#ohio_state

Thad Matta saved Ohio State star's career after a DUI arrest Former Ohio State men’s basketball player J.J. Sullinger shared a heartfelt tribute to former Buckeyes coach Thad Matta, revealing how the coach’s support during a critical moment in his career helped him stay on the team. Sullinger recounted the incident in a social media post, detailing how he faced potential removal from the program after a DUI arrest in 2004. Sullinger described being pulled over for suspected driving under the influence on September 4, 2004, and subsequently detained. He called Matta around 2:30 a.m. to inform him of the situation, which occurred just days before Matta was set to be introduced as the new Ohio State coach during the home-opening football game. At the time, Sullinger believed his college career was over, but Matta took a different approach. The two met the following week, and Sullinger said Matta gave him a second chance. He described completing three key actions: writing over 350 hand-written apologies, committing to fitness, and preparing for his junior season. Sullinger emphasized that Matta’s decision to trust him, despite pressure from others, was instrumental in his eventual success. Sullinger went on to play his junior and senior seasons under Matta’s leadership, averaging 10.1 points and seven rebounds per game during the 2005-06 season. That year, Matta guided Ohio State to a Big Ten regular-season title and the program’s first March Madness bid in four years. The Buckeyes earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and reached the second round before falling to No. 7 Georgetown. In his social media post, Sullinger expressed gratitude for Matta’s support, calling him a “big reason” he is where he is today. He also highlighted the coach’s dedication to winning, writing, “Never get tired of preparing to win.#big_ten #ncaa_tournament #ohio_state #thad_matta #j_j_sullinger

Historic Night at Yost: Michigan, Ohio State to Battle for Big Ten Crown The University of Michigan ice hockey team, ranked No. 1 and seeded No. 2, will face Ohio State in the 2026 Big Ten Tournament championship on Saturday, March 21, at Yost Ice Arena. The game, set for 8 p.m., will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network. Michigan, with a record of 28-7-1, aims to secure its fourth Big Ten title, having previously won in 2016, 2022, and 2023. Ohio State, ranked No. 19 and seeded No. 5, will make its first-ever championship appearance against the Wolverines. Michigan enters the matchup as the top team in the NCAA Percentage Index (NPI), a key metric for determining the NCAA Tournament field. The Wolverines have held the No. 1 ranking in national polls for three consecutive weeks after a streak of 11 weeks at the top earlier in the season. This Saturday marks the first time Yost Ice Arena will host the Big Ten Championship game. The venue previously hosted NCAA Regionals, including a 2002-03 tournament where Michigan, then a member of the CCHA, defeated Maine and Colorado College to advance to the Frozen Four. The Wolverines advanced to the title game with a 6-1 victory over Notre Dame in the quarterfinals and a 5-2 win against Penn State in the semifinals. Michael Hage led the team with five points in the two games, while T.J. Hughes, Jayden Perron, and Garrett Schifsky each contributed three points. Goalie Jack Ivankovic, who is 2-0 in tournament play, posted a .943 save percentage and a 1.50 goals-against average. Michigan’s path to the championship included a dominant regular-season record against Ohio State, with four straight wins. The Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 5-2 and 8-1 at Yost in November, followed by 6-4 and 3-2 (overtime) victories in January.#big_ten_tournament #university_of_michigan #ohio_state #yost_ice_arena #tj_hughes

TCU Bounces Buckeyes in First-Round NCAA Tournament Clash TCU’s confidence in its NCAA tournament matchup against Ohio State was put to the test on Thursday, with the Horned Frogs delivering a decisive 66-64 victory to advance to the second round. Forward David Punch’s pregame assertion that TCU would beat Ohio State “nine out of 10 times” added pressure on the team to back up his bold claim. Forward Xavier Edmonds acknowledged the challenge, noting that Punch’s words, though “a little bit misconstrued,” served as a motivator for the squad. The game saw TCU dominate from beyond the arc in the first half, but a sharp decline in shooting after halftime allowed Ohio State to mount a comeback. The Buckeyes clawed back into the contest, taking a 51-50 lead with over seven minutes remaining. With Edmonds in foul trouble, Punch stepped up to carry the load, finishing with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists. His crucial pass to Edmonds for a go-ahead layup with four seconds left sealed the win. Ohio State had one final chance to tie the game, but Bruce Thornton’s half-court heave fell short, leaving the Buckeyes without a shot at the win. The result validated Punch’s pregame confidence, though TCU wasn’t finished sending a message to Ohio State. Edmonds emphasized the contrast between the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences, stating, “We just felt like them as a Big Ten team, they just haven’t felt or seen a defense like ours.” He added that the game was an opportunity to showcase the intensity and physicality of Big 12 basketball, with Edmonds finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds.#tcu #ohio_state #bruce_thornton #xavier_edmonds #david_punch

