Ohio State basketball: Guards have powered Buckeyes during hot start

The Ohio State basketball team left Florida Saturday night as champions of the Emerald Coast Classic. They had two very impressive wins over No. 23 Alabama and a 30-point beatdown over Santa Clara.

A big part of the Buckeyes’ success over the weekend was due to their play in the backcourt. The tandem of Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle Jr. was on another level, and transfer Dale Bonner has provided a major spark off the bench.

Thornton and Gayle Jr. were dominant in the win against Alabama as they combined for 52 of Ohio State’s 92 points. Thornton poured in 29 points on 6-12 shooting and also connected on four shots from beyond the arc. Gayle Jr. went for 23 points on an extremely efficient 8-11 shooting from the field.

Against Santa Clara however, they became more playmakers rather than scorers. Thornton dished out seven assists, while Gayle Jr. had four assists. It’s a great combo to have when the two best scorers can get others involved in the offense.

Dale Bonner is another guard who was great for the Ohio State basketball team over the weekend. He chipped in nine points off the bench in the win over Alabama and had a terrific all-around game against Santa Clara with 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Bonner has brought the much-needed experience and spark off the bench in his first few games as a Buckeye.

Thornton has been excellent at taking over the pace of the game and orchestrating the offense. Right now he’s looking like an All-Big Ten first-team point guard. Gayle Jr. is playing with a ton of confidence and has been the most consistent player for the Buckeyes through the first six games of the season.

Just like it is every year, in order to win games late in the season and in March it’s vital to have excellent guard play. These guards have brought new life into this Ohio State basketball team trying to bounce back from a miserable season a year ago. It’s still early in the season, but the way they’re playing the Buckeyes can be a top-tier team in the Big Ten.

The Ohio State basketball team can continue to build their confidence over the course of the next three games as they are all winnable and at home. They’ll be back in action on Wednesday against Central Michigan.