It took just 61 seconds for Jamison Battle to connect on three straight 3-pointes, snap out of a cold stretch and catalyze a 19-point second half against No. 2 Purdue.
Battle entered Ohio State’s Sunday showdown with then-No. 2 Purdue with only two makes in his last 13 attempts from three. He scored a season-low three points at Wisconsin in the Buckeyes’ previous contest. He scored zero points in the first half against the Boilermakers after picking up three fouls in 10 minutes.“It’s just staying present in the moment, not worrying about what’s happened in the past,” Battle said after the game.
Zed Key came up with a swipe next. Again, the ball found its way to Battle in transition, and one last left-wing triple hit nothing but net to cap a personal 9-0 run for the former Minnesota forward. He almost extended it to 12-0 on the following possession, too, just missing a circus three from the right wing.
“In the end, it’s just consistently going out there and playing basketball and consistently trying to find the best looks for you,” Battle said. “Trying to be at your best when your best is required.” He cashed in what ultimately proved to be the game-winner with 1:19 to play. When Purdue’s Lance Jones brought his team back from a dozen down to tie the game at 65 with a triple, Battle took a pass on the right wing, dribbled to the free-throw line and rose to nail a contested mid-range jumper over the Boilermakers' Fletcher Loyer.
Battle felt that the mentality he referenced earlier, staying in the moment and not worrying about the past, was important for Ohio State as a whole down the stretch of the game. The Buckeyes have failed to close out their fair share of close contests this season, part of why they’ve racked up 11 losses.
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