Down Goes Sparty: Ohio State basketball is back
By Griffin Hill
The Ohio State basketball team proved they can play with the big boys.
Ohio State faced Michigan State Sunday afternoon in a game everyone expected to be a blowout favoring Sparty. However, 5 out of the 10 times the Buckeyes have hosted the nation’s number one team they have come out with a victory, so the hope for one was present once again.
Throughout the first part of the game the two teams looked about even, and Ohio State was doing a solid job at keeping Michigan State outside of the paint. With around 5 minutes left in the first half remaining the score was notched up at 22, and a turn in the game was on the verge. Michigan State was struggling to make shots and the crowd was loving it.
After Senior guard Andrew Dakich ended the half with a deep three at the buzzer, the arena was roaring and the Buckeyes led at the break 41-29.
Ending the first half with that momentum was what the Bucks needed to pull off the upset. And they carried that momentum into the second half and were led by junior Keita Bates-Diop to make it happen.
Bates-Diop, who lately has been showing he is a first team all conference caliber player, was absolutely on fire throughout the entire game. From mid-range and inside he was unstoppable, and expanded that into a game from beyond the arc, draining 2 threes as well.
The Buckeyes controlled the entire second half, and any spurt by Michigan State was shut down by the Ohio State defense, which looked better than it had all season.
Coach Chris Holtmann is now 4-0 in the Big Ten after the 80-64 victory over the top team in the country, and has proved this Buckeye team can play with anyone.
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If the fans have learned anything it is that this team is built around preparation, and tonight’s game is something to celebrate. The emotion was high and the Buckeyes looked as if they were playing for a title.
At the beginning of the season, players and coaches always mentioned that their goal was to make the NCAA tournament. But after today’s win, I believe the Buckeyes realize their goals can be extended beyond that, and that a potential spot as a 4-6 seed is reachable. The conference championship is anyone’s to take, and a perfect 4-0 start is a huge confidence boost for the players.
I believe this team has the potential to go far, and possibly win the Big Ten, but the key to success going forward is playing with the same emotion they did against the Spartans; that is something they cannot let fade.
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A home matchup against Maryland Thursday is the Bucks next test and the last before a three game road trip. Hopefully Bates-Diop and the seniors can continue to lead this team, and the role players can continue to make big plays. Because as we all saw against MSU, this team can take down anyone.