Ohio State Basketball: Keys to upset Texas A&M Aggies
By Jacob Rhymer
Ohio State needs to limit turnovers
My second key for the Buckeyes heading into their match-up with the Aggies is something that’s been a major key for every big Ohio State basketball game; limit turnovers.
It’s always very important to take care of the basketball when on offense, and not give the opposition any momentum. Ohio State has done a fairly decent job at taking care of the ball, with just a few miscues in crucial moments of big games a year ago. Last season they averaged 11.1 turnovers per game against ranked opponents, which was just slightly over their season average of 10.7.
Texas A&M does have a pretty tough defensive unit. According to KenPom, they rank 23rd in adjusted defensive efficiency. Last season, the Aggies were forcing their opponents into coughing the ball up 14 times a game. They’re extremely long and athletic which helps disrupt passing lanes leading to steals where they averaged 6.7 in that area.
On opening night against Oakland, the Buckeyes turned it over 13 times and allowed the Golden Grizzlies to steal the ball five times. Those numbers need to come down in tonight’s game in order to get an early season signature win.
Lastly, the Ohio State basketball team needs to shoot the ball really well tonight.