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Ohio State Basketball: Bulldogs end Buckeyes’ impressive season 90-84

By Willie Lutz

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Head coach Chris Holtmann of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Chris Holtmann’s debut season as the Ohio State basketball head coach was impressive but it didn’t end with the Buckeyes in the Sweet 16.

Last night, Ohio State’s impressive 2017-2018 season came to a halt in Boise, ID at the hands of the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Despite an admirable effort from an Ohio State team playing with house money, the Bulldogs rode their experience past the Buckeyes.

Right out of the gate, Gonzaga built themselves a sturdy lead. The Bulldogs kicked-off play with a 15-0 run and sustained most of it until halftime as they led 44-33 at the break.

Gonzaga’s freshman forward Rui Hachimura left the Buckeyes lost on defense. Fortunately, he picked up 2 fouls early and sat for much of the first half. Despite his early foul trouble, Hachimura would finish with 25 points on 9-of-11 shooting.

In the first twenty minutes, Gonzaga appeared in full control. Ohio State missed plenty of easy shots, plus they couldn’t stop turning the ball over.

However, the Buckeyes stayed alive because they had the best player on the floor.

Keita Bates-Diop played without showing any fear, giving the Buckeyes an edge. His 28 points on 10-of-21 shooting (4-of-9 from three) came with consistency. Plus, he gave Gonzaga match-up nightmares.

The Buckeyes had a chance for an upset victory in the second half.

Chris Holtmann coached his Buckeyes to just a 48-46 deficit by the 17:26 mark of the second half. Throughout the period Ohio State kept it close. Then, at the 10:35 mark, Ohio State grabbed a 56-54 lead.

Kam Williams was playing incredibly well at this point. He would finish with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting. As the Buckeyes chased further, Andrew Dakich and CJ Jackson kept making big plays. Dakich came up with 2 steals and big 2 rebounds which were key plays at the time.

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Jackson kept the ball under control (just 1 turnover) and scored points on 8-of-10 from the free throw line.

Ultimately, the Buckeyes couldn’t get past an incredible night from freshman Zach Norvell Jr. He finished with 28 points (career-high) on 8-of-18 shooting (6-of-11 from three) and 12 rebounds. The boosted performance of Norvell gave the Bulldogs an extra weapon Ohio State couldn’t match.

Afterall, many of these Gonzaga Bulldogs were a part of last season’s team, who made a trip to the national championship. Now, they’ll head back to the Sweet Sixteen at very least.

The sun has set on Chris Holtmann’s impressive first year leading the Ohio State Buckeyes. Jae’Sean Tate, Andrew Dakich, and Kam Williams are all out of eligibility, they’re headed out. Redshirt junior Keita Bates-Diop is all but guaranteed to leave for the NBA.

Despite the departures, this team contains plenty of positivity.

Next: UMBC's win over Virginia a case for an 8-team CFP

This program appears headed in the right direction with players like Kaleb Wesson and Musa Jallow. Also, the Buckeyes have the No. 24 recruiting class for 2018. Plus, these players all have a full year in Chris Holtmann’s system. Overall, the future looks bright for the Ohio State basketball program.

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