Buckeyes shock No. 2 Purdue, 73-69, in Jake Diebler's first game at the helm
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — In Ohio State’s first game since firing head coach Chris Holtmann, the Buckeyes pulled off a massive upset, defeating No. 2 Purdue, 73-69.
Jamison Battle energized the offense with timely three-pointers that gave the Buckeyes a double-digit lead in the second half while Bruce Thornton led Ohio State (15-11, 5-10 Big Ten) with 22 points. The win marked OSU’s second consecutive at home and second in three games.
Fans stormed the court at the Schottenstein Center after the final buzzer while a visibly emotional Jake Diebler secured his first win as interim head coach.
The Buckeyes led going into the half 35-30, with Battle going 3 for 5 on the threes and helping Ohio State finish 7 for 21 from downtown. Battle finished with 19.
Ohio State forward Devin Royal, right, and forward Zed Key, left, celebrate after Ohio State defeated Purdue in an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) 
Ohio State forward Zed Key (23) gestures to the crowd in the final minute of an NCAA college basketball game against Purdue, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) 
Purdue forward Caleb Furst, right, shakes hands with Ohio State guard Taison Chatman (3) after Ohio State defeated Purdue in an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) 
Ohio State guard Dale Bonner, left, and forward Jamison Battle (10) celebrate after a 3-point basket by Battle in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Purdue, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) 
Ohio State forward Jamison Battle (10) celebrates after a 3-point basket in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Purdue, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) 
Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton (2) takes the ball up the court in front of Purdue center Zach Edey, left, in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) 
Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton (2) shoots in front of Purdue center Zach Edey (15) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) 
Purdue center Zach Edey, right, dunks in front of Ohio State forward Zed Key (23) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
With the Boilermakers closing down the stretch, it seemed like only a matter of time until Zach Edey took over the game, but it didn't happen.
Running out time, the Boilermakers fouled Thornton, who went to the line and made both foul shots to just about seal the game.
Perdue fell to 12-3 in the Big Ten, enough to remain at the top of the division. The Boilermakers overall record stands at 23-3. The loss comes one day after the NCAA Tournament selection committee picked the Boilermakers as the early favorite to be the No. 1 overall seed during March Madness. Purdue had won nine straight and 16 of its last 17. Its last loss was Jan. 9.
Holtmann, who had four years left on his contract, was relieved of his position Wednesday. He finishes his career with the Buckeyes with a 137-85 record. His Big Ten record with the Buckeyes was 67-64.
Holtmann's departure makes him the shortest-tenured OSU men’s basketball coach since Gary Williams, who coached the Buckeyes for three seasons from 1986 to 1989.
The Buckeyes are set to face Minnesota this Thursday.