COLUMBUS, Ohio - The No. 17 Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) kicked off their 123rd season in program history at home against an experienced Akron Zips Squad (0-1). The game was supposed to be a battle between the Buckeyes EJ Liddell and Akron's Bryan Trimble Jr., each team's top player.

In a game that Ohio State led 36-28 lead at halftime, everything changed drastically as the game almost got away from them. The Buckeyes were outscored by Akron in the second half 38-31, yet the Buckeyes kept it tight. 

In the waning moments of the game, the Zips Ali Ali went head-on with EJ Liddell and capitalized on a three-point shot while he was fouled, sinking a four-point play that could have potentially sealed the game. With three seconds left and the Buckeyes across half court, Ohio State got the ball to an open Zed Key for a game-winning layup as the Buckeyes squeezed past Akron 67-66.

EJ Liddell Dominates

EJ Liddell dominated all game long, finishing the game with 25pts and shot 10 for 19 from the field for the Buckeyes. 

He was one of the few consistencies for the Buckeyes out on the court tonight as he became the first OSU player over the last 25 seasons to record 20 or more points and 10 or more rebounds in a season opener.

In the first half, Liddell was a man on a mission, finishing the half with 13pts and an amazing score off a missed free throw. After a botched free throw by the OSU big man, it would then be rebounded by OSU, only for Liddell to put it back up for another two points.

EJ Liddell is a junior forward who averaged 16 points per game a season ago and a critical piece for the Buckeyes offensively.

When Liddell rested for a few minutes early in the second half, the Buckeyes looked like they lost their rhythm, yet when he returned, he fired off the bat with two quick scores. He proved just how valuable he is to the Buckeyes' production.

Akron Delivers a Nailbiter

The Zips have not beaten the Buckeyes since 1913, but had a chance to do it in this one.

Akron battled back in the second half, firing off a quick 8-0 run coming out of halftime

Akron made the shots they needed when the opportunities presented themselves. Also, they were getting plenty of helpful foul calls to make this game even closer.

Ali Ali would lead the team with 17 pts while K.J. Walton finished with 16 pts.

In the final moments, Ali Ali made an and-one three-point shot, with the resulting free-throw giving Akron the lead. That lead would ultimately slip away as Ohio State stole the game in a heartbreaking loss for Akron. This marks 42-straight losses against ranked opponents for the Zips.

Coming up

  • Ohio State will take what they learned from the win and look to apply it when they face Niagara on Friday, Nov. 12.
  • Akron will face Point Park on Saturday, Nov. 13 where they will look to build upon their success in a painful loss to Ohio State.