Chris Holtmann trotted out some well-trod coach-speak as No. 17 Ohio State prepared to open the season with Akron. On numerous preseason occasions, the Buckeyes coach called the Zips the toughest opponent Ohio State would open a season against during his five years with the program. He would be proven right. A Zed Key layup at the buzzer gave Ohio State (1-0) a 67-66 win against Akron (0-1) in a stunner at Value City Arena. Key’s putback of a Malaki Branham driving miss with 22.4 seconds left gave Ohio State a 65-62 lead, but Ali Ali hit a three with 6.0 seconds left to tie the game. He was fouled on the play by E.J. Liddell and hit the free throw to give the Zips a 66-65 lead. Ohio State called timeout, Meechie Johnson pushed the ball upcourt and called timeout with 3.2 seconds left to set up the final…
Continue Reading: Zed Key's buzzer-beater lifts No. 17 Ohio State over Akron
