Ohio State Advances to NCAA Tournament Second Round, Eliminating Montana State

Date: March 22, 2025
Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
Round: First Round, NCAA Tournament

In a thrilling first-round matchup of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the Ohio State Buckeyes made quick work of the Montana State Bobcats, advancing to the second round with a decisive 84-68 victory. The game, held at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, was a showcase of Ohio State’s offensive depth and defensive resilience, as they overpowered Montana State throughout the contest.

From start to finish, the Buckeyes demonstrated why they are one of the most feared teams in college basketball, weathering a few brief moments of Montana State resistance before ultimately pulling away to secure the win. Let’s dive into the key moments and highlights that defined this exciting clash.

First Half: Fast Start and Early Dominance by Ohio State

The game tipped off with a palpable sense of excitement in the air, as both teams took the court with high hopes of advancing to the next round. For Ohio State, there was no sense of nervousness or hesitation. They were the heavy favorites, and they came out aggressive, immediately asserting their dominance.

The Opening Surge:

Ohio State’s starting lineup wasted no time in making a statement. Led by sophomore guard Tyler McMillan, the Buckeyes opened up the game with an impressive 9-0 run. McMillan, who has been the team’s top scorer all season, was all over the floor early, contributing both in transition and in the half-court offense. His pull-up jumpers and savvy passes set the tone for the rest of the game.

Montana State, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm early. Despite being an experienced team, the Bobcats seemed a bit rattled by the intensity of the moment, especially considering they were facing a team of Ohio State’s caliber. Their offense stagnated as they were unable to break through Ohio State’s defense, which was active and well-coordinated from the outset.

Key Performances Early On:

While McMillan took charge early, Ohio State’s other stars weren’t far behind. Senior forward Josh Franklin showed his experience and leadership by attacking the rim with authority, finishing with powerful dunks and laying the foundation for Ohio State’s fast-paced style of play. His versatility on both ends of the court made him a constant problem for Montana State.

Montana State finally managed to get a few shots to fall midway through the first half, with guard Noah Richardson hitting a couple of quick three-pointers to bring the Bobcats within striking distance. But every time they seemed to inch closer, Ohio State would respond, often with McMillan or Franklin scoring quickly on fast breaks or getting key baskets off the dribble.

Montana State’s Brief Resurgence

As the first half wore on, Montana State did find their footing, thanks to their star player, forward Marcus Wells, who began to heat up. Wells, known for his ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting, knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to pull the Bobcats within five points at 25-20. His shooting brought the Montana State faithful to life and injected some much-needed energy into the Bobcats’ offense.

However, Ohio State’s defense tightened as the first half continued, stifling Montana State’s attempts to capitalize on their brief scoring run. The Buckeyes turned up the pressure, forcing several turnovers and preventing Montana State from generating any consistent offensive flow. Ohio State’s fast break opportunities led to easy buckets, while point guard Aiden Carter showed his playmaking abilities, distributing the ball to open teammates and keeping the offense moving fluidly.

Closing the First Half Strong:

With less than five minutes left in the first half, Ohio State began to pull away once more. McMillan drilled a three-pointer off an assist from Carter, and moments later, Franklin converted an alley-oop dunk from McMillan, pushing the Buckeyes’ lead to 12 points, 40-28. The crowd erupted, sensing the momentum swinging entirely in Ohio State’s favor.

By halftime, Ohio State held a commanding 47-32 lead. While Montana State had shown some fight, the Buckeyes’ depth, athleticism, and defensive schemes proved to be too much. McMillan led all scorers with 14 points at the break, while Franklin added 10 points and 6 rebounds. For Montana State, Wells had 9 points, but it was clear they would need a monumental second-half effort to mount a comeback.

Second Half: Ohio State Cruises to Victory

The second half started much like the first: Ohio State came out of the gates with energy and focus. Montana State, facing a significant deficit, needed a quick burst to get back into the game, but Ohio State wasn’t having it. The Buckeyes’ defense was suffocating, not allowing the Bobcats to create any easy opportunities.

