Ohio State basketball player grades: Buckeyes defense locks down Loyola

The Ohio State basketball team fought through a slow start to take down 10-seed Loyola Chicago 54-41 in the first round on Friday. Despite struggling for most of the last month, the defense was very focused on protecting the paint and was able to create turnovers with high intensity. EJ Liddell and Malaki Branham led the way offensively as usual but Kyle Young’s return was arguably the biggest reason why the Buckeyes survived and advanced.

E.J. Liddell Player Grade: B+

16 points (4-9 FG, 0-2 3PFG, 8-10 FT), 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 assist, 3 turnovers

As both teams took a while to find an offensive rhythm, Liddell couldn’t get a shot to fall in the first half. He had just four points on 0/3 from the field and 0/2 from 3-point range at halftime. Even when his shot wasn’t falling, Liddell remained active and made an impact in other areas. Then the junior forward started to attack the paint and post up more, and he eventually got going in the second half, knocking down 4/6 shot attempts after the break.

Liddell was phenomenal defensively and was a major factor in limiting Loyola’s leading scorer Lucas Williamson to four points on 1/10 from the field. The All-Big Ten First-Team selection racked up 10 rebounds and three blocks in the win, including a highlight-worthy block from the weak side that led to a fastbreak layup. Liddell will have to play just as well, if not better, against Villanova’s frontcourt in the second round.

https://twitter.com/BarstoolOSU/status/1504862741378568193

Malaki Branham Player Grade: B

14 points (5/7 FG, 0/1 3PFG, 4/4 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists, 3 turnovers

The Big Ten Freshman of the Year had an impressive debut in the NCAA Tournament, totaling 14 points, five rebounds and a career-high four steals as the Ohio State basketball team outlasted Loyola. Branham had a team-high 10 points in the first half and a couple of breakaway dunks as the Buckeyes built a 23-18 lead at halftime. He was one of few players to shoot well at the start of the game but didn’t force it and continued to make the right play.

Branham has scored 10+ points in his last 10 games including four 20+ point performances. The freshman forward has become an extremely consistent scorer, in addition to being a dynamic ball handler and defender. Villanova’s roster is filled with a ton of experience but he should be able to keep playing at a high level. Chris Holtmann certainly hopes Branham can stay hot as the Buckeyes look to keep their season alive.

Kyle Young Player Grade: B-

9 points (4/10, 0/2 3PFG, 1/2 FT), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 steal, 2 turnovers

Young returned to the lineup after missing three games due to a concussion. He exited the loss against Nebraska on March 1 and didn’t play on Senior Day against Michigan or in the Big Ten Tournament matchup with Penn State. The Buckeyes clearly missed the senior big man and the defense suffered during his absence. Ohio State’s offense wasn’t nearly as consistent either as Young brings versatility and stability on both ends.

The 6’8 senior scored nine points and seven rebounds in his first game back against Loyola. He had an early bucket and got to the free-throw line when the Buckeyes’ offense was sputtering in the opening minutes. Young was also huge on the glass as Ohio State outrebounded the Ramblers 41-31. Holtmann’s frontcourt combined for 24 rebounds as Young consistently crashed the rim alongside Liddell and Zed Key.

There’s no doubt that Ohio State’s defensive improvement is a promising sign but Loyola’s offense was atrocious from the beginning of the game, shooting the second-worst percentage (26.7%) in NCAA Tournament history.  Villanova will execute at a much higher rate as guards Collin Gillespie and Justin Moore are difficult to contain. They combined for 35 points on 7/14 from beyond the arc in an 80-60 win over Delaware in the first round.

The Ohio State basketball team is looking to advance to the Sweet16 for the first time under Chris Holtmann.