Ohio State basketball: 3 things the Buckeyes need to do to avoid upset
By Jacob Rhymer
The Ohio State basketball team must dominate the glass
Rebounding has been a big problem all season long. It’s led to losses late in games because they can’t bring down a defensive rebound. If they fail to grab that defensive rebound against Loyola-Chicago, they will see another first-round exit.
It goes back to the pace of play Loyola-Chicago plays. They’re already comfortable playing at a slow pace, so in a late-game spot Ohio State cannot allow second chance opportunities. The Ramblers will just run the shot clock all the way down, be patient to get a good look and try and bury the Buckeyes.
Controlling the boards is also a key in limiting second-chance points. When Ohio State has blown leads in the second half, which has been often lately, it’s because they are giving up too many second-chance opportunities. They need to limit the Ramblers to one shot.
If Zed Key is able to play, that helps immensely with this. Key is an excellent rebounder on both sides of the floor. Having him out there really limits the chances that Loyola-Chicago can get rebounds. Ohio State needs to get second-chance points themselves as well.
Getting more second-chance points than Loyola-Chicago is going to be a huge factor in this game. If they can get rebounds and easy putbacks at the bucket, they have a much higher shot of winning this game because the Ramblers are going to force them to take a lot of tough shots.
The final thing the Buckeyes need is something we’ve been talking about all season long.