Ohio State Basketball: Fortunes have changed for Buckeyes and Gophers

The Ohio State basketball team traveled to Minnesota in December undefeated. Since that time fortunes have changed for both teams.

Before the first matchup between these teams on December 15th, the Ohio State Buckeyes were riding high with a 9-0 record and were 1-0 in the Big Ten. The Minnesota Gophers were 4-5 and had lost their only conference game.

Beginning with that game fortunes have certainly changed for both teams. The Gophers pulled off what was considered an upset 84-71, and including that game have been 6-3 since and evened their conference record at 4-4.

Even though the Buckeyes won their next two games after the loss they have only won one of six since, and their Big Ten record stands at 2-5.

Let’s look at the players to watch for on both teams in tonight’s game beginning with the Gophers.

Sophomore center Daniel Oturu will present quite a challenge for the Buckeyes on both ends of the floor, and he will be difficult to keep off the boards. He is averaging 20.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game.

Guards Marcus Carr (16.1 ppg), Gabe Kalscheuer (11.8) and Payton Willis (9.6) can also put the ball in the hole.

Leading the way for the Buckeyes is Kaleb Wesson. The center is averaging 14.2 points per game and 9.3 rebounds.

Duane Washington is averaging 11.3 points per game, D.J. Carton 10.1 and Andre Wesson 9.2.

I’m looking forward to the battle between Wesson and Oturu which promises to be a good one.

Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann has to feel good about one thing heading into the game tonight. Minnesota hasn’t played well on the road, going 0-4 in Big Ten play. I’m sure he hopes that trend continues because Ohio State desperately needs a win to get back on track.