Ohio State Basketball: Buckeyes finally get over the hump
The Ohio State basketball team finally got over the hump with a road victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers last night.
It was a rough stretch for the Ohio State basketball team beginning with a loss to West Virginia in the last non-conference game through the first six games after Big Ten play resumed. During that stretch the Buckeyes lost six of seven games.
With the win over Nebraska last night Ohio State improved to 9-8 in conference play after winning seven of the last nine games.
The Buckeyes got off to a 9-4 lead early and stretched it out to 43-27 at the halftime break. The game was never in doubt in the second half and Ohio State cruised to a 75-54 victory.
I’ll look at similarities in this win with others during the nice run the Buckeyes have been on, but first a look at leading scorers for both teams.
Ohio State players in double digits were Kaleb Wesson with 16, C.J. Walker 15 and Duane Washington 14. Andre Wesson and Luther Muhammad each scored 9 points and E.J. Liddell added 8.
Leading scorers for Nebraska were Dachon Burke Jr. with 13 and Cam Mack 12.
Now let’s look at keys to the turnaround, beginning with the defense.
During the seven wins the Buckeyes have only allowed 60 points per game. In last night’s win it was the fifth time they held the opposing team to 59 or less.
However, you still have to score and Ohio State has been doing a better job of putting points on the board of late.
During the January slide the Buckeyes only scored at least 70 points two times. During the last seven wins they are averaging just over 70 points per game.
A look at the leading scorers in last night’s win explain why the offense has improved. Six players scored at least eight points.
Guys who weren’t being assertive on that end of the court have been looking to get their own shots more often lately which has opened things up. Teams can’t just double Kaleb Wesson and defend the perimeter anymore.
Next. Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins can become first round lock. dark
Since the Buckeyes reached the midpoint of the Big Ten schedule they have looked like a different team. That’s great timing as they will soon be entering tournament play.