March Madness 2026: TCU's Xavier Edmonds Stuns Ohio State with Game-Winning Shot The opening game of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament delivered a thrilling upset as No. 9 TCU’s Xavier Edmonds hit a last-second shot to secure a 66-64 victory over No. 8 Ohio State in the East region. With just 4.3 seconds remaining, Edmonds launched a deep three-pointer at the rim, sending the Horned Frogs into the second round. The dramatic finish underscored the high stakes and unpredictability of March Madness, setting the tone for a competitive tournament. Ohio State had clawed back from a 15-point halftime deficit, mounting an 11-1 run to take a 55-50 lead with 6:19 left in the game. However, TCU’s resilience shone through as the team closed the gap in the final minutes. The Buckeyes’ struggles at the end of the game were evident, as they made just one of their last seven field goals. Despite the late surge, Ohio State’s inability to convert key shots proved costly, allowing TCU to reclaim the lead. The first half saw TCU dominate, leading 39-24 after shooting 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. However, the Frogs’ offensive efficiency dropped sharply in the second half, as they connected on only 9-of-28 shots and 2-of-10 three-pointers. This decline enabled Ohio State to chip away at the deficit, setting the stage for the tense final minutes. Edmonds’ game-winning shot came after Ohio State called its final timeout, but the Buckeyes’ last-ditch effort fell short. Bruce Thornton’s half-court attempt at the buzzer missed the rim, sealing TCU’s win. The victory highlighted Edmonds’ clutch performance, as he finished with 16 points and became one of three TCU players in double figures. Micah Robinson led all scorers with 18 points, while David Punch added 16 points and 13 rebounds.#tcu #ohio_state #bruce_thornton #march_madness_2026 #xavier_edmonds

Ohio State aims to end two years of women’s NCAA Tournament heartbreak at home COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State has struggled to capitalize on home-court advantage in its recent NCAA Tournament appearances, failing to advance past the second round in each of the past two years despite playing in the Schottenstein Center. The Buckeyes’ quest for a deeper run begins Saturday against No. 14 seed Howard, with the winner facing either No. 6 seed Notre Dame or 11th-seeded Fairfield on Monday in the Fort Worth 1 Regional. Coach Kevin McGuff emphasized the team’s focus on preparation and attention to detail as key factors for success. “Our attention to detail and focus on preparation have been as good as they’ve been in years. I think that’s what we’re going to have to hang our hat on this week,” he said. The Buckeyes, who finished 11th in the final Associated Press Top 25, have shown steady improvement this season after starting unranked. Ohio State’s recent tournament history includes a second-round loss to Duke in 2024 and a defeat to Tennessee in the round of 32 last year. The selection committee has not made things easier for the Buckeyes, with Notre Dame, a team with a strong tournament pedigree, set to face them in the regional. “The last home game (an 88-86 overtime loss to Maryland), we didn’t get to pull it out the way we wanted to. Hopefully, we get the next two opportunities to make it a good one and just go out and have fun,” said sophomore guard Jaloni Cambridge. The regional in Columbus also features standout guards, including Cambridge and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, both AP second-team All-Americans. Hidalgo, a two-time ACC Player of the Year, leads Division I in scoring with 25.2 points per game and ranks first in steals with 173. Cambridge, seventh in scoring at 22.#notre_dame #ohio_state #columbus #schottenstein_center #fort_worth_1_regional

Ohio State Women’s Basketball Faces Howard in NCAA Tournament Opener The Ohio State women’s basketball team heads into its NCAA Tournament first-round matchup against Howard with a mix of confidence and caution. While the Buckeyes hold a clear advantage in most statistical categories, the unpredictability of March Madness means the game could take any number of turns. Three key factors will shape Saturday’s contest, whether the outcome leans toward a dominant Buckeye win or an underdog upset. Jaloni Cambridge’s performance will be central to Ohio State’s success. The sophomore guard, the nation’s sixth-best scorer, has been a driving force for the Buckeyes, averaging 22.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. However, her recent game against UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament highlighted the challenges she faces. The Bruins, known for their defensive intensity, managed to limit her opportunities, forcing her into difficult situations. Despite that, Cambridge bounced back in her next game, scoring 33 points against Michigan State to tie her season-high. Against Howard, the Bison will likely double-team her to disrupt her rhythm, but the Buckeyes’ depth, including second-highest scorer Chance Gray, ensures they have multiple threats. Gray’s ability to step up when Cambridge is contained could determine how effectively Ohio State can maintain its offensive flow. Turnovers will also play a critical role in the game’s outcome. Ohio State excels at forcing turnovers, averaging 21.4 per game, which ranks them among the top 20 teams nationally. Redshirt junior guard Kennedy Cambridge (Jaloni’s older sister) leads the country in steals with 3.9 per game, while Ava Watson and Jaloni Cambridge both rank in the Big Ten’s top 10. The Buckeyes convert these turnovers into 24.#ohio_state #jaloni_cambridge #chance_gray #kennedy_cambridge #zennia_thomas

