David Punch delivered a textbook entry pass to Xavier Edmonds, who converted a layup to beat the shot clock with 4.3 seconds left as No. 9 seed TCU held off a furious second-half rally by eighth-seeded Ohio State for a 66-64 victory to open the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Bruce Thornton‘s half-court heave at the buzzer hit all backboard, and the Buckeyes’ standout senior leaned forward and put his hands on his knees in dismay near midcourt as TCU began its celebration.
John Mobley Jr. scored 15 points to lead Ohio State (21-13), which was making its first March Madness appearance since 2022.
Thornton finished his Buckeye career with 10 points. Ohio State shot just 42% from the field and was 9 for 23 from three.
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