CBB: Ohio State shocks top ranked Duke with 12-0 run to end game

Ohio State came back from a 15-point deficit to defeat previously undefeated #1 Duke at the Schottenstein Center on Tuesday, November 30 in Columbus. The Buckeyes trailed 66-59 with just over four minutes left before ending the game on an improbable 12-0 run to secure the upset. EJ Liddell knocked down a step-back jumper with 15.4 second remaining to extend Ohio State's lead to three points. Paolo Banchero attempted a game-tying 3-pointer on the other end for the Blue Devils but came up empty. Zed Key was phenomenal down the stretch as he scored a game-high 20 points and three rebounds. Liddell also recorded a double-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists in the victory.

Duke's defensive pressure allowed them to create some distance and take a 43-30 lead into the break. Banchero and veteran wing Wendell Moore combined for 20 points halftime as the Blue Devils shot 60% from the field in the first half. The Buckeyes refused to go away as they slowly crept back into the game. Meechie Johnson found Justin Aherns for a wide-open triple to bring Ohio State within six points before Cedric Russell connected on a corner triple of his own. Duke couldn't create quality shots as they failed to score in the last 4+ minutes. Chris Holtmann's team improved to 5-2 with the 71-66 upset, while the Blue Devils will fall from the #1 spot after suffering their first blemish. Banchero had 14 points and five rebounds in the loss.

"Great win over an outstanding program, obviously a Hall of Fame and legendary coach, and a terrific team. I thought our guys showed a lot of resilience. Bottom line, I though our ability to be resilient and keep coming, and try to win the next possession was really important. At the end, our players just made enough plays. I was really proud of their resilience." Holtmann explained in the postgame press conference following the win on Tuesday night. "Duke is going to have a phenomenal year. I think they are really gifted and talented but our ability to stay with it was really important. Players win games and we had a number of guys that made plays down the stretch."

Photo Credit: CBS Sports.