Ohio State Basketball: Good test for Buckeyes heading into the break
On paper it looked like last night’s game versus Illinois would be an easy win for Ohio State but instead it was a good test for this young team.
Ohio State came into last night’s game 7-1 while Illinois was 2-6 but it certainly wasn’t an easy game for Chris Holtmann’s squad. It was another good test which should prepare this young team for when full-time conference play begins next month.
It appeared the Buckeyes had the game under control midway through the first half but a scoring drought allowed the Illini to come storming back to take a 38-34 lead heading into the break. Early in the second half, a three point shot by C.J. Jackson, a drive by Duane Washington Jr. and a score by Keyshawn Woods jump-started Ohio State’s offense.
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The defensive intensity also picked up and the Buckeyes began attacking the boards. They outscored the Illini 43-29 in the second half to win 77-67.
The key to the game was Ohio State’s 40-15 advantage over Illinois in bench scoring. Keyshawn Woods led the reserves with 18 points, Musa Jallow scored 11, Washington 9 and Jaedon LeDee added 2.
Those points were needed as Kaleb Wesson (13 points) was the only starter in double figures. Points off the bench will be important during the conference season.
Another good sign for Ohio State was the 38-34 advantage in rebounding. The Buckeyes will often be the smaller team on the court during Big Ten play and it will be important they hold their own on the boards.
One thing I’m sure coach Holtmann wasn’t pleased with was the 19 turnovers. I would imagine taking care of the basketball will be an emphasis in practice leading up to the December 15th game versus Bucknell.
Following that game, Ohio State will have tune up games against Youngstown State, UCLA and High Point before taking on Michigan State January 5th. That’s when the grind of the conference season begins.
The Buckeyes have played a very good non conference schedule so far and still have the Bruins coming up. They are also 2-0 in Big Ten play.
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Even though coach Holtmann’s squad is young and still evolving as a unit, by the time full-time conference play begins the players will be battle tested. And with the way the Illini battled the Buckeyes, they now know there are no nights off in Big Ten play.