The Ohio State basketball team suffered its first loss of the season against Texas A&M, falling 78-64 on the road. The Buckeyes, ranked 21st in the nation, came into the game with high expectations after a solid victory over Texas earlier in the first game of the season. However, the game against Texas A&M didn’t go as planned, and despite some struggles, it’s important to understand why this loss isn’t as disastrous as the final score might seem.
Key struggles in the game
From the tip-off, Ohio State struggled to find their rhythm. They shot just 22% from the field in the first half and didn’t hit double digits until there were nearly 6 minutes left in the first half. Juni Mobley, the talented freshman guard, hit a three-pointer with just under seven minutes left, finally bringing the score to 18-12. Ohio State’s offensive woes continued, especially from behind the arc, where they shot a mere 27% for the game.
A major issue for the Buckeyes was their inability to get to the free-throw line. Texas A&M, by contrast, attempted 40 free throws, making 32, while Ohio State shot only 16 free throws. While some of this came down to poor defensive discipline, with several players in foul trouble, it also exposed the Buckeyes' lack of a consistent offensive answer when shots weren’t falling.
Despite the offensive struggles, there were some positives for Ohio State. Bruce Thornton, the team’s leader, played aggressively throughout the game, finishing with 15 points, 4 assists, 2 steals, and zero turnovers. His performance was crucial, particularly in the second half when he showed resilience. Mobley, who contributed 13 points, also stepped up, hitting back-to-back threes to keep the Buckeyes in the game during a brief comeback attempt.
Ohio State’s defense wasn’t terrible; in fact, it kept them in the game during the first half, as Texas A&M shot only 24% from the field. However, foul trouble and lackluster offense meant the Buckeyes couldn’t capitalize on their defensive stops. Texas A&M was simply more consistent, especially from the free-throw line.
Foul trouble and poor shooting were the two big issues for the Ohio State basketball team
One of Ohio State's biggest issues was foul trouble. Several key players, including Aaron Bradshaw, Bruce Thornton, Micah Parrish, and Juni Mobley, picked up multiple fouls throughout the game, leading to limited minutes and disrupting the flow of play.
The Buckeyes also struggled with their three-point shooting, with Bradshaw, Parrish, and Devin Royal combining to go 0-12 on the night. This inconsistency from key players added to the frustrations of an already tough matchup.
Although Ohio State lost by a significant margin, it’s important to keep things in perspective. Texas A&M is a well-coached, disciplined team, and the loss came in a tough environment on the road. Ohio State’s season is still young, and they have plenty of time to correct the issues that were exposed in this game.
The Buckeyes have been heavily reliant on the three-pointer, and when those shots aren’t falling, it can be difficult to execute their offense. This is something that head coach Jake Diebler will need to address moving forward. Ohio State’s defense, though not perfect, has shown promise, and their ability to limit Texas A&M’s open looks in the first half should give them confidence.
Additionally, players like Thornton and Mobley have proven that they can handle the pressure. With more experience, the younger players, like Bradshaw and Royal, will become more consistent. This was just their third game of the season, and it’s not uncommon for teams with younger talent to experience growing pains early on.
The Buckeyes can build on this experience
This loss can serve as a learning experience for Ohio State. The team needs to find ways to stay competitive even when their shooting isn’t on point. They’ll also need to improve their ball movement and avoid settling for long-range shots when the offense stalls. Fixing the foul issues and finding consistency from the frontcourt will also be crucial as the team prepares for the tough Big Ten slate ahead.
In the end, Ohio State’s first loss isn’t something to panic about. With leadership from Bruce Thornton, promising play from Mobley, and a few adjustments, the Buckeyes can bounce back stronger. Fans should remain optimistic, as the season is just beginning, and there are plenty of opportunities to right the ship.