Montana State is eliminated while Ohio State advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament: Replay

The 2024 NCAA Tournament is always a whirlwind of excitement, upsets, and unforgettable moments. In a high-stakes matchup in the first round, the Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against Montana State in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The game ultimately resulted in Ohio State advancing to the second round, while Montana State’s tournament journey came to an unfortunate end. The Buckeyes’ victory was hard-fought, showcasing the team’s resilience, determination, and the exceptional coaching by Chris Holtmann that kept Ohio State poised for the win.

Let’s take a deep dive into this thrilling game and examine the moments that defined Ohio State’s victory, Montana State’s elimination, and what it means moving forward in the tournament.

Pre-Game Expectations: An Exciting Matchup

Coming into the tournament, Ohio State was considered one of the stronger teams in the Big Ten, boasting a solid record in the regular season and a lineup of players capable of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Led by head coach Chris Holtmann, the Buckeyes had showcased their potential with an impressive mix of offensive firepower, a balanced defense, and leadership from players like Brice Sensabaugh and Roddy Gayle Jr.

On the other hand, Montana State, while not as high-profile as Ohio State, entered the tournament as a scrappy underdog from the Big Sky Conference. With their fast-paced style of play and an exciting mix of experienced seniors and talented younger players, Montana State was primed to pull off an upset. The Bobcats had earned their spot in the tournament with an impressive conference championship and a solid regular-season record, but they faced a significant challenge in the form of the Buckeyes.

For Montana State, advancing past Ohio State would require a near-perfect performance. Ohio State’s superior size, depth, and athleticism made them the clear favorites, but the Bobcats were determined to play their brand of basketball and prove they could compete with the elite teams.

First Half: Ohio State Struggles Early, Montana State’s Strong Start

As the game tipped off, it quickly became clear that Montana State wasn’t backing down. The Bobcats came out with energy, playing an aggressive, high-tempo style of basketball that caught Ohio State a bit off guard. Montana State’s fast breaks, sharp shooting, and ball movement created early problems for the Buckeyes’ defense. The Bobcats took an early lead, outpacing Ohio State in the first few minutes of the game.

Ohio State’s offense was sluggish to start, with Brice Sensabaugh missing some early shots and Justice Sueing struggling to find rhythm in the opening minutes. The Buckeyes’ typically strong defense was caught on their heels as Montana State capitalized on fast breaks and found open shots from beyond the arc.

Montana State was playing with confidence, knocking down several three-pointers and looking poised to pull off a major upset. By the midway point of the first half, the Bobcats had built a five-point lead, forcing Ohio State to call a timeout to regroup.

Head coach Chris Holtmann addressed the team during the timeout, emphasizing the importance of improving defensive communication, closing out on shooters, and taking better care of the ball. The Buckeyes had been turning the ball over at a high rate, which allowed Montana State to convert in transition.

Despite the early struggles, Ohio State began to show signs of life after the timeout. Sensabaugh, who had been quiet to start, started to find his rhythm. With some quick drives to the basket and better ball movement, Ohio State chipped away at Montana State’s lead. Roddy Gayle Jr. also started to contribute with a few critical assists and a couple of key defensive stops that helped to shift momentum back in the Buckeyes’ favor.

As the first half progressed, Ohio State’s defense started to assert itself. They forced a few turnovers and limited Montana State’s open looks from deep, cutting into the Bobcats’ lead. By the time the first half came to a close, the game was tied at 34-34—a sign of the resilience Ohio State had shown despite their early struggles.

Second Half: Ohio State Shifts Gears, Pulls Away from Montana State

The second half began with a sense of urgency for both teams. Montana State, having come so far, was determined to keep the game close and maintain their momentum, but Ohio State was equally motivated to avoid a first-round exit. The Buckeyes came out with an increased sense of intensity in both offense and defense, particularly with their focus on Brice Sensabaugh and Zed Key.

Sensabaugh, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, quickly made his presence felt with back-to-back jumpers and an aggressive drive to the rim, which gave Ohio State their first lead of the game since early in the first half. As Sensabaugh found his footing, his teammates followed suit. Roddy Gayle Jr., who had been a steady contributor throughout the game, made a timely steal and transition layup to extend Ohio State’s lead to six points.

On the other side, Montana State wasn’t ready to go down without a fight. The Bobcats, led by Darius Brown II and Riley Stewart, continued to execute their fast-paced offense. However, as the game wore on, their shooting began to cool off, and Ohio State’s defense became more stifling. The Buckeyes were able to limit the Bobcats’ open looks, especially from beyond the arc, and their rebounding game—led by Zed Key—started to control the flow of the game.

