Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes are much deeper than last season

The Ohio State basketball team opened up their season last night in dominant fashion by blitzing Robert Morris 91-53. We are all aware this team is much different than last year’s squad. The most significant difference in this Buckeye basketball is they are much deeper than last season’s team.

We got the anticipated return of Justice Sueing last night. After missing all of last season with an injury, the Super Senior returned with a 20-point scoring outburst for the Buckeyes. Zed Key also pitched in a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds. Those two led the Buckeyes to victory, but a large portion of the help came from the play of the guys coming off the bench.

The bench contributed to 40 of the team’s 91 points in the win over Robert Morris. Brice Sensabaugh lead all bench scorers with 17 points, he also pulled down 9 rebounds. Tanner Holden added to the scoring with 12 points, Roddy Gayle Jr. chipped in 7 points, and Felix Okpara threw down two monstrous dunks.

One of the main weaknesses of the team last season was their lack of production from the bench. They needed more scorers that could provide a spark and make timely baskets off the bench. They occasionally got that spark from someone off the bench. Unfortunately, it was too inconsistent and inevitably caused the Buckeye basketball team to lose games down the stretch last season.

Between the exhibition game against Chaminade and game number one of the regular season, the bench has been producing in a big way. The freshmen and transfers that Holtmann brought in during the offseason can really score. Having a few of them come off the bench will really help bring a boost of energy to this team when they check into the game.

It’s always great to have more than a couple of guys that can score. Holtmann can rely on a few scoring options on the bench to help keep momentum on their side. I know it’s still very early in the season, but from what I have seen so far from the guys on the bench, I’m confident they can bring the spark off the bench that was missing last season.

The Buckeyes will be back in action this Thursday for their second home game of the season against Charleston Southern. The game will tip off at 6:30 PM on Big Ten Network.