Ohio State Faces Critical Test Against No. 8 Purdue

Buckeyes look to bounce back from Iowa loss and handle Boilermakers' star guard Braden Smith

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ohio State basketball has a crucial opportunity to knock off No. 8 Purdue at home on Saturday. After a blowout loss to Iowa, head coach Jake Diebler discussed what his team needs to do to come out on top, including managing foul trouble, simplifying the game plan, and containing Purdue's star guard Braden Smith. The Buckeyes have been riddled with injuries this season, and the availability of key players like Christoph Tilly remains uncertain.

Why it matters

This game has significant postseason implications for Ohio State, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing loss and prove they can compete with one of the top teams in the Big Ten. A win over Purdue would be a major resume-building victory for the Buckeyes ahead of the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Ohio State was blown out by Iowa in their last game, with early foul trouble and a lack of depth in the frontcourt hurting them. Head coach Jake Diebler said the team tried to do too much schematically and needs to simplify their approach. Key contributors like Brandon Noel, John Mobley Jr., Devin Royal, and Christoph Tilly have all missed time due to injuries and illness this season, making it difficult for the Buckeyes to find consistency. Tilly's status for the Purdue game remains uncertain. Diebler highlighted Purdue guard Braden Smith as a major challenge, as he averages 8.8 assists per game, second-best in the Big Ten.

  • Ohio State hosts Purdue on Saturday, February 29, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
  • The Buckeyes were blown out by Iowa in their last game on February 25, 2026.

The players

Jake Diebler

The head coach of the Ohio State basketball team.

Christoph Tilly

An Ohio State player who has been sidelined in a walking boot due to injury.

Brandon Noel

An Ohio State player who has missed time due to injury or illness this season.

John Mobley Jr.

An Ohio State player who recently returned from a hand injury.

Devin Royal

An Ohio State player who has missed time due to injury or illness this season.

Braden Smith

The star guard for the Purdue Boilermakers, averaging 8.8 assists per game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Early foul trouble coupled with our lack of depth in the frontcourt hurt us for the rest of that first-half stretch. Hopefully, we'll be in a better position to handle that stuff tomorrow.”

— Jake Diebler, Head Coach (SI.com)

“I thought we started thinking a little too much—we tried to do too much scheming. We just needed to simplify in those moments. We had guys playing out of position. All of that created a perfect storm.”

— Jake Diebler, Head Coach (SI.com)

“I can't tell you the last time we had our typical starting lineup together.”

— Jake Diebler, Head Coach (SI.com)

“He's working really hard to get back out there. He might as well have lived with our training staff leading into the last game. He really tried to be out there. We'll find out today what he can do. He wasn't able to do much yesterday. A lot of that stuff is day-to-day for us this time of year.”

— Jake Diebler, Head Coach (SI.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game against Purdue is a critical test for Ohio State as they look to bounce back from a tough loss and prove they can compete with one of the top teams in the Big Ten. Overcoming injuries and managing foul trouble will be key, as the Buckeyes try to simplify their approach and contain Purdue's star guard Braden Smith.