The return of E.J. Liddell helped Ohio State bounce back from its lone loss of the season.
Liddell had nine points and three rebounds after missing two games with an illness, allowing No. 20 Ohio State to hold off UCLA 77-70 at the CBS Sports Classic on Saturday.
The sophomore forward, who leads the Buckeyes in points and rebounds, had been sidelined since Dec. 8 with an ailment unrelated to COVID-19. He played 19 minutes before fouling out.
“When you get a player the caliber of E.J. back, it certainly helps you,” Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann said. “I thought this was our best performance of the year against a quality UCLA team that will either be near the top or win the Pac-12.”
Duane Washington Jr. scored 14 points and made two free throws in the final minute for the Buckeyes (6-1), who were coming off a 70-67 loss at Purdue on Dec. 16. Zed Key added 11 points, six rebounds and an emphatic blocked shot off the bench.
CJ Walker had 10 points and four assists for Ohio State, which shot 50% from the field. The Buckeyes led 39-38 at halftime behind seven points apiece from Liddell and junior Musa Jallow.