Ohio State basketball: Should Brice Sensabaugh win Big Ten Freshman of the Year?

The Ohio State basketball team finally ended their losing streak Sunday after defeating Illinois 72-60. Freshman Brice Sensabaugh gave the Buckeyes another excellent game offensively. How much is Sensabaugh in the race for Big Ten Freshman of the Year?

Sensabaugh went for 14 points in the win over the Fighting Illini while pulling down 6 rebounds and shooting 5-11 from the field. The freshman also gave the Buckeyes their highlight of the season with his monster poster dunk over Illinois’ Matthew Mayer.

Despite being on this losing skid, Sensabaugh has scored in double-figures in the last four games. and he has eclipsed at least twenty points in two of the last three games. He leads all freshmen in the Big Ten in scoring at 16.5 points per game, which ranks eighth in the conference overall, and he’s first in field goal percentage among freshmen at 48.5%.

There are a handful of talented freshmen in the Big Ten this season. Along with Sensabaugh, there is Jett Howard from Michigan, Jalen Hood-Schifino from Indiana, and Fletcher Loyer and Branden Smith from Purdue.

It’s been a tight race for Big Ten Freshman of the Year all season. What Sensabaugh brings to the table, he should be the frontrunner for the award. However, voters for the postseason awards could factor in Ohio State’s record and how it is the worst of any freshman that’s in contention.

Sensabaugh is being matched up with the other team’s best defender and still puts up ridiculous numbers. It would be a shame if he is robbed of an award he deserves more than any freshman in the Big Ten.

Sensabaugh looks to add to his case for Big Ten Freshman of the Year on Wednesday when Ohio State takes on Maryland for their last home game of the season. A win in their last game at the Schott will give the Buckeyes a lot of momentum heading into conference tournament week.