Columbus, OH – The moment Roddy Gayle Jr. stepped onto the court at Value City Arena, the message from Ohio State fans was loud and clear: he was no longer one of their own. The former Buckeye, now wearing Michigan maize and blue, was met with a chorus of boos in his return to Columbus, setting the tone for a heated Big Ten showdown on Sunday.
Gayle, who transferred to Michigan after spending two seasons with Ohio State, knew the reception would be frosty. But even he seemed taken aback by the relentless jeers that followed him throughout the night. Every time he touched the ball, the crowd erupted, making it clear that his decision to switch sides in one of college basketball’s most bitter rivalries hadn’t been forgotten.
“It’s all love,” Gayle said after the game. “I expected it, but at the end of the day, I’m focused on my team and winning games.”
Ohio State fans, however, weren’t in a forgiving mood. Signs reading “Traitor” and “Once a Buckeye, Never a Wolverine” dotted the student section, and every missed shot from Gayle was met with thunderous cheers. The atmosphere only intensified as the game remained close deep into the second half.
Despite the hostility, Gayle put up a respectable performance, scoring 14 points and grabbing five rebounds. But it wasn’t enough to lift Michigan to victory, as Ohio State pulled away late for a 72-65 win, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton, a former teammate of Gayle’s, acknowledged the emotions at play. “It’s different seeing him in that jersey, but once we stepped on the court, it was all about competing.”
Gayle’s return only added fuel to an already fierce rivalry, and with another potential meeting in the Big Ten Tournament, this saga may not be over yet. One thing is certain: Columbus won’t be welcoming him back with open arms anytime soon.
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