Zed Key proved to be a dominant force in the paint. His size and physicality gave Ohio State the advantage inside, and he grabbed several key offensive rebounds to extend possessions. Montana State’s defense, which had been solid early in the game, started to show cracks as Ohio State exploited mismatches and capitalized on second-chance opportunities.

The turning point came midway through the second half when Ohio State went on a 12-2 run, fueled by Sensabaugh’s perimeter shooting and Sueing’s aggressive plays at the rim. This scoring burst gave Ohio State a commanding 10-point lead with just over five minutes remaining in the game. The Bobcats, visibly fatigued, struggled to match Ohio State’s intensity, and their shooting woes continued to plague them.

Montana State had a few chances to cut the lead down, but Bruce Thornton made several key free throws down the stretch, and Sueing came up with a critical steal in the final minutes to seal the game. With under a minute left and the game effectively decided, the Buckeyes took the opportunity to rotate in their bench players, who got valuable minutes as the final buzzer sounded with Ohio State emerging victorious, 72-61.

Key Moments of the Game:

1. Ohio State’s Defensive Adjustment: After struggling early, Ohio State’s defense made a crucial adjustment in the second half. They focused on locking down Montana State’s perimeter shooters and forced them into difficult shots. The defensive pressure, particularly from Roddy Gayle Jr. and Bruce Thornton, was key in stifling the Bobcats’ offense in the latter stages of the game. Ohio State also controlled the glass, which limited Montana State’s second-chance opportunities.

2. Brice Sensabaugh’s Scoring Surge: After a quiet first half, Brice Sensabaugh turned up the heat in the second half. He scored 15 of his 22 points after halftime, with a mix of deep threes and aggressive drives to the basket. Sensabaugh’s offensive explosion provided the Buckeyes with the boost they needed to pull away from the Bobcats.

3. Zed Key‘s Dominance in the Paint: Zed Key was a force on both ends of the court. He finished with a double-double, contributing 14 points and 12 rebounds. His physicality in the paint was a difference-maker, and his ability to grab crucial offensive rebounds allowed Ohio State to extend possessions and wear down Montana State’s defense.

Montana State’s Fight: What Went Wrong?

While Montana State’s journey ended in the first round, their performance in the tournament showed that they are a program on the rise. The Bobcats came out strong and played with heart, but their inability to maintain their shooting touch and limit Ohio State’s offensive weapons proved to be their downfall.

1. Cold Shooting in the Second Half: After hitting several three-pointers in the first half, Montana State struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc in the second half. The Buckeyes’ defense pressured their shooters, forcing them into contested shots. Darius Brown II and Riley Stewart had solid performances, but without consistent outside shooting, the Bobcats could not keep up with Ohio State’s scoring.

2. Lack of Depth and Fatigue: As the game wore on, Montana State’s lack of depth became evident. The Buckeyes rotated more players into the game, while the Bobcats’ starters were forced to play heavy minutes. This fatigue seemed to hinder their ability to execute down the stretch.

3. Ohio State’s Size Advantage: Montana State was simply outmatched physically by Ohio State’s size and athleticism, particularly in the paint. While they held their own early in the game, the Bobcats were unable to stop Zed Key and Brice Sensabaugh from exploiting mismatches inside.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

With the victory, Ohio State advances to the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, where they will face a tougher opponent in the next stage. The Buckeyes will

need to continue their defensive improvements and get consistent contributions from their key players if they are to make a deep run in the tournament.

For Montana State, the loss was disappointing, but they can take pride in their tournament performance. Their journey through the Big Sky Conference and their first-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament provided valuable experience for their young players, and the Bobcats will look to build on that moving forward.

 A Hard-Fought Victory for Ohio State

Ohio State’s 72-61 victory over Montana State was a game defined by adjustments, resilience, and the individual brilliance of players like Brice Sensabaugh and Zed Key. While Montana State gave the Buckeyes a scare early on, Ohio State’s defensive adjustments and second-half scoring surge were enough to ensure they advanced to the second round.

For the Buckeyes, this game marks another step in their quest for a national championship. With a deep roster and the momentum from this victory, Ohio State is poised to make a strong run in the tournament. Meanwhile, Montana State can hold their heads high for their spirited effort, knowing they gave a powerhouse team a serious challenge.