Ohio State’s backcourt was the difference-maker. John Mobley Jr. and Bruce Thornton combined for a staggering 59 points, carving up the Gophers’ defense with poise and precision.
Mobley dropped 26, knocking down 5-of-11 from deep and continuing a hot streak that’s quickly becoming a problem for Big Ten opponents. Thornton added 33 of his own, and together they carried the Buckeyes when the rest of the roster struggled to find rhythm.
Outside of Mobley, though, the Buckeyes were ice cold from beyond the arc - just 2-of-13. But when your backcourt is cooking like this, sometimes that’s all you need.
Crocker-Johnson Continues to Shine
For Minnesota, Jaylen Crocker-Johnson continues to be the bright spot in a tough stretch. The sophomore big man poured in 26 points and grabbed eight boards, marking his third straight game with at least 20 points and eight rebounds. He’s quietly becoming one of the most consistent interior threats in the conference, and his motor hasn’t slowed even as the team struggles to find its footing.
Rebounding Remains a Pain Point
If there’s one stat that tells the story of Minnesota’s recent slide, it’s on the glass. Rebounding - particularly on the defensive end - has been a glaring issue.
With Robert Vaihola sidelined for the season, the Gophers have struggled to control the boards, allowing opponents to grab offensive rebounds on 37% or more of their missed shots in three of their last four games. That’s a brutal number, and it’s been costly in close finishes like this one.
The Turning Point
There’s no sugarcoating it - Reynolds had a chance to win the game in regulation. The senior guard, who finished with 12 points, five assists, and a near-perfect 6-of-7 from the line, made the right read and got to the basket in crunch time.
But the layup didn’t fall, and from there, Ohio State took over in overtime. The Buckeyes’ energy in the extra frame was a stark contrast to Minnesota’s fatigue, and it showed in the final score.
What’s Cooling Off?
Minnesota’s offensive identity - built on ball movement, backcuts, and crisp passing - is starting to fade. It’s not gone, but it’s not as sharp as it was earlier in the season.
Whether it’s better scouting from Big Ten opponents or just a team searching for answers mid-season, the Gophers aren’t getting the same easy looks they once did. That’s led to more isolation plays and tougher shots, and it’s putting more pressure on scorers like Crocker-Johnson to carry the load.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question this one stings for Minnesota. They played well enough to win, showed resilience in coming back from a double-digit deficit, and had a shot to seal it in regulation. But the same issues - rebounding, late-game execution, and inconsistent offensive flow - continue to cost them.
Meanwhile, Ohio State walks away with a win behind a monster night from its backcourt. And if Mobley Jr. keeps playing like this, the Buckeyes could be a real problem down the stretch.