In contrast, Kentucky struggled offensively, shooting just 4-for-22 from the 3-point line and 37.1% inside the arc, revealing fundamental issues in finishing plays.

Guard Bruce Thornton led Ohio State with an impressive 30 points, effectively penetrating Kentucky's defense and maintaining a lead throughout the game.

In a surprising turnaround, Ohio State's men's basketball team upset the No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats 85-65 during the CBS Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2024.

This victory marked only Kentucky's second defeat of the season, snapping their three-game winning streak.

The Buckeyes faced a critical moment in their season after suffering a 38-point loss to Auburn, marking their third defeat in four games prior to this win.

The return of players Aaron Bradshaw and Ques Glover significantly boosted Ohio State's performance, with Bradshaw scoring 11 points and Glover contributing nine points off the bench.

Kentucky has allowed at least one point per possession in their last five games, a stark contrast to their earlier defensive performances this season.

Despite the challenges, the Buckeyes improved to an 8-4 record, taking control late in the first half and never allowing Kentucky to come within six points after that.

Freshman guard John Mobley, despite struggling with his 3-point shooting, contributed with a career-high four 2-pointers and emphasized the team's commitment to attacking the basket.

The situation was further complicated for Ohio State as senior guard Meechie Johnson Jr. took a leave of absence for personal reasons.

Head coach Mark Pope expressed confidence in his team's ability to learn from the loss and improve moving forward.

Looking ahead, Kentucky will have 10 days off before hosting Brown on New Year's Eve, followed by SEC play against multiple opponents including Florida and Alabama.