Ohio State needed a play. Chris Holtmann made a change to his starting lineup due to players being late to game-day preparations, and the Buckeyes responded by effectively sleep-walking through the first half. They allowed Samford to hit 50 percent of its shots in the opening half, while making just 37.5 percent of their own shots.
Finally, after trailing at halftime for the first time this season, Ohio State found that energizing play. C.J. Jackson sprinted toward the sidelines for a loose ball and leapt clear over the front row, saving the ball underhand. Luther Muhammad lunged to save it further, starting the fast break, which Andre Wesson capped off with a 3-pointer that cut Samford's lead to one point with 16:31 remaining in the game.