No. 1 Duke survived a close battle against No. 16 Siena in the Round of 64, securing a 71-65 victory and maintaining its path toward an NCAA Championship. Meanwhile, No. 9 TCU narrowly defeated No. 8 Ohio State, 66-64, with a game-winning layup from David Punch in the final 4.3 seconds. The two teams will face off in the Sweet 16 on Saturday, with bet365 offering a bonus code for users to receive $365 in bonus bets regardless of the outcome. The bonus code is available exclusively to new users signing up for an account, requiring a qualifying deposit and wager. The offer is valid in several states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Virginia, but excludes Illinois. Participants can use the bonus bets within seven days of receiving them. Duke’s path to the Sweet 16 is complicated by a thin rotation due to the absence of key players Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II, which limits floor spacing and makes the team more vulnerable to defensive strategies targeting Cameron Boozer. TCU, however, remains a strong contender, ranked in the top 30 for Adjusted Defensive Efficiency (99.2). The Horned Frogs excel at forcing turnovers, defending without fouling, and controlling the glass. Offensively, they rely heavily on forwards David Punch, Xavier Edmonds, and Micah Robinson, while perimeter contributors like Jayden Pierre or Liutauras Lelevicius will be crucial to neutralizing Duke’s threat. The matchup between TCU and Duke highlights the competitive nature of the NCAA tournament, with both teams demonstrating resilience and skill. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely as the two programs vie for a spot in the Sweet 16.#bet365 #duke #tcu #ohio_state #siena

How to Run Your 2026 March Madness Pool: Play for Prizes and Make an NCAA Tournament Game The NCAA Tournament for men’s and women’s basketball has officially returned for 2026, with millions of fans finalizing their brackets and preparing for the March Madness action. The men’s tournament kicks off on Thursday at 12:15 p.m. ET with Ohio State facing TCU, while the women’s tournament begins on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET with Duke taking on Charleston. Fans have until the start of the first games to submit their entries for office pools and online competitions. UConn remains the only program to have won both the men’s and women’s tournaments in the same season, achieving this feat in 2004 and 2014. The Huskies are once again in position to make history, with the men’s team seeded No. 2 and the women’s team as the No. 1 seed. With the tournament shaping up to be highly competitive, now is the time to set up your 2026 March Madness pools for both men’s and women’s brackets. Creating a pool is straightforward. For men’s brackets, visit the Create Men’s Bracket Pool page on CBSSports.com or the CBS Sports app. Name your group, choose whether to make it a locked pool (where you control invites) or an open pool (anyone can join), and set your rules. Once ready, share your personal pool link with friends, family, or coworkers. The process for women’s brackets is identical but starts at the Create Women’s Bracket Pool page. CBS Sports offers free NCAA Tournament bracket challenges for both men’s and women’s tournaments, with prizes including trips to the 2027 Final Four. To join the Men’s Challenge, click the provided link, select “Join Now,” and enter your details. After the bracket is released on March 15, complete your picks. Winners of the men’s challenge will be announced before the tournament begins.#duke #uconn #ncaa_tournament #cbs_sports #ohio_state

March Madness Upsets: TCU and High Point Shock Top-Ranked Teams in NCAA Tournament The NCAA tournament kicked off with a wave of unexpected results, as lower-seeded teams delivered thrilling victories over heavily favored opponents. Among the most notable upsets were No. 12 seed High Point’s stunning 83-82 win over No. 5 Wisconsin and No. 9 seed TCU’s 66-64 overtime triumph over No. 8 Ohio State. These outcomes highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament, leaving fans and analysts scrambling to adjust their brackets. High Point’s victory over Wisconsin marked a historic moment for the program, which made its NCAA tournament debut last year. The win propelled the team to the round of 32 for the first time, with standout performance from freshman guard Chase Johnston. His game-winning shot, which came after a dramatic back-and-forth finish, became a defining moment for the Panthers. The game’s intensity was underscored by High Point’s ability to maintain composure in the final seconds, securing a dramatic upset over a top-five team. Meanwhile, TCU’s overtime win over Ohio State showcased the Horned Frogs’ resilience. Despite trailing by 15 points at halftime, TCU clawed back to force overtime, where Xavier Edmonds’ last-second shot sealed the victory. The win marked TCU’s first round of 32 appearance since 2023, despite being a 2.5-point underdog. Ohio State’s late surge, led by a valiant second-half effort, added to the game’s drama, as the Buckeyes fell just short of an improbable comeback. These upsets set the tone for a tournament filled with surprises, as underdog teams continued to challenge higher-ranked foes. The first round’s results emphasized the unpredictability of March Madness, with fans eagerly anticipating how these matchups will unfold in the next rounds.#high_point #wisconsin #ncaa_tournament #tcu #ohio_state

