There is nothing more exciting than a big shot to win a huge game. Yesterday, I posted about my top 3 big shots in Ohio State basketball. Well after I posted there were some other great shots that came to mind. I decided to post other great shots that I will never forget.
Buford Big Ten Title Winner Over Sparty! The best part of this game-winner is Buford's smile looking over at the Michigan State students after draining the shot. This gave the Buckeyes a tie for the Big Ten title, and is the signature moment of Buford's career. His legacy up to that point was his struggles against Kentucky in the NCAA tournament the year before.
Jared Sullinger pulls out a late basket over Northwestern! Northwestern made a great comeback against the Buckeyes, but Jared Sullinger was able to pull out this gem to give Ohio State the win.
Matt Sylvester knocks off LSU in dramatic fashion! Big Shot Sylvester does it again. This time it was against LSU, who went on to make it to the Final 4 that season.
Ohio State Basketball Countdown: 21 days until exhibition game with Walsh, 31 days until season opener with Marquette, and 85 days until the Big Ten opener with Nebraska!
With Ohio State Basketball season just around the corner, as a countdown we will be answering some Buckeye Basketball questions to get ready for the season.
What is the best clutch shot in Ohio State history?
When I think about the best clutch shots, there are 3 questions that pop into my head. 1. How significant is the game in which the clutch shot comes? 2. How difficult was the shot? 3. How much time was left when the clutch shot was made?
With the above criteria, here are my top three clutch shots in Ohio State basketball history.
1. Ron Lewis in the 2007 NCAA Tournament to beat Xavier in the Second Round The reason this shot is number one on the list is how big the game was in which the shot was made. Ron Lewis hit a long distance three-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into Overtime! Ohio State went on to win the game and make it all the way to the National Championship game. What adds to this amazing shot it that it was an amazing call by Gus Johnson. Watch the clip below. I have seen it no less than 30 times and I get goosebumps every time!
2. Evan Turner from just in front of half court to beat Michigan in the 2010 Big Ten Quarterfinal It was a difficult choice between this shot and the Matt Sylvester's shot against Illinois for number 2 on the list. I went with this one because of the difficulty of the shot. Turner was just past mid-court and it was hit with the clock hitting zero. The shot helped the Buckeyes advance on and win the Big Ten Tournament in 2010. It was also my favorite shot of all-time as I sat in the stands thinking I was going to be in Indianapolis for two more days as the Buckeyes were going to be going home.
3. Matt Sylvester beats Undefeated Illinois on a Three Point Shot with under 5 seconds to play Matt Sylvester was never considered a star as a Buckeye despite his decent 4 year career. What he could be considered was clutch! In the final game of the regular season with Number One ranked Illinois at the Schottenstein Center he came up with a huge game, and an even bigger shot to put the Buckeyes ahead. The win ended the Illini dominance and undefeated regular season in 2005. Illinois went on to lose in the National Championship to North Carolina. Ohio State was ineligible for post-season play, so this was their National Championship. This game is probably still the best game in the history of the Schottenstein Center.
