Ohio State Displayed Positives in OT Loss vs. Maryland to Close Regular Season: Takeaways

The 2025 Ohio State men’s basketball team wrapped up its regular season with a thrilling, albeit heartbreaking, overtime loss to the Maryland Terrapins. While the Buckeyes didn’t emerge victorious in the final game of the regular season, there were several positive takeaways from their performance that will serve them well heading into postseason play. The game against Maryland showcased resilience, growth, and the potential that Ohio State has, despite not securing the win. This article will dive into the key takeaways from the overtime loss and how these moments could impact their postseason aspirations.

A Hard-Fought Battle: Ohio State vs. Maryland

The game was everything college basketball fans love about postseason-caliber matchups—intensity, drama, and thrilling back-and-forth action. Both teams fought tooth and nail for positioning in the Big Ten standings and to build momentum ahead of the conference tournament. The Buckeyes had a lot to play for, and though the game ended in a 79-75 overtime defeat, it was a display of heart and determination that Ohio State can carry into the postseason.

Maryland capitalized on some late-game opportunities and made key free throws in the extra period, but Ohio State didn’t make it easy. After a tough back-and-forth second half, the game went into overtime, where Maryland ultimately sealed the victory. But even in the defeat, Ohio State showed signs of promise that could make them dangerous in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament and beyond.

Key Takeaways from Ohio State’s Performance Against Maryland

1. Ohio State’s Resilience and Fight in Crunch Time

One of the most encouraging aspects of Ohio State’s play in the loss was their resilience. The Buckeyes fought back from a sizable deficit in the second half to send the game into overtime. Down by double digits at one point in the latter stages of the second half, Ohio State could have easily folded under the pressure, especially with the stakes so high. But instead, they dug deep and rallied.

The Buckeyes’ ability to fight through adversity and remain competitive until the final buzzer shows that they can handle high-pressure situations, which is a crucial attribute when preparing for postseason play. This type of mental toughness will be vital in the Big Ten Tournament, where every game is a battle and the margin for error is slim.

2. Strong Play from Key Players: Liddell’s Leadership

E.J. Liddell’s leadership was on full display throughout the game. The junior forward continues to be the backbone of Ohio State’s offense and played with a sense of urgency in the loss to Maryland. Liddell finished the game with 23 points and 11 rebounds, contributing significantly both offensively and on the boards. His ability to take over stretches of the game and be a consistent force in critical moments was exactly what Ohio State needed.

Beyond his scoring, Liddell also showcased his leadership and poise, helping the Buckeyes stay organized during the game’s most chaotic moments. His leadership qualities, especially in tight contests like this one, are the type of assets that will serve Ohio State well in the postseason. The fact that he was able to step up in a high-pressure environment gives his teammates confidence heading into the conference tournament.

3. Improvement from Young Guards: A Glimpse of Future Potential

Ohio State’s backcourt also had its moments of brilliance, especially from freshmen like Malaki Branham and Meechie Johnson Jr. Branham, in particular, impressed with his scoring ability, hitting some clutch shots late in the game, including a key three-pointer to help tie the game. His poise in those situations speaks to his growing confidence and maturity as he continues to develop as a player.

Johnson, meanwhile, had a solid performance, contributing with both his playmaking and defense. His ability to distribute the ball effectively, coupled with his leadership qualities, showed that he is continuing to grow into his role as a key contributor for Ohio State. Both Branham and Johnson will be vital in any postseason run, and this game served as a reminder of their high ceiling and potential to shine when it matters most.

These young players’ performances, particularly when combined with the veteran leadership of Liddell, give Ohio State a balanced roster that can go toe-to-toe with the best teams in the conference and in the NCAA tournament. The mixture of youthful energy and experienced composure is something that could provide Ohio State with the depth needed for a deep postseason run.

4. Strong Defensive Stretches, but Room for Improvement

While Ohio State showed flashes of solid defense, especially in the first half, the defensive effort was inconsistent throughout the game. The Buckeyes were unable to contain Maryland’s offense during key moments in the second half and overtime. Defensive lapses allowed Maryland to go on scoring runs, and Ohio State struggled to get stops when it mattered most.

The Buckeyes allowed too many easy baskets in the paint, and their perimeter defense was often lacking, allowing Maryland to knock down timely three-pointers. With the tournament looming, this will be an area where Ohio State will need to improve. The ability to lock in defensively in crunch time is crucial in high-pressure games where a single missed defensive assignment can turn the tide.

That said, Ohio State showed they are capable of playing good defense for stretches, especially with players like Liddell, Kyle Young, and Zed Key, who have the physicality to contest shots and defend in the paint. If they can tighten up their defense, particularly in the second half of games, they could prove to be a formidable opponent in the Big Ten Tournament and beyond.

5. Free Throw Shooting Must Improve

Free throw shooting was another area of concern for Ohio State in the loss to Maryland. In a tight overtime game, free throws can often determine the outcome, and Ohio State missed several crucial free throws down the stretch, particularly in the final seconds of regulation and overtime. The team shot just 65% from the free throw line, which is below the standard for a program of Ohio State’s caliber.

Given how closely contested tournament games tend to be, Ohio State will need to improve at the charity stripe. These missed opportunities can be costly in one-and-done tournament formats, and converting on free throws could be the difference between advancing or going home early.

6. Big Ten Tournament Implications: A Stepping Stone, Not a Setback

Though Ohio State’s overtime loss to Maryland marked the end of the regular season, the game was not a setback. In fact, it could serve as an important stepping stone for the Buckeyes. The resilience shown in fighting back from a second-half deficit, the leadership from Liddell, and the flashes of brilliance from their young guards are all positive indicators for the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.

Ohio State’s focus must now shift entirely to the postseason. Their chances in the Big Ten Tournament will depend largely on whether they can carry over the positives from the Maryland game—particularly their mental toughness, leadership, and strong individual performances—while making the necessary adjustments, particularly defensively and in their free-throw shooting.

Looking Ahead: Buckeyes’ Postseason Outlook

The 2025 Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament will provide Ohio State with ample opportunities to showcase the growth they’ve made throughout the season. Despite the loss to Maryland, the Buckeyes remain a talented, dangerous team that can make a run if they find their rhythm.

As they prepare for the conference tournament, Ohio State will need to tighten their defense, improve free throw shooting, and continue to rely on the leadership of Liddell. The team’s young core will play a pivotal role in Ohio State’s postseason success, and their growth over the course of the season will be critical.

Ohio State fans can feel optimistic about what they saw in the Maryland loss. While the defeat stings, it also highlighted the potential of this team. If the Buckeyes can build off the positives from this game, they will be a team to watch in March Madness.

Although Ohio State’s overtime loss to Maryland to close the regular season was disappointing, it revealed many positives that will serve the team well in the postseason. The Buckeyes displayed resilience, strong individual performances from key players like Liddell, and flashes of potential from their young guards. While there are areas that need improvement—particularly defensively and at the free throw line—Ohio State has shown that they are a team capable of making noise in the Big Ten Tournament and beyond. With the right adjustments and continued growth, the Buckeyes could be poised for a successful postseason run.