Ohio State’s Balanced Attack:

In the opening minutes of the second half, Ohio State’s offensive balance became even more evident. Shooting guard Ryan Griffin, who had been quiet in the first half, caught fire early in the second, hitting a pair of three-pointers and adding a mid-range jumper to extend Ohio State’s lead to 18 points at 55-37. Griffin’s shooting ability kept Montana State’s defense on its heels, unable to fully collapse on McMillan or Franklin.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes’ defense was impenetrable. Center Sam Thompson, who had been a force in the paint all game, swatted away a couple of Montana State’s layup attempts, sending a clear message that Ohio State was not going to let the Bobcats make a run. Every time Montana State seemed to get a basket, Ohio State answered with a fast break or a well-executed offensive set.

Montana State Fights, but It’s Too Little, Too Late:

With about 12 minutes left, Montana State mounted one last push. Wells and Richardson connected for a few key baskets, bringing the Bobcats to within 12 points at 58-46. However, Ohio State was able to match every Montana State bucket, with Franklin once again dominating inside, grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring in the paint. The Bobcats simply couldn’t find a way to slow down Ohio State’s offensive attack, and every attempt to close the gap was met with a quick response.

By the 8-minute mark, Ohio State led 68-51, and it was clear that the game was slipping away from Montana State. The Bobcats began to resort to fouling in an attempt to stop the clock, but it proved ineffective, as the Buckeyes maintained their poise at the free-throw line. McMillan and Griffin both knocked down clutch free throws, keeping the Bobcats at arm’s length.

As the game wound down, Ohio State continued to cruise, maintaining a comfortable lead and preventing any serious comeback from Montana State. The final buzzer sounded with the Buckeyes on top, 84-68, sending them into the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Key Takeaways

• Ohio State’s Offensive Depth: The Buckeyes proved their offensive firepower in this game, with contributions coming from all over the court. McMillan led the way with 22 points, while Franklin added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Griffin’s timely three-pointers were also crucial in the second half.
• Montana State’s Struggles: Despite a valiant effort from Wells, who finished with 18 points and 6 rebounds, Montana State was unable to overcome Ohio State’s defensive pressure and offensive balance. The Bobcats’ lack of consistent scoring outside of Wells and Richardson proved costly in the end.
• Defensive Domination: Ohio State’s defense was a key factor in this win. The Buckeyes forced 15 turnovers, blocking 8 shots and limiting Montana State to just 38% shooting from the field. Thompson’s presence in the paint was especially dominant.
• Experience Shines Through: Ohio State’s veteran leadership, particularly from Franklin and McMillan, proved crucial in closing out the game. Montana State’s youth and lack of NCAA Tournament experience showed as they were unable to execute in critical moments.

Looking Ahead

Ohio State will advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face the winner of the game between Kansas State and Vanderbilt. With their offense clicking on all cylinders and their defense firing on all fronts, the Buckeyes will be confident going into their next matchup. However, they will need to be wary of the challenges posed by the elite teams still remaining in the bracket.

Montana State, while eliminated, can hold their heads high after an impressive season. Their run in the tournament showed the potential they have as a program, and they will undoubtedly be a team to watch in the coming years as they continue to build their foundation.

As for Ohio State, the road to the Final Four is just beginning, and their dominant performance today will serve as a strong statement to the rest of the tournament field.

Final Score:

Ohio State 84, Montana State 68

Top Performers:

• Ohio State:
  • Tyler McMillan – 22 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds
  • Josh Franklin – 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks
  • Ryan Griffin – 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
  • Sam Thompson – 8 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks
• Montana State:
  • Marcus Wells – 18 points, 6 rebounds
  • Noah Richardson – 12 points, 4 assists
  • Matt Brewer – 10 points, 5 rebounds