Ohio State’s spring practice is only just beginning, but we’ve already gotten a first glimpse at what the Buckeyes have at each position group for the 2026 season. Ohio State opened the first hour of each of its first two practices to the media last week, Ryan Day met with the media for his first press conference of the year, and one returning star on each side of the ball—Julian Sayin and Kenyatta Jackson Jr.—also met with reporters last week, giving us some insight into where things stand on both sides of the ball as spring ramps up. With the Buckeyes on spring break this week before they return to the field for the first of their remaining 13 spring practices on Tuesday, we’re recapping what we’ve seen and heard so far about each position group, starting on the offensive side of the ball. There’s not much drama at quarterback this spring, as Julian Sayin returns to lead the offense after leading the nation in completion percentage and finishing fourth in last year’s Heisman Trophy vote. That said, there are multiple areas of emphasis for Sayin this spring as he works to improve entering his second year as a starter. He’ll have more responsibility to change plays at the line of scrimmage this season, while Ryan Day believes it’s crucial for Sayin to become more of a threat in the running game this year. “Making an impact with his legs when appropriate, we know that that’s the X-factor that has to show up this year,” Day said last week. “And he’s aware of that and been working hard in the offseason.” Tavien St. Clair looks more comfortable than a year ago and is the clear frontrunner to be Ohio State’s No. 2 quarterback this season.#ohio_state #ryan_day #julian_sayin #tavien_st_clair #kenyatta_jackson_jr

2026 NCAA Tournament First-Round Schedule: Thursday's Games and Key Storylines The 2026 NCAA Tournament kicks off its first round on Thursday, featuring 16 teams vying to advance past the opening round as the path to the Final Four begins. The day’s matchups promise a mix of high-stakes battles, historic opportunities, and potential upsets. The first game of the day sees No. 9 seed TCU facing off against No. 8 seed Ohio State at 12:15 p.m. ET on CBS, with the winner set to face the victor of the No. 1 overall seed Duke and No. 16 seed Siena matchup. Another early highlight is No. 4 seed Nebraska challenging No. 13 seed Troy at 12:40 p.m. ET on truTV, marking a potential breakthrough for the Cornhuskers, who have never won an NCAA Tournament game. Duke, led by presumptive National Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, aims to return to the Final Four after a semifinal loss to Houston in 2025. The team’s path includes a potential clash with No. 16 seed Siena, while No. 6 seed BYU, featuring star forward AJ Dybantsa—the nation’s leading scorer—faces No. 11 seed Texas at 7:25 p.m. ET on TBS. Later in the day, No. 3 seed Illinois takes on No. 14 seed Penn at 9:25 p.m. ET on TNT, adding intrigue as Penn’s first-year coach Fran McCaffery, who previously coached Iowa, faces his former team. The tournament’s freshman class dominates the spotlight, with 13 of the 68 teams in the field featuring a freshman as their leading scorer—a record for NCAA Tournament history. Players like Boozer, Dybantsa, Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas, Keaton Wagler of Illinois, and Kingston Flemings of Houston will debut in the tournament, each with the chance to make an immediate impact. Nebraska’s quest for its first NCAA Tournament victory takes center stage as the team, which went 20-0 to start the season before finishing 6-6, faces Troy.#nebraska #duke #ncaa_tournament #tcu #ohio_state

Michigan Faces Ohio State in Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals The Michigan men’s basketball team, which secured the outright Big Ten regular-season title, will aim for a second conference championship in the same tournament. The Wolverines, ranked No. 1 in the standings with a 29-2 record, will face No. 8 seed Ohio State (21-11) in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals. The matchup is set for noon Friday at the United Center in Chicago and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. This will be the third meeting between the rivals this season. Michigan has already defeated Ohio State twice during the regular season, with victories at home in Ann Arbor and on the road in Columbus. The Wolverines triumphed 74-62 on Jan. 23 and 82-61 on Feb. 8. The team also claimed the Big Ten tournament title last year under first-year coach Dusty May, defeating Purdue, Maryland, and Wisconsin in consecutive rounds. The Big Ten tournament is being held at the United Center in Chicago throughout the week. The quarterfinal matchup between Michigan and Ohio State will determine which team advances to the semifinals on Saturday. The game will be televised on BTN and available on 94.7 FM radio. Both teams have distinct records, with Michigan boasting a 29-2 overall mark and Ohio State at 21-11. The tournament bracket features multiple matchups, with the quarterfinals serving as a critical step toward the championship. Michigan’s path to the title includes overcoming Ohio State, while the Wolverines’ focus remains on securing another conference championship. The game’s outcome will have significant implications for both programs as they vie for dominance in the Big Ten.#big_ten_tournament #dusty_may #united_center #michigan_men_s_basketball #ohio_state