Ohio State basketball: Sophomores shine in Buckeyes’ win

It was a great overall effort in the Ohio State basketball team’s win over the Maryland Terrapins but two sophomores stood out.

The Ohio State basketball team faced a big challenge today with the red-hot Maryland Terrapins coming to town on a nine game winning streak. It took a total team effort but the Buckeyes pulled off the victory to even their Big Ten record to 8-8.

Two sophomores in particular had impressive games. Luther Muhammad scored 22 points and Duane Washington added 13. Most impressive was how they performed down the stretch and hit free throws with the game on the line.

Muhammad was 8-8 from the line and Washington 7-8.

Three other Ohio State players scored in double figures as well. Kaleb Wesson scored 15 points, older brother Andre and C.J. Walker added 12 apiece.

Leading the way for Maryland was Aaron Wiggins who scored 20 points and Eric Ayala 16. Two other players for the Terrapins in double figures were Anthony Cowan and Donta Scott with 10 apiece.

Ohio State did a great job holding down Cowan and Jalen Smith who only scored eight points. The two combined were averaging 32 points coming into today’s game.

Now for one take on the game:

Since the Buckeyes have got on their run, winning six of eight games, they have played pressure defense most of the time especially on the perimeter. That seemed to be lacking early on in the loss to Iowa but was evident today.

Even though the Terrapins scored 72 points they worked hard for every one of them. That’s a good sign going forward.

Next up for Ohio State is a road game Thursday at Nebraska. Next Sunday Michigan comes to town which promises to be a hard-fought game.