As he backpedaled, E.J. Liddell's face said it all. He might've just won the game. His step-back mid-range jumper with 50 seconds remaining gave Ohio State an 85-80 lead – the biggest of the second half – with Notre Dame suddenly scrambling.
Junior guard Prentiss Hubb's and-one finish over Liddell with 22 seconds remaining to cut it to a one-point deficit put the Fighting Irish a point away from tying it. But free throws from Justice Sueing and CJ Walker helped close it out to give Ohio State a 90-85 win.
The 22nd-ranked Buckeyes improved to 4-0 to remain unbeaten.