WATCH: Ohio State avoids Akron upset in crazy finish
Ohio State avoided the opening night upset against Akron in a thrilling finish that featured two huge shots with seconds remaining. Ohio State’s Zed Key made a strong finish at the rim with .5 seconds left on the clock to open the season with a win over a tough Akron team.
Ohio State’s crazy finish over Akron
Trailing by three, the Akron Zips tied the game with six seconds remaining on a step-back three point shot by Ali Ali. The shot was good and a foul was called on E.J. Liddell, his fifth of the night and fouling him out of the game.
Ali stepped up to take the go-ahead free throw and drained it, giving Akron a one-point lead. The Buckeyes hurried the ball up the court and called a timeout to inbound the ball with 3.2 seconds left. Malaki Branham received the inbounds pass and found Zed Key in the paint with a bullet pass. Key caught the pass and made a strong finish at the rim over the defense to win the game for Ohio State.
There ended up being just enough time on the clock for a full court desperation inbound pass by Akron. The ball fell short and wide on the touch-shot attempt as the Buckeyes survived their opening game.
Prior to fouling out, E.J. Liddell had a great night with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Zed Key’s game-winner was for two of his 14 points on the night, with another big basket coming on the play before Ali’s three point shot. On a missed shot at the rim, Key tipped in the rebound to give Ohio State their three-point lead. Freshman Malaki Branham gave a big contribution on the night along with his game-winning assist, with 7 points and 6 rebounds of his own off the bench.
For Akron, the high scorers on the night were Ali Ali and K.J. Walton with 17 and 16 points respectively. The Zips outscored the Buckeyes from long range with 7-of-22 three point makes to Ohio State’s 4-14. However the Buckeyes’ ability to get to the basket proved to be the difference as they shot more free throws and a better percentage on all field goal attempts.
Ohio State will play the Niagara Purple Eagles at home next on Friday, while Akron will go on to host the Point Park Pioneers on Saturday.