When Malcolm Hill launched his shot from near Ohio State’s three-point line before the final buzzer, three words flashed through Thad Matta’s mind.
“When that ball was going through the air, I’m like, ‘No, not today,’” he said.
Fortunately for Matta’s Buckeyes, it wasn’t that day — if just barely. The Illinois guard’s desperation heave after Marc Loving missed the second of two free-throws with 1.9 seconds left drew the rim but glanced wide left, and the Buckeyes held on for a 75-73 victory in front of 12,798 at Value City Arena.
With 7:37 left, it didn’t look like Ohio State would have reason to sweat out the final seconds.