Virginia Outlasts Ohio State in Nashville Hoops Showdown, 70-66
The Buckeyes came into the Nashville Hoops Showdown looking for a signature win-and for a while, it looked like they might get it. Ohio State opened the game with energy, poise, and offensive rhythm, but when the dust settled, it was Virginia that walked away with a hard-fought 70-66 victory. The Cavaliers’ balance, bench depth, and late-game execution proved just enough to edge out a shorthanded Buckeyes squad that showed plenty of fight but couldn’t close the deal down the stretch.
No Mobley, No Problem? Not Quite.
Ohio State was already facing an uphill climb before tip-off. Sophomore guard John Mobley Jr., one of the team’s most dynamic offensive weapons, was sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery on a hand injury suffered against USC. That’s a big blow-Mobley is the Buckeyes’ second-leading scorer and a key piece of their backcourt.
In his place, junior guard Taison Chatman got the starting nod for the first time this season. Chatman has been logging more minutes over the past few games, and he looked ready from the jump. He scored four quick points to help spark a red-hot start for the Buckeyes.
Buckeyes Come Out Swinging
Ohio State wasted no time setting the tone. They jumped out to a 17-6 lead, hitting six of their first nine shots and forcing Virginia head coach Ryan Odom to burn an early timeout. Amare Bynum knocked down a pair of threes, Chatman got downhill, and the Buckeyes looked like the aggressor.
But basketball is a game of runs-and Virginia had one in their back pocket.
Virginia Responds, Finds Their Groove
The Cavaliers settled in and answered with a 12-5 spurt to cut the lead to 22-19. From there, the game turned into a tug-of-war. Both teams traded buckets for the next stretch, but it was Virginia that landed the next big punch-a 15-5 run that gave them a 36-31 lead late in the half.
Ohio State responded with a quick burst of their own, closing the half on a 6-1 run to tie things up at 37. Bruce Thornton and Bynum led the way with 10 points apiece, while Virginia’s Chance Mallory paced the Cavaliers with seven.
Bench Battle: Cavaliers Dominate the Depth Game
One of the biggest differences in the first half? Bench production.
Virginia’s reserves poured in 20 points before the break, while Ohio State’s bench managed just two. That kind of disparity can tilt a close game-and it did.
Virginia’s depth allowed them to stay fresh and keep pressure on the Buckeyes, especially as Ohio State’s rotation tightened with Mobley out and foul trouble looming.
Thornton Takes Over-Until the Cold Spell Hits
Bruce Thornton came out of the locker room on a mission. The junior guard opened the second half with a layup and a floater, scoring eight of Ohio State’s first 10 points after the break.
At one point, he had 16 of the Buckeyes’ first 22 second-half points. He looked every bit the leader, carrying the offense in crunch time and continuing his pursuit of the program’s all-time scoring mark.
But as the game wore on, Ohio State’s offense began to sputter. After taking a 59-53 lead, the Buckeyes went ice cold-hitting just one of their final nine shots. That opened the door for Virginia to go on an 8-0 run and seize control.
Turnovers, Missed Chances Seal the Deal
Even though Ohio State did a solid job turning Virginia’s mistakes into points-scoring 19 off the Cavaliers’ first nine turnovers-it wasn’t enough to overcome their own late-game execution issues.
A costly turnover by Devin Royal and a missed three from Christoph Tilly in the final minutes were the kind of moments that can swing a game. Virginia capitalized, hit their free throws, and closed it out.
Royal’s Foul Trouble Adds to the Challenge
With the Buckeyes already thin, forward Devin Royal picking up his fourth foul with nine minutes left was a tough blow. He didn’t return until the four-minute mark, and while he struggled from the field, his presence matters-he’s Ohio State’s third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder. His absence during a critical stretch didn’t help a team that was already scrambling for answers.
Final Takeaway
This was a game Ohio State could’ve had-and probably should’ve had. They led by six late, had their best player in rhythm, and forced enough turnovers to stay ahead. But in the final four minutes, the shots stopped falling, the ball stopped moving, and Virginia’s experience and depth took over.
For the Buckeyes, it’s a missed opportunity to notch another Quad-1 win and strengthen their postseason resume. For Virginia, it’s another gritty win in a season full of them.
Ohio State will have to regroup quickly, especially with Mobley out for the foreseeable future. The good news?
They showed they can hang with a top-tier team. Now it’s about learning how to finish.