Ohio State Secures 79-73 Victory Over Oakland in Season Opener with Vital Contributions from Roddy Gayle Jr.

Buckeyes Erase Five-Point Deficit in Second Half, Marking a Historic Win Against Long-time Opponent Oakland with Gayle Scoring 14 of His Total 17 points in Final Half.

• Ohio State came from a five-point deficit to secure a historical win against Oakland in the season opener, highlighted by Roddy Gayle Jr's stellar contribution of 14 points in the second half.
• At one intense moment in the game, Oakland had closed in at 68-67, with just 2:34 remaining in the game. A decisive 3-pointer by Bruce Thornton reestablished Ohio State's lead at 71-67.
• In addition to Gayle Jr, Ohio State saw significant contributions from Bruce Thornton and Zed Key, each with 17 points and freshman Scotty Middleton adding 13 to the tally.
• Oakland put up a strong fight, at one point leading the game with a seven-point lead, before falling into foul trouble. Key players for Oakland included Trey Townsend with 17 points and Blake Lampman with 14.
• The clash had an air of historical significance as Oakland was the opponent for Ohio State's first game at Value City Arena back in November 1998.

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