The first loss of the Chris Holtmann era at Ohio State is in the books, as the Buckeyes fell to No. 17 Gonzaga in Portland, Ore. early Friday morning, 86-59.
Playing in the final game of the first day of the PK80 Invitational, the Buckeyes traded baskets early with the Bulldogs, with the lead changing hands a total of 11 times in the first half.
| TEAM | 1 | 2 | F |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO. 17 GONZAGA | 44 | 42 | 86 |
| OHIO STATE | 31 | 28 | 59 |
Ohio State trailed just 33-31 with 7:48 to play in the opening frame after freshman Kaleb Wesson converted on a pair of free throws, but that was as close as the Buckeyes would get the rest of the game.
Gonzaga ended the first half on an 11-0 run, as the Buckeyes missed their final nine shots of the first half, a stretch in which they also turned the ball over six times. The Bulldogs were led by veteran point guard Josh Perkins, who connected on his first four three-point shots of the game, scoring 15 of his 20 points in the first half.
| OHIO STATE | STAT | GONZAGA |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | POINTS | 86 |
| 19-55 (34.5%) | FGM-FGA (PCT.) | 31-53 (58.5%) |
| 6-20 (30.0%) | 3PM-3PA (PCT.) | 12-25 (48.0%) |
| 15-22 (68.2%) | FTM-FTA (PCT.) | 12-18 (66.7%) |
| 15 | TURNOVERS | 13 |
| 31 | TOTAL REBOUNDS | 35 |
| 12 | OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS | 7 |
| 19 | DEFENSIVE REBOUNDS | 28 |
| 10 | BENCH POINTS | 22 |
| 2 | BLOCKS | 5 |
| 4 | STEALS | 6 |
| 14 | ASSISTS | 14 |
The Bulldogs kept their foot on the gas to open the second half, going on an 8-2 run in the first 2:53 out of the locker room, as Ohio State's deficit swelled to 52-33. The Buckeyes would only get as close as 14 the rest of the game.
Ohio State opened the game with strong play from its backcourt, as Musa Jallow and C.J. Jackson accounted for 13 of the Buckeyes' first 14 points, ultimately tallying 18 of Ohio State's 31 first-half total. Jackson made his first four shots, and dropped in 10 first-half points, ultimately finishing with just 12.
Wesson earned his first start as a Buckeye after it was announced prior to tip that center Micah Potter would not play due to an ankle injury sustained in an 80-55 win over Northeastern. Wesson finished with 10 points and four boards before fouling out with 5:46 to play in the game.
After averaging 19.3 points per game in his first four games of the season, Keita Bates-Diop finished with just seven points and took just three shots in the first half. He did, however, finish with 10 rebounds to lead Ohio State.
Next up for Ohio State is a matchup with Stanford on Friday night, with tip tentatively set for 9 p.m. The Cardinal dropped their first game of the PK80 Invitational to No. 7 ranked Florida, 108-87, on Thursday night.
