Buckeyes outlast ND 90-85

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann had strong words for his 22nd-ranked Buckeyes at halftime Tuesday night, and junior E.J. Liddell got his message.

The 6-foot-7 Liddell scored 17 of his careerhigh 19 points in the second half as the Buckeyes overcame an eight-point halftime deficit to hold off feisty Notre Dame 90-85 in the ACC-BIG Ten Challenge.

“(Hollmann) said I needed to play harder and lead the team better,” said Liddell, who finished with a double-double thanks to his 12 rebounds and was one of five Buckeyes in double figures.

Liddell’s defensive rebound and put-back basket with 50 seconds remaining gave the Buckeyes breathing room at 85-80.

C.J. Walker, who finished with 16 points along with Justice Seuing, then hit four free throws down the stretch for Ohio State.

Duane Washington Jr. had 13 points and Justin Ahrens finished with 12 — all on 3-pointers — as the Buckeyes improved to 4-0 by hitting 11 of 23 3-pointers and 21 of 24 free throws.

“I thought our performance in the second half was considerably better,” said Holtmann, whose team trailed at halftime 42-34. “We played together better on both ends in the second half. I’ve got a lot of respect for this Notre

Dame team. They spread you out and they are difficult to guard.”

The Fighting Irish (1-2) got a game-high 26 points from guard Prentiss Hubb. Nate Laszewski had 17 points and nine rebounds, Dane Goodwin had 16 points and Cormac Ryan had 15.

“Credit Ohio State – they made a few more physically tough plays around the rim and that hurt us,” said Notre Dame coach Mike Brey.