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Ohio State basketball: Keys for the Buckeyes to beat Duke

By Jacob Rhymer

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 22: Justice Sueing #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes dunks the ball in the first half of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Maui Invitational at Lahaina Civic Center on November 22, 2022 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 22: Justice Sueing #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes dunks the ball in the first half of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Maui Invitational at Lahaina Civic Center on November 22, 2022 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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Ohio State’s bench needs to be good against the Blue Devils. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
Ohio State’s bench needs to be good against the Blue Devils. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

3. The Buckeyes need the bench to provide a spark

As I’ve said a couple of times already this season, this Ohio State basketball is much deeper than what they were a season ago. However, more production could be helpful, especially in a game like tonight. The third key to winning against Duke is someone off the bench is going to have to step up in a big way.

The Buckeyes have received quality play from Brice Sensabaugh off the bench this season. I think tonight is the night we get a breakout performance from Tanner Holden. The transfer has helped boost this Ohio State team with some quality minutes off the bench, but they haven’t gotten a true scoring outburst from the highly skilled wing yet this season other than the exhibition game.

Let’s look back at the Buckeyes’ win over Duke a year ago. Cedric Russell came in off the bench and provided a huge spark for Ohio State and helped them pull off the upset. I like tonight to be the coming-out party for Tanner Holden to get himself going in this Buckeye offense.

Duke is going to be hungry to avenge their loss to the Buckeyes last season with a win in front of their home crowd tonight. Even though they’re an inexperienced team with a first-year head coach, it’s still Duke and it’s going to be a battle. If the Buckeyes can hit on all three of the keys mentioned, I really like their chances to pull off the upset.

Next. Sensabaugh providing huge spark for the Buckeyes. dark

Tonight is Ohio State’s first true road game of the season and it’s going to be a tough test. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:15 pm eastern time on ESPN.

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