Ohio State Basketball: Why is the 3-point shot important for the Buckeyes?

The Ohio State basketball team has found one flaw in their offense and that is shooting the ball from beyond the arc. If they want to make a strong run to finish the season, the Bucks shooting from deep becomes the most important factor in this team’s offense.

Against Purdue, the Buckeyes shot a poor 31% from three, which was just 9 of 29. The Bucks shoot 36% from deep as a team on the season and they rank 4th in the Big Ten. That isn’t a horrible percentage, but it’s the inconsistent shooting performances that have determined outcomes of some of the losses this year which has derailed some confidence in the team’s shooting ability.

The offense Chris Holtmann has instituted into this Buckeyes team is driven by the forwards and powering the rock inside. He preaches on getting a paint touch every possession when on offense. The depth on the inside this year is rather undersized compared to some other Big Ten teams like Purdue who just clogs up the painted area with their massive size. It was tough for the Buckeyes to manage points on the inside because of Purdue’s length and size on Sunday. In games like that, it is key that the outside shooting is there.

For a team that likes to score most of their points on the inside, it’s important to have a presence on the outside as well. If the Buckeyes are able to find a way to get Ahrens, Wheeler, Meechie, and others can start knocking down threes at a consistent rate, it will draw attention away from guys like Zed Key, Kyle Young, or Joey Brunk on the inside.

It would help Liddell get more quality looks against just one defender instead of drawing two defenders potentially. There are so many different options available if shots start falling from the perimeter.

The Buckeyes can’t seem to catch a break with tonight’s game against Iowa being postponed due to inclement weather. All their cancelations add to the shooting struggles. The Bucks are scheduled to be back at home Sunday when they host Maryland. Hopefully, with being back on their home floor Sunday, the Buckeyes can get into a rhythm within themselves and start knocking down shots from deep.

This Ohio State basketball team can become even more dangerous if the 3-point shots start falling. They’ve got the star power in EJ Liddell and Malaki Branham, they just need the role guys to step and make more timely threes. A Big Ten championship could be in sight if the Bucks start clicking on all cylinders.